CHILD SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A child support device, such as a high chair, having a tray base, an entertainment component thereon, and an optional tray liner. The device allows a child to be entertained, stimulated, and/or distracted during feeding times. The device further allows a child to clean food from his hands while engaging the entertaining component. For example, the entertainment component can function as a squeegee. The entertainment component can also prevent a child from dragging food into his lap from the tray.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/152,845 filed Apr. 25, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/180,109 filed Jun. 16, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/215,943 filed Sep. 9, 2015, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children's products, and more particularly to a child support device having a tray.

BACKGROUND

Conventional high chairs and other child supporting devices include a generally elevated flat surface or tray on which food and beverages can be placed. In some applications, a detachable container or secondary tray is placed on a base tray to provide a removable surface that can be separated from the base tray. In such applications, the removable surface can be removed from the base tray for purposes of cleaning or for preparing food away from the child. However, it is widely known that caregivers have difficulties feeding fussy and/or fidgeting children, and conventional high chairs and high chair trays are typically not equipped with entertainment features for keeping a child entertained and focused while seated in such a chair. In fact, conventional toys can be easily knocked or thrown from a tray, and the toys are typically not configured to be easily cleaned when food or beverage product has been applied to them. Moreover, feeding a child seated in a conventional high chair can be a very messy process and such a child is often left with hands covered in food and beverage, which is then transferred to clothes, furniture, the floor, etc.

Thus, a need exists for a child supporting device and tray that includes entertainment features for holding a child's interest when seated therein to distract the child from the feeding process and/or prevent him from fidgeting. Needs further exist for entertainment features that are appropriately sized to hold a child's attention without disrupting the feeding process. Additional needs exist for entertainment features that augment the feeding process. Still further needs also exists for a removable entertainment feature or component that can be easily cleaned, and for an entertainment component that is adapted to be removably coupled to a tray or infant support.

It is to the provision of these needs, among many others, that the embodiments of the present invention are directed.

SUMMARY

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.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a child support device comprising a child receiving receptacle configured to receive a child therein and a tray proximal the child receiving, wherein the tray includes a first region that forms a support surface for receiving articles thereon and a second region that includes at least one entertainment component configured to remove food particles from a hand of the child when the child engages the entertainment component.

In another aspect, of the invention, the present invention relates to a feeding tray for a child having a substantially flat platform with a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region having an upper surface and at least one projection extending from the upper surface, and a distal region configured to receive a child feeding article thereon, wherein the at least one projection is configured to remove food particles from a child seated in the child support device.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a child support device for a child and having a child feeding tray removably coupled thereto, the child feeding tray comprising a substantially planar surface having a shallow recess configured to receive food for a child thereon, and a liner that at least partially fits over and receives the substantially planar surface, the liner having a shallow recess and at least one entertainment component coupled to the liner and positioned between the child receptacle and the shallow recess, wherein when the child manually manipulates the entertainment component, food particles that have accumulated on the child are transferred to the entertainment component.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 2 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 1 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example child support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 4 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 4, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another example child support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 7 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 7, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example child support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 10 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 10, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example child support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 13 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 13, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example child support device with a tray assembly mounted thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of just the tray assembly of FIG. 16 shown detached from the child support device.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 16, showing use by an occupant of the child support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-18 illustrate several example embodiments of a child support device and tray assembly for use with a child support device. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 depict a child support device 100 and tray assembly 110 mounted thereto. In depicted embodiments, the child support device 100 is a high chair, but could be a stroller, bouncer, jumper, entertainer, rocker, booster seat, or other child support device as desired. The child support device 100 includes a child receptacle (e.g., a seat) 102 for receiving a child therein, which is supported by a frame 104. The tray assembly 110 is coupled to the child support device 100 via a conventional engagement mechanism such as clips, buckles, snaps, latches, straps, or any other known conventional fastener. The tray assembly 110 is generally rectangularly shaped in this embodiment, but alternate embodiments can be other shapes, including a kidney shape, a fan shape, an ovoid shape, or any other shape as desired by a user.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the tray assembly 110 comprises a base tray 120 and an entertainment component 130. Optionally, the tray assembly 110 can also include a tray liner 140 adapted to interface with and fit over the base tray 120. For example, in this particular embodiment the tray liner 140 includes a peripheral lip portion 142 which fits over and removably couples with a corresponding peripheral lip portion of the base tray. In commercial embodiments, the optional tray liner 140 is frictionally coupled to the base tray 120, but can alternatively be coupled with known fasteners. In still other embodiments, the base tray could nest via any other conventional retaining mechanism, and/or the tray liner could nest within the base tray as desired.

The base tray 120 and tray liner 140 are preferably made from a polymer material (plastics) such as, but not limited to, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof, which will not deform or significantly degrade under temperature and dampness conditions typically found in a conventional household or commercial automatic dishwashing machine, typically around 200 degrees F. In other embodiments, these tray components can be made of wood or metal, or any substantially rigid material suitable for use in a children's product. The upper surfaces of the base tray 120 and tray liner 140 can include ridges, lips, dividers, undulations or other textures or recesses, but are both generally flat.

The entertainment component 130 is preferably made of a polymer material such as, but not limited to, a silicone, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, thermoplastic rubber, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof, which will not permanently deform or significantly degrade under temperature and dampness conditions typically found in a conventional dishwashing machine, but can substantially maintain a given resilience for a child's play aspect. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the entertainment component 130 can be configured to be supported on or coupled to the tray liner 140. In other alternative embodiments, the entertainment component 130 can rest on or be coupled to the base tray 120 itself. In a preferred embodiment, the entertainment component 130 can be removably coupled either to the tray liner 140 or base tray 120, and can be decoupled for use independently of the tray assembly 110 and/or child support device 100. Optionally, the entertainment component 130 can include a separate base component and/or fasteners such as, but not limited to, clips, hook and loop fasteners, or suction cups for use with a conventional dining table or other surface. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment component 130 is located at a proximal end of the tray assembly or otherwise situated such that a child occupant of the child support device 100 can access the entertainment component 130 with ease. When positioned proximal the child occupant, the entertainment component 130 can form a barrier between the child occupant and an eating area 114 of the tray liner 140 or base tray 130 to help prevent a child occupant from dragging food pieces from the eating area 114 into his or her lap. In other example embodiments, the entertainment component 130 can be two-sided such that one side provides an entertaining feature and another side provides a flat eating surface or other surface as desired.

The base tray 120 or tray insert 140 can optionally be provided with additional accessories, such as snap-in or clip-on toys and/or feeding dishes, such as plates or bowls. Alternatively, such accessories can be integrally formed with the tray assembly 110. Generally, the depicted example embodiments are similar except for the distinctions discussed herein and the depicted embodiment is numbered similarly such that reference number 200 refers to a component that is similar to components 100, 300, X00, etc., throughout the drawing figures.

Each depicted example embodiment will now be discussed with more specificity. For instance, FIGS. 1-3 depict one example embodiment of a child support device 100 and tray assembly 110 according to the present invention. The present invention comprises a base tray 120, an entertainment component 130, and an optional tray liner 140. The entertainment component 130 is generally comprised of silicone or other resilient material such as plastic, rubber, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient material of the entertainment component can be 25-95 durometers, or more preferably can be 35-85 durometers, or even more preferably can be 45-75 durometers. In this preferred durometer range, the entertainment component 130 is flexible enough to be pleasant to manipulate and will provide an entertaining sensation, but is rigid enough to maintain its form. The entertainment component 130 includes at least one textured upper surface 134 to tactilely and/or visually engage a child. As shown, the entertainment component 130 includes projections 132 that are formed as bumps and/or ridged bands. Alternatively, the textured surface 134 can be negatively formed in the surface of the entertainment component 130 or can be formed as other shapes, projections, etc., as desired. Said ridged band projections 132 can be substantially linear, as shown, or curved, and can be arranged adjacent to one another, as shown, or spaced apart. Furthermore, in alternative example embodiments, the ridged band projections 132 can function as a flexible-edged scraper or rubber-edged scraper (e.g., a squeegee) adapted to remove food and/or beverage from a child occupant's hands.

FIGS. 4-6 show a second example embodiment of a tray assembly 210 for a child support device 200. The tray assembly 210 depicted is similar to the tray assembly of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the tray assembly 210 comprises a base tray 220, an entertainment component 230, and an optional tray liner 240. The entertainment component 230 is generally comprised of silicone or other resilient material. The entertainment component 230 is generally comprised of silicone or other resilient material such as plastic, rubber, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient material of the entertainment component can be 25-95 durometers, or more preferably can be 35-85 durometers, or even more preferably can be 45-75 durometers. In this preferred durometer range, the entertainment component 230 is flexible enough to be pleasant to manipulate and will provide an entertaining sensation, but is rigid enough to maintain its form. The entertainment component 230 includes at least one textured upper surface to tactilely and visually engage a child. As shown, the entertainment component 230 includes projections 232 such as ridged bands. Alternatively, the texture can be negatively formed in the surface of the entertainment component 230 or can be formed as other shapes, projections, etc., as desired. Said ridged band projections 232 can be substantially linear, as shown, or curved, and can be arranged adjacent to one another, or spaced apart. As discussed previously, the ridged band projections 232 can function as a flexible-edged scraper or rubber-edged scraper (e.g., a squeegee) to remove food and/or beverage from a child occupant's hands. FIGS. 7-9 show yet another example embodiment of a tray assembly 310 having a textured entertainment component 330. In this embodiment, the tray assembly 310 includes a base tray 320, an entertainment component 330, and an optional tray liner 340. The entertainment component 330 can comprise one or more textured panels 331 having resilient projections 332. As shown, the textured panels can be rounded, or generally domed or sea-urchin shaped, or otherwise three-dimensional rather than generally flat, and the projections 332 can be elongated or elevated nodes, having a preferable length of 50 mm to 125 mmm, or 25 mm to 200 mm. At such a preferred length, the textured projections 332 can provide an optimal play experience for the child occupant. As discussed previously, the elongated projections 332 can function as a scraper to remove food and/or beverage from a child occupant's hands. Thus, at a preferred depth or length, the hollows or troughs created between the projections 332 can be appropriately sized to collect food particles or beverage without re-applying said particles to the child's hands, while remaining easily cleanable. FIGS. 10-12 show a fourth example embodiment of a tray assembly 410 having an entertainment component 430 with a textured panel. The tray assembly 410 depicted is similar to the assembly of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the tray assembly 410 comprises a base tray 420, an entertainment component 430, and an optional tray liner 440. As shown, the entertainment component 430 can be a series of elongated nodes 432 having generally the same specifications described for the embodiments above.

FIGS. 13-15 depict a fifth example embodiment of a tray assembly 510 having an entertainment component 530. In this embodiment, the tray assembly 510 includes a base tray 520, an entertainment component 530, and an optional tray liner 540. As shown, the entertainment component 530 comprises a resilient membrane 532 enclosing a fluid-filled volume. The resilient membrane 532 can be provided by a flexible polymer such as, but not limited to, a polyvinyl chloride, and can include imagery, for example, an oceanscape, and/or other visual components. Optionally, the enclosed volume also has one or more toys 534 or other visual components such as glitter suspended therein. By pressing on a given region of the membrane 532, a child can move the toys suspended within. The fluid enclosed within the membrane 532 can be water, or any other suitable non-toxic liquid or gel. As shown in FIG. 15, the entertainment component 530 can further define a well 536 for retaining food pieces.

FIGS. 16-18 show a sixth example embodiment of a tray assembly having an entertainment component 630. In this embodiment, the tray assembly 610 includes a base tray 620, an entertainment component 630, and an optional tray liner 640. The entertainment component 630 can be formed from a substantially rigid polymer material such as, but not limited to, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyethylene, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof. The entertainment component 630 includes a roller toy apparatus comprising at least one spinning drum 632 configured to rotate about an axis. Each spinning drum 632 can rotate freely about the axis independently of any other drums, or, optionally, one spinning drum can be coupled to another. In other embodiments, the tray entertainment component 630 can include multiple drums rotating about multiple axes. As shown, the drums 632 can have various textures, patterns, and/or colors. Optionally, the rolling drums 632 can also include a rattle, chime ball, or other toy. As discussed previously, the textured surfaces of the drums can also function as a scraper to remove pieces of food from a child's hands. In alternate embodiments, the entertainment component can be a sponge or cloth, for example a sponge having a ridge that is adapted to removably couple to a groove within the base tray.

Generally, in use, a child is positioned in the child receptacle of the child support device according to any of the disclosed embodiments. The child may be fed by a caregiver or feed himself from the tray. The child may play and interact with the various entertainment accessories described herein, distracting himself from the task of eating a meal. A child who sweeps food pieces from the tray toward himself will be disrupted by the tray entertainment component, reducing the mess on the child himself. A child who has spilled or contacted food, such as crumbs or puree, can, in the process of engaging with the various entertainment accessories, passively clean his hands by scraping the food off.

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.

Claims

1. A child support device comprising:

a child receiving receptacle configured to receive a child therein; and

a tray proximal the child receiving receptacle, wherein the tray includes a first region that forms a support surface for receiving articles thereon and a second region that includes at least one entertainment component configured to remove food particles from a hand of the child when the child engages the entertainment component.

2. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the second region is positioned adjacent the child receiving receptacle.

3. The child support device of claim 2, wherein the at least one entertainment component forms a barrier between the first region and the child receiving receptacle.

4. The child support device of claim 1, further comprising a tray liner configured to nest upon the base tray.

5. The child support of claim 4, wherein the tray liner includes an aperture configured to fit around the entertainment component.

6. The child support device of claim 1, wherein the entertainment component is removable from the child support device.

7. The child support device of claim 1, further including a third region adapted to receive a beverage container therein.

8. A child feeding tray for use with a child support device comprising a substantially flat platform having a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region having an upper surface and at least one projection extending from the upper surface and a distal region configured to receive a child feeding article thereon, wherein the at least one projection is configured to remove food particles from a child seated in the child support device.

9. The feeding tray of claim 8, wherein the at least one projection forms a barrier between the distal region and the child receiving receptacle.

10. The feeding tray of claim 8, further comprising a tray liner configured to nest upon the base tray.

11. The feeding tray of claim 10, wherein the tray liner includes an aperture configured to fit around the at least one projection.

12. The feeding tray of claim 8, wherein the at least one projection is removable from the tray.

13. The feeding tray of claim 8, further including a region adapted to receive a beverage container.

14. A child support device for a child and having a child feeding tray removably coupled thereto, the child feeding tray comprising:

a substantially planar surface having a shallow recess configured to receive food for a child thereon;

a liner that at least partially fits over and receives the substantially planar surface, the liner having a shallow recess and at least one entertainment component coupled to the liner and positioned between the child receptacle and the shallow recess, wherein when the child manually manipulates the entertainment component, food particles that have accumulated on the child are transferred to the entertainment component.

15. The child support device of claim 14, wherein the entertainment component is positioned adjacent the child receiving receptacle.

16. The child support device of claim 15, wherein the at least one entertainment component forms a barrier between the shallow recess and the child receiving receptacle.

17. The child support device of claim 14, wherein the entertainment component is removable from the tray liner.

18. The child support device of claim 14, further including a region adapted to receive a beverage container.