The present invention relates generally as a container for activities used to promote creativity in children of all ages and more specifically relates to a learning tool to be used in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Numerous activity surfaces, containers, and tools have been provided in prior art that are used as tools for projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. These tools come in all shapes and sizes which include palettes, tubs, bins, etc., made from various materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.
The functionality of the tool is specific to the shape, size and material, making it specific choice for specific activities. A plastic paint palette is structured to hold multiple colors of a medium while an artist works on their project. A wood paint palette is used in the same way, however is not as easy to clean as its plastic counterpart. Tools that have the capability to be used for multiple projects have been used more frequently than those that are designed with a single utility. Additionally, tools intended for activities that create mess should be made from a material that is easily washable, while those that are designed to be used by children should be nonhazardous and nontoxic. Tools that feature the ability to be frozen, wet, heated, etc. have additional benefits regarding their utility across multiple projects. While the mentioned prior art may be used to act as a surface, tool, or container for activities, they may not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as presently described.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a surface that can be used for a variety of activities including, but not limited to, crafting, building, snacking, sorting, writing, cooking and sensory play.
Another primary objective of the present invention is to provide a surface that can be easily cleaned and sanitized.
An additional primary objective is to provide a surface that supports the use of multiple agents or mediums such as oil, water, paint, shaving cream, ice, etc. and can be frozen or heated.
A further primary objective is that the tray can be folded to take up minimal space when packing or storing.
Further objectives of the invention will appear as the description advances. To the accomplishment of the above and related objectives, the present invention may be represented in illustrated form through the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only.
The different figures depict various aspects of the invention.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
D146697 | Bates | Apr 1947 | S |
D183822 | Barnhart et al. | Nov 1958 | S |
3491894 | Brown | Jan 1970 | A |
D216869 | Britt | Mar 1970 | S |
D220774 | Goings | May 1971 | S |
3905506 | Florian | Sep 1975 | A |
D338808 | Anderson | Aug 1993 | S |
D349425 | Kays | Aug 1994 | S |
D396953 | Iversen | Aug 1998 | S |
D396954 | Iversen | Aug 1998 | S |
D444302 | Jones | Jul 2001 | S |
D472711 | Chen | Apr 2003 | S |
D591560 | Lackey | May 2009 | S |
D617118 | Fojtasek | Jun 2010 | S |
D617119 | Fojtasek | Jun 2010 | S |
D628826 | Kohler | Dec 2010 | S |
D634541 | Gutierrez | Mar 2011 | S |
D742028 | Hutchison | Oct 2015 | S |
D767409 | Nickell | Sep 2016 | S |
D786621 | Davis | May 2017 | S |
D848795 | Butler | May 2019 | S |
D890951 | Brennan | Jul 2020 | S |
D923089 | Zheng | Jun 2021 | S |
D954451 | Adkison | Jun 2022 | S |
D998171 | Chan | Sep 2023 | S |
20030006238 | Iacovelli | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20170079451 | Wansink | Mar 2017 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
3085278 | Oct 2016 | EP |