Patent Publication Number: US-2018043274-A1

Title: Baby activity chair

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to a safe and comfortable activity chair for babies. Many existing baby chairs balance on multiple legs and therefore create a risk of tipping, falling or injuring the baby. Other existing chairs include sturdy material that is uncomfortable for babies. Existing chairs that include activities for babies often include many similar activities that are made of hard material, such as plastic. Thus, a need exists for a sturdy but comfortable baby chair that includes a variety of activities for a baby. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a baby activity chair apparatus including a substantially enclosed baby chair and a removable tray with tray attributes for baby activities. In certain embodiments, the baby chair includes a flat base to provide a sturdy foundation, and a substantially enclosed seating portion to provide a safe environment for the baby. In certain embodiments, the removable tray is configured to secure to the baby chair through an attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes one or more attachment straps on either the baby chair or the removable tray, and the attachment straps are configured to be inserted through one or more insert slots on the other of the baby chair or the removable tray. 
     In various embodiments, the removable tray includes a plurality of tray attributes that provide interactive baby activities. Each tray attribute includes a different combination of visual features, tactile features, and attachment features. Certain tray attributes also emit sounds. The tray attributes provide a variety of age appropriate activities in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, and sounds to keep a baby engaged when the baby is seated within the baby activity chair apparatus. 
     A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principals of the invention may be employed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the activity chair apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the baby chair of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the of the baby chair of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the baby chair of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the baby chair of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation opposite the view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the baby chair of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the baby chair of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  a top plan view of one embodiment of the removable tray with tray attributes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiment(s) described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiment(s) described herein, but also any other embodiment that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers or serial numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. As stated above, this specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The activity chair apparatus  10  disclosed herein provides a sturdy and safe seating device intended for use with babies. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus includes a soft baby chair  100  with a removable activity tray  200 . In a preferred embodiment, the baby chair  100  and the removable tray  200  are constructed from a sturdy foam material. In a preferred embodiment, the baby chair  100  further includes a removable chair cover (not shown) constructed of a soft fabric, such as cotton canvas, to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning. Such a configuration provides an activity chair apparatus  10  that is sturdy enough to support a baby&#39;s weight and soft enough to provide a comfortable safe enclosure for the baby. 
     The baby chair  100  includes a flat base  102  that sits flat on any surface, such as the ground to avoid tipping or falling. The removable tray  200  sits flush on top of a portion of the baby chair  100  and secures to the baby chair through an attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes one or more attachment straps  202  on either the baby chair  100  or the removable tray  200 , and the attachment straps  202  are configured to be inserted through one or more insert slots  120  on the other of the baby chair or the removable tray. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of attachment straps  202  are located on the removable tray  200 , and are configured to be threaded through corresponding insert slots  120  located on the baby chair and secure to the underside of the tray  200 . In certain alternative embodiments, the attachment straps may be located on the baby chair and the insert slots may be located on the removable tray. In a preferred embodiment, there are three insert slots  120  on the baby chair  100 , and three corresponding attachment straps  202  fastened to the bottom outside edge of the removable tray  200  at locations corresponding to the insert slots  120  of the baby chair  100 . It should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the baby chair apparatus  10  may include a different number of attachment straps  202  and insert slots  120 . In this embodiment, the attachment straps  202  are secured to the underside of the tray  200  via a mating device, such as through Velcro® tabs. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , which illustrates a perspective view of the baby chair  100 . The baby chair  100  includes a flat base  102 , and a fully enclosed center opening  101  into which a baby is seated.  FIGS. 3-4 , illustrate a front view and a rear view, respectively of the chair  100 .  FIGS. 5-6  illustrate two opposite side views of the baby chair  100 . The chair  100  further includes an outside wall  108  and an inside wall  110  that extend vertically from and perpendicular to the flat base  102 . In a preferred embodiment, the flat base  102  is round thereby causing the entire chair to have a generally round shape. 
     In certain embodiments, the chair  100  includes a back portion  104  that provides a back rest for the baby, and a front portion  106  that provides the enclosure around the sides and front of the baby chair to keep the baby fully enclosed. In this embodiment, the back portion  104  is raised higher than the front portion  106 . More specifically, in this embodiment, the outside wall  108  includes a back outside wall  108   a  and a front outside wall  108   b . The inside wall  110  includes a back inside wall  110   a  and a front inside wall  110   b . The front portion  106  of the chair  100  includes the front outside wall  108   b  and the front inside wall  110   b . In a preferred embodiment, the front portion  106  is continuous around the sides and front of a baby when the baby is seated inside the chair. As such, the front inside wall  110   b  and the front outside wall  108   b  provide a fully contained enclosure with no leg holes for the baby. 
     In certain embodiments, the back portion  104  provides the back rest for the baby when the baby is seated inside the chair. For this reason, the back portion  104  is of a greater height than the front portion  104 . More specifically, both the back outside wall  108   a  and the back inside wall  110   a  are raised higher than the front outside wall  108   b  and the front inside wall  110   b . The back outside wall  108   a  and the back inside wall  110   b  provide the back rest for the baby. The back outside wall  108   a  and the back inside wall  110   a  slope downward into the front outside wall  108   a  and front inside wall  110   b.    
     In certain embodiments, the back wall  108  and the front wall  110  are separated by ridge  112 . In a preferred embodiment, the ridge  112  extends around the entire perimeter of the chair opening. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the ridge  112  includes an upper perimeter  112   a  between the back outside wall  108   a  and the back inside wall  110   a , and a lower perimeter  112   b  between the front outside wall  108   b  and the front inside wall  110   b . The upper perimeter  112   a  of the back portion  104  of the chair  100  slopes downward towards the lower perimeter  112   b  of the front portion  106  of the chair  100  via two sloping side ridges  112   c . In certain embodiments, the lower perimeter  112   b  of the ridge provides a surface against which the removable tray  200  rests when secured to the baby chair  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , which illustrates a top plan view of the chair  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in certain embodiments, the baby activity chair apparatus  10  further includes a crotch restraint  130 . In this embodiment, the crotch restraint  130  includes a main restraint portion  132 , a fastening mechanism  134  to fasten the crotch restraint to the chair  100 , and an adjustable securing mechanism to secure the crotch restraint around the baby. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism  134  includes a back strap that is fastened to the interior of the apparatus  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the back strap is sewn to the inside back inside wall  110   b  of the baby chair  100 . 
     In this embodiment, the adjustable securing mechanism includes at least one belt  136  that is configured to adjustably fit around the baby and secure the baby within the crotch restraint  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the front side of the main restraint portion  132  includes at least one belt insert loop  138  that is fastened to the front of the main restraint portion  132 . In embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the main restraint portion  132  includes two belt loops  138  on two sides. In this embodiment, each of two belts  136  are configured to fit through each belt insert loop  138  and fold back on itself, securing closed with a closing mechanism. 
     In certain embodiments, the closing mechanism includes a hook and loop mating material, such as Velcro® located on each of the belts  136 . In this embodiment, the hook and loop mating material, such as Velcro®, provides a comfortable and adjustable closing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the closing mechanism is at least six inches long so that the belt length may be adjusted to fit a variety of body sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the crotch restraint  130  is adjustable such that the crotch restraint  130  may be configured to fit infants approximately from ages 3 months to 12 months. In a preferred embodiment, the crotch restraint  130  is made from the same soft canvas as the main chair  100 . In this embodiment, the crotch restraint  130  includes two layers of canvas with a layer of sheet polyfill for the main restraint  132 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom plan view of the chair  100 . In this embodiment, the base  102  of the chair  100  is a round, flat, sturdy base that provides a secure foundation for the baby chair ensuring additional safety for the baby. In a preferred embodiment, the baby activity chair apparatus  10  includes a chair cover made in machine washable soft cotton canvas that is placed over the chair  100 . In certain embodiments, a zipper (not shown) in the bottom of the chair cover enables a user to remove the chair cover for easy cleaning. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , which illustrates a top plan view of the removable tray. As described above, the removable tray  200  includes a plurality of attachment straps  202 . In certain embodiments, the attachment straps include a closing mechanism  204 , such as Velcro®. Like the chair  100 , in certain embodiments, the removable tray  200  also includes a cotton canvas cover. In certain embodiments, the cotton canvas cover of the removable tray is a printed cotton jersey material. It should be appreciated that the cover of the removable tray may be constructed of a variety of different materials in a variety of different colors and prints. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a top side of the removable tray  200  includes baby activities described herein as tray attributes  206 - 226 . Each of the tray attributes  206 - 226  is constructed from a variety of fabrics including, but not limited to, percale, voile, jersey corduroy, grosgrain ribbon, linen, and twill tape. In this embodiment, the tray attributes  206 - 226  are also attached to the tray and/or to one another via a variety of techniques including, but not limited to via appliqué, embroidery, and printing. In certain embodiments, the tray attributes  206 - 226  include certain interactive elements, including but not limited to, rattles, squeakers, acrylic mirrors, and crinkly materials. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates several example tray attributes including: boulders  206 , a leaf  208 , a cluster of clouds and rain drops  210 , stars  212 , pine trees  214 , a sun  216 , a cluster of grass  218 , a tree  220 , clovers  222 , a pond  224 , and a mushroom  226 . It should be appreciated that  FIG. 9 , represents one example embodiment of a combination of tray attributes. Certain alternative embodiments may include fewer, more and/or different tray attributes. 
     The removable tray includes a plurality of tray attributes, each tray attribute includes a combination of one or more different tray attribute features to engage the baby. For example, each of the tray attributes of  FIG. 9 , includes a combination of tray attribute features including: (1) visual features, including the shape, color and/or print of the tray attribute, and the general look of the attribute, (2) tactile features, including the texture of the material used and the feel of the tray attribute due to the configuration of the tray attribute, and (3) attachment features, including the manner and extent to which each attribute is attached to the tray. Certain tray attributes additionally include audible features, including any sounds that correspond with certain tray attributes. 
     Turing to the example tray attributes illustrated in  FIG. 9 , each tray attribute has unique visual features. The visual features refer to the shape of each tray attribute. Certain tray attributes include basic well known shapes such as triangles  214 ,  216   b , circles  216   a , spheres  210   a , or rectangles  218 . Other tray attributes include a shape that resembles specific objects, such as stars  212 , rain drops  210   b , or a mushroom  226 . In another embodiment, a tray attribute resembles a bunch of grapes (not shown) that resembles the cloud cluster  210   a  attribute of  FIG. 9 . It should be appreciated that certain tray attributes include a combination of shapes, such as a spherical shaped could  210   a  with rain drops  210 , or a circular shaped sun  216   a  with triangular shaped rays  216   b  protruding from the sun. 
     Visual features also refer to the color or print of each tray attribute. In certain embodiments, the tray attributes are constructed from various fabrics. Each fabric may be of a solid color, or may include a certain pattern or print. Accordingly, certain tray attributes are constructed from a solid colored material, while other tray attributes are constructed of printed material. For example, the pine tree tray attributes  214  may be constructed from a solid green colored material or may be constructed of printed material. In certain embodiments, each of the three pine trees  214  are constructed from a different fabric to add a variety of colors. In another example, certain tray attributes that are embroidered directly to the tray cover, such as the stars  212  and clovers  222  may be embroidered in a single solid color or in multiple colors. 
     The visual features also refer to the general look of each tray attribute. Returning to the example of the pine trees  214 , in one embodiment, the pine trees are made of printed cotton jersey material, lightly stuffed with polyfill and appliquéd to the tray. The pine trees  214  differ from the embroidered stars  212  and clovers  222  because the light stuffing of the pine trees make them slightly raised. In another example, in certain embodiments, the mushroom  226  is made of cotton linen. In a variation of this embodiment, the mushroom cap  226   a  may include embroidered french knots that add a unique texture to the mushroom cap. Similarly, in one variation of the mushroom, the stem of the mushroom may include a running stitch to add texture. The variety of visual features associated with each of the different tray attributes keep the baby engaged and stimulated as the baby sits in the baby activity chair apparatus  10 . 
     Tactile features include the texture of the material used for each tray attribute, and the feel of the tray attribute due to the configuration. First, certain tray attributes are constructed from smooth fabrics such as cotton, while other attributes are constructed from bumpy fabrics such as corduroy. For example, in certain embodiments, tray attributes such as the boulders  206  are constructed of a corduroy material and are lightly stuffed with polyfill so they are raised from the surface of the tray. By contrast, the clouds  210   a  tray attribute are constructed of many poplin cotton fabric balls stuffed with polyfill to form a spherical shape and securely sewn to the tray in a cluster. The clouds are more stuffed than the boulders and create a bumpy soft feel. Other tray attributes include a combination of tactile features. For example one tray attribute of a pond  224  made of sheer voile with slightly frayed edges. Underneath the pond  224   a , the tray attribute may include one or more fish  224   b . In certain embodiments the fish  224   b  are constructed from a different material such as felt or plastic. In this tray attribute  224 , a baby can feel the sheer voile of the pond  224   a  in certain areas, and in other areas can feel the fish  224   b  through the sheer voile of the pond. The voile material has a different texture than cotton and corduroy. 
     The configuration of each tray attribute also adds to the tactile features of each tray attribute. Returning to the example tray attribute of the pond  224 , the pond  224  is sewn to the tray cover in a manner such that it includes fringed edges around the entire perimeter of the pond. The fringed edges of the pond  224  also provide a unique tactile feature. Similarly, the tree  220  includes a tree top portion  220   a  and in this embodiment, the tree top  220   a  includes a plurality of string knots  220   c  throughout the tree top  220   a . The string knots  220   c  adds another tactile component. The variety of tactile features enable the baby to engage with each activity, or tray attribute, in a different manner, thereby increasing the baby&#39;s stimulation and engagement. 
     Next, the attachment feature of each tray attribute refers to the manner of attachment and the extent to which each tray attribute is attached to the tray cover surface. In certain embodiments, each tray attribute may be attached to the tray surface via embroider, appliqué, print, Velcro®, ties, and any other suitable manner of attachment. Each manner of attachment adds a unique aspect for the baby to observe, feel, and compare. 
     The attachment feature also refers to the extent to which each tray attribute is attached to the tray surface. For example, certain tray attributes are completely attached to the tray surface and meant for the baby to touch and feel, such as the stars  212  and clovers  222 , which are embroidered directly to the surface of the tray. Similarly, the leaf tray attribute  208  and the pine trees  214  are appliquéd and embroidered to be flat against the surface of the tray. 
     Other tray attributes are partially attached to the tray surface such that a baby may pull on, or move at least one end of the tray attribute. For example, the rays  216   b  of the sun tray attribute  216  are made from folded grosgrain ribbon and sewn only to the sun at the base with the tips left loose for play. In certain embodiments, the partially attached tray attributes lift to reveal another tray attribute. More specifically, certain tray attributes include a first end that is attached to the tray, and a second unattached end that may be flipped over the attached end to reveal another tray attribute. For example, the boulder tray attributes  206 , are stuffed corduroy flaps which are attached to the tray at a first end, and the unattached end may be flipped over the attached end to reveal a second tray attribute. In this embodiment, a first one of the boulders  206   a  may be flipped over to reveal an image of an ant  206   d , a second one of the boulder  206   b  may be flipped over its attached end to reveal an embroidered worm  206   e . A third boulder  206   c  includes an acrylic child safe mirror  206   f  on the back side of the boulder such that when the first boulder is flipped over, the mirror  206   f  is revealed. 
     Another example of a tray attribute partially attached to the tray is the grass tray attribute  218 . In this example embodiment, each strand of grass  218   a  is made using twill tape. The tape is sewn only along the bottom edge leaving the tops free for play. The grass may  218   a  be pushed aside to reveal second tray attribute  218   b . In this example embodiment, the second tray attribute  218   b  is an appliquéd and embroidered turtle in cotton percale. 
     Certain tray attributes include a moveable second tray attribute within an otherwise attached first tray attribute. For example, the pond  224  described above, the sheer voile creating the look of a pond  224   a  is sewn to the tray, but the fish  224   b  underneath the sheer voile are completely moveable. So the baby may push the fish  224   b  to move them around the pond  224   a . The different attachment features of each of the tray attributes further add to the engagement and stimulation as the baby interacts with each of the baby activities, or tray attributes. 
     Other tray attributes are completely removable from the tray. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the tree tray attribute  220 , and the mushroom tray attribute  224  are both unattached to the tray. The tree  220  is made of cotton linen and includes a tree top portion  220   a  and a bottom trunk portion  220   b . The tree  220  is two sided and stuffed with polyfill. The mushroom is also made of cotton linen and includes a cap  226   a  and a base  226   b . The mushroom is two-sided, stuffed with polyfill. More specifically, both the tree  220  and the mushroom  224  attach to the tray with a cotton tie and Velcro® tab. As such, both the tree and the mushroom may be picked up and moved around. In this embodiment, they are attached to a cotton tie which is attached to the tray so that they are not completely unattached. In certain alternative embodiments, removable tray attributes may be removable attached to the tray such as through Velcro®. 
     Certain tray attributes also include an audible feature. For example, the sun tray attribute  216  includes a center circular portion made of cotton percale and stuffed with poly fill and a squeaker. Such that when depressed, the center of the sun makes an audible squeaking sound. Similarly, the rain drops of the cloud and rain drops tray attribute  210   b  are stuffed with a crinkle material that makes a crinkle noise when moved. Another tray attribute including an audible aspect is the tree tray attribute  220 . In one embodiment, the tree trunk portion  220   b  is stuffed with polyfill and a rattle (not shown). The tree attaches to the tray with a cotton tie and Velcro® tab. 
     It should be appreciated that many tray attributes include multiple sections and each section may include a different combination of tray attribute aspects. For example, a tray attribute of a cloud  210  includes a first section configured to resemble a cluster of clouds  210   a  and each cloud is made from many poplin cotton fabric balls stuffed with polyfill to form a spherical shape and securely sewn to the tray. In this example embodiment, the tray attribute  210  includes a second section configured to resemble rain drops  210   b . In this example, each rain drop is made of two-sided voile and stuffed with noisy crinkle material. In this example, a third section of the tray attribute includes a plurality of cotton ties  210   c  that are configured to connect the rain drops to the cluster of clouds. The cotton ties are in a long rectangular shape, and are flat as opposed to the lightly stuffed rain drops and the spherical clouds. While the cluster of clouds  210  are secured to the top surface of the tray, the cotton ties  210   c  are only connected to the tray at one end. The other end of the cotton ties are connected to the rain drops  210   b , which are otherwise unattached to the tray. Accordingly, the rain drops and cotton ties are moveable with respect to the tray. 
     It should be appreciated that while certain tray attributes such as tray attribute  210 , include a variety of visual features, tactile features, attachment features and audible features in a single attribute, other tray attributes collectively include a combination of the features described above. Such a configuration of tray attributes on the removable tray provides stimulating activities for the baby seated in the baby activity chair apparatus. 
     It should be appreciated that the tray attributes described above are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The removable tray may include any suitable tray attribute. 
     In addition to the various tray attributes on the removable tray, it should further be appreciated that the removable tray  200  itself may also include certain visual features and tactile features. For example, in certain embodiments, the tray may include soft cotton jersey printed fabric. The print may include polka dots, or prints, or other patterns or colors. In other embodiments, a different fabric with a different tactile aspect may be used. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.