US20100037440A1

US20100037440A1 - Attachment System for Entertainment Device

Info

Publication number: US20100037440A1
Application number: US12/190,236
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerald A. May; Patrick J. Murphy; Carol D. Snyder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2008-08-12
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Also published as: CA2674980A1; MX2009008581A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment system or mounting structure that can be used with a device to mount or couple the device to a support, such as an infant support structure. In different embodiments, the device can be an entertainment device, such as a mobile or toy aquarium, or another type of device, such as a monitor. In different embodiments, the infant support structure can be a crib or bassinet or other type of structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment system. In particular, the present invention relates to an attachment system that can be used to mount a device to an infant support structure. The device that is mounted can be an entertainment device, such as a mobile or a toy. The attachment system is configured so that the device can be mounted to infant support structures that have different shapes and configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of infant support structures. Typically, an infant support structure, such as a crib, includes a support portion that is formed by a frame. The frame can have different shapes or configurations. For example, a crib typically includes an upper portion or rail that extends around the perimeter of the crib. The cross-section of the upper portion may be rectangular. Alternatively, the cross-section of the upper portion may have one or more curved surfaces.
Often to entertain or soothe an infant, a parent or caregiver will use an entertainment device, such as a mobile or toy aquarium. When the infant is placed in an infant support structure, such as a crib, the parent or caregiver will mount the entertainment device to the infant support structure, usually on the frame of the infant support structure. The entertainment device may includes a mounting structure that is used to mount the entertainment device to the frame of the infant support structure.
However, the portion of the infant support structure frame to which the entertainment device is mounted may vary in size and configuration for different infant support structures. As a result, the mounting structure for a conventional entertainment device may not be able to accommodate all sizes and configurations of frames, thereby preventing the mounting of the entertainment device to the frame.
Therefore, a need exists for an attachment system that can be used with an entertainment device to mount the entertainment device to an infant support structure. In addition, a need exists for an attachment system that can be used with frames having various sizes and configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment system or mounting structure that can be used with a device to mount or couple the device to a support, such as an infant support structure. In different embodiments, the device can be an entertainment device, such as a mobile or toy aquarium, or another type of device, such as a monitor. In different embodiments, the infant support structure can be a crib or bassinet or other type of structure.
In one embodiment, the attachment system can be used to couple an entertainment device to the frame or support portion of the infant support structure. The entertainment device can include a housing that has an outer surface. A mounting structure can be coupled to the outer surface of the housing and can include a contact surface that is configured to engage the support portion of the support structure.
In one embodiment, the attachment system includes a coupling mechanism with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first end and a second end, with the first end being coupled to either the housing or the mounting structure, and the second end including a coupler attached thereto. The second portion of the coupling mechanism includes a first end and a second end, with the first end of the second portion being coupled to the housing and the second end including a coupler attached thereto. The first portion and the second portion of the coupling mechanism are configured so that the support portion of the support structure can be located between the coupling mechanism and the housing. In addition, the first coupler and the second coupler can be coupled to each other to secure the housing to the support structure.
In another embodiment, the first portion of the coupling mechanism is a strap assembly and the first coupler is a buckle portion that is coupled to the strap assembly. The strap assembly includes a first strap portion and a second strap portion, each of which has a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the strap portions is coupled to the mounting structure and the second end of each of the strap portions is coupled to each other. The frame member of the infant support structure can be configured to be engaged by the contact surface of the mounting structure and disposed between the coupling mechanism and the housing.
In one implementation, the infant support structure is a crib, the frame member is a rail of the crib, and the second portion of the coupling mechanism is configured to pass through an opening in a wall of the crib. The entertainment device can include an arm having a first end having at least one object supported therefrom and a second end coupled to the housing. In addition, an end of a portion of the coupling mechanism is coupled to the housing.
In another embodiment, the entertainment device includes a housing with an outer surface and a mounting mechanism can include a body portion that is configured to be coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The body portion can include a contact surface that is configured to be placed on a frame portion of a support structure. In this embodiment, the mounting mechanism also includes a first strap component that is coupled to the body portion and includes a first coupler, and a second strap component that is coupled to the housing and includes a second coupler. The first and second strap components are configured to extend around the frame portion of the support structure that is engaged by the contact surface. The first coupler is configured to be secured to the second coupler to mount the body portion and the housing to the frame portion of the support structure.
In one embodiment, one strap component has a V-shape and a coupler is attached proximate to the apex of the strap component. A body portion of the mounting structure can be removably coupleable to the outer surface of the housing. In addition, the strap component can be releasably coupleable to the body portion. The strap component may include two ends, and each of the ends is coupled to the body portion. The coupler is disposed along the strap component between its two ends.
In another embodiment, the body portion of the mounting structure includes an edge and at least one notch disposed along the edge. The notch is configured to receive part of a strap component. In this embodiment, the support structure is a crib having a wall with at least one opening therein. One of the strap components is configured to extend through the opening in the wall while the contact surface of the body portion engages the frame portion of the support structure.
The present invention also relates to a method of mounting an entertainment device to a support structure. The entertainment device includes a housing with an outer surface and a mounting component extending from the outer surface. One exemplary method includes placing the mounting component into engagement with a portion of the support structure, placing a strap component around the portion of the support structure with the strap component being coupled to the mounting component, and coupling the strap component to a different strap component that is coupled to the housing.
In one embodiment, the mounting component includes a substantially planar engagement surface, and placing the mounting component includes moving the engagement surface into contact with the portion of the support structure. One strap component has two ends and is coupled at one end to the mounting component and includes a buckle portion attached to its other end. The other strap component has two ends and is coupled at one end to the housing and includes a buckle portion attached to its other end. The buckle portions of the strap components being configured to be coupled to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an entertainment device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an entertainment device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an entertainment device and an infant support structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an entertainment device and infant support structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an entertainment device mounted on an infant support structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the entertainment device and a portion of the infant support structure illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the entertainment device and infant support structure portion illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-section view of the entertainment device and alternative embodiment of an infant support structure portion according to the present invention.

FIG. 6C illustrates a partial cross-section view of the entertainment device and alternative embodiment of an infant support structure portion according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the entertainment device illustrated in FIG. 6A with the mounting mechanism in a non-use configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an entertainment device and mounting mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a mounting structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates another view of the mounting structure illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting structure illustrated in FIG. 9.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting system or mechanism that can be used to mount a device to a support structure. The terms “mounting system,” “mounting structure,” “mounting component,” and “coupling structure” may be used interchangeably to refer to any type of structure that can be used to couple or mount one item to another item. The term “device” is used to refer to an entertainment device, such as a mobile or toy aquarium or other device that is configured to provide audible, visual, and/or tactile stimulation to an infant. The term may also be used to refer to a device that would otherwise be disposed proximate to an infant, such as an infant monitor. The terms “support structure” and “infant support structure” are used interchangeably to refer to any structure that can be used to support an infant or child. Some exemplary support structures include cribs, bassinets, and playards.
Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting mechanism in use according to the present invention is illustrated. A housing 10, which can be the housing of a device, is illustrated. In various implementations, the device can be an entertainment device, such as a mobile, a toy aquarium, or other mechanism that is configured to provide stimulation to an infant who is nearby. In other implementations, the device can be a monitor or monitoring unit that a parent or caregiver uses to watch and/or listen to an infant who is nearby. The monitor or monitoring unit can be in communication with a unit that is remotely located to allow the parent or caregiver to perform other activities at the same time.
In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes a mounting mechanism 15 that is used to mount or couple the housing 10 to the support structure 20. As shown, the mounting mechanism 15 includes a mounting structure 12 and a coupling mechanism 14. The mounting structure 12 can be integrally formed with the housing 10 or formed separately and subsequently coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism 14 can be used in combination with the mounting structure 12 to mount or couple the housing 10. The coupling mechanism 14 can be coupled to the housing 10. The support structure 20 can be an infant support structure, such as a crib, in or on which an infant can be placed.
The coupling mechanism 14 can be manipulated by the parent or caregiver to selectively mount the housing 10 to the support structure 20. In the example of a crib for the support structure 20, the crib may include one or more side walls that include an upper portion or rail. The mounting mechanism 15 is configured to mount the housing 10 proximate to the upper portion of the support structure 20.
Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a mounting mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the housing 30 can be coupled to a support structure 40. The mounting mechanism 35 includes a mounting structure 32 that has a contact surface 34. As illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 2, the contact surface 34 can be placed in contact with the support structure 40.
The mounting mechanism 35 also includes coupling mechanism portions 36 and 38 that are coupled to the housing 30 and to the mounting structure 34, respectively. As illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 2, coupling mechanism portions 36 and 38 can be coupled to each other to mount the housing 30 to the support structure 40. The location of the dashed line between coupling mechanism portions 36 and 38 represents the connecting of the coupling mechanism portions 36 and 38 to each other around a portion of the support structure 40.
In an alternative embodiment, coupling mechanism portion 38 can be connected to the housing 30 instead of the mounting structure 32. While in one embodiment, the mounting structure 32 is formed separately from housing 30 and subsequently coupled thereto, in other embodiments, the mounting structure 32 may be formed integrally with the housing 30.
Referring to FIG. 3A, an embodiment of a mounting mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. Infant support structure 50 includes an infant receiving portion 51 that is formed by a frame 60 with side walls 52, 54, 56, and 58. The frame 60 includes an upper portion or rail 70 that extends around a perimeter of the frame. The side walls 52, 54, 56 and 58 collectively define an interior region 62 in which an infant can be placed. Several legs, such as legs 64, 66, and 68, are used to support the infant receiving portion 51. Each side wall includes several bars or bar members 80 that form openings 82 therethrough.
In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a housing 110 and a support portion 120 that is coupled to the housing 110. The housing 110 and support portion 120 illustrated in FIG. 3A are intended to be exemplary and in various implementations of the invention, the structure and features of the housing 110 and the support portion 120 can vary. In this embodiment, the support portion 120 includes an arm 122 with an end 123 that is attached to the housing 110 and an opposite end 125 to which a drive mechanism 127 is coupled. The drive mechanism 127 can be activated to move the parts of a mobile system 124 that includes various objects 129 that are supported from the drive mechanism 127. The housing 110 includes a rear surface 112, an upper surface or end 114 with an opening 116 therein in which arm end 123 can be inserted.
A mounting mechanism 200 can be used to couple the housing 110 of the device 100 to the support structure 50. The mounting mechanism 200 can include a mounting structure 210 that can be coupled to the housing 110. The mounting structure 210 is configured to provide a contact surface that can be positioned into engagement with part of the frame 60 of the support structure 50. The mounting structure 210 can engage any surface configuration that the frame 60 may have.
The mounting mechanism 200 includes a coupling mechanism or strap assembly 300. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 300 includes a first coupling portion 310 coupled to the mounting structure 210 and a second coupling portion 350 coupled to the housing 110. The first coupling portion 310 and the second coupling portion 350 can be coupled together to mount the housing 110 to the infant support structure 50. The first coupling portion 310 can be referred to alternatively as a first strap portion or a first strap component. Similarly, the second coupling portion 350 can be referred to alternatively as a second strap portion or a second strap component.
Referring to FIG. 3B, an alternative embodiment of a mounting mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the entertainment device 400 includes a housing 410 with a rear surface 412 to which a strap portion 420 is coupled. The strap portion 420 includes a buckle or buckle portion 422 coupled thereto. A mounting structure 450 is coupleable to the rear surface 412 of the housing 410. Connected to the mounting structure 450 is a strap portion 460 to which a buckle or buckle portion 462 is attached. In other embodiments, the shape and configurations of the housing 410 and the mounting structure 450 can vary. In addition, the locations at which the strap portions 420 and 460 are attached can vary.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a top perspective view and a rear view of a housing mounted to an infant support structure are illustrated, respectively. The housing illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is intended to be exemplary only and the particular features provided on the housing in other implementations can vary. Only a portion of the infant support structure is illustrated for ease of reference. The infant support structure 50 includes a rail or upper portion 70 that has an upper or contact surface 72, an outer surface 74, and a lower surface 76. The bars 80 that define openings or slots 82 therebetween are shown.
In this embodiment, the housing 110 includes several controls or user inputs 126, 127, and 128 that can be manipulated by a parent or caregiver to cause different outputs to be generated by the device 100. In one embodiment, input 126 can be a button that can be manipulated to activate a nightlight and input 128 can be a dial that can be manipulated to adjust the sensitivity of sounds that are detected. Additionally, this exemplary embodiment of housing 110 may include three front sound buttons, a speaker grill, and an input device such as a microphone, none of which is illustrated. In other embodiments, the housing 110 may not include any such controls or features. As shown, in this embodiment, the support arm 122 that supports various objects is coupled to the housing 110. The mounting mechanism 200 according to the present invention can be used with any housing having a various configuration or combination of features. The particular features of housing 110 are not illustrated in the remaining Figs. For ease of reference, a generic housing 110 is illustrated in use with mounting mechanism 200.
A mounting mechanism 200 is used to couple the housing 110 to the support structure 50. The mounting mechanism 200 includes a mounting structure or component 210 that is coupled to the housing 110. The mounting component 210 is secured to the housing 110 by fasteners, such as screws (not illustrated). The mounting component 210 extends along a portion of the width of the housing 110 and is coupled to the rear surface 112. In other embodiments, the length of the mounting component 210 can vary and the mounting component can be integrally formed with the housing 110.
The mounting component 210 includes a first coupling mechanism or portion 310 coupled thereto. The first coupling mechanism 310 includes a first strap portion 320 and a second strap portion 330. A coupler 340, such as a buckle or buckle portion, is connected to the end of the first coupling mechanism 310, which is where the first strap portion 320 and the second strap portion 330 meet. The first coupling mechanism 310 can have a V-shape with an apex 316. In one implementation, the first strap portion 320 and the second strap portion 330 are separate straps that are coupled together proximate the coupler 340, such as by stitching. In other implementations, the first strap portion 320 and the second strap portion 330 are a single strap that is threaded through the coupler 340.
A second coupling mechanism 350 is coupled to the housing 110. The second coupling mechanism 350 is an elongate member such as a strap that has one end coupled to the housing 110 and a coupler 360 connected to its opposite end. The coupler 360 can be a buckle portion or other mechanism that is configured to be engaged with coupler 340 to secure the first coupling mechanism 310 to the second coupling mechanism 350. As a result, the second coupling mechanism 350 can extend through one of the openings 82 to mount the housing 110 to the support structure 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the location on the housing 110 at which the second coupling mechanism 350 is coupled is below the lower surface 76 of the rail 70. If the height of the rail 70 is greater, the location of the couplers 340 and 360 relative to the lower surface 76 of the rail 70 will change
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 7, side views of the housing 110 mounted to and disengaged from the infant support structure 50 are illustrated, respectively. The rail 70 of the infant support structure 50 is illustrated in cross-section. The rail 70 illustrated in FIG. 6A is intended to be exemplary of a rail to which the housing can be mounted in that the rail 70 has several surfaces. The housing 110 has a front surface 118 that is oriented so that it is facing or visible to a nearby infant. The mounting component 210 is coupled to the rear surface 112 as shown.
The rail 70 illustrated in FIG. 6A has several curved surfaces and in particular, a curved contact or upper surface 72. The mounting component 210 includes a contact surface 224 that is placed in contact with the rail 70. The contact surface 224 is configured so that it can engage any point or portion of a surface of the rail 70. In other words, the outer surface of the rail 70 can have any shape or configuration and the contact surface 224 can engage it.
As the coupling portions 310 and 350 are flexible, they can be wrapped around a rail having any shape. The second coupling portion 350 may include an adjustment mechanism (not illustrated) that can be manipulated to adjust the length of the coupling portion 350 so that the mounting mechanism 200 can be used with any infant support structure. The engagement of the contact surface 224 with the rail 70 provides support and additional stability for the housing 110 regardless of the shape of the rail 70.
Further, rails having different cross-sectional shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Referring to FIG. 6B, the exemplary rail 90 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with fewer curved surfaces than exemplary rail 70. Rail 90 includes an upper surface or end 92 that is contacted by the mounting component 210. In addition, rail 90 includes an inner or contact surface 94 that the rear surface of the housing 110 can contact. The flexibility of the straps 310 and 350 enables the straps 310 and 350 to wrap around the rail 90 and the housing 110 to be mounted to the rail 90.
Referring to FIG. 6C, another exemplary rail is illustrated. As shown, the rail 95 includes an inner surface 96 with which the mounting component 210 can engage. The rail 95 also includes an outer surface 97 that is disposed away from the housing 110. Even though the rail 956 has a curved configuration that is oriented away from the housing 110, the mounting component 210 can engage the inner surface 96 and stabilize the housing 110 relative to the rail 95. The straps 310 and 350 can be wrapped around the rail 95 and coupled together using couplers 340 and 360. The mounting component 210 and the straps 310 and 350 can be used with rails having shapes or configurations different than the rails illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C. Accordingly, the mounting component 210 and the straps 310 and 350 can be used a rail or support portion having any shape or configuration.
As shown in FIG. 7, coupling portion 310 includes a first end 312 that is coupled to the mounting structure 210 (as described in greater detail below) and a second end 314 that is connected to the coupler 340. Coupling portion 350 has a first end 352 that is coupled to the housing 110 and a second end 354 that is threaded through the coupler 360. The coupler 360 can be moved along the length of coupling portion 350 to vary its position.
Referring to FIG. 8, an exploded perspective view of the device is illustrated. The housing 110 includes a rear surface 112 that has holes 113 and 115 into which fasteners, such as screws, (not shown) can be inserted. The housing 110 includes a lower end 119 proximate to which a slot or opening 117 is formed.
Coupling mechanism 350 is illustrated with a coupler 360 attached thereto. End 352 of the coupling mechanism 350 can be inserted into the slot 117 of the housing 110. The end 352 can be retained therein by using a fastener or an adhesive. End 354 can be moved to adjust the position of the coupler 360 on the strap.
Mounting component 210 includes an edge 230 with notches 232 and 234 formed therein. Holes 226 and 228 form openings that extend through the mounting component 210. Connectors, such as screws, (not illustrated) can inserted through the holes 226 and 228 and into openings 113 and 115 on the housing 110 to couple the mounting structure 210 to the housing 110.
Coupling mechanism or strap assembly 300 is also illustrated in FIG. 8. Portion 310 of the coupling mechanism 300 has two coupling portions 320 and 330, which are elongate members, such as straps. Coupling portion 320 has an end 322 that is connected to the mounting component 210. Similarly, coupling portion 330 has an end 332 that is connected to the mounting component 210. Couplers 244 and 246, in the form of plates, can be connected to the mounting component 210 to secure ends 322 and 332 to the mounting component 210. The location and manner in which the couplers 244 and 246 are used are illustrated and described below.
Referring to FIGS. 9-11, different views of an embodiment of a mounting component according to the present invention are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9, the mounting component or structure 210 includes a body 212 that extends from end 214 to end 216. The body 210 has an upper surface 220 and an outer surface 222. While holes 226 and 228 are shown as being formed in the upper surface 220, holes 226 and 228 can be formed at any locations in the body 212 provided that the holes 226 and 228 are aligned with corresponding holes on the housing 110. The body 110 also includes a contact surface 224, which in one embodiment can be a substantially planar surface.
As previously described, the body 212 includes an edge 230 that is disposed proximate to the rear surface 112 of the housing 110. Notches 232 and 234 are formed along the edge 230 and are sized to accommodate the strap portions 320 and 330 to allow the mounting structure 210 to be secured flush with the rear surface 112 of the housing 110.
Referring to FIG. 10, the internal components and features of the mounting structure 210 are illustrated. As shown, the contact surface 224 extends from end 214 to end 216. The walls defining the contact surface, the outer surface, and the upper surface collectively form an interior region 238. The interior region 238 is defined by an inner surface 236 that extends along the inner side of the walls. The upper surface 220 has a curved shape or configuration that matches the curved shape or configuration of the corresponding portion of the housing 110.
The mounting structure 210 includes posts 240 and 242, which openings 241 and 243, respectively, that are configured to receive fasteners that are inserted from the outside through the holes 226 and 228 in the upper surface 220. The openings 241 and 243 are aligned with the holes 113 and 115 on the rear surface 112 of the housing 110.
A coupler 244 is secured to the mounting structure 210 by connectors 248 and 250. The coupler 244 is configured to capture strap portion 320 between the coupler 244 and the mounting structure 210. As shown in FIG. 11, the coupler 244 has an upper edge 256 that frictionally maintains the position of the strap portion 320 relative to the mounting structure 210. Similarly, a coupler 246 is secured to the mounting structure 210 by connectors 252 and 254, which can be threaded into an opening formed in posts, such as post 260 (see FIG. 11). The coupler 246 is configured to capture part of the strap portion 330 between an upper edge 258 and the mounting structure 210. As shown in FIG. 10, the ends 322 and 332 of the strap portions 320 and 330 are disposed within the interior region 238.
In alternative embodiments, the mounting component can be formed integrally with the housing of the device. In addition, the extent to which the mounting component extends along the width of the housing may vary. In alternative embodiments, the shape and configuration of the housing of the device mounted to the infant support structure can vary. In addition, the various features, including different audio and/or visual outputs can vary.
In yet another embodiment, the upper strap portion may be formed by a single strap or strap portion as opposed to the two strap portions discussed above. In alternative embodiments, the couplers used to connect the two coupling mechanisms can be replaced by other components that can be releasably connected together. For example, hooks and clips, a combination of hook and loop type materials, as well as other conventional fastening mechanisms can be used.
While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An entertainment device being configured for use with a support structure, the support structure including a support portion, the entertainment device comprising:

a housing, the housing including an outer surface;

a mounting structure, the mounting structure being coupled to the outer surface of the housing, the mounting structure including a contact surface, the contact surface being configured to engage the support portion of the support structure; and

a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism including:

a first portion, the first portion including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to one of the housing and the mounting structure, and the second end including a first coupler attached thereto; and

a second portion, the second portion including its own first end and its own second end, the first end of the second portion being coupled to the housing and the second end of the second portion including a second coupler attached thereto, the first portion and the second portion being configured so that the support portion of the support structure can be located between the coupling mechanism and the housing, and the first coupler and the second coupler can be coupled to each other to secure the housing to the support structure.

2. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the coupling mechanism is a strap assembly and the first coupler is a buckle portion that is coupled to the strap assembly.

3. The entertainment device of claim 2, wherein the strap assembly includes a first strap portion and a second strap portion, each of the first strap portion and the second strap portion has a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the strap portions is coupled to the mounting structure and the second end of each of the strap portions is coupled to each other.

4. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the support structure is an infant support structure and the support portion is a frame member, the frame member being configured to be engaged by the contact surface of the mounting structure and disposed between the coupling mechanism and the housing.

5. The entertainment device of claim 4, wherein the infant support structure is a crib, the frame member is a rail of the crib, and the second portion of the coupling mechanism is configured to pass through an opening in a wall of the crib.

6. The entertainment device of claim 1, further comprising:

an arm, the arm having a first end and a second end, the second end of the arm being coupled to the housing, and the first end of the arm having at least one object supported therefrom.

7. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first portion of the coupling mechanism is coupled to the housing.

8. A mounting mechanism configured to be coupled to an entertainment device, the entertainment device including a housing with an outer surface, the mounting mechanism comprising:

a body portion, the body portion being configured to be coupled to the outer surface of the housing, the body portion including a contact surface, the contact surface being configured to be placed on a frame portion of a support structure;

a first strap component, the first strap component being coupled to the body portion and including a first coupler; and

a second strap component, the second strap component being coupled to the housing and including a second coupler, the first and second strap components being configured to extend around the frame portion of the support structure engaged by the contact surface, and the first coupler is configured to be secured to the second coupler to mount the body portion and the housing to the frame portion of the support structure.

9. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first strap component has a V-shape and the first coupler is attached proximate to the apex of the first strap component.

10. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the body portion is removably coupleable to the outer surface of the housing.

11. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first strap component is releasably coupleable to the body portion.

12. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first strap component includes a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end of the first strap component being coupled to the body portion.

13. The mounting mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first coupler is disposed along the first strap component between the first end of the first strap component and the second end of the first strap component.

14. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the body portion includes a edge and at least one notch disposed along the edge, the notch being configured to receive part of the first strap component.

15. The mounting mechanism of claim 8, wherein the support structure is a crib having a wall with at least one opening therein, and one of the first strap component and the second strap component is configured to extend through the opening in the wall while the contact surface of the body portion engages the frame portion of the support structure.

16. A method of mounting an entertainment device to a support structure, the entertainment device including a housing with an outer surface, the housing including a mounting component extending from the outer surface, the method comprising:

placing the mounting component into engagement with a portion of the support structure;

placing a first strap component around the portion of the support structure, the first strap component being coupled to the mounting component; and

coupling the first strap component to a second strap component, the second strap component being coupled to the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mounting component includes a substantially planar engagement surface, and the placing the mounting component includes moving the engagement surface into contact with the portion of the support structure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first strap component has a first end and a second end and is coupled at its first end to the mounting component and includes a buckle portion attached to its second end.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second strap component has a first end and a second end and is coupled at its first end to the housing and includes a buckle portion attached to its second end, the buckle portion of the second strap component being configured to be coupled to the buckle portion of the first strap component.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the mounting component is separate from the housing, and the method further comprises the step of:

coupling the mounting component to the outer surface of the housing.