U.S. patent application number 15/419766 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for inflatable placemat.
The applicant listed for this patent is JS Temma LLC. Invention is credited to Brian Michael Cohen, Vivian Lo Cohen.
Application Number | 20170215610 15/419766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59386237 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170215610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Vivian Lo ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
INFLATABLE PLACEMAT
Abstract
This invention relates to an inflatable placemat that functions
as a portable sanitary eating area for infants, children or adults
with special needs. The inflatable placemat comprises a cavity for
food serving and can be secured to a tabletop or a non-porous
planar surface by suction cups or similar means. The inflatable
placemat further comprises a skirt that folds over the edge of the
tabletop for sanitary purposes and creates an additional layer of
protection between a user and the edge of a tabletop.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Vivian Lo; (Scotch
Plains, NJ) ; Cohen; Brian Michael; (Scotch Plains,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JS Temma LLC |
Scotch Plains |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59386237 |
Appl. No.: |
15/419766 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62289774 |
Feb 1, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0303 20130101;
A47G 19/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/10 20060101
A47G019/10; B65D 25/04 20060101 B65D025/04 |
Claims
1. An inflatable placemat, comprising: a compartment for holding
items; and a skirt attached to the inflatable placement, said skirt
foldable over an edge of a surface.
2. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of compartments.
3. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising a
perimeter edge having an attachment area to secure an object to the
inflatable placemat.
4. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising an
attachment device selected from the group consisting of a snap,
hook and loop fastener, adhesive and suction cup for securing the
inflatable placemat.
5. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the skirt is
inflatable.
6. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the compartment
provides an area for serving food.
7. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the inflatable
placemat is foldable after deflation.
8. The inflatable placemat of claim 3 wherein the attachment area
further comprises a reinforced opening to secure one or more
objects to the inflatable placemat.
9. An inflatable placemat, comprising: a compartment for holding
items; and an inflatable skirt attached to the inflatable
placement, said inflatable skirt foldable over an edge of a
surface.
10. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 wherein the inflatable skirt
further comprises a pleat.
11. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising a
plurality of compartments.
12. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising a
perimeter edge having an attachment area to secure an object to the
inflatable placemat.
13. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising an
attachment device selected from the group consisting of a snap,
hook and loop fastener, adhesive and a suction cap for securing the
inflatable placemat.
14. The inflatable placemat of claim 9, wherein the compartment
provides an area for serving food.
15. The inflatable placemat of claim 9, wherein the inflatable
placemat is foldable after deflation.
16. The inflatable placemat of claim 12 wherein the attachment area
further comprises a reinforced opening to secure one or more
objects to the inflatable placemat.
17. An inflatable placemat comprising: a plurality of compartments
for holding items; an inflatable skirt attached to the inflatable
placemat, said inflatable skirt foldable over an edge of a surface;
a perimeter edge having an attachment area comprising a reinforced
opening to secure one or more objects to the inflatable placemat;
and an attachment device to secure the inflatable placement.
18. The inflatable placemat of claim 17, wherein the inflatable
placemat is foldable after deflation.
19. The inflatable placemat of claim 17 wherein the inflatable
skirt further comprises at least one pleat.
20. The inflatable placemat of claim 17 wherein the attachment
device is selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and
loop fastener, adhesive and suction cup.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/289,774 filed on Feb. 1, 2016, the entire
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an
inflatable placemat that is suitable for use with children.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Placemats are often used to protect tabletops from
watermarks, food stains and/or heat damage during food consumption.
However, traditional placemats do not deter infants, small children
or individuals with special needs from manipulating the position of
a placemat on a tabletop such that they themselves and/or food
comes in direct contact with the tabletop and/or sides of the table
resulting in exposure to residual germs on these surfaces.
Therefore, a placemat that remains fixed is necessary.
[0004] A placemat covering edges of a table, i.e., a top, sides and
bottom of the table is critical to obtain a sanitary eating area.
Further, it has also been observed that young children and those
individuals with special needs can be very restless and can bump
their heads or other vulnerable parts of their body against the
sharp edges of the table or the table itself. Another potential
hazard results from children trying to chew on a table edge.
[0005] Accordingly, a placemat that covers the top surface and
edge(s) of a tabletop is needed. Additionally, the placemat must
have means to secure the placemat to the tabletop and also provide
protection to a child. Such an article may aid in providing a
sanitary environment, especially for children, infants and those
with special needs during food consumption. There are many
placemats available to consumers but none that provide a unique
solution to the aforementioned problems with a single placemat.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an inflatable
placemat that is portable and placed and secured on a tabletop or
any non-porous planar surface. Embodiments in accordance with the
present invention further provide an inflatable placemat comprising
a compartment for holding items and a skirt. The skirt is foldable
and can be used to cover an edge of a tabletop or non-porous planar
surface on which the inflatable placemat is placed. In a further
embodiment of the present invention, the skirt is inflatable. The
skirt may be inflatable concurrent with or separately inflatable to
the inflatable placemat.
[0007] Embodiments disclosed herein are further directed to a
plurality of suction cups enabling the securing of the inflatable
placemat to a non-porous planar surface or tabletop. The
embodiments of the present invention provide for additional
attachment areas in the form of reinforced holes enabling
attachment of external articles, such as toys.
[0008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are
directed to an inflatable placemat having at least one compartment
and a skirt placed over a surface, the inflatable placemat
comprising an attachment area to attach one or more objects to the
inflatable placemat and attachment means to attach the inflatable
placemat to a surface. The inflatable placemat further includes a
skirt that is foldable over an edge of a surface.
[0009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are
further directed to an inflatable placemat placed over a surface,
the inflatable placemat comprising at least one compartment, a
foldable skirt, an attachment area located on a perimeter edge of
the inflatable placemat to attach one or more objects to the
inflatable placemat and an attachment means comprising a suction
cup to secure the inflatable placemat to a surface. In addition,
the attachment means is not limited to a suction cup but can
comprise at least one snap, hook and loop fastener, adhesive,
suction cup or like means. The foldable skirt is designed to rest
on any surface and can be folded over the edge of a surface. After
use, the inflatable placemat can be deflated, folded and
stored.
[0010] Yet other embodiments in accordance with the present
invention are directed to an inflatable placemat placed over a
surface, the inflatable placemat comprising a compartment, a
foldable skirt, an attachment area including at least one
reinforced hole to which securing means are attached, and an
attachment means to secure the inflatable placemat to a surface.
The foldable skirt is foldable over an edge of the surface.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the skirt of
the inflatable placemat is inflatable so as to provide additional
support, cushioning and a layer of protection when folded over an
edge of a surface. In further embodiments of the present invention,
the surface of the inflatable skirt comprises at least one pleat to
assist and make it easier for a user to fold and/or bend the
inflatable skirt over the edge of a surface. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pleat is
parallel to the edge of a surface. However, in other embodiments of
the present invention, the at least one pleat may be configured on
the inflatable skirt in any manner to accommodate a variety of
surfaces and surface edges.
[0012] In another embodiment, the compartment of the inflatable
placemat provides a sanitary area for serving food.
[0013] In other embodiments of the present invention, the
inflatable placemat may also use Velcro instead of, or in addition
to, suction cups such that the placemat is secured to a tabletop or
any non-porous surface.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present
application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an
understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This
summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the
present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents
selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a
simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description
presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the
present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination,
one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other aspects of the embodiments disclosed
herein are best understood from the following detailed description
when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the
purpose of illustrating the embodiments disclosed herein, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it
being understood, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein
are not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed.
Included in the drawings are the following figures:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an inflatable placemat in
an inflated state with an inlet coupled with a stopper according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an inflatable placemat in a
deflated state according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate different views of the inflatable
placemat in an inflated state folded over an edge of a surface
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of the inflatable
placemat in an inflated state according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the inflatable placemat being secured to
a non-porous surface using a suction cup according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate different views of the inflatable
placemat in an inflated state with an elongated edge folded over
the edge of a tabletop and the inflatable placemat being secured to
both the tabletop and the tabletop edge using suction cups
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate the inflatable placemat in an
inflated state being secured to a tabletop using suction cups
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a bottom surface of the
inflatable placemat with suction cups attached according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a reinforced hole on at least one edge of
the inflatable placemat to enable attachment of toys and other
articles according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] While embodiments of the present invention are described
herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those
skilled in the art will recognize the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be
understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto
are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular
form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present invention is to
cover all modification, equivalents and alternatives falling within
the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
[0027] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the
description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the
word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the
potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning
must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes"
mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding,
like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to
designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide an inflatable
placemat that is placed on a tabletop or any non-porous planar
surface. The inflatable placemat includes an inflatable skirt that
can be folded over an edge of the tabletop, and one or more suction
cups on the bottom surface for securing the placement to the
tabletop. As used herein, the terms "surface" and "face" are
interchangeable.
[0029] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
[0030] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at
least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be
noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be
used interchangeably.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable placemat 100 in an inflated
state having a plurality of compartments 101. FIG. 1 also depicts
the inflatable placemat 100 wherein the skirt 102 is inflated and
foldable. Hereinafter, the skirt 102 can also be interchangeably
referred to as "the foldable skirt 102". The skirt 102 also
includes at least one pleat 103. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1, each of the at least one pleats 103 creates a tubular
shape. FIG. 1 depicts an inflatable placemat 100 having three
compartments 101. The inflatable placemat 100 of FIG. 1 further
includes four parallel pleats 103 on the skirt 102. In alternative
embodiments, the placement of the pleats 103 may create alternate
shapes, such as polygonal, conical, and so forth. The at least one
compartment 101 can be of varying sizes, shapes and colors and is
typically used for, but not limited to, serving food. The inflated
placemat is designed to be flexible and cover an edge of a tabletop
or a non-porous surface. Further, the inflated placemat 101
provides a cushioning effect when placed over the edge of a table
or like surface with the skirt 102 providing an added layer of
protection against any potential physical shock targeted at the
edge of a table top or like surface. The inflatable placemat 100
also includes an inlet 104 with a detachable stopper (not shown).
The inlet 104 may be placed at any location on the placemat 100.
The inflatable placemat 100 may be further inflated or deflated by
using any mechanical or electrical air pump that includes a nozzle
fitting the inlet 103.
[0032] Though, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the
compartments 101 are provided on a single face of the inflatable
placemat 100, in other embodiments, the compartments may be
provided on both faces of the inflatable placemat 100.
[0033] In some embodiments, the inflatable placemat 100 is secured
to a surface through at least one suction cup provided on a face of
the inflatable placemat 100 (not shown). The suction cups may be
placed anywhere on the inflatable placement including but not
limited to the perimeter edge 105 of the inflatable placemat 100 to
attach and secure the inflatable placemat 100 to the top of a
surface. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the
inflatable placemat 100 is folded over an edge of a surface, a
suction cup attached to the skirt 102 may be used to secure the
inflatable placemat 100 to the underside of the surface.
[0034] In some embodiments, the inflatable placemat 100 further
comprises an attachment area connected with a toy strap (not
shown). The attachment area may be provided on at least one edge
105 of the inflatable placemat 100. The attachment area may be in
the form of a reinforced hole to which the toy strap or any similar
article may be attached. The reinforced hole may be reinforced by
an additional plastic member to prevent detachment of the toy strap
from the inflatable placemat 100 due to any force applied on the
toy (not shown). Further, the attachment area provides additional
functionalities to the inflatable placemat 100 for a consumer who
may wish to decorate the inflatable placemat 100 or simply hold any
article.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an inflatable placemat 200 in a deflated
state having multiple compartments 201 and a skirt 202. The skirt
202 is configured to be foldable over an edge of a surface. The
inflatable placemat 200, when in an inflated state, takes the form
of the inflatable placemat 100. The inflatable placemat comprises
at least one compartment 201 for serving food. The at least one
compartment 201, being more visually pronounced when the inflatable
placemat 200 is inflated, can be of varying sizes, shapes and
colors. The skirt 202 comprises at least one pleat 203 so that the
skirt when inflated can be easily folded over the edge of a surface
without compromising or distorting the inflatable placemat. FIG. 2
illustrates horizontal pleats 203 creating tubular shapes which
adds to a cushioning effect against external impacts, thereby
improving an overall support and stability of the inflatable
placemat 200 on a tabletop or a non-porous surface. The inflatable
placement 200 also includes an inlet 204 with a detachable stopper
(not shown). The inlet 204 can be placed at any location on the
inflatable placemat 200. The inflatable placemat 200 can be
inflated by the injection of any fluid, such as air, pressurized
gas, and so forth, using any mechanical or electrical air pump
whose nozzle fits the inlet 204.
[0036] The skirt 202 is foldable over the edge of a surface. In
some embodiments, the inflatable placemat include attachment means
to secure the placemat 200 to a surface. Attachment means may be,
but not limited to, suction cups, Velcro straps and the like and
can be located anywhere on the inflatable placemat.
[0037] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate an inflatable placemat
300 in an inflated state being placed on a semi-transparent and
non-porous planar surface with an inflated skirt 302, having
multiple pleats 303 being folded over the edge of the planar
surface.
[0038] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict top perspective views of the
inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated state, with the compartments
301, the inflatable skirt 302, and skirt pleats 303 being more
pronounced.
[0039] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show the inflatable placemat 300 in an
inflated state placed on a table 305, with an inflated skirt 302
having at least one pleat 303 folded over the edge of the table
305. The inflatable placemat 300 includes at least one compartment
301. The arrangement of the pleats 303, as shown in FIG. 3C, create
several tubular shapes. When the inflatable placemat 300 is
inflated, the pleats 303 can be arranged to create the shape of any
three-dimensional shape that adds to a cushioning effect against
external impacts and improve overall stability to the inflatable
placemat. The inflatable placemat 300 can be inflated by the
injection of fluid, such as air, pressurized gas, and so forth.
[0040] FIG. 3D shows the inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated
state with the inflatable skirt 302 having a plurality of pleats
303 folded over the edge of a table 305. The arrangement of the
pleats 303 creates a tubular shape. The inflatable placemat 300
further includes an inlet 304 with a detachable stopper (not
shown). The inflatable placemat 300 can be inflated by the
injection of any fluid, such as air, pressurized gas, and so forth,
using any mechanical or electrical air pump whose nozzle fits the
inlet 304.
[0041] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an inflatable placemat 400 in an
inflatable state being secured to a tabletop 406 using at least one
suction cup 404. The inflatable placemat 400 may be similar to any
of the inflatable placemats illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3A. FIGS. 4A
and 4B illustrate an inflatable placemat 400 having at least one
compartment 401 and an inflatable skirt 402. FIGS. 4A and 4B show
the inflatable placemat 400 being placed on a table 406 with the
inflatable skirt 402 folded over the edge of the tabletop 406. The
inflatable skirt 402 comprises at least one pleat 403 resulting in
a tubular shape on the inflatable skirt. The pleats 403 may be
arranged in alternative configurations resulting in various shapes
on the placemat 400. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a suction cup 404
placed along each perimeter edge 405 of the inflatable placemat 400
which are pressed against the tabletop 406. The perimeter edges 405
may be non-inflatable. Therefore, the perimeter edges 405 are
depicted as flat members in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Further, the perimeter
edges 405 may also provide additional sealing to the inflatable
placemat 400 to prevent escape of injected fluid, gas and/or
air.
[0042] In some embodiments, at least one suction cup 404 may be
placed anywhere on the inflatable placement, including but not
limited to the inflatable skirt 402. In yet other embodiments, at
least one suction cup 404 may be placed in any suitable
configuration that secures the inflatable placemat 400 to the
tabletop 406 in a robust manner. Additional suction cups may be
placed in a suitable configuration under the inflatable skirt 402
to secure the inflatable skirt 402 to the edge of the tabletop 406.
In some embodiments, the skirt 402 may be folded along the edge of
the tabletop 406 such that the suction cups 404 secure the skirt
402 to the underside of the tabletop 406.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a suction cup 501 attached to a perimeter
edge 502 of an inflatable placemat 500. The inflatable placemat 500
may be similar to any of the inflatable placemats illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 3A and 4A. The suction cup 501 secures the inflatable
placemat 500 to a surface 503. In some embodiments, the surface 503
may be planar and non-porous.
[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 5, one or more such suction cups 501 are placed along the
perimeter edges 502 of the inflatable placemat 500. The inflatable
placemat 500 is secured to a tabletop 503 by pressing the suction
cups 501 against the tabletop 503. The inflatable placemat 500 is
secured not only along the perimeter edges 502 of the inflatable
placemat 500, as shown in FIG. 5, but also along an elongated edge
(not shown) that covers the edge of the table 503. This ensures
that any attempt to move the inflatable placemat would require an
effort beyond the scope of a child or an infant. This is to prevent
any child or infant to tamper with the inflatable placemat.
[0045] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D illustrate an inflatable placemat
600 in an inflated state with an inflated a skirt 602 having a
plurality of pleats 603 that covers an edge 607 of a table 606. The
inflatable placemat 600 may be similar to any of the inflatable
placemats illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3A, 4A and 5. FIG. 6A illustrates
an inflatable placemat 600 secured to both the top 608 and edge 607
of the table 606, by suction cups 605 attached thereto.
[0046] FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate perspective views of the
inflatable placemat 600 in an inflated state secured to a to a
table 606 with suction cups 605, with the inflatable skirt 602
having a plurality of pleats 603, secured to the edge 607 of the
table 606.
[0047] In an embodiment, the inflatable placemat 600 having at
least one compartment 601 can also be secured on the table 606 by
at least one suction cup 605.
[0048] FIG. 6E shows another perspective view of the inflatable
placemat 600 in an inflated state, having at least one compartment
601 and an inflatable skirt 602 having a plurality of pleats 603
being secured to the table 606 using corresponding suction cups
605. The inflatable placemat 600 is secured to the top 608 and the
edge 607 using multiple suction cups 602 placed along at least one
perimeter edge of the inflatable placemat 600. The inflatable
placemat further includes at least one compartment 601 for the
purpose of serving food, with the inflatable skirt 602 including a
plurality of pleats 603, folded to cover the edge 607 of the table
606. The inflatable placement in an inflated state provides a
cushioning effect against any potential physical shock targeted at
the edge 607. A child or infant is offered additional protection
against injuries due to accidental bumps against the edge 607 of
the table 606. The at least one compartment 601 provides for a
sanitary eating area. The invention can encompass different
configurations of compartments 601 providing different options to
consumers. The at least one compartment 601 of the placemat 600 may
be of varying shapes, sizes, numbers or colors, the function of
which includes, but is not limited to, the serving of food. Such
variety in configurations of the at least one compartment 601 may
contribute to the appeal of the product among children or infants
who constitute a majority of potential users.
[0049] FIG. 7A depicts a side view of an inflatable placemat 700 in
an inflated state placed on a non-porous planar surface 705 with
the perimeter edge 704 of the inflatable placemat 700 being secured
to the surface of the table 705 by at least one suction cup 701.
FIG. 7B shows another side view of the inflatable placemat 700 in
an inflated state, secured to the non-porous planar surface 705 by
at least one suction cup 701. The inflatable placemat 700 further
includes an attachment area 702 connected with a toy strap 703. The
attachment area 702 may be provided on at least one edge 704 of the
inflatable placemat 700. In some embodiments, the attachment area
702 is in the form of a reinforced hole to which the toy strap 703
or any similar article may be attached. The reinforced hole may be
reinforced by an additional plastic member to prevent detachment of
the toy strap 703 from the inflatable placemat 700 due to any force
applied on the toy (not shown). Further, the attachment area 702
provides additional functionalities to the inflatable placemat 700
for a consumer who may wish to decorate the inflatable placemat 700
or simply hold any article.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable
placemat 700 is designed to be portable. After use, the inflatable
placemat can be deflated and easily folded into a travel bag or any
suitable container for ease of travel and storage. Facilities to
attach toys, toy straps or similar articles add further to the
appeal of the inflatable placemat 700 to children or infants and
may also be useful in the prevention of misplacing toys.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, cutlery, for
the purpose of consuming food, may also be attached to the
attachment area 702 via the straps 703. Articles that can be
attached to the attachment area 702 are not limited to toys and
cutlery alone. The attachment area 702 may also use Velcro, an
adhesive or any other fixing mechanism to attach articles.
[0052] FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the inflatable placemat
700 being secured to a non-porous planar surface by suction cups
701. The suction cups 701 are placed on opposite edges 704 of the
inflatable placemat 701.
[0053] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a bottom surface of an inflatable
placemat 800 with multiple suction cups 801. In the illustrated
embodiment, three such suction cups 801 are provided on an edge 802
of the inflatable placemat 800 for securing the inflatable placemat
800 to both the top and edge of a table. The suction cups 801 are
generally made of a flexible material with a curved surface. When
each suction cup 801 is pressed against a non-porous planar
surface, the volume between the suction cup 801 and the planar
surface is reduced causing any residual fluid to be driven out. A
pressure difference develops between the inside and outside of the
suction cup 801, securing the suction cup 801 to the planar
surface. Once external pressure on the suction cup 801 is removed,
the suction cup 801 retains its original curved shape. So long as a
pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the
suction cup 801 is maintained, the inflatable placemat 800 is
secured to the non-porous planar surface. This is a mechanism that
deters children from tampering with the position of the inflatable
placemat 800 on a tabletop or any non-porous planar surface.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates an inflatable placemat 900 comprising an
attachment area 901. The attachment area 901 may be located on an
edge 904 of the inflatable placemat 900. In the illustrated
embodiment, the attachment area 901 includes a reinforced hole 905
to which a strap 902 is attached. The strap 902 may include one or
more subdivisions coupled through one or more securing means 906.
In some embodiments, the one or more securing means 906 may be, but
not limited to, button fasteners, Velcro and so forth. The securing
means 906 may secure the strap 902 to the attachment area 901 and
an article, such as a toy.
[0055] The reinforced hole 905 may be reinforced by at least one
reinforcing member 908 to prevent detachment of the strap 902 from
the inflatable placemat 900. The at least one reinforcing member
908 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. Further,
the reinforced hole 905 is depicted as having a circular shape.
However, in other embodiments, the reinforced hole 905 may have any
other shape, for example, but not limited to, elliptical,
polygonal, and so forth. This provides additional facilities to the
inflatable placemat 900 for a consumer who may wish to decorate the
inflatable placemat 900 or simply hold any article with the aid of
the inflatable placemat 900. The inflatable placemat 900 is
designed to be portable by deflating the same and packing it into a
bag or container for the purpose of travel and storage. Facilities
to attach toys or toy straps add further to the appeal of the
inflatable placemat 900 to children or infants and may also be
useful in the prevention of misplacing toys. Further, cutlery, for
the purpose of consuming food, may also be attached to the
attachment area 901, via straps 902 or like means. Articles that
can be attached to the straps 902 are not limited to toys and
cutlery alone. In addition, the attachment area 901 may
additionally or alternatively include Velcro, an adhesive or any
suitable fixing mechanism to attach the strap 902 to the inflatable
placemat 900. The strap 902 may similarly include Velcro, an
adhesive or any suitable fixing mechanism for attachment with the
articles. FIG. 9 further shows a toy 903 being attached to the
strap 902.
[0056] The invention is not exclusive to the description of
embodiments above. Other related embodiments may be derived in
accordance with the principles of the invention described above.
Changes within the scope of current invention may be implemented by
people skilled in the art.
[0057] Suction cups may be additionally supported by Velcro straps
in order to better secure the placemat to a tabletop or a
non-porous planar surface. Additionally, the fluid inlet with a
stopper can be placed anywhere on the placemat. The inflatable
placemat as described by various embodiments of the invention in
the preceding paragraphs can be deflated and packed into a bag or a
container, thereby facilitating its portability. The inflatable
placemat can be inflated by the injection of a fluid by any
mechanical or electrical pumps that have nozzles fitting the fluid
inlet. The fluid used can be air, pressurized gas or any viscous
liquid. However, air or pressurized gas would be preferred since
air-inflatable placemats described according to various embodiments
of the present invention are lighter than when filled with
non-gaseous fluids. Lighter inflatable placemats are more
beneficial to the target consumer group which comprises of children
or infants and aids in portability. Accordingly, the placemat can
be manufactured with any plastic material commercially used in
inflatable products. Further, the inflatable placemat may be made
of a non-toxic and food grade material that can be safely used for
serving food. Moreover, the material may be easily cleaned.
[0058] The placemat is not limited to rectangular shapes and can be
manufactured in any shape or size. Appeal to children or infants,
is enhanced with the offering of the present invention in a variety
of colors to choose from.
[0059] The exemplary embodiments of this present invention have
been described in relation to placemats. However, to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the preceding
description omits a number of known structures and devices. This
omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the
present invention. Specific details are set forth by use of the
embodiments to provide an understanding of the present invention.
It should however be appreciated that the present invention may be
practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific embodiments set
forth herein.
[0060] A number of variations and modifications of the present
invention can be used. It would be possible to provide for some
features of the present invention without providing others.
[0061] The present invention, in various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and
described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations,
and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how
to make and use the present invention after understanding the
present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects
hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been
used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0062] The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms
disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for
example, various features of the present invention are grouped
together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for
the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the
embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in
alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration,
or aspect.
[0063] Moreover, though the description of the present invention
has included the description of one or more embodiments,
configurations, or aspects and certain variations and
modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications
are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be
within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after
understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain
rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or
aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
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