Teething spoon

A teething spoon may include a feeding end with a concave, textured surface configured to retain soft food and stimulate a tongue, mouth, or gums of a teething toddler; a base having a base diameter at its greatest extent and at least one aperture capable of receiving a removable tether; a handle coupling the feeding end to the base; and a safety guard adjacent the feeding end that extends perpendicularly. The safety guard may have a perpendicular reach of about 50 mm and may include a first loop and second loop opposite and in plane with the first loop. The first and second loops may allow a cylinder of about 10 mm or about 13 mm to pass through unobstructed. The base may comprise a generally hemispherical structure that enables the teething spoon to be disposed vertically. A slot in the base may be configured to accommodate a removable tether.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to placemats and placemat systems, and more particularly, to placemats that adhere to a surface and provide additional features suitable for young children and individuals with special needs, including, in some embodiments, a teething spoon.

BACKGROUND

Young children, particularly infants and toddlers, tend to touch everything they can reach as they develop tactile functionality and explore the world around them. Parents often attempt to provide safe things for their youngster to touch, chew on as they teethe, and generally play with, but often these items end up being dropped or tossed during the initial investigation. In many settings, this can be troublesome for parents as they must constantly pick things up off the ground and return them to the child. In addition, dropped objects can collect and pass germs to the child. Babies and toddlers are also learning how to move their bodies effectively for transportation, but early on, they do not have the coordination to do this smoothly and often tip over or fall when they are trying to reach for something that is out of reach.

Managing young children can be especially challenging for a caregiver when utensils, cups, bowls and other objects within reach of the child are mishandled and accidentally dropped, or, during certain phases of child development, intentionally and repeatedly thrown to the ground. To keep a child occupied, the caregiver may provide toys and other items of interest, which may also end up being dropped or repeatedly tossed to the ground, thus placing demands on the caregiver particularly in social situations, such as in restaurant settings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a placemat and system allowing for efficient and effective tethering and anchoring of objects to the placemat, as well as improved securement of the placemat to a surface. The design of the placemat allows for efficient, low-cost manufacturing, as well as easy clean-up, storage and transport, among other numerous advantages that may be appreciated from the description that follows. The disclosure further relates to a teething spoon that can be used alone or in conjunction with a placemat and system.

In some embodiments, a teething spoon comprises a feeding end with a concave surface, a base opposite the feeding end, a handle, and a safety guard. The base may have a generally hemispherical structure with a base diameter at its greatest extent, configured to enable the teething spoon to be disposed vertically on a surface. The base may have at least one aperture configured to receive a removable tether. A handle may be configured to couple the feeding end to the base. The safety guard may be configured adjacent the feeding end and extend perpendicular to an axis of the handle. The safety guard may have a perpendicular reach of approximately 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the base diameter is at least about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the base may also include a slot configured to accommodate a removable tether anchored to the at least one aperture from within an interior of the generally hemispherical structure when the teething spoon is disposed vertically.

In some embodiments, a teething spoon comprises a feeding end with a concave surface, a base, a handle, and a safety guard. The handle, base, and safety guard may be configured to facilitate gripping of the teething spoon, by a toddler, at the handle between the base and safety guard. The feeding end may comprise a textured surface with a plurality of protrusions. The textured surface may be configured to stimulate a tongue, mouth, or gums of a teething toddler. In some embodiments, the textured surface may be configured to retain soft food. The handle may couple the feeding end and base. In some embodiments, the handle may have a textured surface.

The base may be configured opposite the feeding end and have a base diameter at its greatest extent. In some embodiments, the base diameter is at least 50 mm. The base may have an aperture configured to removably receive a tether. The base may further comprise a slot configured to accommodate a tether that is removably received by the aperture. In some embodiments, the base may have a generally hemispherical structure, configured to enable the teething spoon to be disposed vertically on a surface.

The safety guard may be disposed adjacent the feeding end and extend perpendicular to an axis of the handle. The safety guard may have a perpendicular reach of approximately 50 mm. In some embodiments, a safety guard includes a first loop and a second loop opposite that is in plane with the first loop. The interiors of the first and second loop may be configured to allow a 10 mm cylinder to pass through unobstructed. The interiors of the loops may be configured to allow a 13 mm cylinder to pass through unobstructed.

In some embodiments, a teething spoon comprises a material suitable for teething by a toddler or child. In some embodiments, a teething spoon may comprise an inner material and an outer material. The outer material may comprise a food-grade silicone having a Shore A durometer of about 65, and the inner material may comprise a material that has a greater hardness than the outer material.

In some embodiments, a teething spoon comprises a feeding end characterized by a concave surface, a base opposite the feeding end, a handle coupling the feeding end and base, and a safety guard that extends perpendicular to a handle axis and has a perpendicular reach. The base may comprise a base diameter at its greatest extent and at least one aperture capable of receiving a removable tether. The base diameter and perpendicular reach may be configured to prevent choking by a toddler who is teething on the teething spoon. In some implementations, the base diameter and perpendicular reach may each be at least approximately 50 mm.

In some embodiments, a system comprises a mat body, a plurality of anchors, an elongated tether, and a teething spoon. The mat body may be characterized by a front side, a back side, and a thickness. Each anchor may have an anchor block having an aperture characterized by an aperture diameter, a suction cup having a sealing surface and an outer surface, and a stem that connects the anchor block to the suction cup. Each anchor may be disposed through the thickness, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. The elongated tether may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to removably couple to one of the plurality of anchors, and the second end may be configured to be removably coupled to a base aperture on the teething spoon. The teething spoon may comprise a feeding end with a concave surface; a base opposite the feeding end with a base diameter at its greatest extent and at least one base aperture having a base-aperture diameter; a handle coupling the feeding end and base; and a safety guard adjacent the feeding end that extends perpendicular to an axis of the handle. The safety guard may have a perpendicular reach. At least one of the mat body, the elongated tether, and the teething spoon may comprise a food-grade silicone.

In some embodiments, a base may be configured to enable a teething spoon to be disposed vertically on a surface. In some embodiments, the base may further comprise a slot configured to accommodate an elongated tether that is removably coupled to a teething spoon from an interior of the generally hemispherical structure.

In some embodiments, a system may comprise a mat body, a plurality of anchors, an elongated tether, and a teething spoon. The mat body may be characterized by a front side, a back side, and a thickness. In some embodiments, there may be a lip around the perimeter of the mat body. The mat body may have a receptable formed by a raised boundary. The mat body, the lip, and the receptacle may be constructed from the same material.

Each anchor may comprise an anchor block having an aperture characterized by an aperture diameter, a suction cup having a sealing surface and an outer surface, and a stem that connects the anchor block to the suction cup. Each anchor block may be disposed through the thickness of the mat body, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. In some embodiments, at least one anchor may be disposed parallel to a side edge of the mat body and at least one anchor may be disposed at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the side edge. In some embodiments, one of the outer surfaces and a wall of an adjacent recess in the thickness may have a textured finish configured to prevent coupling between the outer surface and the wall. In some embodiments, a sealing surface may have a glossy finish configured to facilitate coupling to a substrate adjacent the back side.

The elongated tether may comprise a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, an elongated tether may comprise a carabiner at the first or second end.

The teething spoon may comprise a feeding end having a concave surface, a base opposite the feeding end coupled by a handle, and a safety guard adjacent the feeding end that extends perpendicular to an axis of the handle and has a perpendicular reach. The base may have a base diameter at its greatest extent and at least one base aperture having a base-aperture diameter. In some embodiments, the base diameter and perpendicular reach may each be at least about 50 mm. The base diameter and perpendicular reach may also be configured to prevent chocking by a toddler who is teething on the teething spoon. In some embodiments, a base may comprise a generally hemispherical structure configured to enable a teething spoon to be disposed vertically on a surface. In some embodiments, a base may further comprise a slot that is configured to accommodate an elongated tether when the elongated tether is removably coupled to the base aperture from within an interior of the generally hemispherical structure.

In some embodiments, the first end of the elongated tether may be removably coupled to one of the plurality of anchors, and the second end may be removably coupled to the base aperture. In some embodiments, the first end and second end may be configured to be removably coupled to one of the anchors or to a base aperture, respectively, with a compression fit. In some embodiments, a first end and second end may comprise an anchor terminus. The anchor terminus may be characterized by an anchor diameter, where the anchor diameter is greater than each of the aperture diameter and base-aperture diameter. In some embodiments, the aperture diameter may be approximately 6 mm and the aperture diameter and base-aperture diameter may each be approximately 10 mm.

At least one of the mat, the elongated tether, and the teething spoon may have a Shore A durometer of between about 45 and about 65. In some embodiments, at least one of these may comprise a food-grade silicone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a placemat and tether system that can provide a toddler with both a clean surface for food and toys, and a tether system for anchoring such toys or eating utensils close to the toddler. This system can protect the toddler from germs on a surrounding surface (e.g., a tabletop at a restaurant), and it can prevent tethered toys or utensils from being thrown onto the ground—thereby minimizing germ exposure and distractions to a caregiver who may otherwise need to constantly retrieve toys or utensils that are flung onto the floor or out of reach by the toddler.

This system can, for example, provide benefit for users in a restaurant setting. As another example, a caregiver may use the placemat and tether system to anchor bath toys adjacent a baby bathtub to keep the toys within reach of a baby just learning to grasp objects. As another example, a caregiver for an adult patient suffering from a motor control or movement disorder may use the system to tether eating utensils in a manner that keeps them within the patient's reach, to provide the patient with a more satisfying and independent eating experience.

FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate an exemplary placemat and tether system100in use. In this embodiment, the system100comprises a placemat103and an elongated tether106. The placemat103comprises a plurality of anchors109that each can include a means for retaining the elongated tether106and a means for affixing the placemat to a surface or substrate such as a table. Exemplary anchors are described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 3A-CandFIGS. 4A, B.

The placemat103provides an easily cleanable front surface112and can include one or more receptacles, such as receptacle115, which can be used for containing food items or other objects. A toy118, cup121or other utensil can be secured to an end of the elongated tether106opposite the end that is secured to an anchor109.

FIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bare, respectively, perspective and top views of a front side201of another embodiment of a placemat203for use in a placemat and tether system;FIG. 2CandFIG. 2Dare, respectively, perspective and top views of a back side202of the placemat203.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2A-2D, the placemat203comprises a mat body205, a front side201, a back side202and a thickness412(shown with reference toFIG. 4B). The front side201is the side that generally faces or is otherwise accessible to a user of placemat203. The back side202is the side that faces a substrate upon which the placemat203is secured. A suitable substrate could include, for example, a top surface of a table or high chair, or a vertical surface, such as a refrigerator door, bathtub or shower wall, patio door or window.

Front side201and back side202may comprise a finished surface to impart desired haptics or functionality to placemat203. In one example, front side201comprises a matte finish with a desirable feel and appearance, while back side202comprises a glossy finish to improve friction and stick between a surface of back side202and a surface of a substrate upon which placemat203is placed or secured.

To provide added functionality to placemat203, one or more receptacles220may be formed on front side201of placemat203and may be defined by a raised boundary222extending from a surface of front side201. Food or other objects may be placed and organized in receptacle(s)220for easy reach and access by a user of placemat203. Although shown as a single oval shape inFIGS. 2A and 2B, it may be appreciated that the number, shape and dimensions of the receptacle(s)220may be flexibly designed, configured and manufactured based on the anticipated needs of anticipated users (e.g., babies, toddlers, adults with muscle or movement disorders, etc.).

In some embodiments, the boundary222may correspond to a recess224on the back side202that reduces the amount of material required in forming boundary222and placemat203or for providing improved compressibility and flexibility of boundary222to facilitate rolling-up and storage of placemat203.

A lip230may be formed around a perimeter of the front side201of the placemat203to help contain spillage of foods or liquids on a surface of front side201during use. Boundary222may provide the same function with respect to foods or liquids spilled within the area of receptacle220. It may be appreciated that the height of boundary222as well as lip230may be any suitable dimension to sufficiently prevent the spilling of foods or liquids beyond the boundary222or lip230of placemat203while not interfering with rolling-up or storing of the placemat203when not in use. In some embodiments, the lip230may extend approximately 1 mm to 5 mm above the front-side surface201; in other embodiments, the lip230may extend approximately 1 mm to 3 mm above the front-side surface201. In some embodiments, the boundary222may extend 10 mm to 50 mm above the front-side surface201; in some embodiments, the boundary222may extend 20 mm to 40 mm above the front-side surface201; in some embodiments, the boundary222may extend 30 mm above the front-side surface201.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, a plurality of anchors209A and209B are provided on front side201of the placemat203. Each anchor209A or209B is configured to receive an elongated tether, such as elongated tether106(FIGS. 1A and 1B), or elongated tether501(FIGS. 5 and 7). Although four anchors209A,209B are shown, any suitable number of anchors may be provided. However, having at least four anchors209A,209B, one in proximity to each corner of placemat203, can be advantageous for securing the four corners of a rectangular placemat203.

Turning toFIG. 2C, a plurality of suction cups212A,212B are provided on back-side surface202of placemat203. In some embodiments, each suction cup212A,212B has a structure that is integral with corresponding anchor209A or209B on the front side201of placemat203. That is, in such embodiments, the anchor209A or209B is directly connected to the corresponding suction cup212A or212B through the thickness412of the mat body205, via a stem409(seeFIG. 4B). In some embodiments, the stem409and the suction cup212B are coaxial, and the axis427runs through the aperture312(seeFIGS. 3A-C,4B).

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare exploded perspective views of the tether anchors209B and209A. In some embodiments, the anchor209B comprises an anchor block302with two sloped faces304, a base306, tapered surface308, apex310and an opening or aperture312that is characterized by an aperture diameter315. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the anchor209B has one aperture312.

The faces304may be symmetrical and presented on both sides of anchor body302, with apertures312formed as a through-hole in anchor body302communicating from one face304to the other face304(i.e. one side to the other). A tapered surface308(including sloped faces304) extends from the base306of anchor209B, until reaching an apex310. A diameter of base306is therefore larger than a length of a top edge of the apex310.

As may be appreciated, by including the smooth tapered surfaces of anchor209B, the overall design of front side201of placemat203can provide for a contiguous, smooth surface profile substantially void of crevices, nooks or crannies in which food, liquids or germs can get stuck. Such a design of placemat203may facilitate efficient and effective cleaning with a cloth, disinfecting wipe, or other cleaning agent. The apertures312may be sized to enable a wipe to be passed through. For example, in some embodiments, the apertures312may be between 5 mm and 15 mm, or more preferably, between 5 mm and 10 mm; in some embodiments, the apertures312are 6 mm in diameter.

In some embodiments, an anchor may have a similar construction as described above—comprising an anchor block, faces, a base, a tapered surface and an apex—but the anchor may be larger than described and depicted and have two or more apertures. It may be appreciated that anchors having any number of apertures may be combined on a placemat. For example, in the case of a smaller placemat, such as one configured to provide for younger babies, for improved portability, or for smaller surfaces, anchors having only one aperture may be desirable to save space and create a more compact overall placemat design. In the case of a larger placemat, one or more anchors may be provided with two apertures each, to allow for the attachment of more items or toys. Regardless of their number in any given anchor block, aperture(s)312are structured to receive an elongated tether, such as the elongated tether501that is described with reference toFIG. 5, for attaching toys, utensils or other items to placemat203.

FIG. 4Ais a cross-sectional perspective view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 2B;FIG. 4Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the same section A-A.FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate additional details of the exemplary anchor209B showing the integrated structure of anchor body302with suction cup212B extending from the back side202of placemat203. Due to this integrated structure as well as the symmetrical tapered design of anchor body302, a user may grip the tapered faces304of anchor body302between his or her fingers (e.g., thumb and forefinger), and effectively apply force F (dashed arrow inFIG. 4A) and communicate such force directly to exemplary suction cup212B. Accordingly, suction cup212B (and other suction cups212A and212B) may be secured with more force to a substrate, thereby providing improved securement of the exemplary placemat203to a variety of surfaces, whether horizontal or vertical. Further, the integrated structure of anchor209B with suctions cup212B may be robust over repeated use and less prone to failure compared with other suction cup designs.

In some embodiments, suction cup212B may be provided in a state where a rim402edge is in a normally recessed position relative to the back-side surface202, such that the suction cup212B will not engage with a surface or substrate upon which placemat203is positioned unless there is an external application of force F to the anchor209B. In other embodiments, the suction cup212B, including its rim402, extends slightly below the back-side surface202, but a force F may still be required to evacuate sufficient air between a surface and the suction cup212B to create a strong suction force. In some embodiments, the configuration of the suction cup212B relative to the back-side surface202may enable the placemat203to lay substantially flat against the substrate to which it is adhered.

FIG. 4Bis a cross-section view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 2Band illustrates additional detail of an exemplary anchor209B. In some embodiments, the anchor209B comprises the anchor block302with aperture312, and suction cup212B. Suction cup212B has a sealing surface403and an outer surface406. A stem409connects the suction cup212B to the anchor block302, through a thickness412of the mat body205, such that the anchor block302extends from the front side201of the mat body205and the suction cup212B extends from the back side202of the mat body205. In some embodiments, the suction cup212B is at least partially disposed within a recess415in the thickness412(or in some embodiments, a recess415or indentation415relative to a plane that corresponds with the back surface202). In some embodiments the stem409is coaxial with the suction cup212B, e.g., along an axis427that may run directly through the aperture312. In some embodiments, the suction cup212B is disposed directly opposite the anchor block302, through the thickness412.

In some embodiments, texture is added to either or both of the outer surface406and a wall418of the recess415, to prevent the outer surface406from sticking to the wall418. In some such embodiments, the texture comprises molded protrusions, such as the exemplary protrusion421(see alsoFIG. 2C). In some embodiments, the texture comprises a rough or matte finish on one of the outer surface406and the wall418.

In some embodiments, the sealing surface403has a glossy surface to improve the ability of the suction cup212B to stick to a corresponding substrate. In some embodiments, the back-side surface202also has a glossy finish to increase its coefficient of friction relative to common substrates such as table surfaces, window glass, bath tiles, etc. In some embodiments, the suction cup212B includes an internal recess424that enables the suction cup212B to be pushed closer to a corresponding substrate, such that additional air can be pushed out and a stronger suction created when force F is applied (seeFIG. 4A).

The entire design of placemat203may be integrated and comprise a single molded article, including for example anchors209A and209B, suction cups212A and212B, and receptacle220. Benefits of this design include a decreased tooling and manufacturing costs arising from a single material, and a single mold and one-step manufacturing process, requiring no additional assembly of components. An example of a suitable manufacturing process for placemat includes compression molding processes.

Suitable materials may include natural rubber, synthetic rubbers or rubber-like materials, and preferably materials capable of being compression molded, as well as being free from chemicals that are potentially harmful to human users, such as BPA, BPS, PVC and phthalates. In one example, placemat203may comprise food-grade silicone, and may also be dishwasher safe for easier cleaning and disinfection.

In some embodiments, the material is compressible to facilitate coupling between the elongated tether106and the anchor blocks109shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the material may have a Shore A durometer hardness of about 45 to about 65, or more preferably, of about 50 to about 60. (“About” in this disclosure may mean, for example, within 1%, or 5%, or 10% or 20% of the nominal value.)

FIG. 5is a perspective view of an example elongated tether501suitable for use with an exemplary placemat, such as placemat103or placemat203. Elongated tether501comprises an anchor end504and a retention end507. The anchor end504includes an anchor terminus510, which, in some embodiments, is generally spherical and characterized by an anchor diameter513. The anchor diameter513is configured to interface with an aperture of an anchor block, such as the aperture312of the anchor block209B, via an interference or compression fit. That is, the anchor terminus510is dimensioned to have an anchor diameter513that is larger than the aperture diameter315of the aperture312, while a tether diameter516that characterizes the elongated tether501adjacent the anchor terminus510(e.g., segment519) is smaller than the aperture312. Furthermore, the material from which the anchor terminus510is made is compressible. Thus, the anchor510terminus can be compressed and manipulated into and through the aperture312. Once the anchor terminus510passes all the way through the aperture312, its compressible material expands to its nominal dimension, in which state the anchor diameter513is larger than aperture diameter315—thereby securing the elongated tether501to the anchor block209B. InFIGS. 1A and 1B, elongated tether106is shown as being secured to anchor109in the manner just described.

In some embodiments, the material for the elongated tether501is the same as the material for the placemat203and anchor block209B. In some embodiments, this material is a food grade silicone having a Shore A durometer hardness of about 45 to about 65, or more preferably, of about 50 to about 60. In some embodiments, in addition to the anchor terminus510being compressible, the aperture312may be expandable (e.g., elastic), such that the anchor diameter513shrinks and the aperture diameter315expands as the elongated tether501is secured to the anchor block209B.

A compressible and elastic material that is safe for human oral contact, such as food-grade silicone, has additional advantages. For example, a tether501comprising such material may be suitable for teething by a baby or toddler user. Moreover, compressibility and elasticity may promote development of a user's dexterity, finger strength and fine motor skills as the user manipulates the tether501or objects attached thereto.

As shown inFIG. 5, the elongated tether501also comprises a retention terminus522at its retention end507, characterized by a retention diameter524; and a series of retention apertures525A,525B and525C, each of which is characterized by a retention aperture diameter528. The retention terminus522and retention apertures525A,525B and525C are also configured to interface with each other via an interference or compression fit, like the anchor terminus510and aperture312. That is, the nominal diameter528of the retention apertures525A,525B and525C is smaller than the nominal retention diameter524of the retention terminus522, but larger than a diameter529of a stem portion530of the elongated tether501. The material of the elongated tether501is compressible, such that the retention terminus522can be compressed and/or the retention apertures525A,525B and525C can be expanded, enabling a user of the elongated tether501to form a loop using the retention end507of the elongated tether501to secure a toy, cup or other utensil (as is depicted in another embodiment inFIGS. 1A and 1B, with elongated tether106, toy118and cup121).

In some embodiments, the elongated tether501comprises three retention apertures525A,525B and525C, enabling a user to vary a size of the loop formed when the retention terminus522is secured in one of the retention apertures—e.g., a relatively smaller loop is formed when the retention terminus522is secured in the retention aperture525C; and a relatively larger loop is formed when the retention terminus522is secured in the retention aperture525A.

In some embodiments, more or fewer retention apertures may be provided than shown inFIG. 5. In some embodiments, the retention diameter524is the same as the anchor diameter513; in other embodiments, the retention diameter524and anchor diameter513are different, as is the retention-aperture diameter528and the aperture diameter315—in order to force users to secure the anchor terminus510only to anchor block209B and the retention terminus522only to retention apertures525A,525B or525C.

As shown inFIG. 5, elongated tether501also comprises an elastic region535whose design may facilitate stretching of the elongated tether501along its length. In some embodiments, the material from which the elongated tether501is made is elastic, such that the elastic region535stretches out when pulled but returns to its original state when a pulling or stretching force is removed. In some embodiments, the entire elongated tether501may stretch, including the segments519,530and533and points in-between, though the elastic section535may provide greater elasticity than the other portions.

InFIG. 5, the elastic region535is depicted as a two-dimensional serpentine winding of the material of the elongated tether501along the same relatively two-dimensional plane. In contrast with a three-dimensional spring or helical structure, the depicted elastic region535may be less likely to become tangled when twisted around and used by a baby or young child. In addition, this structure may maintain its functionality stably over repeated use. Further, a two-dimensional serpentine winding design may facilitate easier manufacturing (e.g., through a single-step compression molding process).

In some embodiments, the elastic section535may comprise fewer serpentine winding sections. The elastic sections535of elongated tethers106and501are shown as comprising five back-and-forth half-circular arcs, but a smaller or larger number of back-and-forth half-circular arcs could be provided. By varying the length of the elastic section535(e.g., by varying the number of back-and-forth half-circular arcs), a maximum length (or maximum length given a certain amount of force) can be set. For example, in some embodiments, the elongated tether501is configured to not exceed 12 inches when subjected to five pounds of stretching force. Such design parameters may be set, in some embodiments, to meet governmental regulations, such as regulations designed to minimize choking or strangulation hazards. In some embodiments, the length of the segments519,533and530may also be varied to provide an elongated tether501that is longer or shorter or that facilitates the securing of smaller or larger objects. Numerous variations are possible to the design of the elongated tether without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

With the elastic section535, the elongated tether501can provide an expandable zone for objects to be moved around a corresponding placemat203, and provide a baby or other user physical feedback in response to stretching and pulling motions that can aid in motor-skill development and coordination. Further, the elastic section535can absorb some of the stretching and pulling force that is applied to the overall elongated tether501, which can, in some embodiments further secure a connection between the anchor terminus510and an aperture312of an anchor block209B.

FIG. 6shows another embodiment of an elongated tether601. In this embodiment, the elongated tether has an anchor end604and a retention end607, and the retention end607operates in a similar manner as the retention end507described with reference toFIG. 5. That is, a retention terminus622can engage, via an interference or compression fit, into one of a plurality of retention apertures625A,625B or625C to retain an object. Similar to the elongated tether501, the elongated tether601comprises an elastic section635. However, in this embodiment, elongated tether601comprises a suction cup610in place of the generally spherical terminus510. As shown, the elongated tether601comprises a grip638adjacent the suction cup610that is suitable for gripping, for example, by a user's thumb and forefinger. In some embodiments, the elongated tether601can be provided with one or more elongated tethers501and a corresponding placement203in a “kit” that can provide a number of different tether options. For example, elongated tether601could be used in vertical-mount applications, such as with a placemat203mounted to a patio door, window or tiled wall adjacent a bath tub, to provide additional tethering options next to or independent of a placemat203.

FIG. 8shows another embodiment of an elongated tether801. In this embodiment, the elongated tether801has two anchor ends804and805. Each anchor end804and805functions in a similar manner as the anchor end504described with reference toFIG. 5. That is, the anchor end804and805may be compression fit into the aperture of an anchor block on one end (e.g., anchor block109, as shown inFIG. 1B) and an aperture of another object (e.g., a teething spoon) that is configured to be anchored to the anchor block.

In this embodiment, as elastic section835is provided and can perform a similar function as the elastic section535shown in and described with reference toFIG. 5. In this embodiment, the elastic section835comprises a number of arcs that are more gradual than the back-and-forth serpentine sections of tether501. In some embodiments, more gradual curves in this section835may result in a tether that is able to withstand significantly more applied cycles of stretching force than other designs—with less chance of cracks or breaks.

The elongated tether801may be used to couple a placemat with another object that has a circular compression-fit retention aperture, as do the above-described anchor blocks on an exemplary placemat. For example, in some embodiments, the elongated tether801may be used to couple a teething spoon to a placemat, as will be described with reference toFIG. 9and following.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of a placemat and tether system100in use.FIG. 7shows the front side201of placemat203and elongated tether501in use as a system100, including an example of a cup121attached to elongated tether501, which is anchored to placemat203. The anchor terminus510of the elongated tether is shown disposed through aperture312of anchor209A and secured via an interference fit. The retention terminus522is placed through aperture525C and secured via an interference fit. As described with reference toFIG. 5, the anchor terminus510and retention terminus522may be generally spherically shaped, with diameters that are nominally (e.g., in a non-compressed state) larger than the apertures with which they engage. In some embodiments, the termini may be mushroom-shaped, or shaped in any other manner that permits an interference fit sufficiently strong to resist the expected forces that a user, such as, for example, a baby, young child or adult with a movement disorder, may apply.

Once an anchor terminus510or retention terminus522regains its original diameter after being pushed through a corresponding interference-fit aperture, the interference fit is not easily overcome. That is, the elongated tether501is not easily pulled from the anchor209A, nor is it easily disconnected from the cup121or other object. Rather, to detach the elongated tether501from anchor209A, a user (such as a caregiver) may need to engage fine dexterity and enough force to massage and manipulate the anchor terminus510—e.g., by pushing on it at the same time and holding a portion of anchor209A stable, until the anchor terminus510has been compressed down and passed back through aperture312. Accordingly, with the exemplary design shown inFIG. 7, it may exceedingly difficult for even a determined baby or young child to break the elongated tether501free of the anchor209A, due to the characteristics and dimensions of the materials used for placemat203and elongated tether501; their selected hardness durometer; the dimensions and geometries of the apertures312,525A,525B and525C; the dimensions and geometries of the anchor terminus510and retention terminus522; and the manner of securing the interference fit, for example.

To further increase security of the above-described attachments, a face324of one or more anchors, such as the anchor209A, may be angled relative to the user's normal position, such that any attempts to pull on tether501toward their body or within their zone of reach would be made at an angle relative to an axis of the aperture312, thereby causing the anchor terminus510to be misaligned with that aperture312axis. For example, with reference toFIG. 2B, the face324may be positioned at an angle231relative to a side of the placemat203. In some embodiments, the angle is between about 30 and 60 degrees; in some embodiments, the angle is about 45 degrees.

Although elongated tether501has been described as one example of a suitable means of attachment using anchors209A and209B, it may be appreciated that other attachment means compatible with apertures312may also be utilized, including rings, straps, etc. In one embodiment, placemat203and tether501are provided as a placemat system100; in other embodiments, placemat203and tether501are provided or sold separately; in still other embodiments, elongated tether601may be provided separately or as part of system100with placemat203and/or tether501.

Placemat203, elongated tether501, as well as the combined system100therefore provide numerous advantages, including, for example, reducing the burden and challenges of child care or patient care and promoting child development and safety. For example, careful and supervised use of placemat203or its system100on a vertical surface, such as attached to a refrigerator door, patio door or window, may promote development of a child's standing and balance, and may keep a child preoccupied and out of the way of active caregivers while they are preparing food or engaging in other tasks. When placemat203or system100is attached to bathtub wall, tethered bath toys may be kept within reach of the baby, preventing them from floating away.

System100comprising placemat203and elongated tether501can be used in a horizontal application, such as with a high chair. In some embodiments, the retention apertures525A,525B and525C are dimensioned to accommodate a crayon, marker or utensil, without use of the retention terminus522; that is, in such embodiments, a marker or utensil may be retained by the apertures525A,525B and525C themselves. In some embodiments, spacing between the retention terminus522and the retention apertures525A,525B and525C is configured such that a loop may be formed by engaging the retention terminus522with one of the retention apertures525A,525B or525C that can accommodate common utensils or toys, such as large, easy-grip toddler utensils, large markers, baby cup handles, etc.

In some embodiments, the front surface201of placemat203is configured in material and texture to enable the front surface to be an erasable writing surface when used with appropriate markers or other toddler-appropriate writing or drawing implements. That is, in such embodiments, that front surface201may be easily washable yet textured to receive and temporarily retain marker ink—thereby providing a writing surface201that may occupy toddler users after a meal, which could first be served on the same surface201.

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary teething spoon901that can be removably coupled to a placemat with a tether (e.g., like the tether801that was just described). As shown, the teething spoon901includes a feeding end904and a base907opposite the feeding end904. A handle910couples the feeding end904and the base907.

In some embodiments, the entire teething spoon901is made of a soft and/or compliant material that is safe and suitable for teething by a baby or toddler. For example, the material could be a food-grade silicone—and in particular, a food-grade silicone having a Shore A durometer of between about 45 and about 65.

In some embodiments, the feeding end904has a bowl-like concave surface913. The concave surface913may be textured, for example, with a plurality of protrusions916. In some embodiments, such protrusions916may be configured to “grip” foods (e.g., apple sauce, yams, other soft foods; peas, corn, other smooth-skinned items that may be prone to rolling off). In some embodiments, such protrusions916may be further configured to stimulate the mouth, tongue and gums of a baby or toddler—for example to sooth the gums during teething and to enhance sensory exploration and speech development. In some embodiments, the overall shape and texture (e.g., depth of the bowl-like concave surface913, the height and number of the protrusions916) may be configured to limit the amount of food that can be retained by the feeding end904, to, for example minimize a risk of gagging or choking by a baby or toddler who is learning to feed him or herself.

Turning toFIG. 10, the handle910may be configured to promote grasping by a baby or toddler. That is, in some embodiments, a portion919of the handle (e.g., a portion919between the base907and a safety guard922) is dimensioned to accommodate the hand920of an average toddler. For example, a portion919of the handle may be at least 45 mm; as another example, the portion919may be at least 70 mm; as other examples, the portion919may be at least 30-50 mm, 40-60 mm, 50-70 mm, 45-95 mm, etc.

To facilitate gripping by small fingers and to further enhance sensory development, the handle910may have a ribbed or otherwise textured surface. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the handle910may be curved and/or tapered to further enhance gripping, comfort, and overall aesthetic appearance.

The teething spoon901may include features to prevent choking or gagging. For example, the base907can be structured to extend out from the handle, such that it has a base diameter911at its greatest extent. In some embodiments, the base diameter911is at least 50 mm. In the embodiment shown, the base907is a generally hemispherical structure, but other shapes can be employed. Near the feeding end904, the teething spoon901also includes a safety guard922, which also extends out from the handle910.

With referenceFIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the safety guard922may extend perpendicular to an axis (e.g., a local axis925) of the handle910; and like the base907, the safety guard922may have a perpendicular reach928that, in some embodiments, is at least about 50 mm. A safety guard922that is so structured may prevent gagging or choking by a baby or toddler by preventing the teething spoon901from being inserted too deeply into the baby's or toddler's mouth.

As depicted inFIG. 10, the safety guard922may include two open loops922A and922B that can further facilitate grasping by a baby or toddler. The loops922A and922B may be in-plane with each other and on opposite sides of the handle910, or they may have a different configuration. In other embodiments, the safety guard922may have a closed structure. In embodiments in which the safety guard922includes open loops, an inner dimension of the loops may be configured to prevent pinching or entrapment of small fingers. For example, in some embodiments, the safety guard922is configured to permit passage of a 10 mm diameter cylinder (depicted by element923) unobstructed. In other embodiments, the safety guard922is configured to permit unobstructed passage of a 13 mm cylinder.

As depicted inFIG. 12, some embodiments of a teething spoon1201are configured to enable the teething spoon1201to be situated or disposed vertically—even when tethered to another object. In particular, a base1207can include an aperture1210for receiving a removable tether1213and a slot1216that is configured to accommodate the removable tether1213when the teething spoon1201is disposed vertically, and when the removable tether1213is anchored by the aperture1210and disposed through the aperture1210from an interior of the base1207(e.g., from the interior of a generally hemispherical structure, in some embodiments).

Although the base1207is shown as a generally hemispherical hollow structure, the base1207may take other forms in other embodiments. For example, the base12017could be circular but flat, with the slot1216omitted and the aperture1210disposed on a handle1219. As another example, the base1207could include loops or extensions similar to the safety guards1222. Such loops could extend in two directions, three directions (e.g., forming a tripod-like structure), four dimensions (e.g., forming a cross structure), etc. Such alternative structures may or may not be configured to enable the teething spoon1201to be disposed vertically.

FIG. 13Aillustrates an exemplary cross-sectional side view of the teething spoon901that is shown inFIG. 10, with the cross-section taken along lines B-B. As shown in this embodiment, the teething spoon901may comprise a single material throughout, facilitating molding in a single step. As mentioned, this material could be a food-grade silicone that is safe for teething by babies and toddlers. Alternatively, the material could be a natural rubber, an organic cotton-based material, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or EVA foam, a food-grade plastic (e.g., polyethylene), or another material that is safe for teething.

FIG. 13Billustrates a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of teething spoon901′. In this embodiment, the teething spoon901′ may comprise two layers. In particular, the teething spoon901′ can include an inner layer1302and an outer layer1305. The outer layer1305may be a food-grade silicone having a Shore A durometer of about 65, and the inner layer1302may be a silicone or nylon material (or any other suitable material) having a greater hardness than the outer layer1305. In such an embodiment, the outer layer1305can provide a surface that is suitable for gripping and teething, while the inner layer1302can provide additional rigidity, which may provide additional strength and durability. Other variations are possible. Different materials could be used; there could be more than two layers; Shore A durometer values could be higher or lower (e.g., 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90); etc.

FIG. 14illustrates a system1401that includes a mat1403having an anchor1406, an elongated tether1409, and a teething spoon1412. In some embodiments, the mat1403has a construction like the embodiments illustrated in and described with reference to the preceding figures (e.g., with anchor block(s) and corresponding suction cup(s) with sealing surfaces). The elongated tether1409may have a similar structure to the elongated tether501shown inFIG. 5or the elongated tether801shown inFIG. 8(e.g., with an anchor end that is configured to interface with an anchor block via, for example, a compression fit).

FIGS. 15A and 15Billustrate alternative embodiments for tether anchors. As shown, a carabiner1515may be employed as an anchor for a tether1509. Other types of anchors are possible. For example, a ring1518could be employed to anchor an object. Such a ring1518may include anchor nubs1521that are configured to prevent removal of the ring1518from an aperture (e.g., an aperture1523of a teething spoon1512), absent a sufficient force that overcomes a compression-fit force. A ring1518or carabiner1515may be configured to fit in an aperture1523and slot1526of a teething spoon1512(e.g., to facilitate its vertical disposition); or the ring1518or carabiner1515may be configured to simply interface with the aperture1523. The elongated tether1509may have another construction, such as a series of chain links1529, or an elastic or rope cord structure.

While several embodiments have been described with reference to exemplary aspects, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the contemplated scope. For example, various materials could be used; hardness and structure of a teething spoon could be varied; dimensions and proportions could be varied; different structures for a base could be employed; a tether could take various forms; etc. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings provided herein without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the scope not be limited to the particular aspects or embodiments disclosed but include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims.