CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MODULAR TRAVEL STATION
A self-contained, modular, child-oriented travel center or travel kit is provided that includes a docking station having a portable table with a base having a recessed center and configured to sit sturdily around a child's lap, at least one insert configured to fit within the recessed center of the base, the insert configured to provide a child with an activity and being releasably connected to the base, and at least one slot formed in the base and configured to secure the base to a strap for a seat, lap restraint or tray. The modular inserts are configured as modular containers and the base has a plurality of recesses, each recess configured to removably and securely receive a modular container.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/964,544 filed Jan. 9, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/986,616 filed Apr. 30, 2014, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure is directed to content delivery systems, preferably of juvenile products and, more particularly, to a multi-purpose, modular, child-oriented, portable storage, entertainment, and educational docking and work station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONEveryday 128 million commuters spend a larger percentage of their commute time on family and personal business, and a lesser percentage of their time on school and church related commuting. The majority of families have no stay-at-home parent. People juggle work and family, struggling to meet their child needs, and hopefully-offer enrichment in the lives of their children. Parents spend hours prepping, packing, schlepping and cleaning for life on the move.
Of the pain points experienced by parents, the majority are stressed by mess and chaos of travel with children. Others feel they are often unsafe while driving as they are distracted from the road and trying to address children's demands at same time. Children are also exposed to the dangers of projectiles impacting them in an auto environment. Yet others experience guilt feels over the amount of time their children are forced to spend traveling in vehicles. A substantial number of parents and care givers find it difficult to meet a child's needs in the car.
Travel and commute time, in many ways, is “lost” time for parents and children. The on-the-road and travel environment makes it very challenging to provide both nutritious and enriching activities and to help children with a psychological sense of belonging.
Most juvenile products that have a short use life or “age compression” due to the user's rate of growth and development. Most children quickly outgrow their toys and amusement as well as educational activities. Although there have been many attempts to reduce the stress and preparation necessary to travel with children, these solutions have all failed to engage children of a variety of ages for a variety of activities. Children undergo rapid development, both physically and mentally, during their early years, and therefore a solution that works for a 2 year old child will likely not work for an 8 year old child. There exists, therefore, a need for a multi-purpose device that keeps and holds the attention of children of all ages while travelling, allowing parents to focus on driving safely.
There are a few offerings in the market place for simple travel tables. However, they provide few, if any, accessories or activities with limited flexibility. There is a need for a travel accessory that provides modularity, automatic upgrades, subscriptions or ongoing product relationship in order to address the foregoing problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure is directed to a content delivery system employing a portable table-top tray and multiple activity components. The tray is designed to integrate with car seats, strollers and high chairs, as well as a stand-alone work station in the form of a lap top device or supported over a user's lap with a stand or legs. The tray is designed to hold one or more interchangeable modular activity inserts filled with age-appropriate education, art and entertainment kits, mess-free and slip-free food containers, packaged foods, or an electronic tablet loaded movies, apps, and games, allowing parents to keep moving while their children's needs are being met at the highest level.
The “grab and go” modular inserts can be bought as a one off, licensed, or regularly updated through a subscription via an online consumer interface that automatically customizes inserts based upon a child's age, aptitudes, interests and nutritional needs. The present disclosure provides a high-quality, easy to use, sensibly designed, convenient solution to ongoing stress. It enables owners to be better parents and lessens the impact of a fast paced lifestyle on children.
The present disclosure includes an original product design that is totally portable and folds up or disassembles or both for easy transport in a carrying case. It has modular inserts for a wide range of activities and parenting needs. The line of replaceable inserts include, without limitation, a divided lunch box with a snap in or tethered spoon, fork, or other utensils, wet-wipe holder, beverage holder and insert space for either “pack your own” lunches or pre-made meals, an activities and games box, arts and creative inserts, and a digital tablet insert that contains a touch screen holder with long battery life, a safety cover and associated kids games, apps, narrated stories and digital coloring books that can be added and updated on an ongoing basis.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a modular travel kit or travel center is provided that includes a portable table that has a base having a recessed center and configured to either be free standing or to rest on or preferably around a child's lap and supported on a seat, arm rests, or other surrounding surface. It further includes at least one insert configured to fit within the recessed center of the base, the at least one insert being configured to provide a child with an activity and being releasably connected to the base, and at least one slot formed in the base and configured to secure the base to a strap.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the modular travel kit or travel center inserts are configured as modular containers and the base has a plurality of recesses, each recess configured to removably and securely receive a modular container.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the modular travel kit or travel center is configured so that each recess has a unique geometric shape and each corresponding modular container has a matching planform geometric shape to be slidably engaged within recess.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the modular travel kit or travel center has the base configured to be attached to at least one of a seat, a stroller, and a tray.
The foregoing features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with car seats, airline trays, pda's and tablets, arts and crafts, seat belts, and hook-and-loop fasteners have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” Reference throughout this description to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one implementation” or “in an implementation” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a modular, portable, content delivery system. In one representative implementation, the system includes a portable table, the table including a base, a table top on the base, the table top including a recessed center section and configured to be supported on or over a user's lap, at least one modular insert configured to fit within the recessed center section of the table top, the at least one modular insert configured to be releasably received in and attached to the table top, and a plurality of activity kits, each activity kit configured to be contained within the at least one modular insert.
In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the system includes a plurality of accessories and the base includes a skirt, the skirt having a plurality of attachment points structured to enable releasable attachment of the plurality of accessories as described more fully below in connection with the figures. Ideally a tether is provided that is configured to attach one or more accessories to one of the plurality of attachment points on the skirt. Such accessories can include eating utensils, such as a spoon or fork, or a writing utensil, a towel, or known hand-holdable items.
Preferably the table top has a plurality of container recesses and the system further includes a plurality of modular containers as described more fully below. Briefly, each container is sized and shaped to be removably and securely received within a respective modular container recess in the table top. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, each modular container recess of the plurality of modular container recesses has a unique geometric shape and each corresponding modular container has a matching geometric shape that is sized to be slidably engaged within the respective modular container recess.
The base may be configured to be attached to at least one of a seat, a stroller, and a tray. At least one slot may be formed in the base and configured to receive a security strap. In most implementations, the base is a one-piece molded shell and formed from non-toxic, solid but flexible, washable, solvent and dishwasher safe plastic material.
A carrying case is provided that is sized and shaped to receive and hold the portable table and at least one activity kit. For ease of storage and transport, the skirt is configured to be foldable.
The at least one modular insert and the plurality of modular containers can be configured to be customizable by a user to enable a user to select contents for the modular inserts.
Referring initially to
The base 22 is generally composed of molded polypropylene, foam or any related material composition to be formed in the shape of a rectangular, rounded edge platform. The top of the base 22 forms a table top that contains a recessed insert well 30 to accommodate fitted insert modules and components for various defined purposes. The base 22 is generally designed as a one-piece molded shell and formed from non-toxic, solid but flexible, washable, solvent and dishwasher safe plastic material(s). The base 22 includes a foundation skirt 24 containing a shaped perimeter and insert slots 26 that provide attach points for automobile and aircraft seat-belts, child stroller and car-seat restraints, and accessory lap straps (not shown) that may be threaded through the base and secured in a typical fashion, such as with buckles, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners and the like. In one implementation, the skirt 24 includes legs that can be integrally formed therewith or removable therefrom, the legs sized and shaped to support the base over or on top of the lap of a user.
The skirt 24 ideally contains a leg well 25 carved out of the front wall 27 of the skirt. The leg well 25 allows the base 22 to rest securely and stably around the lap of a child while maintaining a horizontal orientation.
The skirt 24 is formed to act as a support so that the base may rest squarely on a flat surface such as a table or that various modular inserts (shown in
The upper surface, i.e., table top, of the base device is comprised of a deep central recess forming the insert well 30. The insert well 30 is shaped to fit any of several modular inserts 50 containing an activity kit, with which a user, preferably a child, will interact. The perimeter of this recess 30 preferably includes shaped depressions or modular insert recesses 28 in which various activity and user care inserts may be snapped or fitted into place. These recesses 28 may be sized and shaped as a cup holder 34, and a tray insert area 35. An accessory illuminating lamp 37 for night use is snapped into the skirt 24 on either side, i.e., left side or right side as seen by the user, and a battery recess can be provided for electrically powered activity inserts such as tablet and gaming devices. Alternative implementations may include trash receptacle attachment 39, a headphone/iPod or music player attachment, and remote activator so that parents or adults can control content on multi-media devices remotely (such as starting a movie for a child or restarting a game via a cell phone app or other digital trigger.
Vertical areas of the side skirt 24 may be formed to enable the attachment of accessory devices at attachment points, such as containers, cup and bottle holders and vendor provided aftermarket products. Accessory devices may attach using hook and loop style fasteners, mushroom plugs, or any other suitable fastening method that enables attachment and removal of the accessory devices, preferably only by an adult, but it may allow a child to attach and remove devices if so desired.
Alternative implementations of the base 22 includes a three-sided variation with folding corners for easy pack up and travel or for rolling or even bended options. Optionally, a puzzle-piece assembly can be used where the sides are easily removed and reinserted via a friction fit.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure the insert pieces will all be designed with soft rounded edges, made of soft, lightweight and flexible materials and be tethered to the base table, all with the intent of removing the risk of injury from projectiles upon any impact, a current transportation hazard.
The modular inserts can be bought as a single item or regularly updated through a subscription service plan. Users who obtain inserts through a subscription service may utilize an online consumer interface that automatically customizes updates based upon age, aptitude, interests and nutritional needs. The inserts are modular in nature, enabling parents to quickly and easily pack, deploy, utilize, and collect. Each modular insert is a stand-alone item that includes everything necessary for full use and enjoyment of the activity or experience. Contents of the modular inserts are targeted for particular age groups or experience levels of the activity.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the modular inserts may be customized by the user in order to adapt to and evolve with a child, allowing for ongoing customization and a long use-life, giving the purchaser a better value for their money. Selectable contents can be made available through existing distribution channels, including on-line purchases, subscription-based ordering, and the like.
Unlike most juvenile products that have a short use life or “age compression” due to the users rate of growth and development, the child does not outgrow the modular inserts. Rather, the modular inserts “grow” and evolve with the child. Once age, interests, and activities are recorded, regular inserts which appeal to the child and family based upon their interests may be automatically calculated and offered through the ongoing subscription service.
Finally,
Additionally,
The content delivery system of the present disclosure addresses the environment of driver distraction by encouraging children to remain properly seated in their car seats and boosters for longer periods of time allowing those safety devices to be more effective. The child's more consistent engagement relieves driver distraction dangers as the activity kits and “No-drop” tethering allow children to be more self-sufficient in a mobile environment thereby allowing drivers to focus on the road. The product and system addresses injury via projectiles with a design using soft rounded edges, lightweight materials, and steering away from any sharp points, hard or heavyweight materials. The tethering and securing of items also reduces the potential of flyaway items, further reducing risk in an impact scenario.
Potential Use Case Scenarios for implementations of the present disclosure that are not currently met or served by any existing product are listed below. In these possible use case scenarios, a product employing the teachings of the present disclosure can be used as a stand-alone table, with or without the activity inserts or combined:
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- Doctor's Office: Table and activity inserts work perfectly on a doctor's table while a child waits for the doctor or for a sibling sitting in the chair during an exam.
- Air-Travel: Fits easily around a lap and removes issue of items such as drinks, etc., sliding off current airplane trays, which are both out of reach and unrealistic for smaller people to maneuver.
- Sports practices, events, bleachers.
- Errands: Can even be used in a shopping cart.
- Daily Commute
- Hospital Beds (ideal for weakened, ill children who needs easy access to activities, their meals, technology, etc., allows contents to be closer to their bodies and removes issue of spilling and falling off a flat, non-recessed surface.)
- Restaurants: Insert kits work with table or solo use configurations.
- National Emergency or Crisis Scenarios: During major situations, storms or other incident whereas a large number of families seek shelter in a generic stadium or location. The product is lightweight and can be provided to families to enhance their experience and emergency residency.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the implementations of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated implementations is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
Claims
1. A modular, portable, content delivery system, comprising:
- a portable table, the table including: a base; a table top on the base, the table top including a recessed center section and configured to be supported on, around, or over a user's lap; at least one modular insert configured to fit within the recessed center section of the table top, the at least one modular insert configured to be releasably received in and attached to the table top; and
- a plurality of activity kits, each activity kit configured to be contained within the at least one modular insert.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a plurality of accessories and the base includes a skirt, the skirt having a plurality of attachment points structured to enable releasable attachment of the plurality of accessories.
3. The system of claim 2 comprising a tether configured to attach one or more accessories to one of the plurality of attachment points on the skirt.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the table top comprises a plurality of container recesses and the system further comprises a plurality of modular containers, each container sized and shaped to be removably and securely received within a respective modular container recess in the table top.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein each modular container recess of the plurality of modular container recesses has a unique geometric shape and each corresponding modular container has a matching geometric shape that is sized to be slidably engaged within the respective modular container recess.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the base is configured to be attached to at least one of a seat, a stroller, and a tray.
7. The system of claim 2 further comprising at least one slot formed in the base and configured to receive a security strap.
8. The system of claim 2, comprising a carrying case sized and shaped to receive and hold the portable table and at least one activity kit.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the skirt is configured to be foldable.
10. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one insert and the plurality of modular containers are customizable by a user to enable a user to select contents for the at least one insert and the plurality of modular inserts.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one insert comprises an activity and entertainment module that contains a writing board and at least one writing utensil, the writing board configured to fold out from a lid of the module and have one end supported on a lip on the module.
12. The system of claim 2 wherein the base is a one-piece molded shell and formed from non-toxic, solid but flexible, washable, solvent and dishwasher safe plastic material.
13. The system of claim 2 comprising a retaining member for attachment to the portable table and placement behind a user to retain the portable table in a position in front of the user.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 8, 2015
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2016
Inventor: Justine Kanzawah Smith (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 15/109,096