Child's Travel Tray
A device that is selectively interconnectable to a child's seat is provided. More specifically, the device is a travel tray that is adapted to selectively interconnect to a child safety seat, a stroller, a seat at a sports venue, or an airplane seat. The device may be constructed of compliant material that is adapted to receive and secure a plurality of cups and various other items with drink holders and pockets. Furthermore, the device may include a rigid area, wherein a child is provided with a location that is more stable in which to read, draw, or play.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/256,462, filed Mar. 20, 2006, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/698,776, filed Oct. 31, 2003, now abandoned, both applications being incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, such as a car safety seat or a stroller. One embodiment of the present invention includes one or more locations adapted to receive and secure a drink holder and may employ a reinforced area adapted for play or drawing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAutomobile child safety seats are required by law in many jurisdictions of the United States. That is, caretakers of young children are often mandated to restrain their child in government approved restraint seats while the child is seated in the automobile, thereby reducing the probability of injury to the child in the event of an accident. To increase safety, many public transportation systems accommodate child safety seats. Child safety seats provide a location for comfortably seating a child, a mechanism for securing the child therein, and locations wherein the child safety seat is attached to the interior of the automobile. Many jurisdictions also dictate that children be seated in the rear compartment of an automobile to further avoid serious injury to the child due to a collision or from airbag deployment, which are generally located in the front compartment of the automobile.
Since children are usually seated in the rear compartment of an automobile for protection, driver interaction with the child is practically impossible and often dangerous. Alternatively, if two people are in the car together, one often sits in the rear to tend to the child, making conversation between the two adults distracting and difficult. As most parents will appreciate, children tend to become bored without a sufficient amount of stimulation when driving on long car trips, which can lead to distraction of the driver of the automobile if the child becomes disruptive. Many automobiles employ entertainment devices to occupy children, such as DVD players, VCR players, and video games, either integrated into the ceiling or front seats of the automobile. Although these entertainment means provide children with sufficient stimulation during a trip, many parents either cannot afford an automobile that includes these amenities or do not wish their children to watch too much TV, for example. Thus, the child is left to his or her own devices during a long journey, which often leads to disruptive behavior.
Further during extended automobile trips and airline flights, children are in need of food or entertainment as well. Since airline practices generally dictate that during the flight passengers should be securely seat belted, feeding and interaction with the child is difficult. More specifically, the side-by-side seating arrangement of many aircraft renders child interaction difficult because the caretaker of the child must twist somewhat to face the child.
In addition, parents usually find interacting with their children difficult when using a stroller, because their main function is to push the stroller while performing everyday activities, such as grocery shopping. Thus, as described above, the child is potentially unstimulated.
Thus, there is a long felt need in the area of childcare to provide an apparatus that is adapted to selectively interface with a child's seat that allows the caretakers to perform their normal duties, while providing enough mental stimulation to the children in their care.
The following disclosure describes a device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child safety seat, a stroller, an airplane seat, or any seat adapted to receive a child, wherein pockets, holders and play areas are provided such that the child will have an increased ability to play, store a beverage, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is one aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child safety seat generally used in automobiles. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to selectively interconnect with a child safety seat through the use of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, “C”-channels, latches, etc. Preferably, one embodiment of the present invention is provided with hook and loop fasteners, wherein the caretaker interconnects, with glue for example, one side of the fastener to the child safety seat and wherein the other mating surface of the fastener is interconnected to the tray. Upon seating a child and strapping them in safely into the child safety seat, the caretaker simply drapes the tray over the child's legs, thereby providing an area for play and storage. The tray is secured to the child safety seat by selectively interconnecting the hook and loop material halves together on both sides. Alternatively, the tray of the present invention may be rigidly interconnected to one side of the safety seat via screws or bolts, wherein the other side is selectively interconnected thereto to provide a hinged interconnection scheme.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that is adapted to interface with other child seating devices such as an airplane seat, a stroller seat or a high chair. With respect to an airplane seat, it is envisioned that magnets or other selective interconnection devices be employed to interconnect the tray to the existing arms of airplane seats. Alternatively, the tray of the present invention may be supplied with sleeves that slide onto the two arms of the air seats that are generally located on all commercial aircraft, thereby providing a stable foundation for which to support the tray. With respect to a baby stroller, the same interconnection method described above may be used. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides the consumer with a hook and loop fastener system, wherein one side of the fastener is permanently secured to an existing baby stroller. It is another aspect of the present invention to include a plurality of pockets integrated into the tray to provide locations wherein toys, books, or other items, generally used with children, may be stored. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides at least two mesh pockets that are adapted to hold items such as crayons, markers, drawing paper, baby bottles, video games, diapers, etc. In addition, as will be described in greater detail below, the present invention also includes a reinforced area for play. The reinforced area of one embodiment is adapted to be used for drawing and may include a plurality of pen holders or pockets to hold drawing supplies.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a location for drawing. In one embodiment of the present invention, rigid material, such as plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, tin, etc., is selectively interconnected to a portion of the tray that rests generally over the child's lap, thereby providing an area for playing or drawing. In a related embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion is removable, such that the tray may be used in a plurality of situations, depending on the needs of the child.
Another embodiment of the invention integrates a wipe on/wipe off board into a portion of the tray that is positioned over the child's lap, which is repeatedly used with non-permanent markers, thereby reducing clutter in the automobile. In addition, games such as tic-tac toe, etch-a-sketch, road bingo, etc., may be employed on the lap portion of the tray to provide entertainment to a child. The tray may also include a magnetic surface or a surface with hook and loop fasteners that provide a location for selective interconnection of magnetized blocks or toys with hook and loop material thereon, for example.
Another related aspect of the present invention is that it be capable of displaying video images directly on the lap portion of the tray. More specifically, as DVD players and computer screens become thinner, it is envisioned that such a screen therefore be integrated into the tray such that the addition of a power cord and video feed cord may be integrated into the present invention, wherein a child's favorite movies, games, or educational computer programs would be displayed thereon. Alternatively, the tray may be adapted to receive a tablet type computer, wherein the power source and the video feed capabilities are included therein.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that may selectively secure a cup, can, plastic bottle, or other beverage storage device. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one drink holder. Preferably, the drink holders of the present invention are made of a mesh material. Alternatively, the drink holders are of a non-mesh material and are adapted to hold other items such as toys, crayons, tissues, pacifiers, snacks, etc.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is that it be constructed of cost effective materials. Preferably, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed from nylon, wherein the pockets and cup holders are sewn in one unit. Alternatively, other compliant materials, such as cloth, may be employed that provide an easily maintainable and repairable tray. One advantage of many compliant materials is their resistance to fluids, wherein spills may be contained on the tray. One embodiment of the present invention is hand or machine washable. In addition, a compliant tray is easily folded for storage. Alternatively, the present invention may be constructed, at least partly, from a rigid material to provide a more stable play location.
As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be easily scaled to any size or be constructed of any color material. In addition, it is envisioned that company logos, or brightly colored objects be integrated on the tray to provide additional visual stimulation to the child.
Thus it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a travel tray that selectively interconnects to a child safety seat comprising:
a surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat;
a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said left edge of said surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat;
a right fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; and
wherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to the child's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, and a play device when said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm and the right arm of the child's seat.
The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
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As shown, the pockets 4 are created of a mesh material to facilitate the location and viewing of the items contained therein. Alternatively, a solid pocket may be used, or the pocket may be omitted altogether. As seen more distinctly in
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Further, it is envisioned that the rigid panel 8 be either sewn into the compliant tray 2 or adapted to be selectively removed therefrom. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a pouch such that rigid material may be selectively interconnected thereto, thus providing a means to effectively clean the present invention, for example. A second alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a selectively interconnectable rigid panel 8. This embodiment of the present invention includes a fastening mechanism between the rigid panel 8 and compliant material halves, such that the rigid panel 8 may be separated from the compliant portions. This embodiment is envisioned to be used possibly with the previously mentioned embodiments that include touch screens or computer monitors, for example, wherein the compliant side panels are interconnected to the computer monitor and thus capable of being removed, cleaned or repaired.
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While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A portable tray adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, comprising:
- a surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat;
- a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said left edge of said surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat;
- a right fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; and
- wherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to the child's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, and a play device when said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm and the right arm of the child's seat.
2. The tray of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one drink holder that includes a substantially cylindrical side wall and a bottom surface, which is interconnected to said surface of said tray, wherein said bottom surface is generally parallel to said surface of said tray.
3. The tray of claim 1, further comprising:
- a left pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said left edge of said surface; and
- a right pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said left pocket and said right pocket are adapted to receive at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book, and a food item.
4. The tray of claim 1, wherein said substantially rigid panel is selectively interconnected to said surface.
5. The tray of claim 1, wherein said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism, are constructed of hook and loop fastening members.
6. The tray of claim 1, further comprising two drink holders, which include generally cylindrical side walls and bottom surfaces that are interconnected to said surface of said tray, wherein said bottom surfaces are generally parallel to said surface of said tray, and where said two drink holders are adapted to be positioned proximate to the outside of the child's legs when said surface is positioned over the child's legs;
- a left mesh pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said left edge of said surface; and
- a right mesh pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said left mesh pocket and said right mesh pocket are adapted to receive at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book and a food item.
7. A portable tray adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, comprising:
- a substantially compliant surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said substantially compliant surface is adapted to be placed over the lap of a seated child;
- a left fastening means interconnected to said left edge, wherein said left fastening means is adapted to selectively interconnect proximate to the left arm of the child's seat;
- a right fastening means interconnected to said right edge, wherein said right fastening means is adapted to selectively interconnect proximate to the right arm of the child's seat;
- at least one drink securing means that is generally cylindrical with a bottom surface, and which is interconnected to said substantially compliant surface, wherein access is gained through an aperture integrated into said substantially compliant surface; and
- at least one pocket that spans approximately from said external edge to said internal edge and positioned proximate to said left edge or said right edge, said at least one pocket adapted for at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book, and a food item.
8. The tray of claim 7, wherein said substantially compliant surface is constructed from at least one of a nylon, a cotton, a rubber, and a neoprene material.
9. The tray of claim 7, wherein said substantially compliant surface is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel.
10. The tray of claim 7, wherein said left fastening means and said right fastening means are constructed from at least one of a latch, a snap, a clasp, a latch, a “C”-channel, a magnet, a sleeve, and a hook and loop member.
11. A portable tray, adapted for selective engagement with a child's seat, comprising:
- a play surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said play surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat, said play surface also including a lip depending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge and said exterior edge, said lip generally prevents play items positioned on said play surface from sliding therefrom; and
- a strap interconnected to said play surface that is adapted to engage the child's seat.
12. The portable tray of claim 11, further comprising:
- a side panel extending from at least one of said left edge and said right edge.
13. The portable tray of claim 12, wherein said side panel includes a pocket.
14. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein said play surface is adapted to selectively receive a rigid panel.
15. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein said strap has a first end and a second end that are each interconnected to said interior edge and is selectively divided by a means for fastening.
16. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein at least one of said interior surface and said exterior surface is arcuate.
17. A play device adapted for selective interconnection to a child's safety seat, comprising:
- a play surface having a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge that is selectively positionable over the lap of a seated child;
- a left means for fastening interconnected adjacent to said left edge, said left means for fastening is adapted to selectively interconnect to the left side of the child's safety seat;
- a right means for fastening interconnected adjacent to said right edge, said right means for fastening is adapted to selectively interconnect to the right side of the child's safety seat;
- a lip extending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge, said interior edge and said exterior edge; and
- a side panel with a pocket extending from at least one of said left edge and said right edge.
18. The play device of claim 17, wherein said play surface is adapted to selectively receive a panel.
19. The play device of claim 18, wherein said panel is made of plastic.
20. The play device of claim 17, further comprising a strap interconnected to said play surface that is adapted to engage the child's safety seat.
21. The play device of claim 20, wherein said strap includes a means for selective interconnection.
22. A method of making a child's travel tray, comprising:
- providing a play surface with a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge;
- interconnecting a left means for fastening adjacent to said left edge;
- interconnecting a right means for fastening adjacent to said right edge;
- interconnecting a panel with a pocket to at least one of said left edge and said right edge; and
- interconnecting a lip to at least one of said left edge, said right edge, said interior edge and said exterior edge.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising selectively interconnecting a panel to said play surface.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said panel is made of plastic.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 13, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 8, 2007
Applicant: STARR PRODUCTS, LLC D/B/A STAR KIDS PRODUCTS (Denver, CO)
Inventor: Alyson Probst (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 11/531,367
International Classification: A47B 83/02 (20060101);