ACTIVITY KIT WITH TETHERABLE COMPONENTS

Abstract

An activity kit with tetherable components includes a foldable case movable between a closed position and an open position. The case is devised for use by a child during transit in a vehicle. An interior surface is presentable for use when the case is moved to the open position. Writing implements are releasably secured to the interior surface and may be unsecured for use. A tether connects each writing implement to the case whereby each writing implement may be retrieved if dropped during transit. A child may, therefore, engage in written and drawing activities in a vehicle without losing use of writing implements, even when the writing implements are dropped.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of compactable, foldable, and self-contained activity kits for children are known in the art. However, use while traveling presents problems where the child is confined to a child safety seat: When the child drops an implement or component of the kit, the implement or component is often irretrievable without stopping the vehicle and retrieving the implement or component for the child. Many a parent is familiar with the attendant outcry if the implement or component is not retrieved.

Prior to 1979, there were no laws in the United States requiring use of car seats for children. Children were, for all intents and purposes, free to roam around inside a vehicle. In 1979, Tennessee became the first State to adopt a car seat law that required securing the child in a specially designed car seat, sized and suited to the child's physique, to protect the child from collisions or traffic accidents.

By 1985, all States had adopted car seat laws. Yet, 80% of children were still not using them in transit. Play during long trips, therefore, was not confined to a particular area in a vehicle, and children were able retrieve items dropped during use in the vehicle while freely moving about the vehicle interior.

However, in reaction to unnecessary fatalities, no doubt, specifications for car seats have increased and become more stringent over the years. In the present day, children under eight years of age must be properly restrained in an automobile with a separate restraint system or booster seat designed to properly accommodate their size and stature. As a result, children are limited in their range of motion—if a child drops a writing implement, for example, during transit, the implement may be irretrievable until the vehicle is stopped. This can be frustrating for parents, who often provide their children with booklets and activities during long trips. Stopping the vehicle to retrieve the item on behalf of the child is time consuming and inconvenient. Worse, attempts by a parent to retrieve the item while operating the vehicle can be extremely dangerous.

The present invention, therefore, addresses this issue by providing an activity kit with tetherable components: writing implements that are storable and usable in transit while remaining tethered to the activity kit. If a child drops the writing implement, the implement is retrievable by the child at the end of the tether.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to travel kits and activity kits, and, more particularly, to an activity kit with tetherable components that presents storage capacity and includes interior and exterior surfaces upon which to interact with booklets and writable surfaces whereon a child may draw, color, or otherwise create and interact with content during travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised to assist children perform activities while traveling in a vehicle. The present activity kit with tetherable components maintains access to media and associated writing and coloring implements for drawing, coloring, and/or writing. The activity kit with tetherable components enables a child to retrieve a dropped implement without having to move from his or her seat, wherein he or she is subject to restraint while in transit.

The present activity kit with tetherable components presents a compact, portable profile, and has been devised to contain writing and/or coloring implements tethered to a case. The case is foldable and has an interior surface and an exterior surface which are orientable between an open position and a closed position. In an example embodiment contemplated herein, the case is foldable in half whereby the exterior surface is bisected by a spine. The case may be configured to unfold through approximately three-hundred-and-sixty degrees, whereby the interior surface is positional exteriorly in the open position and the exterior surface is positional interiorly. When moved to the open position, the interior surface is accessible and is presented as a work surface upon which a child may conduct activities, as exemplified herein below, and the exterior surface is folded against itself.

A pocket is disposed within the interior surface, said pocket disposed to slidingly receive and secure an activity booklet therein. The activity booklet may be a coloring book, or a pad of paper, or other book, magazine, publication, or interactive medium (such as a smart tablet, for example) presenting a plurality of leaves or pages upon which activities may be performed or a surface or screen with which to interact. The activity booklet is enclosed within the case when the case is moved to the closed position.

In an example embodiment contemplated herein, at least one receptacle is disposed upon the interior surface in spatial relation proximal to the pocket and, when present, the activity booklet or smart tablet therein positioned. This at least one receptacle is configured to releasably receive a portion of a writing implement whereby the writing implement is securable to the interior surface of the case when inserted into the receptacle. In an example embodiment contemplated herein, the at least one receptacle is configured to engage an associated writing implement endwise—that is, the writing implement is inserted into the receptacle along a longitudinal axis whereby an end of the writing implement is housed interior to the receptacle. However, other types of receptacles are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure such as, for example, clips or ties that engage against at least a portion of the writing implement to releasably secure the implement in close contact with the interior surface of the case.

At least one tether, having a first end and a second end, is releasably connectable to the interior surface and, also, releasably connectable to the writing implement at some portion thereof. A plurality of tethers is contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, by which a plurality or writing implements may be secured to the case.

The at least one tether may be threaded through at least one aperture in the case, whereby the tether's two ends are freely disposed for connection to writing implements, for example. In another example embodiment contemplated herein, the tether may be connected or connectable to the case by one of the tether's ends, and then connectable to the writing implement at its other end. In another example embodiment contemplated herein, the tether may be intermittently connected across the interior surface presenting loops to which or through which writing implements may be releasably secured. In another example embodiment, a combination of the aforementioned arrangements and configurations of the at least one tether is contemplated.

The at least one tether is contemplated to be an elongate string, strip, ribbon, or elasticated member, or other elongate nonrigid member, enabling uninhibited use of the writing implement within a range of the case described by a radius extending the length of the tether disposed between the writing implement and the case. Thus, should a child drop the writing implement, the implement may be readily retrieved by means of the tether.

In at least one embodiment contemplated herein, a writable surface may be disposed upon the exterior surface of the case. In an example embodiment herein disclosed, the writable surface upon the exterior surface may comprise a dry erase surface whereon a child may mark or draw and erase the markings or drawings for reuse. In an example embodiment contemplated herein, a soft, raised perimeter may be disposed surrounding the writable surface upon the exterior surface of the case to serve as a padding or wrist rest when the case is positioned upon the child's lap in the closed position with the writable surface disposed uppermost.

Thus, has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present activity kit with tetherable components so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Objects of the present activity kit with tetherable components, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the activity kit with tetherable components, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures

FIG. 1 is a diagonal elevation view of the case in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the case exterior surface when the case is in an open position.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the case interior surface when the case is in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the case in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the case in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the case in an open position with a first portion folded over a second portion.

FIG. 7 is a diagonal elevation view of the case in the open position to show a pocket member disposed upon an interior surface of a second portion of the case.

FIG. 8 is a diagonal elevation view of the case with an activity booklet inserted into the pocket member.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the case in an open position with writable implements ready for use.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of an end of a tether disposed with a collar member engaged around a writable implement.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the tether with a plurality of writable elements secured thereto.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the tether with a plurality of writable elements secured thereto.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the tether with a plurality of writable elements secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the activity kit with tetherable components, designated by the number 10, is shown in the accompanying Figures. These drawings are set forth to exemplify features of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Additional and other embodiments are contemplated as within scope of the present invention; the form and arrangement of fundamental features and parts set forth herein defined and controlled by the accompanying claims.

Discussing now the drawings in example embodiment, FIG. 1 is a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment of the activity kit 10 in closed position. The kit includes a case 20 that has an exterior surface 22 and an interior surface 24. Case 20 includes first portion 26 and second portion 28 foldably articulated by means of spine 30. A writable surface 50 is disposed on exterior surface 22 of first portion 26. In this example embodiment, the writable surface 50 is contemplated to be a dry erase surface, however other writable surfaces are contemplated as within scope of the invention, including other erasable surfaces (such as slate, for example, or magnetic erasable containers) or touchscreen surfaces for example. Case 20 is foldable between an open position and a closed position and is portable by means of handle 32 attached to exterior surface 22 proximal spine 30. Case 20 may be securable in the closed position by means of fastener 34 disposed proximal lower edge 36 of first portion 26.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of case 20 in an open position, with first portion 26 extended from second portion 28. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 6, case 20 may be inverted inside out, whereby first portion 26 opens through approximately 360° to contact second portion 28 and present interior surface 24 outermost. In this example embodiment, case 20 is securable in the closed position by means of loop member 38 engaging against fastener 34. However, additional and other means of securing the case in the closed position are contemplated as within scope of the invention, including, for example, hook and loop, snaps, buttons, clips, ties, magnets, and other means of selectively fastening first portion 26 to second portion 28 at lower edge 36.

FIG. 3 shows interior surface 24 of case 20 when first portion 26 is opened away from contact with second portion 28. Interior surface 24 may include a pocket member 40 (see, e.g. FIG. 7) into which activity booklet 100 may insertibly engage. Activity booklet 100 is here shown in example embodiment as a ring-bound pad of paper upon which a user may draw or write, however additional and other activity booklets are contemplated within scope of the invention, including, for example, coloring books, learning books, books, magazines, print media, games, or smart tablets securable in position by means of a cover member or other attachable planar portion inserting into pocket member 40.

Writing implements 42 are securable to the interior surface 24 of the second portion 28 by means of receptacles 44 disposed adjacently proximal the pocket member 40. In this example embodiment, receptacles 44 are configured to releasably receive a portion of writing implement 42 whereby said writing implement 42 is secured to the interior surface 24 of the case 20. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, receptacles 44 are configured to releasably engage writing ends of dry erase markers 42. A user may, therefore, retract markers 42 from receptacles 44 to write or draw upon activity booklet 100. It should be noted that the term “writing implement,” as used herein throughout, should be taken to include handheld styluses and other implements usable to interact with a medium, be it digital (as in the case of a smart tablet or surface, say) or analogue (as a piece of paper, slate, or dry erase surface, for example).

In this example embodiment depicted, tether 46 is releasably securable to second end of markers 42, whereby markers 42 are retrievable by a user holding the case 20 if the markers 42 are dropped during use when not secured in receptacles 44. In the example embodiment shown, tethers 46 are releasably attachable to markers by elasticated sections 48. Other means of attaching to writing implements are contemplated as within scope of this invention, however, including for example, hook and loop fasteners or releasable adhesive members or fictively engageable collars (such as manufactured from silicone or other polymer, for example), or other means of selectively attaching ends of tether 46 to at least a portion of writing implement 42.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of an example embodiment of case 20 secured in the closed position by means of fastener 34. First portion 26 is folded overtop of second portion 28 whereby interior surface 24 is enclosed and exterior surface 22 is disposed outermost. FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment side elevation view of case in the open position, with first portion extended our from second portion after first portion has been moved through approximately 180°.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of an example embodiment of case 20 secured in the open position with first portion 26 folded over such that the exterior surface 22 of each of the first and second portions 26, 28 are brought into contact proximal lower edge 36. In some embodiments, fastener 34 may include magnetic properties whereby case 20 is securable in the open position by means of magnetic attraction between fastener 34 and a corresponding section of second portion 28. Additionally, other means of releasable attachment may secure case 20 in the open position when exterior surface 22 of first and second portions 26, 28 is brought in contact proximal lower edge 36, such as, for example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, clips, ties, and other means of effectuating temporary attachment between the first and second portions 26, 28 when in the open position.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of pocket member 40 disposed upon interior surface 24 of second portion 28. In the example embodiment depicted, pocket member 24 is sized to receive the cover or backing of activity booklet 100. Pocket member 40 may be sized appropriately to slidingly receive a portion, backing, planar extension, cover, or case, or other leaf, of a smart tablet, for example, or other activity booklet or interactive apparatus such as a coloring book, workbook, or study book, whether print or digital media. Holes 60 shown in interior surface 24 proximal spine 30 are rendered for hosting tether 46 therethrough for connection with writing implements 42.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of case 20 with activity booklet 100 inserted and securely supported by pocket member 40. When case 20 is in the open position, activity booklet 100 is therefore accessible. When case 20 is open with exterior surface 22 of first and second portions 26, 28 in contact, as shown, case 20 presents a thickness which, when case 20 is positioned upon a user's lap, may present activity booklet 100 in a more convenient position for writing or drawing upon or otherwise interacting with. Similarly, when case 20 is in the closed position, the writable surface 50 disposed upon first portion 26 exterior surface 22 may likewise be presented in a more convenient height above a user's lap for the user to work upon.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment showing writable implements 42 removed from receptacles 44. In this example embodiment, receptacles 44 serve as either housings for the writing implements' caps (to enclose nibs) or as the caps themselves. Tether 46 is shown threaded through holes 60 to present ends for releasable engagement with at least a portion of writing implements 42. FIG. 10 illustrates a detail view of an example embodiment of an end of tether 46 shown in FIG. 9. Collar 48 is disposed to releasably engage around writing implement 42 circumference and thus secure writing implement 42 endwise to tether 46 whereby writing implement 42 is retrievable if dropped in use by user.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of an alternative embodiment of tether 46. In this example embodiment, tether 46 is disposed horizontally upon interior surface 24 of case 20. Writing implements 42 have hoop members 62 endwise disposed thereupon. Each writing implement 42 is thereby secured to tether 46 and may be uncapped for use. When the writing implement 42 is returned to its end cap, it remains secured to tether 46 and, therefore, portably engaged to the interior surface 24 of case 20.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment similar to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 11. In this example embodiment, however, writing implement 42 has hoop member disposed at the end opposite the nib. This, the writing implement is maintained connected to tether 46 in use. Tether 46 may therefore be elasticated or spooled or extendible to accommodate use of the writing implement 42 within limited range of interior surface 24 while writing implement 42 is attached to tether 46

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative example embodiment of tether 46. In this example embodiment, tether 46 is intermittently attached to interior surface 24, either horizontally or vertically upon interior surface 42, creating sections of tether 46 to which writing implements 42 may be selectively attached. In this example embodiment shown, tether 46 presents a width to which writing implements 42 may clip when slotted between each point where tether 46 is attached to the interior surface 24. Writing implements are therefore storable in case 20 in this example embodiment but may be used uninhibited (and without tether 46 attached).

Embodiments are contemplated that include combinations of all of the example embodiments disclosed in a single embodiment. Embodiments are contemplated in variation of the example embodiments disclosed, wherein variation is within the scope implied by the claims.

Claims

1. An activity kit with tetherable components comprising: wherein the foldable case folds to enclose the activity booklet and writing implement.

a portable, foldable case having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said foldable case foldable between an open position and a closed position;

a pocket disposed within the interior surface, said pocket disposed to slidingly receive an activity booklet;

at least one tether having a first end and a second end, said at least one tether releasably connectable to the interior surface and releasably connectable to a writing implement at or before the first end and at or before the second end; and

a writable surface disposed upon the exterior surface;

2. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 1 writable surface is an erasable surface selected from the group consisting of:

a dry erase surface, a slate, a magnetic erasable container, a touchscreen.

3. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 2 further comprising at least one receptacle disposed upon the interior surface proximal the pocket, said at least one receptacle configured to releasably receive a portion of the writing implement whereby said writing implement is secured to the interior surface of the case.

4. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 3 further comprising at least one fastener whereby the case is securable in a closed position.

5. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 4 wherein the case folds in half and the exterior surface is bisected by a spine.

6. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 5 further comprising at least one handle disposed upon the exterior surface or the spine.

7. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 6 further comprising a soft, raised perimeter disposed surrounding the writable surface upon the exterior surface.

8. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 7 wherein the case is configured to unfold through approximately three-hundred-and-sixty degrees whereby the interior surface is positional exteriorly in the open position.

9. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 8 wherein the case is securable in the open position by means a releasably attachable fastener disposed to interconnect when the case is moved to the open position.

10. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 9 wherein the releasably attachable fastener is selected from the group consisting of:

hook and loop, snaps, buttons, magnets, and ties.

11. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 1 further comprising an attachable collar disposed at the second end of the at least one tether, said attachable collar fastenable around a portion the writing implement.

12. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 1 wherein the tether is disposed horizontally or vertically across the interior surface of the case and intermittently fastened to the interior surface at at least two points whereby the at least one writing implement is attachable by clipping onto sections of the tether between the at least two points of attachment.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 11 wherein the writable surface is an erasable surface selected from the group consisting of:

a dry erase surface, a slate, a magnetic erasable container, a touchscreen.

16. The activity kit with tetherable components of claim 12 wherein the writable surface is an erasable surface selected from the group consisting of:

a dry erase surface, a slate, a magnetic erasable container, a touchscreen.