Patent Application
20150108123
The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tray apparatus, more particularly to a lap tray apparatus, and specifically to a lap tray apparatus having a base tray with a desk surface and a food tray having food compartments and nestable in the base tray.
A child may sit for an extended period of time. For example, a car trip across town in rush hour traffic may take over an hour. Across country on a camping trip, a child may sit in a car seat for an entire morning or afternoon. During these trips, a child may snack, have a full meal to eat, draw, play with toys, read a book, or engage in some other activity.
Besides riding in a car, a parent and child may take a bus, fly on an airplane, or catch a train in a metro transit system. With these modes of transportation too, the parent may acquire a knack for keeping his or her child interested and engaged in an activity when the child is seated.
Even at home, a child may be required to sit, in his or her mind especially, for long periods. Such a child may be enticed to stay seated at one location for a longer period of time with a set of crayons and paper, a book, dolls or toy cars.
When a parent uses a highchair tray to place on the lap of a child, neither the top structure nor the bottom structure of the highchair tray meets the needs of the parent. For example, the top structure of the highchair tray will likely have food compartments only, with little flat area on which to draw or write. These tiny food compartments may also hinder playing with LEGOS® or pushing toy cars. The bottom structure of the high chair tray is likely configured to engage a high chair and have no ergonomic form to fit the lap of a child.
A feature of the present invention is a tray apparatus for children having a base tray for an activity such as drawing.
Another feature of the present invention is a tray apparatus having a food tray for dining.
Another feature of the present invention is tray apparatus having, in combination, a base tray for an activity such as drawing and a food tray for dining.
Another feature of the present invention is a two-part tray.
Another feature of the present invention is a lap tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray having a desk surface extending generally between proximal and distal sides and between the right and left sides.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray covering at least a portion of the top side of the base tray and being engagable to and disengagable from the base tray, the food tray including at least two compartments separated from each other by an inner wall and each of the compartments having a depth.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a bottom side of a base tray having a resilient material that fits comfortably on a lap of a child where the resilient material is compressible by a human hand.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a top side of a base tray being formed of a molded plastic material where the molded plastic material is noncompressible by a human hand.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of resilient material on a bottom side of a base tray including a depression to ergonomically receive a lap of a child where the depression extends toward a top side of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of top and bottom sides of a base tray being one-piece with each other and being inseparable from each other without destroying an integrity of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray including a proximal side and a distal side, where each of the proximal sides of the base tray and food tray includes an inwardly extending section for an ergonomic fit for a child, where the inwardly extending section of the base tray extends toward the distal side of the base tray, and where the inwardly extending section of the food tray extends toward the distal side of the food tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray having a desk surface for an activity such as drawing, coloring, writing, reading or another hand activity such as playing with hand and finger toys such as LEGOS®.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray having a proximal side, a distal side opposing the proximal side, a left side, a right side opposing the left side, a top side, and a bottom side opposing the top side, of the top side having the desk surface, and of a food tray nestable into the top side of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of the desk surface of the base tray bounded by a first wall running along at least a portion of the left side, at least a portion of the right side, and at least a portion of the distal side, where the first wall includes a desk opening along the proximal side such that the desk surface is open along at least a portion of the proximal side to render the desk surface accessible for hands and forearms of a user.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray, where the food tray covers at least a portion of the top side of the base tray, and where the food tray includes at least two compartments separated from each other by an inner wall.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray having a proximal wall confronting the proximal side of the base tray, where the proximal wall of the food tray closes off at least a portion of the desk opening to minimize contents of the food tray from spilling out of the food tray and onto a lap of a child.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of the base tray including a receptacle, where the receptacle is separated from the desk surface by a receptacle wall, and where the receptacle includes a receptacle opening that remains accessible when the food tray is on the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray having a desk surface that includes a depth and of a receptacle that includes a depth, where the depth of the receptacle is greater than the depth of the desk surface.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray that includes a receiver portion that is dovetailed shaped, and of a food tray that includes an insert portion that is dovetailed shape that nestles into the receiver portion of the base tray such that the food tray is locked against horizontal sliding relative to the base tray such that the food tray is removed in a vertical fashion from the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray that includes a receiver portion having a neck and a head, and of a food tray that includes an insert portion having a neck and a head that nestles into the head and neck of the receiver portion of the base tray such that the food tray is locked against horizontal sliding relative to the base tray such that the food tray is removed in a vertical fashion from the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a proximal side of a base tray and a desk surface of the base tray forming a junction, and of a depth of the junction being at or greater than a depth of the desk surface such that the desk surface leads into the proximal side of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray with a desk surface, and of the desk surface defining a generally horizontal plane.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a base tray having a desk surface having a depth relative to a top of a first wall that runs along at least a portion of the periphery of the base tray, of the base tray having a first receptacle where the first receptacle is separated from the desk surface by a first receptacle wall, where the first receptacle has a depth relative to the top of the first wall, and where the depth of the first receptacle is greater than the depth of the desk surface, and of the base tray having a second receptacle where the second receptacle is separated from the desk surface by a second receptacle wall, where the second receptacle has a depth relative to the top of the first wall, and where the depth of the second receptacle is greater than the depth of the desk surface.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray having a peripheral lip extending about the periphery of the food tray, where the peripheral lip runs adjacent to at least a portion of the first wall on the left side of the base tray, at least a portion of the first receptacle wall, at least a portion of the first wall on the distal side of the base tray, at least a portion of the second receptacle wall, at least a portion of the first wall on the right side of the base tray, and at least a portion of the proximal side of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of first and second receptacles on the base tray remaining exposed and accessible for use when the food tray is on the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray having a peripheral lip, where the peripheral lip runs sequentially from said portion of the first wall on the left side of the base tray, to said portion of the first receptacle wall, to said portion of the first wall on the distal side of the base tray, to said portion of the second receptacle wall, to said portion of the first wall on the right side of the base tray, to said portion of the proximal side of the base tray, and back to said portion of the first wall on the left side of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a food tray that in total includes first, second, third and fourth compartments, where the first compartment is between the first and second receptacles and further is between the second compartment and the distal side of the base tray when the food tray is in the base tray, where the second compartment is between the first compartment and the proximal side of the base and further is between the third and fourth compartment when the food tray is in the base tray, where the third compartment is between the first receptacle and the proximal side of the base tray and further is between the first wall of the base tray and the second compartment when the food tray is in the base tray, and where the fourth compartment is between the second receptacle and the proximal side of the base tray and further is between the first wall of the base tray and the second compartment when the food tray is in the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap apparatus for carrying the base tray and food tray when the food tray is nested into the base tray, where the strap apparatus includes first and second strap units, and where each of the first and second strap units includes first and second ends and an intermediate section between the first and second ends.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap unit of a strap apparatus having a first end with a removable connector for removable connection to the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap unit of a strap apparatus having a second end with a fabric hook and loop fastener.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap unit of a strap apparatus having an intermediate section having a clip extending therefrom.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap unit of a strap apparatus connecting to a first end of the base tray such that the first strap unit can be anchored at a first location by a clip of the first strap unit to thereby anchor the first end of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of a strap unit of a strap apparatus connecting to a second end of the base tray such that the second strap unit can be anchored at a second location by the clip of the second strap unit to thereby anchor the second end of the base tray.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a tray apparatus, of one of the fabric hook and loop fasteners of the first strap unit being connected to one of the fabric hook and loop fasteners of the second strap unit, when the clips of the first and second strap unit are not used, such that the first and second strap units together form a generally U-shaped strap that may be hooked over a shoulder of a caregiver such that the base tray and food tray may be carried when the food tray is nested into the base tray.
An advantage of the present invention is comfort without sacrificing an eating or playing surface. A feature contributing to this advantage is the resilient material on a bottom side of the base tray and, at the same time, a first hard plastic surface on the top side of the base tray for drawing and a second hard plastic surface engagable to the first hard plastic surface.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the base tray includes a desk surface that is easily accessible to the hands and forearms. One feature contributing to this advantage is that the base tray includes no upwardly extending wall or other barrier along essentially the entire proximal edge of the base tray such that the desk surface is open to the hands and forearms. The proximal edge of the base tray is the edge of the base tray that is positioned closest to the torso or chest or stomach when the tray apparatus is on or near the lap of the user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the base tray and food tray are nonslideable relative to each other when the food tray nests in the base tray. One feature contributing to this advantage is the base tray having a receiver portion shaped with a neck and head and the food tray having an insert portion shaped with a neck and a head and nestable in the insert portion of the base tray.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the surface area of the food tray is minimized. For example, the base tray includes a pair of receptacles for cups or glasses, for pens or pencils, for dry cereal, or for any other article. Each of the receptacles takes generally the shape of a cylindrical depression in the base tray. Neither of the receptacles is covered up when the food tray is nested on the base tray. In the mode where the food tray is used with the base tray, and also in the mode where the base tray is used by itself without the food tray, one or more of the receptacles of the base tray are functional and accessible such that these receptacles may hold a drinking cup or glass.
Another advantage of the present invention is a multi-purpose strap apparatus. Strap units anchor the ends of the tray apparatus to the seat or to the seat environment where the child sits. These same strap units are connectable to each other to form a carrying strap that may be hooked over the shoulder of a caretaker to render the tray apparatus portable.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the multi-purpose strap apparatus employs clips that minimize accidental pinching. The clips have cam mechanisms instead of springs because a spring based clip may, once opened, slip from a child's finger and shut automatically, perhaps pinching a finger.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the food tray complements the base tray. For example, the food tray includes a proximal lip that extends along the proximal edge of the base tray to close off the desk opening of the base tray.
Another advantage of the present invention is that essentially a single tray may be utilized for two different purposes where one purpose is related to food and eating and where another purpose is related to drawing, writing, desk work, or playing with toys on a flat surface.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the food tray is relatively light in weight and yet stable. The stability is provided by the food tray nesting in the base tray. The stability is also provided by the base tray having sufficient mass to remain stable and having straps such that each of the ends may be anchored to further make the tray apparatus as a whole steady and stable and to minimize wobble. In short, when the food tray is nestled into the base tray, the base tray lends its mass and anchored ends to the food tray to make stable an otherwise light in weight food tray.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the food tray is relatively light and includes relatively little mass so as to minimize any weight added to the tray apparatus as a whole.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the food tray is dishwasher safe. The food tray is formed of a plastic that will not melt or deform in the hot waters of a dishwasher.
As shown in
Food tray 14 includes a periphery 38. Periphery 38 includes a proximal wall 40. Proximal wall 40 extends in the horizontal direction from one end of the food tray 14 to the other end of the food tray 14 and, when the food tray 14 is on the base tray 12, proximal wall 40 extends from one end of the base tray 12 to the other end of the base tray 12. Proximal wall 40 includes a concave or arcuate or inwardly extending wall section 42 intermediate the ends of the proximal wall 40. Concave wall section 42 extends inwardly toward a distal portion of the food tray 14 and may receive a stomach or portion of a torso of a child. The concave wall section 42 and accompanying portion of the base tray 12 tailor the tray apparatus 10 to the torso of a child and permits the tray apparatus 10 to be drawn more closely to the torso of a child.
In a generally vertical direction, proximal wall 40 extends from a top of the base tray 12 towards a bottom of the base tray 12. As shown in
Each of base tray 12 and food tray 14 includes a depth, and the depth of the proximal wall 40 at the end portions of the proximal wall is about one-half of the depth of the base tray 12. The depth of the proximal wall 40 at the central portion of the proximal wall 40 is about the depth of the base tray 12. When food tray 14 is on and nestled into base tray 12, proximal wall 40 from end to end and including the central portion extends vertically below a depth of the desk surface 34 so as to close off the desk surface 34.
Proximal wall 40 includes a rounded top 43 running laterally from end to end of the proximal wall 40. Each of the ends of the rounded top 43 of the proximal wall 40 nests onto or is seated on like shaped ends of the base tray 12. The rounded top 43 forms a transition between the proximal wall 40 and food compartments of the food tray 14. From the food compartments, the rounded top 43 curls longitudinally to and through a peak and then proceeds downwardly to the bottom edge of the proximal wall 40, which bottom edge includes tapered edge portion 41.
The periphery 38 of the food tray 14 further includes an undulating lip 39 running about the food tray 14 from one end of the proximal wall 40 to the other end of the proximal wall 40. Lip 39 is seated by the undulating inner wall 106 having the same undulations.
This peripheral lip 39 includes a right side lip section 44 at a right end of the tray apparatus 14, with the right end being defined as adjacent to the right arm of a child using the tray apparatus 10. Right side lip section 44 extends distally from the proximal wall 40.
The right side lip section 44 is the upper part of an S-shaped wall structure that extends from the floor of food compartment 82, to a right side wall of food compartment 82, to curl laterally to the lip section 44.
A left side lip section 46 opposes right side lip section 44. Left side lip section 46 extends distally from the other end of proximal wall 40. Lip section 46 is the upper part of an S-shaped wall structure that extends from the floor of food compartment 84, to a left side wall of food compartment 84, to curl laterally to the lip section 46.
Lip sections 44, 46 run distally and respectively into right and left rounded or curved corner lip sections 48, 50 that turn inwardly from the lip sections 44, 46. Lip sections 48, 50 form the upper parts of S-shaped wall structures that extend from the floors of their respective food compartments 82, 84.
Rounded corner lip sections 48, 50 then lead into right and left circular or curved lip sections 52, 54. Lip sections 52, 54 confront receptacles 116, 118 when the food tray 14 is on the base tray 12. A portion of each of the lip sections 48, 50 form the upper parts of S-shaped structures that extend from the floors of their respective food compartments 82, 84. A portion of each of lip sections 48, 50 form the upper parts of S-shaped wall structures that extend from the floor and right and left wall of distal food compartment 80.
Circular lip sections 52, 54 lead respectively into right and left rounded or curved corner lip sections 56, 58. The lip sections 52, 54 form the upper parts of S-shaped wall structures that extend from the floor of distal food compartment 80.
Corner lip sections 56, 58 lead into a distal convex or arcuate lip section 60 that opposes proximal concave wall section 42. Distal lip section 60 forms the upper part of an S-shaped wall structure that extends from the floor of distal food compartment 80. Convex lip section 60 and concave wall section 42 each thrust distally.
Each of the circular lip sections or wall structures 52, 54 has a respective right and left innermost point or location 62, 64. Locations 62, 64 define a neck 66 of the food tray 14. The portion of the food tray 14 distal of the neck 66 defines a head 68 of the food tray 14. The head 68 has a greater width than the neck 66. For example, the junction between circular lip section or wall structure 52 and corner lip section or wall structure 56 defines a location 70, and the junction between circular lip section or wall structure 54 and corner lip section or wall structure 58 defines a location 72. A straight line distance or width between these locations 70, 72 is greater than a straight line distance or width between locations 62, 64. Neck 66 and head 68 together define an insert portion 74. Insert portion 74 is generally formed in the shape of a dovetail. It should be noted that the portion 76 of the food tray 14 proximal of the neck 66 may also define a head that may be referred to as a proximal head 76 because this proximal portion 76 also has a greater width than the neck 66. The provision of neck 66, distal head 68, insert portion 74, and proximal head 76 prevent sliding in the horizontal direction of the food tray 14 relative to the base tray 12 because the periphery 39 of the food tray 14 nests into the complementary structure of the inner wall 106 of the base tray 12.
Food tray 14 includes four food compartments 78, 80, 82, 84. Food compartments 78, 82, 84 are proximal food compartments that are disposed adjacent to, and lead into, proximal wall 40. Food compartment 80 is the sole distal food compartment and leads into distal lip section 60.
Each of the compartments 78, 80, 82, 84 has a floor and four sidewalls such that each of the compartments 78, 80, 82, 84 is receptacle shaped. The floors of each of the proximal compartments 78, 82, 84 are generally trapezoidal. The overall general shape of each of the endless sidewalls of the proximal compartments 78, 82, 84 is generally trapezoidal, where an endless sidewall is defined as having four wall portions.
The floor of the distal compartment 80 is generally rectangular or slightly trapezoidal. The endless sidewall of distal compartment 80 forms generally a rectangle or slightly trapezoidal shape.
Distal compartment 80 is adjacent to lip section 60. Lip section 60 is the top part of the S-shaped structure that forms the distal wall of food compartment 80. Distal compartment 80 is adjacent to and distal of food compartment 78.
Proximal food compartment 78 is adjacent to distal food compartment 80 and proximal wall 40. Proximal food compartment 78 is between distal food compartment 80 and proximal wall 40.
Right proximal food compartment 82 is adjacent to right lip section 44. Lip section 44 forms the upper part of an S-shaped structure that forms the right wall of food compartment 82. Right proximal food compartment 82 is adjacent to proximal wall 40 and proximal food compartment 78.
Left proximal food compartment 84 is adjacent to left lip section 46. Lip section 46 forms the upper part of an S-shaped structure that forms the left wall of food compartment 84. Left proximal food compartment 84 is adjacent to proximal wall 40 and proximal food compartment 78.
Wall 86 separates proximal food compartment 78 from distal food compartment 80. Wall 88 separates proximal food compartment 78 from right food compartment 82. Wall 90 separates proximal food compartment 78 from left food compartment 84.
In terms of volume, where the volume of each of the food compartments 78, 80, 82, 84 is defined by the space in each of the compartments where each of the compartments is covered by an imaginary horizontal plane resting on top of walls 86, 88 and 90, food compartment 78 has the greatest volume, food compartment 80 has the second most volume, and each of food compartments 82 and 84 has the third most volume.
Food tray 14 generally includes three projections extending horizontally. A first projection is formed by distal food compartment 80. A second projection is formed by right side food compartment 82. A third projection is formed by left side food compartment 84.
Food tray 14 is formed of plastic and is dishwasher safe. Food tray 14 is integral and one-piece.
As shown in
The proximal wall section 94 of the outer wall 104 extends parallel to the proximal wall 40 of the food tray 14. Proximal wall section 94 includes an inwardly extending or concave or arcuate wall portion 96 that extends parallel to the concave or arcuate wall section 42 of the food tray 14.
Outer wall 104, minus proximal wall section 94, is U-shaped. This U-shaped full height wall 105 runs the entire depth of base tray 12, minus the resilient material of bottom side 144, so as to include an upper edge 108 and a lower edge 110. The resilient material of bottom side 144 extends below or beyond lower edge 110 as well as below or beyond the lower edge of proximal wall section 94. Upper edge 108 includes a radius or inward curvature. U-shaped wall 105 and proximal wall section 94 form a radius or junction 112.
U-shaped wall 105 includes a right side outer wall section 98 leading distally away from proximal outer wall section 94 and a left side outer wall section 100 leading distally away from proximal outer wall section 94. Right side and left side outer wall sections 98, 100 then lead into distal outer wall section 102. Right side and left side outer wall sections 98, 100 are generally straight and distal outer wall section 102 is convex. A rounded or curved corner outer wall section 109 is disposed between outer wall section 98 and outer wall section 102. A rounded or curved corner outer wall section 111 is disposed between outer wall section 100 and outer wall section 102. A proximal end of outer wall section 98 extends obliquely inwardly to right end junction 112. A proximal end of outer wall section 100 extends obliquely inwardly to left end junction 112.
Desk opening 113 extends generally between end junctions 112 and above junction 114. Desk opening 113 may be defined as an open space where the U-shaped wall 105 would otherwise extend along the proximal edge portion 94 or wall 94. Desk opening 113 extends above junction 114.
Inner wall 106 forms a portion of the boundary of the desk surface 34. The other portion of the boundary of the desk surface 34 is formed by proximal wall section 94 or, more specifically, a junction 114 between the desk surface 34 and the proximal wall section 94. The junction 114 has a depth equal to or greater than a depth of the desk surface 34 relative to upper edge 108 of U-shaped wall 105 such that the junction 114 runs downwardly and outwardly and does not hinder the forearms or hands of a child from having access to the desk surface 34 or from writing or drawing on the desk surface 34.
Undulating inner wall 106 runs adjacent to U-shaped outer wall 105 except where inner wall 106 runs about receptacles 116, 118. From proximal wall section 94, inner wall 106 runs adjacent to and parallel to right and left outer wall sections 98, 100 for a portion of sections 98, 100. Then inner wall 106 runs inwardly away from right and left outer wall sections 98, 100 and runs about receptacles 116, 118. Then inner wall 106 runs adjacent to U-shaped outer wall 105 again for a length of the distal wall section 102.
Inner wall 106 includes a circular inner wall section 120 disposed between receptacle 116 and desk surface 34. An identical circular inner wall section 122 is disposed between receptacle 118 and desk surface 34. The circular inner wall sections 120, 122 seat the circular or curved lip sections 52, 54 of the food tray 14.
Inner wall 106 further includes proximal transition or corner inner wall sections 124, 126 that seat corner lip sections 48, 50 of the food tray 14. Corner inner wall sections 124, 126 of inner wall 106 lead into generally straight inner wall sections 128, 130 that seat right and left side lip sections 44, 46 of food tray 14.
Inner wall 106 further includes transitional or corner inner wall sections 132, 134 that run distally from circular inner wall sections 120, 122 and run into a distal inner wall section 136. Transitional inner wall sections 132, 134 seat corner lip sections 56, 58 of the food tray 14. Distal inner wall section 136 seats distal lip section 60 of food tray 14.
When the food tray 14 is in the base tray 12, the mass or weight of the food tray 14 is borne by one or more of 1) the desk surface 34, 2) the seating of the food tray lip or periphery 39 on the undulating inner wall 106, and 3) the S-shaped structures formed in part by the floor of the food compartments 80, 82 and 84, walls of these food compartment, and lip sections of the lip or periphery 39. The bottom surfaces of the food compartments 78, 80, 82, 84 make contact with the desk surface 34. The S-shaped structures of the food tray 14 make contact with identical S-shaped surfaces formed by the inner wall 106 in combination with desk surface 34. The lip or periphery 39 makes contact with the upper edge of inner wall 106.
Each of the receptacles 116, 118 includes a tapered upper and inner annular edge 138. Edge 138 is endless and tapers inwardly and downwardly. Edge 138 acts as a guide for a glass or cup or other drinking receptacle or a writing utensil such as a pen or pencil or other type of article or object. As shown in
The depth of floor 142 defines the depth of each of the receptacles 116, 118 relative to the upper edge 108 of U-shaped wall 105. The depth of floor 142 is greater than the depth of the desk surface 34. The depth of floor 142 is maximized so as to maximize the stability of a glass or cup or other drinking container in the receptacles 116, 118. The depth of floor 142 is maximized by disposing the floor 142 relatively closely to a bottom surface 143 of a bottom 144 of the base tray 12.
Each of the receptacles 116, 118 may be closed by a lid 146. Lid 146 includes a cylindrical annular insert portion 148. If receptacle sidewall 140 is frustoconical, annular insert portion 148 can be frustoconical. Annular insert portion 148 extends downwardly generally vertically so as to depend from a horizontally extending annular lip 150. Lip 150 extends outwardly relative to insert portion 148. Integrally extending inwardly from lip 150 are five triangular petals 152. One side of petal 152 is integral with lip 150. The other two sides of petal 152 are straight and adjacent to and spaced from a straight side of another petal 152. The free tip of petal 152 is adjacent to each of the other free tips of the other petals 152. Each of the petals 152 rises slightly from the inner edge of lip 150 to a center top portion 154 of lid 146 where the free tips of petals 152 are adjacent to each other. This rise in elevation of petals 152 can be seen in the section views of 7A and 7B. The adjacent and spaced apart petals 152 permits pens and pencils, other writing utensils and other articles and objects to be received in the receptacles 116 and 118 and held therein because the radially extending edges of the sides of the petals 152, as well as the upper and lower faces of the petals 152, act as frictional grippers. The resilient petals 152 flex and twist as articles are placed therein, then resiliently attempt to flex back after being flexed to an altered state by an article, and then when the article is removed resiliently flex back to the rest state shown in
When engaged on receptacle 116, lip 150 of lid 146 engages outer circular wall portion 109, inner circular wall portion 120, a flat surface 156 and a flat surface 158. Flat surface 156 is bounded by receptacle 116, wall 108, and corner wall portion 124 such that flat surface 156 has two curved sides and a straight side. Flat surface 158 is bounded by receptacle 116, distal wall 102 and inner corner wall portion 132 such that flat surface 158 has three curved sides.
When engaged on receptacle 118, lip 150 of lid 146 engages outer circular wall portion 111, inner circular wall portion 122, a flat surface 160 and a flat surface 162. Flat surface 160 is bounded by receptacle 118, wall 110, and corner wall portion 126 such that flat surface 160 has two curved sides and a straight side. Flat surface 162 is bounded by receptacle 118, distal wall 102 and inner corner wall portion 134 such that flat surface 162 has three curved sides.
As shown in
Lid 146 includes an integral apertured tab 164 extending from lip 150 in the plane of the lip 150 such that tab 164 extends horizontally. Tab 164 includes an aperture for a plastic flexible element such as a tether or cord 165, shown in phantom in
Lid 146 frictionally fits into its respective receptacle 116, 118 with a gripping force that is greater than the gripping force that petals 152 apply to articles such as pens and pencils such that, when an article such as a pen or pencil is withdrawn from one of the receptacles 116, 118, only the pen or pencil is withdrawn, not the lid 146 from its respective receptacle 116, 118.
Lid 146 may also be described as a pressure fit lid. In other words, the annular insert portion 148 may resiliently be forced to flex to a smaller annulus when the insert portion 148 is pushed into one of the receptacles 116, 118. The insert portion 148 when flexed pushes back against the sidewall of the receptacles 116, 118 to provide a gripping force that keeps the lid 146 secure in the respective receptacle 116, 118.
Lid 146 may be formed of a clear, transparent, translucent, or opaque plastic material.
Lid 146 may keep cereal in receptacle 116, 118 until a child's hand reaches in for a snack. Petals 152 flex as a hand reaches in. Even if the base tray 12 is overturned, the petals 152 of lid 146 keep the small cereal pieces in the respective receptacle 116, 118.
The inner wall 106 of the base tray 12 that partially defines the desk surface 34 is an undulating wall. The outer wall 105 of the base tray 12 is a U-shaped wall. The space between walls 105, 106 may be hollow or empty space or may be filled entirely or partially with the material of bottom side 144.
The inner wall 106 transitions through a radius or curved portion 168 into the flat desk surface 34 such that the desk surface 34 does not abruptly terminate at a right angle junction. This curved portion 168 permits easy cleaning of the desk surface. Food particles, for example, are likely to stick in a right angled junction and are unlikely to stick in curved portion 168. This curved portion 168 is part of the S-shaped structure that is formed in part by inner wall 106 and in part by desk surface 34.
Base tray 12 includes a groove 170 in the desk surface 34. Groove 170 is disposed between receptacles 116 and 118. Groove 170 includes one end spaced from receptacle 116 and the other end spaced from receptacle 118. Groove 170 is adjacent to and spaced from distal wall 102. Groove 170 is straight from end to end. Other than groove 170, desk surface 34 is smooth and flat. Groove 170 is a receptacle for a writing utensil such as a pen or pencil.
As indicated, inner wall 106 of base tray 12 is an undulating inner wall and outer wall 105 of base tray 12 is generally a U-shaped outer wall. The undulating feature or undulation of the inner wall 106 in combination with the U-shaped outer wall provides space for the placement of receptacles 116, 118.
Base tray 12 further includes a pair of keyhole shaped openings or connections 174. One of the keyhole openings 174 is formed in wall 98 and the other of the keyhole openings 174 is formed in wall 110. The keyhole openings 174 are proximally located so as to be adjacent to proximal wall section 94. The smaller hole of the keyhole opening 174 is closer to the proximal wall section 94 than the larger hole of the keyhole opening 174 since the tray apparatus 10 is usually carried on a shoulder, as shown in
Strap apparatus 16 is shown in
Strap unit 182 includes a strap 184 that includes a first end 186 and a second end 188. First end 186 extends through slot 180 and is then doubled back and stitched to strap 184 to engage the base connector 176 to the strap 184. Strap 184 then extends to a slide buckle 190, which may also be referred to as a buckle or buckle slide, and continues on to an alligator clip 192. The strap 184 then extends back to and through slide buckle 190 and continues on to the second end 188 where loop fabric fastener material 194 is stitched to the second end 188. Loop fabric fastener material 194 is stitched to the side of the strap unit 182 from which headed pin 178 extends. On strap unit 182, a hook fabric fastener material 196 is stitched to the side of the strap unit 183 opposite of the side from which headed pin 178 extends such that the loop material 194 and hook material 196 are brought together face to face without any twists in the strap 184. The material selected for use of the hook and loop fastener fabric material may be that material known as Velcro®.
Alligator clip 192 includes a pair of jaws 198, 200. Each of the interior faces of the jaws 198, 200 has a roughened surface with teeth 201. Teeth 201 of the respective jaws 198, 200 oppose each other. The jaws 198, 200 are opened relative to each other by lifting up lever 202 relative to a base 203 or drawing away lever 202 from base 203, an action that draws jaw 198 away from jaw 200. Strap 184 extends through slot 204 formed in base 203. Base 203 and jaw 200 are coplanar, formed from the same piece of plastic, and are one-piece and integral with each other.
Alligator clip 192 is used to hold down an end of the tray apparatus 10. For example, if a child using the tray apparatus 10 is in a car seat, the jaws 198, 200 of one strap unit 182 may be clipped to a portion of the car seat and the jaws 198, 200 of the other strap unit 183 may be clipped to another portion of the car seat.
The action of alligator clip 192 is shown in
Each of the strap units 182, 183 includes one continuous piece of strap material, strap 184. This strap 184 includes three strap portions 206, 208, 210. Strap portion 208 includes two strips or sections of strap 184 facing each other.
When alligator clip 192 is used, strap portions 206 and 208 hold the base tray 12 tight to the articles or objects to which the clips 192 are engaged and strap portion 210 may not be used and may be tucked out of the way.
When the hook and loop fabric fasteners 194 and 196 are connected to each other so as to form a U-shaped carrying strap such as shown in
Slide buckle 190 provides a tortuous path for two layers of the strap 184 and effectively provides an impingement between the two layers 184 until one of the layers 184 is manually drawn back or slid back a tad through the slide buckle 190, whereupon the slide buckle 190 can be slid to a new position. For example, the slide buckle 190 can be slid in a direction toward base connector 176. Or the slide buckle 190 can be slid in a direction toward alligator clip 192.
Alligator clip 192 is preferably not stitched to one location on strap 184. Slide buckle 190 can be slid to be adjacent to the alligator clip 192 if desired.
A shoulder strap is formed from strap apparatus 16 by sliding the slide buckle 190 to form the desired length of one strap unit 182, then sliding the other slide buckle 190 on the other strap unit 183 to form the desired length of strap unit 183, connecting the base connectors 176 to their respective keyhole openings 174, then bringing loop fastener fabric 194 of strap unit 182 into contact with loop fastener fabric 196 of strap unit 183 to form a full length shoulder strap 16 as shown in
The alligator clip 192 is shown in greater detail in
Lever 202 includes a proximal end 224 that is adjacent to the pivot shaft 220. Lever 202 includes a distal end 226 that is distal of the pivot shaft 220.
Pivoting jaw 198 includes a proximal end 228 that is adjacent to the pivot shaft 222. Pivoting jaw 198 includes a distal end 230.
Proximal end 224 of lever 202 includes an extension 232 having an edge 234 and a rounded end 236. Extension 232, edge 234 and rounded end 236 are integral and one-piece with lever 202 and pivot when lever 202 is pivoted.
Proximal end 228 of pivoting jaw 198 includes a hook shaped structure 238 formed by an edge 240, a point 242 and a rounded receptor 244. Edge 240 extends laterally. Point 242 is an edge that extends laterally. Rounded receptor 244 extends laterally.
Clip 192 is operated by pulling up on distal end 226 of lever 202 such that the distal end 226 is drawn away from base 203. When distal end 226 is pulled up, pivot shaft 220 rotates. As pivot shaft 220 rotates, extension 232 rotates. As extension 232 rotates, edge 234 of lever 202 rotates against point 242 of pivoting jaw 198, thus urging jaw 198 to rotate about pivot shaft 222, thereby drawing distal end 230 of pivoting jaw 198 away from stationary jaw 200. Receiver 244 works as a stop to this rotation when extension 232 and rounded end 236 are received fully in receiver 244 since edge 234 no longer has a point 242 against which to work. Then, to close clip 192, distal end 226 of lever 202 is pushed downwardly or urged toward base 203, whereupon pivot shaft 220 is rotated, whereupon extension 232 is rotated, and whereupon rounded end 236 is rotated to slide against edge 240 of pivoting jaw 198. The action of rounded end 236 sliding against edge 240 rotates the proximal end 228 of the pivoting jaw 198 and swings distal end 230 of pivoting jaw 198 into engagement with stationary jaw 200.
An intermediate section of lever 202 can snap into recess 212 to lock clip 192 in the closed position shown in
Clip 192 is springless. By the inclusion of a springless clip or clamp 192, the fingers and mouths of infants and children are spared from harm by an unintended closing, such as when a spring based clip slips from the fingers of a caregiver and snaps shut. Since clip 192 is springless, jaw 198 closes by the human hand. The most pressure that the jaws 198 and 200 can exert is limited by a stop, namely, when the intermediate section of the lever 202 makes contact with base 203 or the floor of the recess 212 of base 203.
In clip 192, pivot shafts 220, 222 run parallel to each other and extend from proximal ends of their respective bodies, where the respective bodies are the pivoting jaw 198 and the lever 202. If a straight line is drawn at a right angle from the axis of one pivoting shaft to the distal end of the body of such pivoting shaft and labeled A, and if a straight line is drawn at a right angle from the axis of the other pivoting shaft to the distal end of the other body of such pivoting shaft and labeled B, then A and B cross each other in the open position shown in
In clip 192, the pivoting shaft of one body is generally placed between the pivoting shaft and distal end of the other body. In other words, pivoting shaft 220 of lever 202 is generally disposed between distal end 230 and pivoting shaft 220 of pivoting jaw 198. Pivoting shaft 222 of the pivoting jaw 198 is disposed generally between pivoting shaft 220 and distal end 226 of lever 202.
In clip 192, a common planar base is employed, with the base being base 203. The distal ends of jaw 198 and lever 202 pivot or move to and away from base 203. The distal ends of jaws 198 and 200 move relatively to and away from each other. Distal end 226 of lever 202 pivots or moves relatively to and away from base 203.
In clip 192, when the jaws 198 and 200 pivot relatively away from each other, the distal ends 226 and 230 of the lever 202 and pivoting jaw 198 pivot relatively toward one another.
In clip 192, the proximal end 224 of lever 202 pushes the proximal end 228 of pivoting jaw 198 to rotate in one direction to open the jaw 198 and then pushes the proximal end 228 of jaw 198 in the other direction to close the jaw 198. When pushing in one direction, proximal end 224 employs edge 234. When pushing in the other direction proximal end 224 employs end 236.
In clip 192, lever 202 can be described as a cam and pivoting jaw 198 can be described as a follower. A cam can be a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage that transforms rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. For example, extension 232 may be described as a tooth 232 protruding from pivot shaft 220 such that lever 202, pivot shaft 220 and tooth 232 as a whole is a cam or eccentric wheel and where pivoting jaw 198 is a follower, with the motion of the cam 202 being imparted to the follower 198 at point 242 in one direction of rotation and along edge 240 in the other direction of rotation.
As to clip 192, the following references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: 1) the Noda U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,483 issued Mar. 28, 1995 and entitled Plastic Clip, 2) the Noda U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,497 issued Jul. 14, 1998 and entitled Plastic Clip, 3) the Noda U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,244 B1 issued Jul. 17, 2001 and entitled Plastic Clip, 4) the Lo U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,702 B1 issued Jul. 24, 2001 and entitled Structure Of An Ornamental Accessory, 5) the Takabayashi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,854 B2 issued Feb. 28, 2006 and entitled Cover And Decorative Cover For A Clip And Clip Set And A Nail Cover In Combination With A Plastic Clip, and 6) the Lo U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,616 B2 issued Apr. 17, 2012 and entitled Safe Pacifier Clip.
The bottom surface 143 of bottom side 144 includes a flat generally U-shaped surface portion 246. Surface portion 246 runs adjacent to the U-shaped wall 105. Surface portion 246 extends inwardly from the U-shaped wall 105 to run adjacent to a portion of the proximal wall 94. Surface portion 246 terminates generally where the concave wall section 96 begins to form in proximal wall 94. Inwardly of the U-shaped surface portion 246 is a lap receptor surface portion 248. A U-shaped tapering wall 250 forms a transition between the flat surface portion 246 and the lap receptor surface portion 248.
Bottom side 144 is formed of a material that is nonslip on flat table surfaces such as wood and on fabric clothing such as cotton. Such material may be selected from the group of materials including rubber materials, rubber like materials, elastomeric materials, polyurethane foam, open cell foam materials, and closed cell foam materials. The flat generally U-shaped surface portion 246 is the surface that the tray apparatus 10 rests on when the tray apparatus 10 is on a table. The flat surface portion 246 keeps the base 12 stable on a horizontal surface, and this flat surface portion 246 is also nonslip.
Lap receptor surface portion 248 includes a first thigh receptor 252, a second thigh receptor 254, and a raised wall 256 dividing the thigh receptors 252, 254. Lap receptor surface portion 248 extends from the concave wall section 42 distally toward the distal wall section 102 of the U-shaped wall 105.
U-shaped bottom flat surface portion 246 extends or protrudes beyond a lower edge 110 of the U-shaped wall 105. When base tray 12 is on a flat table or flat surface, flat surface portion 246 makes contact with the flat table or flat surface. Thigh receptors 252, 254 are recessed relative to the flat surface portion 246 such that thigh receptors 252, 254 and raised wall 256 are spaced from the flat table or flat surface when base tray 12 is on the flat table or flat surface. The further recessed receptors 252, 254 are, the greater depth such receptors 252, 254 have. Thigh receptors 252, 254 have a greater depth than raised wall 256. Raised wall 256 extends straight distally from the middle of concave section 96 toward distal wall section 102.
Lap receptor 248 may be referred to as a depression in the bottom side 144. The depression extends toward the top side of the base tray 12 or extends toward the desk surface 34. This lap receptor 248 works in combination with the concave section 96 of the base tray and the concave section 42 of the food tray 14. These concave sections 42 need not be concave, but may be merely inwardly extending sections of the proximal sides of the base tray 12 and food tray 14 that extend distally to the distal walls 60 and 102, that provide an ergonomic fit for a child, and that work in combination with the lap receptor 248.
Bottom 144 and the resilient material of bottom 144 is contained within the proximal wall 94, distal wall 102, right wall 98 and left wall 100 of the base tray 12. In other words, bottom 144 and the resilient material of bottom 144 is contained within U-shaped wall 105 and the proximal wall 94. U-shaped wall 105 and proximal wall 94 form an inverted receptacle for the inverted base 12 as a whole. In other words, when base tray 12 is turned over and placed on a table such that the desk surface 34 confronts the surface of the table top, U-shaped wall 105 and proximal wall 94 form a receptacle. The resilient material of bottom 144 may fill this receptacle entirely or may fill a portion of the receptacle. The resilient material of bottom 144 runs to and between the proximal wall 94 and distal wall 102 and to and between the right and left walls 98, 100 and confronts the underside of the desk surface 34.
The resilient material of bottom 144 may be a foam material such as a closed cell or open cell foam. The resilient material of bottom 144 may be a pad or cushion or other material that resiliently gives or compresses in response to the pressure of a human hand or of a human finger.
The resilient material of bottom 144 may be a material that forms about the shapes that are found in the base tray 12, such as the receptacles 116, 118. The resilient material of bottom 144 may be a material that is a liquid or gel or other flowing material that flows about the underside of receptacles 116, 118 and into the spaces between the undersides of U-shaped outer wall 105 and undulating inner wall 106 and then sets with time.
Each of the food tray 14 and food tray 258 includes a pair of tabs 264. One tab 264 extends from right wall 44. One tab 264 extends from left wall 46. Tab 264 is set approximately midway between top and bottom portions of the tray 14 (or tray 258). Tab 264 is receivable in a tab slot or tab retainer 266 formed on an inner face of the U-shaped wall 105. One tab slot 266 is formed in wall section 98. Another tab slot 266 is formed in wall section 100. Tabs 264 and tab slots 266 are elongate in the proximal to distal direction. Tab retainers 266 are spaced from the upper edge of the wall sections 98, 100. Tab retainers 266 are spaced from the desk surface 34.
In each of the food trays 14 and 258, each of the right and left sidewalls of the distal food compartment 80 has a concave section 268 from the standpoint of side view of
In operation, as shown in
In operation, as shown in
After the food tray 14 or 258 is seated in the base tray 12, food may be placed in one or more of the food compartments 78, 80, 82 and 84 and drinks may be placed in receptacles 116, 118 with or without lids 146. During the time the child is eating, the food tray 14 or 258 does not slip relative to the base tray 12 because of one or more of the following features: a) the connection between the tab 264 and slot 266, b) the neck 66 and head 68 of the tray 14 or 258 being captured by the inner wall 106 of the base tray 12, c) the seating of the S-shaped walls of the tray periphery 38 upon the S-shaped wall of the inner wall 106 of the base tray 12, and d) and a friction fit between the proximal wall or lip 40 of the food tray 14, 258 with the proximal wall 94 of the base tray 12 where such friction fit between the proximal walls 40 and 94 takes place because the head 68 of the tray 14 or 258 restricts the sliding of the food tray 14 or 258 along the plane of the desk surface 34. When the child is eating, the inwardly extending proximal wall 40 of tray 14 or 258 and the inwardly extending proximal wall 94 of the base tray 12 permit the tray apparatus 10 to be hugged about the child's torso, midsection or stomach. After the child has finished eating, the food tray 14 or 258 may be removed from the base tray 12 by lifting up on the finger handles 260, 262. The food tray 14 or 258 may then be washed in the dishwasher.
In operation, the base tray 12 may operate as a desk. With the exception of groove 170 intended for holding a writing utensil such as a pen or pencil, the desk surface 34 is flat and smooth such that any writing or drawing that takes place on the surface encounters no bumps or roughness. The desk surface 34 is readily available to the human arm, hand, wrist and forearm because of the desk opening 113. A forearm or arm or hand or wrist may lay flat on the desk surface 34 and extend off the desk surface 34 without encountering an upward extension because of the desk opening 113. The receptacles 116, 118 may contain writing utensils 36 with or without lids 146. With lids 146, the writing utensil 36 may be inserted into the slots between the petals 152 and frictionally held therein by the edges of the resilient petals 152. The food tray 14 or 258 is independent of the receptacles 116, 118 such that the food tray 14 or 258 may be removed from the base tray 12 and, at the same time, a drinking glass or cup may remain in the receptacle 116, 118 while the child uses the desk surface 34 to write or draw.
In operation, the strap apparatus 16 may be used whether the base tray 12 is being employed a) with the food tray 14 or 258 or b) without the food tray 14 or 258, i.e., as a desk where the desk surface 34 is utilized. When the food tray 14 or 258 is on the base tray 12, the keyhole connection 174 is accessible. The food tray 14 or 258 does not cover the keyhole connection 174. The base connector 176 of each of the strap units 182, 183 is snapped in keyhole connection 174, the slide buckle 190 is employed to shorten or length the desired length of the respective strap unit 182, 183, and then the clip 192 is clamped to a portion of a car seat or a portion of a chair.
Even without the strap apparatus 16, the base tray 12 is configured to remain stable and secure on the lap or legs of a child. Features that contribute here are: 1) the lap receptor 248 and thigh receptors 252, 254, 2) the inwardly extending proximal wall 40 of the tray 14 or 258, 3) the inwardly extending proximal wall 94 of the base 12, and 4) the nonslip material of the bottom 144 where the bottom 144 is also a cushion or pad formed of a resiliently compressible material.
The base tray 12 may be used stably and securely on a horizontal surface such as a table top. The U-shaped surface portion 246 is the portion of the bottom 144 that lies on the horizontal surface and provides stability to the trap apparatus 10. The nonslip material of the bottom 144 keeps the base tray 12, with or without the food tray 14 or 258, at one location on the horizontal surface.
The base tray 12 may be injection molded. The tray 14 or 258 may be injection molded. The material making up bottom side 144 may be a polyurethane foam.
Tray apparatus 10 may include a color scheme. For example, the bottom side 144 may be a first color or shade of color. Bottom side 144 is preferably blue or a shade of blue. The strap apparatus 16, including one or more of the base connectors 176, straps 184, slide buckles 190, clips 192 and hook and loop fabric fasteners 194, 196, may be a second color or shade of color. Strap 184 and clips 192 are preferably blue or a shade of blue. The base tray 12 may be a third color or shade of color. Base tray 12 is preferably white or a shade of white. The food tray 14 or 258 may be a fourth color. Food tray 14 or 258 may be green or a shade of green. The cup holder lids 146 may be a fifth color or shade of color. Cup holder lids 146 may be blue or translucent blue or a shade of blue.
Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/892,331 filed Oct. 17, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61892331 | Oct 2013 | US |
