Abstract:
Disposable highchair tray covers are presented. The covers include a plurality of sheets shaped and sized to substantially cover the tray. The sheets are arranged to form a stack. An adhesive means maintains the sheets in the stack where at least a top one of the sheets may be pealed from the stack for disposal. An attachment means secures the stack to the tray, and indicia printed each of the sheets indicates the remaining number of sheets in the stack.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to highchairs. More particularly, the invention relates to a device that provides a series of film sheets to protect and maintain the cleanliness of a highchair tray. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Feeding time for babies and young children can be cute, entertaining and amusing. Cleaning up after feeding time, however, typically is not. Furthermore, after declining steadily for almost a decade, the national birthrate has finally begun to climb again, and this can be attributed mainly to one group of parents. When examined by age groups of mothers, the birthrate would continue to decline were it not for mothers of ages 30 to 39. Parents of this particular age group often have a special need for convenience and assistance with their children. For example, without limitation, over 80 percent of the mothers in this age group are regularly employed, versus only 56 percent of all mothers. This circumstance leaves these parents with multiple tasks and responsibilities in both the home and the workplace. And when at home with their children, these parents most likely would like to share quality time, not cleaning time, with their children. Unfortunately, the messes made by their children at feeding times do not typically give these parents much of an option. 
         [0003]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a device that provides fast and convenient means for cleaning up after feeding a child that may be used in conjunction with the child&#39;s highchair. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The present invention is best illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0005]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate exemplary disposable highchair tray covers attached to a highchair tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 1B  is a top view; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating exemplary hooks and elastic cords that couple disposable highchair tray covers to the highchair tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary disposable highchair tray covers with numbered labels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0008]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an exemplary peeling process of disposable highchair tray covers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 4B  is a top view. 
       
    
    
       [0009]    Unless otherwise indicated, illustrations in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, disposable highchair tray covers is presented. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, disposable highchair tray covers include a plurality of sheets shaped and sized to substantially cover the tray, the sheets arranged to form a stack, adhesive means for maintaining the sheets in the stack where at least a top one of the sheets may be pealed from the stack for disposal, attachment means for securing the stack to the tray, and indicia printed each of the sheets for indicating the remaining number of sheets in the stack. In another embodiment, the disposable highchair tray covers further include a plurality of eyelets arranged about the perimeter of the stack and elastic cords attached to and extending from the eyelets where hooks attached to the cords may attach the stack to the tray. In a further embodiment, the disposable highchair tray covers further includes a plurality of eyelets arranged about the perimeter of each of the sheets and elastic cords attached to and extending from the eyelets where hooks attached to the cords may attach the sheets to the tray. In other embodiments the stack is adhesively attached to the tray, tabs extending from each of the sheets assist in pealing the sheet from the stack and the tabs include indicia for indicating an order of the sheet in the stack. In another embodiment the disposable highchair tray covers further includes a base, which is attached to the tray and the stack is adhered to the base. Other embodiments the bas further includes a plurality of eyelets arranged about the perimeter of the base and elastic cords attached to and extending from the eyelets where hooks attached to the cords may attach the base to the tray. In another embodiment the base is adhesively attached to the tray. In other embodiments the sheets comprise a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material in sheet format and static electricity maintains the sheets upon one another. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment disposable highchair tray covers is presented. The covers include means for providing a plurality of sheets arranged to form a stack, means for maintaining the sheets in the stack where at least a top one of the sheets may be pealed from the stack for disposal, and means for securing the stack to the tray. Further embodiments include means for indicating the remaining number of sheets in the stack, means for assist in pealing at least a one of the sheets from the stack, and means for providing a base. 
         [0013]    In still another embodiment, disposable highchair tray covers is presented. The covers include a plurality of plastic type sheets shaped and sized to substantially cover the tray, the sheets arranged to form a stack, adhesive forces maintaining the sheets in the stack where at least a top one of the sheets may be pealed from the stack for disposal, elastic cords attached to the stack where hooks attached to the elastic cords secure the stack to the tray, and indicia printed each of the sheets for indicating the remaining number of sheets in the stack. Further embodiments include eyelets for attaching the elastic cords, tabs extending from each of the sheets to assist in pealing the sheet from the stack, a base which is attached to the tray using the elastic cords and hooks and the stack is adhered to the base and the sheets comprise a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material in sheet format. 
         [0014]    Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and the description set forth herein. 
         [0016]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, without limitation, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending on the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0017]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0018]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides highchair tray covers that protect the trays of highchairs for extended durations and enables the highchair trays to be easily, quickly and simply maintained in cleanliness. To achieve this, the preferred embodiment is a series of film sheets fitted to the size and shape of highchair trays that can be removed individually. 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the present invention make it easier to maintain the cleanliness of highchair using environments, which are typically environments where spills and messes occur quite frequently. These embodiments make this frequently needed cleanliness much faster to accomplish by enabling all crumbs and spills to be rolled up and disposed of in a single action, thus eliminating the necessity of washing highchair trays after each and every use. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate exemplary disposable highchair tray covers  101  attached to a highchair tray  103 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 1B  is a top view. In the present embodiment, disposable highchair tray covers  101  comprise sheets of a plastic film material attached to one another by a thin adhesive. Hooks  105  and elastic cords  107  enable these plastic sheets to be mounted upon highchair tray  103 . In the present embodiment, disposable highchair tray covers  101  comprise twenty (20) layers of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material in sheet format with a five (5) mil depth. Those skilled in the art in light of the present teachings will recognize that disposable highchair tray covers  101  may be made of various plastic materials, including but not limited to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide, and may also be made of various paper materials, including, but not limited to, paperboard and wax paper. These materials may also be of various thicknesses. 
         [0021]    In the present embodiment, the sheets are labeled with numbers and are numbered in descending format from twenty-through-one (20-1). These numbers indicate to the user how many sheets are remaining so the user knows when the sheets are almost gone. Various quantities of film sheets can be included in various embodiments of disposable highchair tray covers. Various embodiments may also use various adhesive materials between sheets, including, but not limited to, film adhesives, thermal adhesives, wax-based adhesives, and water-based adhesives. Furthermore, some embodiments can be made that are reliant upon static electricity instead of adhesive to maintain the layers of sheets upon one another. In such embodiments, various sheet materials of adequate static levels to complement this variation purpose can be utilized. In an alternate embodiment, the disposable highchair tray covers may comprise the individual sheets within a tray of disposable material of size to fit within a highchair tray, and thus require no means of adhesion upon the highchair tray. This tray may be disposable or permanent, and can be made of any appropriate material in either format such as, but not limited to, plastic or cardboard. In variations with permanent trays, the sheets for insertion within these trays can be sold separately. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating exemplary hooks  105  and elastic cords  107  that couple disposable highchair tray covers  101  to highchair tray  103 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the layers of disposable highchair tray covers  101  fit upon one another and feature eyelets  209  at strategic points about the perimeter. Attached to and extending from eyelets  209  are elastic cords  107  in approximate two-inch (2″) lengths. Alternate embodiments may have elastic cords in longer or shorter lengths to accommodate highchair trays of larger or smaller thicknesses. Attached to elastic cords  107  are S-hooks  105  for attachment to the lower lip of highchair tray  103 . In typical use, a user applies disposable highchair tray covers  101  upon highchair tray  103  and attaches S-hooks  105  upon the lower lip of highchair tray  103  by stretching elastic cords  107  to an appropriate length. 
         [0023]    In alternate embodiments the disposable highchair tray covers can be applied upon a highchair tray by various means other than complementing hooks and cords such as, but not limited to, snaps, adhesive upon the lower side of the device, hook-and-loop material, or static electricity. Disposable highchair tray covers according to embodiments of the present invention can be made in a single size and shape for use with most types of highchair trays, or can be made in specific sizes and shapes fitted for use with specific highchair trays. Disposable highchair tray covers can also be made in various colors and/or with various artwork and designs, including, but not limited to those of registered trademark and/or copyright status. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary disposable highchair tray covers  101  with numbered labels  301 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, numbered labels  301  depicted on each individual layer of disposable highchair tray covers  101  enable the user to determine remaining quantities and notify the user when the need for replacement is near. When the user notices a low number depicted on the top sheet of disposable highchair tray covers  101 , he or she may purchase a new quantity of disposable highchair tray covers  101 . Alternate embodiments may not include numbered labels. Yet other embodiments may use other means to indicate when only a few sheets are remaining. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may only number the last few sheets, include other types of marks on the last few sheets such as, but not limited to, dots, or include a notification such as, but not limited to, “Only 3 sheets remaining.” Yet other embodiments may be color-coded so that the last few sheets are a different color from the other sheets. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an exemplary peeling process of disposable highchair tray covers  101 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 4B  is a top view. After feeding a child in his or her highchair using disposable highchair tray covers  101  according to the present embodiment, a user may remove a top sheet  401  and dispose of top sheet  401  along with any collected contents such as, but not limited to, food particles or spills.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an exemplary peeling process of disposable highchair tray covers  101 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view, and  FIG. 4B  is a top view. After feeding a child in his or her highchair using disposable highchair tray covers  101  according to the present embodiment, a user may remove a top sheet  401  and dispose of top sheet  401  along with any collected contents such as, but not limited to, food particles or spills. To remove the top sheet  401 , the user grasps and peels the top sheet collecting the debris and tearing the eyelets  409  from the elastic cords  107  leaving the remaining units of the disposable highchair tray covers  101  in place. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments each individual sheet may comprise hooks and elastic cords to attach the sheet to the highchair tray. In these embodiments to remove the top sheet the hooks of the top sheet only are unhooked from the highchair tray and the top sheet is disposed of. In embodiments that are attached to the highchair tray by adhesive, the user only needs to peel the top sheet off of the remaining sheets and throw the top sheet away. In some embodiments, the disposable highchair tray covers can feature tabs extending from the plastic sheet material to enable the sheets to be easily and individually grasped and pulled. These tabs may or may not feature printed numbers to indicate the order of placement of the sheets from which they extend. 
         [0027]    In an alternate embodiment, a bottom sheet or base of disposable highchair tray covers is attached to the highchair tray with hooks and elastic cords as previously described, and the remaining sheets are attached to the base with means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or static electricity. In this embodiment the top sheet is removed by simply peeling it off of the remaining sheets. Another embodiment comprises an elasticized base similar to a shower cap that secures the disposable highchair tray covers to the highchair tray. In this embodiment the elasticized base is stretched over the highchair tray, and disposable highchair tray covers are attached to the elasticized base with means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, hook-and-loop material or static electricity. In yet another alternate embodiment, the disposable highchair tray covers may have individual sheets bound to a binder. In this embodiment the individual sheets detach from the binder by perforation. 
         [0028]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative means for implementing disposable highchair tray covers according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, without limitation, the above embodiments are described as being used when feeding a child; however, embodiments may be used for other activities as well, such as, but not limited to, painting, coloring or playing. These embodiments may comprise designs to enhance these activities. For example, without limitation, one embodiment may be made of a paper material enabling the child to paint or color directly on the top sheet of the disposable cover. This embodiment may or may not include line drawings that the child can color in or paint. Another embodiment meant for play may have a racetrack design so that the child can play with toy cars on its surface. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.