U.S. patent application number 15/137335 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 Jacob SCLARE.
Application Number | 20160309910 15/137335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68806521 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160309910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCLARE; Jacob |
October 27, 2016 |
CHILD SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
A child support device such as a high chair for receiving a
child and having a child tray designed to hold feeding items. The
support device also includes an auxiliary tray located such that
the child cannot see or reach the items located on the tray. For
example, the caregiver can use the auxiliary tray for food
preparation, or to hold personal items safely away from the child.
The auxiliary tray can be retracted into a storage position as
desired.
Inventors: |
SCLARE; Jacob; (Dacula,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
68806521 |
Appl. No.: |
15/137335 |
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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62215943 |
Sep 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/105 20130101;
A47B 13/16 20130101; A47D 1/0085 20170501; A47D 1/008 20130101;
A47D 1/0081 20170501 |
International
Class: |
A47D 1/00 20060101
A47D001/00; A47B 13/16 20060101 A47B013/16 |
Claims
1. A child support device for receiving a child and having a child
tray coupled thereto, comprising: a tray body defining a first
substantially planar surface having a shallow recess configured to
receive articles intended for a child positioned within the child
support device; a first auxiliary tray moveably coupled to the tray
body and operable to selectively extend from a retracted position,
wherein the auxiliary tray is at least partially concealed by the
tray body, to an extended position beyond the perimeter of the tray
body, wherein the auxiliary tray is positioned substantially out of
reach of the child while in the extended position.
2. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary
tray defines a second substantially planar surface for receiving
articles intended for the child.
3. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary
tray is substantially out of sight of the child while in the
extended position.
4. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary
tray is slidably coupled to the tray body.
5. The child support device of claim 4, wherein the first auxiliary
tray is substantially contained within the tray body while in the
retracted position.
6. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary
tray is pivotably coupled to the child support device.
7. The child support device of claim 1, further comprising a second
auxiliary tray.
8. A high chair having a seat for receiving a child therein
comprising: a first tray proximal the seat and configured for
receiving an article for a child, the first tray defining a first
surface; a second tray defining a second surface, the second tray
also configured for receiving an article for a child and movable
between a first position wherein the second tray is at least
partially concealed from view by the first tray, and a second
position wherein the second tray is at least partially extended
beyond the perimeter of the first tray; wherein the first and
second surfaces are substantially parallel and wherein the second
tray is substantially out of reach of a child seated in the high
chair when the second tray in is the second position.
9. The high chair of claim 8, wherein the second tray is slidably
coupled to the first tray.
10. The high chair of claim 8, further comprising a third tray
configured for receiving an article for a child and movable between
a third position wherein the third tray is at least partially
concealed from view by the first tray, and a fourth position
wherein the third tray is at least partially extended beyond the
perimeter of the first tray.
11. The high chair of claim 8, wherein the second tray is pivotably
coupled to the first tray.
12. The high chair of claim 8, wherein the second tray is
substantially contained within the first tray while in the first
position.
13. The high chair of claim 8, wherein the first tray further
comprises a first shallow recess.
14. The high chair of claim 8, wherein the article is a piece of
food, a food container, a beverage, or a beverage container.
15. The high chair of claim 13, wherein the first shallow recess is
configured for receiving food.
16. The high chair of claim 15, further comprising a second shallow
recess configured for receiving 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 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
generally include a tray and/or a tray liner, which provides a
generally flat surface on which food and beverages can be placed.
However, trays and tray liners known in the art generally display
their contents to the child occupant of the child support device,
within reach of said child. As a result, 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 features for preventing a child from
interfering with the items supported by the tray. As such, a child
may grab a cup or dish of food as it is being prepared on the
feeding surface of the tray or while the child is being fed, and
dump the food and tableware on the ground, himself, the caregiver,
etc. Additionally, a child who sees certain food items on a tray
may exhibit a resistance to, or preference for, those or other food
items, adding yet more difficulties for a caregiver. Moreover, a
caregiver may have personal items such as a cell phone or jewelry,
etc., that he wishes to remain out of reach of a child seated in
the child support device.
[0004] Thus, needs exist for a child supporting device and tray
that includes features for hiding items out of view and/or reach of
a child occupant. It is to the provision of these needs, among many
others, that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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.
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a child
support for receiving a child and having a child tray coupled
thereto, comprising a tray body defining a first substantially
planar surface having a shallow recess configured to receive
articles intended for a child positioned within the child support
device, and a first auxiliary tray moveably coupled to the tray
body. The first auxiliary tray is operable to selectively extend
from a retracted position, wherein the auxiliary tray is at least
partially concealed by the tray body, to an extended position
beyond the perimeter of the tray body, wherein the auxiliary tray
is positioned substantially out of reach of the child while in the
extended position.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a high
chair having a seat for receiving a child therein, having a first
tray proximal the seat and configured for receiving an article for
a child, the first tray defining a first surface. The high chair
also has a second tray defining a second surface, the second tray
also configured for receiving an article for a child and movable
between a first position wherein the second tray is at least
partially concealed from view by the first tray, and a second
position wherein the second tray is at least partially extended
beyond the perimeter of the first tray. The first and second
surfaces are substantially parallel and the second tray is
substantially out of reach of a child seated in the high chair when
the second tray in is the second position.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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, and shows the tray assembly in
an expanded configuration.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example child support
device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another
example embodiment of the present invention, and shows the tray
assembly in a retracted configuration
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the child support device of
FIG. 2, and shows the tray assembly in an expanded
configuration.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example child support
device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to a third
example embodiment of the present invention, and shows the tray
assembly in an expanded configuration.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the child support device of FIG.
4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate several example embodiments of
a child support device and tray assembly for use with a child
support device. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts 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, in example embodiments, is
supported by a frame 104. Alternatively, the child support device
100 can sit directly on a table, chair, or other support surface
and does not include a frame 104. As shown, 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 depicted embodiments, but
alternate example embodiments can be other shapes, including a
kidney shape, a fan shape, an ovoid shape, or any other shape as
desired by a user.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the tray assembly 110 comprises a base
tray 120 and an auxiliary tray 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 120 could nest via any other
conventional retaining mechanism, and/or the tray liner 140 could
nest within the base tray as desired.
[0019] The base tray 120 and optional 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 silicone, 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, but both generally provide
a substantially flat planar surface as depicted in the drawing
figures.
[0020] The auxiliary tray 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. As shown in
FIG. 1, the auxiliary tray 130 is configured to be coupled to the
base tray 120. In other alternative embodiments, the auxiliary tray
130 can rest on or be coupled to the tray liner 140, the child
receptacle 102, or the frame 104 of the child support device 100.
In preferred embodiments, the auxiliary tray 130 is removably
coupled to the base tray 120, and can be decoupled for use
independently of the tray assembly 110 and/or child support device
100. More particularly, the auxiliary tray 130 can be positioned
below the base tray 120 in a drawer-like configuration and permits
a user to slide the auxiliary tray into and out of view.
Optionally, the auxiliary tray 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
auxiliary tray 130 is located at a distal end of the tray assembly
110 or otherwise situated such that a child occupant of the child
support device 100 cannot access the auxiliary tray 130. When
positioned distal from the child occupant, the auxiliary tray 130
provides a safe place for a caregiver to place items out of view
and/or reach of a child. Optionally, the auxiliary tray 130 can be
removed from the base tray 120, for example, so that a caregiver
can prepare food and/or drink at a different location (e.g., a
kitchen counter) before recoupling it to the child support device
100. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary tray 130 is
adapted to store in or against the base tray 120. For example, the
auxiliary tray 130 can slidably engage with a track on the
underside of the base tray 120, as shown, similar to a drawer. As
such, the tray assembly 110 can have an expanded configuration
(exposed) with the auxiliary tray 130 pulled out for use, and can
have a collapsed configuration (hidden) with the auxiliary tray 130
in a storage position. In alternate embodiments, the auxiliary tray
130 can be pivotally coupled to the base tray 120, or otherwise
coupled, and can be provided with a latching mechanism, as desired.
Optionally, the auxiliary tray 130 can include accessories such as
cupholders, bottle holders, additional compartments, etc., as
desired by a user. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the auxiliary tray 130 is
configured to be slightly lower in height than the base tray 120,
such that a child occupant of the child support device 100 cannot
see or reach the items on the tray. In other embodiments, the
auxiliary tray 130 can be coplanar with the base tray 110 but
distal from the child enough that the child cannot reach the items
on the auxiliary tray 130. In use, the auxiliary tray provides a
"caregiver-only" space that is easily accessible to a caregiver,
but not accessible to a child occupant of the child support device
100.
[0021] 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 embodiments
in the drawing figures are numbered similarly such that reference
number 200 refers to a component that is similar to components 100,
300, X00, etc. 210 refers to a component that is similar to
components 110, 310, etc., and so on and so forth throughout the
drawing figures.
[0022] Each depicted example embodiment will now be discussed with
more specificity. For instance, FIG. 1 depicts one example
embodiment of a child support device 100 and tray assembly 110
according to the present invention. As discussed above, the present
invention as depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a base tray 120, an
auxiliary tray 130, and an optional tray liner 140. As shown, the
auxiliary tray 130 has a generally flat upper surface 132
configured to receive articles thereon. The auxiliary tray 130 is
situated and configured to support items out of a child's reach
and/or, preferably, out of a child's line of sight. The auxiliary
tray 130 is adapted to be stored within the base tray 120. In
preferred embodiments, the auxiliary tray 130 spans substantially
the entire width of the base tray 120. In alternate embodiments,
the auxiliary tray 130 can have a width smaller or larger than the
width of the base tray 120, as desired. The depth of the auxiliary
tray 130 is preferably 5 mm to 100 mm, or more preferably 10 mm to
80 mm, or yet more preferably 15 mm to 60 mm. In these preferred
ranges, the auxiliary tray 130 is of sufficient depth to provide a
sturdy surface suitable for receiving articles, but not so deep as
to interfere with the legs or torso of a child seated in the child
receptacle 102. The auxiliary tray 130 further includes a
peripheral lip 134 to prevent items from rolling or sliding off the
tray.
[0023] FIGS. 2-3 show a second example embodiment of a tray
assembly 210 for a child support device 200. The tray assembly 210
is similar to the tray assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the tray
assembly 210 comprises a base tray 220, an auxiliary tray 230, and
an optional tray liner 240. In this embodiment, the auxiliary tray
230 can include more than one platform as seen in FIG. 3. For
instance, the auxiliary tray 230 can have two platforms 236 each
adapted to receive articles out of reach and/or sight of a child
occupant. Optionally, the auxiliary tray 230 can be spring-loaded
to pop out into an expanded configuration when a caregiver pushes
the tray in. This allows for ease of use, for example, for
one-handed expansion when a caregiver is holding articles. In other
alternate embodiments, the auxiliary tray 230 can swivel out along
a pivoting axis. In yet other alternate embodiments, the auxiliary
tray 230 can be integrally formed with the base tray 220 or the
tray liner 240.
[0024] FIGS. 4-5 show yet another example embodiment of a tray
assembly 310 having an auxiliary tray 330. In this embodiment, the
tray assembly 310 includes a base tray 320, an auxiliary tray 330,
and an optional tray liner 340. The auxiliary tray 330 can comprise
a platform that clips or snaps onto a base tray 320. In particular,
as best seen in FIG. 4, the auxiliary tray 330 can be coupled to
the peripheral sides of the base tray 320 to ensure that the
auxiliary tray is positioned away from a child positioned in the
child support device 300 and substantially out of the child's
view.
[0025] Generally in use, a child is positioned in the seat of a
child support device according to any of the disclosed embodiments
of the present invention. The child may be fed by a caregiver or
feed himself from the tray. The caregiver may conceal articles out
of reach and/or sight of a child seated in the child support device
by positioning such articles on the auxiliary tray.
[0026] 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.
* * * * *