BABY ACTIVITY CHAIR
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a baby activity chair apparatus including a fully enclosed baby chair and a removable tray with tray attributes for baby activities. In certain embodiments, the baby chair includes a flat base and a fully enclosed seating portion including a back rest. The removable tray is configured to secure to the baby chair through an attachment mechanism. In various embodiments, the removable tray includes a plurality of tray attributes that provide interactive baby activities. Each tray attribute includes a different combination of visual features, tactile features, and attachment features. Certain tray attributes also emit sounds.
This invention relates to a safe and comfortable activity chair for babies. Many existing baby chairs balance on multiple legs and therefore create a risk of tipping, falling or injuring the baby. Other existing chairs include sturdy material that is uncomfortable for babies. Existing chairs that include activities for babies often include many similar activities that are made of hard material, such as plastic. Thus, a need exists for a sturdy but comfortable baby chair that includes a variety of activities for a baby.
SUMMARYVarious embodiments of the present disclosure provide a baby activity chair apparatus including a substantially enclosed baby chair and a removable tray with tray attributes for baby activities. In certain embodiments, the baby chair includes a flat base to provide a sturdy foundation, and a substantially enclosed seating portion to provide a safe environment for the baby. In certain embodiments, the removable tray is configured to secure to the baby chair through an attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes one or more attachment straps on either the baby chair or the removable tray, and the attachment straps are configured to be inserted through one or more insert slots on the other of the baby chair or the removable tray.
In various embodiments, the removable tray includes a plurality of tray attributes that provide interactive baby activities. Each tray attribute includes a different combination of visual features, tactile features, and attachment features. Certain tray attributes also emit sounds. The tray attributes provide a variety of age appropriate activities in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, and sounds to keep a baby engaged when the baby is seated within the baby activity chair apparatus.
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principals of the invention may be employed.
The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiment(s) described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiment(s) described herein, but also any other embodiment that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers or serial numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. As stated above, this specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The activity chair apparatus 10 disclosed herein provides a sturdy and safe seating device intended for use with babies. As illustrated in
The baby chair 100 includes a flat base 102 that sits flat on any surface, such as the ground to avoid tipping or falling. The removable tray 200 sits flush on top of a portion of the baby chair 100 and secures to the baby chair through an attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes one or more attachment straps 202 on either the baby chair 100 or the removable tray 200, and the attachment straps 202 are configured to be inserted through one or more insert slots 120 on the other of the baby chair or the removable tray. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in
Turning to
In certain embodiments, the chair 100 includes a back portion 104 that provides a back rest for the baby, and a front portion 106 that provides the enclosure around the sides and front of the baby chair to keep the baby fully enclosed. In this embodiment, the back portion 104 is raised higher than the front portion 106. More specifically, in this embodiment, the outside wall 108 includes a back outside wall 108a and a front outside wall 108b. The inside wall 110 includes a back inside wall 110a and a front inside wall 110b. The front portion 106 of the chair 100 includes the front outside wall 108b and the front inside wall 110b. In a preferred embodiment, the front portion 106 is continuous around the sides and front of a baby when the baby is seated inside the chair. As such, the front inside wall 110b and the front outside wall 108b provide a fully contained enclosure with no leg holes for the baby.
In certain embodiments, the back portion 104 provides the back rest for the baby when the baby is seated inside the chair. For this reason, the back portion 104 is of a greater height than the front portion 104. More specifically, both the back outside wall 108a and the back inside wall 110a are raised higher than the front outside wall 108b and the front inside wall 110b. The back outside wall 108a and the back inside wall 110b provide the back rest for the baby. The back outside wall 108a and the back inside wall 110a slope downward into the front outside wall 108a and front inside wall 110b.
In certain embodiments, the back wall 108 and the front wall 110 are separated by ridge 112. In a preferred embodiment, the ridge 112 extends around the entire perimeter of the chair opening. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the ridge 112 includes an upper perimeter 112a between the back outside wall 108a and the back inside wall 110a, and a lower perimeter 112b between the front outside wall 108b and the front inside wall 110b. The upper perimeter 112a of the back portion 104 of the chair 100 slopes downward towards the lower perimeter 112b of the front portion 106 of the chair 100 via two sloping side ridges 112c. In certain embodiments, the lower perimeter 112b of the ridge provides a surface against which the removable tray 200 rests when secured to the baby chair 100.
Turning to
In this embodiment, the adjustable securing mechanism includes at least one belt 136 that is configured to adjustably fit around the baby and secure the baby within the crotch restraint 130. In a preferred embodiment, the front side of the main restraint portion 132 includes at least one belt insert loop 138 that is fastened to the front of the main restraint portion 132. In embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the closing mechanism includes a hook and loop mating material, such as Velcro® located on each of the belts 136. In this embodiment, the hook and loop mating material, such as Velcro®, provides a comfortable and adjustable closing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the closing mechanism is at least six inches long so that the belt length may be adjusted to fit a variety of body sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the crotch restraint 130 is adjustable such that the crotch restraint 130 may be configured to fit infants approximately from ages 3 months to 12 months. In a preferred embodiment, the crotch restraint 130 is made from the same soft canvas as the main chair 100. In this embodiment, the crotch restraint 130 includes two layers of canvas with a layer of sheet polyfill for the main restraint 132.
Turning to
As further illustrated in
The removable tray includes a plurality of tray attributes, each tray attribute includes a combination of one or more different tray attribute features to engage the baby. For example, each of the tray attributes of
Turing to the example tray attributes illustrated in
Visual features also refer to the color or print of each tray attribute. In certain embodiments, the tray attributes are constructed from various fabrics. Each fabric may be of a solid color, or may include a certain pattern or print. Accordingly, certain tray attributes are constructed from a solid colored material, while other tray attributes are constructed of printed material. For example, the pine tree tray attributes 214 may be constructed from a solid green colored material or may be constructed of printed material. In certain embodiments, each of the three pine trees 214 are constructed from a different fabric to add a variety of colors. In another example, certain tray attributes that are embroidered directly to the tray cover, such as the stars 212 and clovers 222 may be embroidered in a single solid color or in multiple colors.
The visual features also refer to the general look of each tray attribute. Returning to the example of the pine trees 214, in one embodiment, the pine trees are made of printed cotton jersey material, lightly stuffed with polyfill and appliquéd to the tray. The pine trees 214 differ from the embroidered stars 212 and clovers 222 because the light stuffing of the pine trees make them slightly raised. In another example, in certain embodiments, the mushroom 226 is made of cotton linen. In a variation of this embodiment, the mushroom cap 226a may include embroidered french knots that add a unique texture to the mushroom cap. Similarly, in one variation of the mushroom, the stem of the mushroom may include a running stitch to add texture. The variety of visual features associated with each of the different tray attributes keep the baby engaged and stimulated as the baby sits in the baby activity chair apparatus 10.
Tactile features include the texture of the material used for each tray attribute, and the feel of the tray attribute due to the configuration. First, certain tray attributes are constructed from smooth fabrics such as cotton, while other attributes are constructed from bumpy fabrics such as corduroy. For example, in certain embodiments, tray attributes such as the boulders 206 are constructed of a corduroy material and are lightly stuffed with polyfill so they are raised from the surface of the tray. By contrast, the clouds 210a tray attribute are constructed of many poplin cotton fabric balls stuffed with polyfill to form a spherical shape and securely sewn to the tray in a cluster. The clouds are more stuffed than the boulders and create a bumpy soft feel. Other tray attributes include a combination of tactile features. For example one tray attribute of a pond 224 made of sheer voile with slightly frayed edges. Underneath the pond 224a, the tray attribute may include one or more fish 224b. In certain embodiments the fish 224b are constructed from a different material such as felt or plastic. In this tray attribute 224, a baby can feel the sheer voile of the pond 224a in certain areas, and in other areas can feel the fish 224b through the sheer voile of the pond. The voile material has a different texture than cotton and corduroy.
The configuration of each tray attribute also adds to the tactile features of each tray attribute. Returning to the example tray attribute of the pond 224, the pond 224 is sewn to the tray cover in a manner such that it includes fringed edges around the entire perimeter of the pond. The fringed edges of the pond 224 also provide a unique tactile feature. Similarly, the tree 220 includes a tree top portion 220a and in this embodiment, the tree top 220a includes a plurality of string knots 220c throughout the tree top 220a. The string knots 220c adds another tactile component. The variety of tactile features enable the baby to engage with each activity, or tray attribute, in a different manner, thereby increasing the baby's stimulation and engagement.
Next, the attachment feature of each tray attribute refers to the manner of attachment and the extent to which each tray attribute is attached to the tray cover surface. In certain embodiments, each tray attribute may be attached to the tray surface via embroider, appliqué, print, Velcro®, ties, and any other suitable manner of attachment. Each manner of attachment adds a unique aspect for the baby to observe, feel, and compare.
The attachment feature also refers to the extent to which each tray attribute is attached to the tray surface. For example, certain tray attributes are completely attached to the tray surface and meant for the baby to touch and feel, such as the stars 212 and clovers 222, which are embroidered directly to the surface of the tray. Similarly, the leaf tray attribute 208 and the pine trees 214 are appliquéd and embroidered to be flat against the surface of the tray.
Other tray attributes are partially attached to the tray surface such that a baby may pull on, or move at least one end of the tray attribute. For example, the rays 216b of the sun tray attribute 216 are made from folded grosgrain ribbon and sewn only to the sun at the base with the tips left loose for play. In certain embodiments, the partially attached tray attributes lift to reveal another tray attribute. More specifically, certain tray attributes include a first end that is attached to the tray, and a second unattached end that may be flipped over the attached end to reveal another tray attribute. For example, the boulder tray attributes 206, are stuffed corduroy flaps which are attached to the tray at a first end, and the unattached end may be flipped over the attached end to reveal a second tray attribute. In this embodiment, a first one of the boulders 206a may be flipped over to reveal an image of an ant 206d, a second one of the boulder 206b may be flipped over its attached end to reveal an embroidered worm 206e. A third boulder 206c includes an acrylic child safe mirror 206f on the back side of the boulder such that when the first boulder is flipped over, the mirror 206f is revealed.
Another example of a tray attribute partially attached to the tray is the grass tray attribute 218. In this example embodiment, each strand of grass 218a is made using twill tape. The tape is sewn only along the bottom edge leaving the tops free for play. The grass may 218a be pushed aside to reveal second tray attribute 218b. In this example embodiment, the second tray attribute 218b is an appliquéd and embroidered turtle in cotton percale.
Certain tray attributes include a moveable second tray attribute within an otherwise attached first tray attribute. For example, the pond 224 described above, the sheer voile creating the look of a pond 224a is sewn to the tray, but the fish 224b underneath the sheer voile are completely moveable. So the baby may push the fish 224b to move them around the pond 224a. The different attachment features of each of the tray attributes further add to the engagement and stimulation as the baby interacts with each of the baby activities, or tray attributes.
Other tray attributes are completely removable from the tray. For example, as shown in
Certain tray attributes also include an audible feature. For example, the sun tray attribute 216 includes a center circular portion made of cotton percale and stuffed with poly fill and a squeaker. Such that when depressed, the center of the sun makes an audible squeaking sound. Similarly, the rain drops of the cloud and rain drops tray attribute 210b are stuffed with a crinkle material that makes a crinkle noise when moved. Another tray attribute including an audible aspect is the tree tray attribute 220. In one embodiment, the tree trunk portion 220b is stuffed with polyfill and a rattle (not shown). The tree attaches to the tray with a cotton tie and Velcro® tab.
It should be appreciated that many tray attributes include multiple sections and each section may include a different combination of tray attribute aspects. For example, a tray attribute of a cloud 210 includes a first section configured to resemble a cluster of clouds 210a and each cloud is made from many poplin cotton fabric balls stuffed with polyfill to form a spherical shape and securely sewn to the tray. In this example embodiment, the tray attribute 210 includes a second section configured to resemble rain drops 210b. In this example, each rain drop is made of two-sided voile and stuffed with noisy crinkle material. In this example, a third section of the tray attribute includes a plurality of cotton ties 210c that are configured to connect the rain drops to the cluster of clouds. The cotton ties are in a long rectangular shape, and are flat as opposed to the lightly stuffed rain drops and the spherical clouds. While the cluster of clouds 210 are secured to the top surface of the tray, the cotton ties 210c are only connected to the tray at one end. The other end of the cotton ties are connected to the rain drops 210b, which are otherwise unattached to the tray. Accordingly, the rain drops and cotton ties are moveable with respect to the tray.
It should be appreciated that while certain tray attributes such as tray attribute 210, include a variety of visual features, tactile features, attachment features and audible features in a single attribute, other tray attributes collectively include a combination of the features described above. Such a configuration of tray attributes on the removable tray provides stimulating activities for the baby seated in the baby activity chair apparatus.
It should be appreciated that the tray attributes described above are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The removable tray may include any suitable tray attribute.
In addition to the various tray attributes on the removable tray, it should further be appreciated that the removable tray 200 itself may also include certain visual features and tactile features. For example, in certain embodiments, the tray may include soft cotton jersey printed fabric. The print may include polka dots, or prints, or other patterns or colors. In other embodiments, a different fabric with a different tactile aspect may be used.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.
Claims
1. A baby activity chair apparatus comprising:
- a baby chair including: a flat base, a substantially enclosed seating portion including: an inner side wall and an outer side wall, the inner side wall including a front inner side wall and a back inner side wall, and the outer side wall including a front outer side wall and a back outer side wall, and wherein the inner side wall and the outer side wall extend vertically from and perpendicular to the flat base and extend around the perimeter of the base; and
- a removable tray including a plurality of tray attributes, wherein at least one tray attribute emits a sound, and wherein each tray attribute including a visual feature, a tactile feature and an attachment feature.
2. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baby chair includes one of a slot or a strap and the removable tray includes the other of the slot or the strap, wherein the strap is configured to fit through the slot to secure the removable tray to the baby chair.
3. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the back inner side wall and the back outer side wall are higher than the front inner side wall and the front outer side wall to provide a back rest.
4. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baby chair includes a crotch restraint.
5. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 4, wherein the crotch restraint includes a main restraint portion and an adjustable securing mechanism to adjustably secure the crotch restraint around a baby.
6. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual features of each tray attribute include at least one of: a shape, a color, and a print of the tray attribute.
7. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tactile features of each tray attribute include at least one of: a texture of material used in construction of the tray attribute, and a sensation from the tray attribute.
8. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment features include at least of: a partial attachment, a complete attachment, a removable attachment, embroidery, appliqué, and print.
9. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein each tray attribute includes: (1) at least one visual feature different from at least one of the other of the plurality tray attributes; (2) at least one tactile feature different from at least one of the other of the plurality tray attributes; and (3) at least one attachment feature different from at least one of the other of the plurality tray attributes.
10. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baby chair and the removable tray are constructed from a foam material.
11. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baby chair includes a removable chair cover.
12. The baby activity chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is round.
13. A baby chair comprising:
- a flat base, and
- a substantially enclosed seating portion including: an inner side wall and an outer side wall, the inner side wall including a front inner side wall and a back inner side wall, and the outer side wall including a front outer side wall and a back outerside wall, wherein the inner side wall and the outer side wall extend vertically from and perpendicular to the flat base and extend around the perimeter of the base; and
- wherein the back inner side wall and the back outer side wall are higher than the front inner side wall and the front outer side wall to provide a back rest.
14. The baby chair of claim 13, wherein the baby chair includes a crotch restraint.
15. The baby chair of claim 14, wherein the crotch restraint is fastened to the baby chair.
16. The baby chair of claim 14, wherein the crotch restraint includes a main restraint portion and an adjustable securing mechanism to adjustably secure the crotch restraint around a baby.
17. The baby chair of claim 13, wherein the baby chair is constructed from foam material.
18. The baby chair of claim 13, further including a removable chair cover.
19. The baby chair of claim 13, wherein the base is round.
20. A removable tray intended for use with a baby activity chair, the removable tray comprising:
- a plurality of tray attributes, including: at least one tray attribute that emits a sound; at least one tray attribute that includes a visual feature that is different from at least one of the of the other of the plurality of tray attributes; at least one tray attribute that includes a tactile feature that is different from at least one of the of the other of the plurality of tray attributes; and at least one tray attribute that includes an attachment feature that is different from at least one of the of the other of the plurality of tray attributes.
21. The removable tray of claim 20, wherein the visual features of each tray attribute at least one from the group consisting of: a shape, a color, and a print of the tray attribute.
22. The removable tray of claim 20, wherein the tactile features of each tray attribute include at least one of: a texture of material used in construction of the tray attribute, and a sensation from the tray attribute.
23. The removable tray of claim 20, wherein the attachment features include at least one of: a partial attachment, a complete attachment, a removable attachment, embroidery, appliqué, and print.
24. The removable tray of claim 20, wherein the tray attribute that emits a sound includes at least one of: a squeaker, a rattle, and a crinkle material.
25. The removable tray of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of tray attributes is at least partially constructed from at least one of: percale, voile, jersey corduroy, grosgrain ribbon, linen, and twill tape.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 10, 2016
Publication Date: Feb 15, 2018
Inventors: Laura Clabaugh (Morton Grove, IL), Seana Strawn (Morton Grove, IL), Nancy Harris (Morton Grove, IL)
Application Number: 15/233,633