U.S. patent application number 15/137312 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for child support device.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen R. BURNS, Cary COSTELLO, Matthew GUNTER.
Application Number | 20160309909 15/137312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55808525 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160309909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COSTELLO; Cary ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
CHILD SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
A child support device, such as a high chair, having a tray
base, an entertainment component thereon, and an optional tray
liner. The device allows a child to be entertained, stimulated,
and/or distracted during feeding times. The device further allows a
child to clean food from his hands while engaging the entertaining
component. For example, the entertainment component can function as
a squeegee. The entertainment component can also prevent a child
from dragging food into his lap from the tray.
Inventors: |
COSTELLO; Cary; (Atlanta,
GA) ; BURNS; Stephen R.; (Cumming, GA) ;
GUNTER; Matthew; (Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
55808525 |
Appl. No.: |
15/137312 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62152845 |
Apr 25, 2015 |
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|
62180109 |
Jun 16, 2015 |
|
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62215943 |
Sep 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 1/008 20130101;
A47B 13/14 20130101; A47B 13/16 20130101; A47D 1/0085 20170501;
A47D 13/105 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/00 20060101
A47D001/00; A47B 13/14 20060101 A47B013/14 |
Claims
1. A child support device comprising: a child receiving receptacle
configured to receive a child therein; and a tray proximal the
child receiving receptacle, wherein the tray includes a first
region that forms a support surface for receiving articles thereon
and a second region that includes at least one entertainment
component configured to remove food particles from a hand of the
child when the child engages the entertainment component.
2. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the second region
is positioned adjacent the child receiving receptacle.
3. The child support device of claim 2, wherein the at least one
entertainment component forms a barrier between the first region
and the child receiving receptacle.
4. The child support device of claim 1, further comprising a tray
liner configured to nest upon the base tray.
5. The child support of claim 4, wherein the tray liner includes an
aperture configured to fit around the entertainment component.
6. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the entertainment
component is removable from the child support device.
7. The child support device of claim 1, further including a third
region adapted to receive a beverage container therein.
8. A child feeding tray for use with a child support device
comprising a substantially flat platform having a proximal region
and a distal region, the proximal region having an upper surface
and at least one projection extending from the upper surface and a
distal region configured to receive a child feeding article
thereon, wherein the at least one projection is configured to
remove food particles from a child seated in the child support
device.
9. The feeding tray of claim 8, wherein the at least one projection
forms a barrier between the distal region and the child receiving
receptacle.
10. The feeding tray of claim 8, further comprising a tray liner
configured to nest upon the base tray.
11. The feeding tray of claim 10, wherein the tray liner includes
an aperture configured to fit around the at least one
projection.
12. The feeding tray of claim 8, wherein the at least one
projection is removable from the tray.
13. The feeding tray of claim 8, further including a region adapted
to receive a beverage container.
14. A child support device for a child and having a child feeding
tray removably coupled thereto, the child feeding tray comprising:
a substantially planar surface having a shallow recess configured
to receive food for a child thereon; a liner that at least
partially fits over and receives the substantially planar surface,
the liner having a shallow recess and at least one entertainment
component coupled to the liner and positioned between the child
receptacle and the shallow recess, wherein when the child manually
manipulates the entertainment component, food particles that have
accumulated on the child are transferred to the entertainment
component.
15. The child support device of claim 14, wherein the entertainment
component is positioned adjacent the child receiving
receptacle.
16. The child support device of claim 15, wherein the at least one
entertainment component forms a barrier between the shallow recess
and the child receiving receptacle.
17. The child support device of claim 14, wherein the entertainment
component is removable from the tray liner.
18. The child support device of claim 14, further including a
region adapted to receive a beverage container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/152,845 filed Apr. 25, 2015, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/180,109 filed Jun. 16,
2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/215,943
filed Sep. 9, 2015, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
children's products, and more particularly to a child support
device having a tray.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional high chairs and other child supporting devices
include a generally elevated flat surface or tray on which food and
beverages can be placed. In some applications, a detachable
container or secondary tray is placed on a base tray to provide a
removable surface that can be separated from the base tray. In such
applications, the removable surface can be removed from the base
tray for purposes of cleaning or for preparing food away from the
child. However, it is widely known that caregivers have
difficulties feeding fussy and/or fidgeting children, and
conventional high chairs and high chair trays are typically not
equipped with entertainment features for keeping a child
entertained and focused while seated in such a chair. In fact,
conventional toys can be easily knocked or thrown from a tray, and
the toys are typically not configured to be easily cleaned when
food or beverage product has been applied to them. Moreover,
feeding a child seated in a conventional high chair can be a very
messy process and such a child is often left with hands covered in
food and beverage, which is then transferred to clothes, furniture,
the floor, etc.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a child supporting device and tray
that includes entertainment features for holding a child's interest
when seated therein to distract the child from the feeding process
and/or prevent him from fidgeting. Needs further exist for
entertainment features that are appropriately sized to hold a
child's attention without disrupting the feeding process.
Additional needs exist for entertainment features that augment the
feeding process. Still further needs also exists for a removable
entertainment feature or component that can be easily cleaned, and
for an entertainment component that is adapted to be removably
coupled to a tray or infant support.
[0005] It is to the provision of these needs, among many others,
that the embodiments of the present invention are directed.
SUMMARY
[0006] In example embodiments, the present invention provides
improved stimulation and entertainment for child support devices.
In representative examples, the invention relates to a tray
accessory for a child support device. The support device can be for
example a high chair, booster seat, jumper, entertainer, rocker,
bouncer, or the like. Particular example embodiments of the support
device include a support frame configured to rest on a support
surface (e.g. a floor or the ground), and a child seat supported
above the support surface by the support frame.
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a child
support device comprising a child receiving receptacle configured
to receive a child therein and a tray proximal the child receiving,
wherein the tray includes a first region that forms a support
surface for receiving articles thereon and a second region that
includes at least one entertainment component configured to remove
food particles from a hand of the child when the child engages the
entertainment component.
[0008] In another aspect, of the invention, the present invention
relates to a feeding tray for a child having a substantially flat
platform with a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal
region having an upper surface and at least one projection
extending from the upper surface, and a distal region configured to
receive a child feeding article thereon, wherein the at least one
projection is configured to remove food particles from a child
seated in the child support device.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a child
support device for a child and having a child feeding tray
removably coupled thereto, the child feeding tray comprising a
substantially planar surface having a shallow recess configured to
receive food for a child thereon, and a liner that at least
partially fits over and receives the substantially planar surface,
the liner having a shallow recess and at least one entertainment
component coupled to the liner and positioned between the child
receptacle and the shallow recess, wherein when the child manually
manipulates the entertainment component, food particles that have
accumulated on the child are transferred to the entertainment
component.
[0010] The tray and/or tray insert dimensions may be adjusted for
customizing trays and inserts to fit commercially available
children's support devices of various dimensions.
[0011] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of example embodiments of the
invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of
the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example child support
device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 1
shown detached from the child support device.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1, showing
use by an occupant of the child support device.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example child
support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 4
shown detached from the child support device.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 4, showing
use by an occupant of the child support device.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another example child
support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 7
shown detached from the child support device.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 7, showing
use by an occupant of the child support device.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example child
support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 10
shown detached from the child support device.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 10,
showing use by an occupant of the child support device.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example child
support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 13
shown detached from the child support device.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 13,
showing use by an occupant of the child support device.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example child
support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 16
shown detached from the child support device.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 16,
showing use by an occupant of the child support device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the
accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described
and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example
only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.
Any and all patents and other publications identified in this
specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set
forth herein.
[0031] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0032] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-18 illustrate several example embodiments of
a child support device and tray assembly for use with a child
support device. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 depict a child support
device 100 and tray assembly 110 mounted thereto. In depicted
embodiments, the child support device 100 is a high chair, but
could be a stroller, bouncer, jumper, entertainer, rocker, booster
seat, or other child support device as desired. The child support
device 100 includes a child receptacle (e.g., a seat) 102 for
receiving a child therein, which is supported by a frame 104. The
tray assembly 110 is coupled to the child support device 100 via a
conventional engagement mechanism such as clips, buckles, snaps,
latches, straps, or any other known conventional fastener. The tray
assembly 110 is generally rectangularly shaped in this embodiment,
but alternate embodiments can be other shapes, including a kidney
shape, a fan shape, an ovoid shape, or any other shape as desired
by a user.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the tray assembly 110 comprises a
base tray 120 and an entertainment component 130. Optionally, the
tray assembly 110 can also include a tray liner 140 adapted to
interface with and fit over the base tray 120. For example, in this
particular embodiment the tray liner 140 includes a peripheral lip
portion 142 which fits over and removably couples with a
corresponding peripheral lip portion of the base tray. In
commercial embodiments, the optional tray liner 140 is frictionally
coupled to the base tray 120, but can alternatively be coupled with
known fasteners. In still other embodiments, the base tray could
nest via any other conventional retaining mechanism, and/or the
tray liner could nest within the base tray as desired.
[0034] The base tray 120 and tray liner 140 are preferably made
from a polymer material (plastics) such as, but not limited to, a
polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof, which will not deform
or significantly degrade under temperature and dampness conditions
typically found in a conventional household or commercial automatic
dishwashing machine, typically around 200 degrees F. In other
embodiments, these tray components can be made of wood or metal, or
any substantially rigid material suitable for use in a children's
product. The upper surfaces of the base tray 120 and tray liner 140
can include ridges, lips, dividers, undulations or other textures
or recesses, but are both generally flat.
[0035] The entertainment component 130 is preferably made of a
polymer material such as, but not limited to, a silicone,
polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, thermoplastic rubber, a
polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof, which will not
permanently deform or significantly degrade under temperature and
dampness conditions typically found in a conventional dishwashing
machine, but can substantially maintain a given resilience for a
child's play aspect. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the entertainment
component 130 can be configured to be supported on or coupled to
the tray liner 140. In other alternative embodiments, the
entertainment component 130 can rest on or be coupled to the base
tray 120 itself. In a preferred embodiment, the entertainment
component 130 can be removably coupled either to the tray liner 140
or base tray 120, and can be decoupled for use independently of the
tray assembly 110 and/or child support device 100. Optionally, the
entertainment component 130 can include a separate base component
and/or fasteners such as, but not limited to, clips, hook and loop
fasteners, or suction cups for use with a conventional dining table
or other surface. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment
component 130 is located at a proximal end of the tray assembly or
otherwise situated such that a child occupant of the child support
device 100 can access the entertainment component 130 with ease.
When positioned proximal the child occupant, the entertainment
component 130 can form a barrier between the child occupant and an
eating area 114 of the tray liner 140 or base tray 130 to help
prevent a child occupant from dragging food pieces from the eating
area 114 into his or her lap. In other example embodiments, the
entertainment component 130 can be two-sided such that one side
provides an entertaining feature and another side provides a flat
eating surface or other surface as desired.
[0036] The base tray 120 or tray insert 140 can optionally be
provided with additional accessories, such as snap-in or clip-on
toys and/or feeding dishes, such as plates or bowls. Alternatively,
such accessories can be integrally formed with the tray assembly
110. Generally, the depicted example embodiments are similar except
for the distinctions discussed herein and the depicted embodiment
is numbered similarly such that reference number 200 refers to a
component that is similar to components 100, 300, X00, etc.,
throughout the drawing figures.
[0037] Each depicted example embodiment will now be discussed with
more specificity. For instance, FIGS. 1-3 depict one example
embodiment of a child support device 100 and tray assembly 110
according to the present invention. The present invention comprises
a base tray 120, an entertainment component 130, and an optional
tray liner 140. The entertainment component 130 is generally
comprised of silicone or other resilient material such as plastic,
rubber, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient material of
the entertainment component can be 25-95 durometers, or more
preferably can be 35-85 durometers, or even more preferably can be
45-75 durometers. In this preferred durometer range, the
entertainment component 130 is flexible enough to be pleasant to
manipulate and will provide an entertaining sensation, but is rigid
enough to maintain its form. The entertainment component 130
includes at least one textured upper surface 134 to tactilely
and/or visually engage a child. As shown, the entertainment
component 130 includes projections 132 that are formed as bumps
and/or ridged bands. Alternatively, the textured surface 134 can be
negatively formed in the surface of the entertainment component 130
or can be formed as other shapes, projections, etc., as desired.
Said ridged band projections 132 can be substantially linear, as
shown, or curved, and can be arranged adjacent to one another, as
shown, or spaced apart. Furthermore, in alternative example
embodiments, the ridged band projections 132 can function as a
flexible-edged scraper or rubber-edged scraper (e.g., a squeegee)
adapted to remove food and/or beverage from a child occupant's
hands.
[0038] FIGS. 4-6 show a second example embodiment of a tray
assembly 210 for a child support device 200. The tray assembly 210
depicted is similar to the tray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the
tray assembly 210 comprises a base tray 220, an entertainment
component 230, and an optional tray liner 240. The entertainment
component 230 is generally comprised of silicone or other resilient
material. The entertainment component 230 is generally comprised of
silicone or other resilient material such as plastic, rubber, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the resilient material of the
entertainment component can be 25-95 durometers, or more preferably
can be 35-85 durometers, or even more preferably can be 45-75
durometers. In this preferred durometer range, the entertainment
component 230 is flexible enough to be pleasant to manipulate and
will provide an entertaining sensation, but is rigid enough to
maintain its form. The entertainment component 230 includes at
least one textured upper surface to tactilely and visually engage a
child. As shown, the entertainment component 230 includes
projections 232 such as ridged bands. Alternatively, the texture
can be negatively formed in the surface of the entertainment
component 230 or can be formed as other shapes, projections, etc.,
as desired. Said ridged band projections 232 can be substantially
linear, as shown, or curved, and can be arranged adjacent to one
another, or spaced apart. As discussed previously, the ridged band
projections 232 can function as a flexible-edged scraper or
rubber-edged scraper (e.g., a squeegee) to remove food and/or
beverage from a child occupant's hands. FIGS. 7-9 show yet another
example embodiment of a tray assembly 310 having a textured
entertainment component 330. In this embodiment, the tray assembly
310 includes a base tray 320, an entertainment component 330, and
an optional tray liner 340. The entertainment component 330 can
comprise one or more textured panels 331 having resilient
projections 332. As shown, the textured panels can be rounded, or
generally domed or sea-urchin shaped, or otherwise
three-dimensional rather than generally flat, and the projections
332 can be elongated or elevated nodes, having a preferable length
of 50 mm to 125 mmm, or 25 mm to 200 mm. At such a preferred
length, the textured projections 332 can provide an optimal play
experience for the child occupant. As discussed previously, the
elongated projections 332 can function as a scraper to remove food
and/or beverage from a child occupant's hands. Thus, at a preferred
depth or length, the hollows or troughs created between the
projections 332 can be appropriately sized to collect food
particles or beverage without re-applying said particles to the
child's hands, while remaining easily cleanable. FIGS. 10-12 show a
fourth example embodiment of a tray assembly 410 having an
entertainment component 430 with a textured panel. The tray
assembly 410 depicted is similar to the assembly of FIGS. 1-3,
wherein the tray assembly 410 comprises a base tray 420, an
entertainment component 430, and an optional tray liner 440. As
shown, the entertainment component 430 can be a series of elongated
nodes 432 having generally the same specifications described for
the embodiments above.
[0039] FIGS. 13-15 depict a fifth example embodiment of a tray
assembly 510 having an entertainment component 530. In this
embodiment, the tray assembly 510 includes a base tray 520, an
entertainment component 530, and an optional tray liner 540. As
shown, the entertainment component 530 comprises a resilient
membrane 532 enclosing a fluid-filled volume. The resilient
membrane 532 can be provided by a flexible polymer such as, but not
limited to, a polyvinyl chloride, and can include imagery, for
example, an oceanscape, and/or other visual components. Optionally,
the enclosed volume also has one or more toys 534 or other visual
components such as glitter suspended therein. By pressing on a
given region of the membrane 532, a child can move the toys
suspended within. The fluid enclosed within the membrane 532 can be
water, or any other suitable non-toxic liquid or gel. As shown in
FIG. 15, the entertainment component 530 can further define a well
536 for retaining food pieces.
[0040] FIGS. 16-18 show a sixth example embodiment of a tray
assembly having an entertainment component 630. In this embodiment,
the tray assembly 610 includes a base tray 620, an entertainment
component 630, and an optional tray liner 640. The entertainment
component 630 can be formed from a substantially rigid polymer
material such as, but not limited to, a polycarbonate, a
polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or
a combination thereof. The entertainment component 630 includes a
roller toy apparatus comprising at least one spinning drum 632
configured to rotate about an axis. Each spinning drum 632 can
rotate freely about the axis independently of any other drums, or,
optionally, one spinning drum can be coupled to another. In other
embodiments, the tray entertainment component 630 can include
multiple drums rotating about multiple axes. As shown, the drums
632 can have various textures, patterns, and/or colors. Optionally,
the rolling drums 632 can also include a rattle, chime ball, or
other toy. As discussed previously, the textured surfaces of the
drums can also function as a scraper to remove pieces of food from
a child's hands. In alternate embodiments, the entertainment
component can be a sponge or cloth, for example a sponge having a
ridge that is adapted to removably couple to a groove within the
base tray.
[0041] Generally, in use, a child is positioned in the child
receptacle of the child support device according to any of the
disclosed embodiments. The child may be fed by a caregiver or feed
himself from the tray. The child may play and interact with the
various entertainment accessories described herein, distracting
himself from the task of eating a meal. A child who sweeps food
pieces from the tray toward himself will be disrupted by the tray
entertainment component, reducing the mess on the child himself. A
child who has spilled or contacted food, such as crumbs or puree,
can, in the process of engaging with the various entertainment
accessories, passively clean his hands by scraping the food
off.
[0042] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *