GB2559887A

GB2559887A - A Screening device

Info

Publication number: GB2559887A
Application number: GB1802051.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Woodhall Jane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-10
Filing date: 2018-02-08
Publication date: 2018-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-08
Also published as: GB201702235D0; GB2559887B; GB201802051D0

Abstract

A screening device 5 for an infant chair 400 has a body with a top section 3 and a bottom section 6. The screen is provided for at least partially covering a gap between the top section and the bottom section. The screening device has a chair securement mechanism 4 which is arranged to secure the body to the chair. The top and bottom sections of the body may be discreet and not directly connected with each other, so that the screen spans the gap therebetween. The screen may be transparent and may be releasably connected to either top, bottom or both sections. The top section may be collapsible into a plurality of different configurations which extend different distances from the infant chair in use. Additionally, the top section may fold in a concertina like manner. Finally, the top section may comprise a plurality of rods for supporting the flexible screen material.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Jane Woodhall

Woolston Road, Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5FJ, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

B62B9/14 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2528763 A JP 2003019962 A US 20120286547 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B62B Other: EPODOC, WPI

B62B9/00 (2006.01)

DE 102014010783 A1 US 20170253261 A1 US 20120062001 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

Jane Woodhall (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Neville Walker ipconsult, 21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A Screening device Abstract Title: A screening device (57) A screening device 5 for an infant chair 400 has a body with a top section 3 and a bottom section 6. The screen is provided for at least partially covering a gap between the top section and the bottom section. The screening device has a chair securement mechanism 4 which is arranged to secure the body to the chair. The top and bottom sections of the body may be discreet and not directly connected with each other, so that the screen spans the gap therebetween. The screen may be transparent and may be releasably connected to either top, bottom or both sections. The top section may be collapsible into a plurality of different configurations which extend different distances from the infant chair in use. Additionally, the top section may fold in a concertina like manner. Finally, the top section may comprise a plurality of rods for supporting the flexible screen material.

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FIG. 1

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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FIG. 11B

A SCREENING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a screening device, in particular a screening device for an infant chair.

Background

Increasing awareness of mobility for infants is commensurate with increasing desire for exercise among many carers.

Such potential users often wish to walk their infant in chairs such as buggies, prams or strollers or similar.

However, given unpredictable weather this can be problematic.

Additionally, infants may become bored with little to do and little to look at. And/or siblings can be problematic if older and required to walk with the chair, being prone to boredom also.

Prior Art

US 8 746 789 (BERRY) discloses a protective cover for covering a baby in a baby carrier having a handle to carry the baby carrier, the protective cover comprising: a canopy having a first cutout portion and a second cutout portion, wherein the canopy is capable of spanning around the baby carrier such that a portion of the handle protrudes out of the first cutout portion for enabling a caregiver to carry the baby carrier from the handle, and wherein the second cutout portion enables the caregiver to monitor the baby in the baby carrier; a mesh disposed on the second cutout portion for shielding the baby in the baby carrier; a flap attached at a top portion of the canopy for removably covering the mesh; and an attaching mechanism configured for attaching the canopy to the baby carrier.

WO 200 798 210 (GROOVER) discloses a handle accessory for mounting to a frame of a wheeled stroller, the handle accessory comprising: a first clamp releasably securable to the frame; an elongated bar member joined to said first clamp, said elongated bar member comprising a handle portion disposed to extend laterally from the wheeled stroller when said first clamp is secured to the frame.

US 6 517 153 (BREWER) discloses an all weather protective cover for infants includes a cover which is configured for mounting on an infant carrier. The cover preferably has an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner layer forms mesh windows, while the outer layer selectively covers the windows. The cover also preferably includes a mechanism for holding toys in front of an infant to keep the infant entertained while within the cover.

i-Safe Buggy Shade Universal Sun Canopy https://w^^^^

Universal-Canopv-Complete-Storape/dp/BOOBPRTLAC discloses an extendable shade for use of a buggy.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a screening device for an infant chair, the screening device comprising a body with a top section and a bottom section, a screen for at least partially covering a gap between the top section and the bottom section, and a chair securement mechanism which is arranged to secure the body to the chair.

In use the screening device may be secured to an infant chair so as to protect an infant within the chair from sunlight, rain, wind, and/or other external factors. In some embodiments the screening device may be arrangeable to provide a shade, awning or canopy to an infant chair to which it is secured, and/or may be arrangeable to partially or entirely enclose a volume of space and/or an infant sat within the chair.

In use, the body (and/or the top and/or bottom sections thereof) may provide a portion of a shade, awning, canopy or enclosure, may support all or a portion of the screen, and/may connect the screen to the infant chair to which the body is secured.

In some embodiments the top section and the bottom section are discrete and not directly connected to each other, in such embodiments the chair securement mechanism may secure the top and bottom sections to the infant chair independently.

In other embodiments, the top and bottom sections may be releasably or permanently connected to each other in use, and/or may be formed integrally with each other. For example, in some embodiments the top and bottom sections may connected to each other by one or more hinges.

Preferably, the top and bottom portions of the body may be secured to the infant chair in use such that a gap is defined between top and bottom sections. In use the gap may be at least partially covered by the screen. In some embodiments, the gap may be an aperture through the body, the perimeter of which may be defined in whole or on part by the top and bottom sections of the body. For example, in some embodiments the top and bottom portions of the body may both be generally U-shaped and each end of the top section may be connected to one end of the bottom section so as to define an enclosed aperture.

In other embodiments, the gap may be an aperture the perimeter of which is defined in part by the top and bottom sections of the body, and in part by one or more other structures, for example, upper and lower portions of the perimeter may be defined by the top and bottom sections of the body, and side portions of the perimeter may be defined by portions of the infant chair to which the body is secured.

In other embodiments the gap may not be an enclosed aperture. The gap may for example have upper and lower edges defined by the top and bottom sections of the body, but have open sides intermediate said upper and lower edges.

The screen may be arrangeable to cover or span all or part of the gap between the top and bottom sections. In some embodiments the screen may be arrangeable to extend between, and to connect the top and bottom sections of the body. As such the screen and top and bottom sections of the body may provide a continuous cover for all or part of an infant chair to which the body is secured.

The top and/or bottom sections of the body may be or may comprise rigid bodies; this may allow them to support the screen and/or to maintain the shape of an enclosure. In some embodiments the top and or bottom sections may be flexible, or may comprise flexible elements supported by rigid elements.

In preferred embodiments the dimensions and/or size of the gap between the top and bottom sections may be adjustable; in some such embodiments, by adjusting the size, location, orientation, and/or arrangement of one or both of the top and bottom sections of the body.

One or both of the top and bottom sections of the body may be displaceable and/or reorientable with respect to the other or to the chair to which it is secured; alternatively, or additionally, the section may be collapsible, and/or may be adjustable in size. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the top and bottom sections may be foldable, for example in a concertina-like manner, in other embodiments one or both of the sections may extend telescopically. Preferably the top and/or bottom sections of the body can each be arranged in a plurality of different arrangements.

In preferred embodiments one or both of the top and bottom sections (in some particular embodiments the top section only) may be collapsible and/or deployable into a plurality of different configurations. The different configurations preferably being of different sizes and/or extending different distances from the infant chair to which the body is secured in use. The section may be collapsible and/or deployable to any of a plurality of different configuration, or be deployable and/or collapsible to any of a continuum of configurations. The screening device may comprise one or more fixing means for fixing the collapsible and/or deployable section specific configurations.

The top section and/or the bottom section of the body may each be a rigid body, where one or both of the sections are rigid bodies they may support the screen such that it encloses a volume of space.

Alternatively, or additionally one or both of the top and bottom sections may be a flexible body, such as a flexible rod or a flexible panel of material, which may be held in a curved arrangement in use. The flexible body may be held in a curved arrangement by its connection to the infant chair, for example, the flexible body may be secured to the infant chair such that its ends are in fixed locations less than the length of the body apart such that the body is held in a curved arrangement. Alternatively, the flexible body may be held in a curved arrangement by other components of the screening device, such as a curved sleeve or casing within which the flexible body is located.

In preferred embodiments, one or both of the top and bottom sections comprises a sheet of flexible material and one or more supports such as rods connected thereto or extending therethrough. Such supports may rigid, or may be flexible and may be held in curved arrangements as described above.

In particularly preferred embodiments, one or both of the top and bottom sections comprises a sheet of flexible material and a plurality of rods of substantially equal size held in curved arrangements attached to or embedded within the sheet of material. One, some, or all of the rods are each preferably rotatable (while remaining in the curved arrangement) about an axis passing through both of their ends, which may be at, adjacent and/or proximate to the point where the rods abut the infant chair. The rotation of the rods may be defined or limited by hinges at their ends, or by the shape of the sheet of material within which they are embedded or to which they are attached.

The sheets of flexible material are preferably strong, durable and/or waterproof, for example, they may be formed from canvas, fabric, tarpaulin or plastic.

The sheets of flexible material within which the rods are located or to which the rods are connected may be generally or substantially in the shape of the curved surface of a spherical wedge. The two curved edges of the sheets of material may each be concurrent with a rod embedded therein or connected thereto.

One or both of the top and bottom sections may comprise one or more additional curved rods located intermediate the curved rods at the edges of the sheet, which themselves are connected to or embedded within the sheet. As such the sheet may be collapsed or folded to a smaller size by folding two or more of the curved rods together collapsing the stretch of the sheet of flexible material between them. As such the section of the body may be collapsed or folded in a concertina-like manner. In particularly preferred embodiments the bottom section comprises two curved rods and the top section comprises three or more rods so as to define a visor or canopy collapsible into a plurality of configurations.

A collapsible section, such as a section comprising three or more rods and a sheet of flexible material that they support, may comprise one or more fixing means for fixing the section in one or more specific arrangements. For example, the section may comprise fixing means for fixing the section in a partially collapsed arrangement. Fixing means may comprise poppers, clips, ties, magnetic connectors, ratchet and pinion mechanism hinges and/or strap arranged to hold portions of the section at specific heights or locations.

The top section of the body may define a shade or visor for the infant chair and may be secured to the infant chair at the top of the chair (or the forward edge of a canopy comprised by the infant chair); the top section may be generally horizontal. The screen may be connected to and may hang from the top section of the body, or a forward edge thereof. The bottom section may define a wall around the base of the infant chair and may be secured to the lower edge of a seat of the infant chair; the bottom section may be generally vertical.

In some embodiments one or both of the top and bottom sections may comprise vents, for example top and bottom sections comprising sheets of flexible fabric may comprise portions of mesh which allow air to pass through the sections.

The screen is preferably a sheet of flexible material and in embodiments where the top and bottom sections of the body comprise sheets of flexible material may be formed from a different flexible material to them. This flexible material is preferably formed from a transparent material or from a mesh or other material through which air is able to flow.

In some embodiments the screen may additionally comprise rigid supports embedded within or connected to the sheet of flexible material.

The screen is arrangeable intermediate the top section and bottom sections of the body. In preferred embodiments the screen is arrangeable to cover or span the gap between the top and bottom sections, preferably the screen may be arrangeable in a plurality of different arrangements, and/or may be openable such that all or part of the gap between the top and bottom sections becomes unobstructed. For example, the screen may be arrangeable in an arrangement where it covers substantially all of the gap, in an arrangement where it covers a fraction of the gap, and/or in an arrangement where it covers little or none of the gap.

In some embodiments, the screen may be arrangeable such that, the screen and the top and bottom sections of the body define a continuous surface which may be secured to the infant seat such that the infant seat and the continuous surface substantially enclose a volume of space and or an infant within the seat. Such a screen may be openable, for example to provide access to the enclosed volume.

In preferred embodiments the screen, or an upper edge thereof is connected to the top section of the body in use (either permanently or releasably). The screen, or a bottom edge thereof, may also be connectable (preferably releasably) to the bottom section of the body, in such an arrangement the screen may cover the gap between the two sections of the body. Preferably, the screen may also be arrangeable such that it is suspended from the top section of the body and covers part but not all of the gap between the top and bottom sections, and/or such that none of the gap is covered. For example, the screen may be partially or entirely rolled or folded up from the its lower edge and the bottom section towards the top section (and may be held in such an arrangement by a screen fixing means).

In some alternative embodiments the screen may be in the form of one or more curtains suspended from the top section of the body; the lower edge of the curtain portions may be releasably connectable to the bottom section of the bod, and the edges of multiple curtain portions may be releasable connectable to each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the screen comprises a sheet of flexible material with a plurality of rods (which may be rigid but are preferably flexible) of substantially equal size held in curved arrangements attached to embedded within the sheet of flexible material. One some, or all of the rods are each preferably rotatable (while remaining in the curved arrangement) about an axis passing through both of their ends, which may be at, adjacent and/or proximate to the point where the rods abut the infant chair. The rotation of the rods may be defined or limited by hinges at their ends, or by the shape of the sheet of material within which they are embedded or to which they are attached.

In such an embodiment, the screen may be folded and unfolded in a concertina like manner by rotating the curved rods embedded within or attached to the screen. The curved rods advantageously support the screen allowing it to enclose a large volume, and to be held in partially open arrangements.

The screen may comprise curved rods as described above which are concurrent with the upper and or the lower edges of the sheet of flexible material, and may comprise one or more additional such rods intermediate these two edges.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a closure mechanism for securing the screen in a closed arrangement, such a closure mechanism may connect the screen to the bottom section of the body and/or may interconnect different portions of the screen. A closure mechanism may comprise one or more poppers, zippers, magnetic connectors, clips, hook and loop fasteners, or other releasable connectors.

The device may comprise one or more screen fixing means for fixing the screen in one or more arrangements, the device may one or more screen fixing means each for fixing the screen in a specific associated arrangement, and/or may comprise one or more screen fixing means for fixing the screen in any of a plurality or a continuum of arrangements. Screen fixing means may comprise, clips, poppers, clips, magnetic connectors, other releasable connectors, straps, ties, and/or resilient hinges.

In some embodiments the screen may be wholly or partly displaceable.

The device may thereby define an internal volume in use, which volume may be arranged to contain a child or infant inhabitant entirely.

It may be envisaged that the chair securement mechanism is arranged to allow securement to a plurality of infant chairs of different shapes and sizes. For example, the chair securement mechanism may be for securing the screening device to pushchairs, strollers, highchairs, and/or infant car seats.

The chair securement mechanisms may comprise a plurality of hooks, catches, magnetic connectors, ties or clips, which may be arranged on straps and which may attach to portions of the infant chair in use, so as to secure the screening device to the infant chair.

It may be envisaged that the chair securement mechanism is arranged to permit the volume to remain intact. For example, in some embodiments the chair securement mechanism may permit movement of the screen and/or body with respect to the infant chair. The chair securement mechanism may comprise flexibility and/or elasticity. In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism may comprise a plurality of securement mechanism points, such that the mechanism is less likely to become detached from the infant chair, particularly in embodiments where the chair securement mechanism comprises elastomeric securement.

In some embodiments, the screening device may comprise a plurality of screens as described above which may be arranged in layers one above the other, for example a first screen may be a mesh screen, and a second screen may be a waterproof transparent plastic screen.

In some embodiments the screen comprised by the device is wholly displaceable screen, and the device further comprises a screen fastening means. The screen fastening means may be or may comprise one or more releasable or temporary connectors, for example, zippers, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro (RTM), and/or other easy to unfasten fastening means. In this way the fastening means may be easily released and/or engaged by the user.

In some embodiments the screen fastening means may comprise buttons, press studs, and/or other robust fasteners. In this way the fastening means may be difficult for an infant or child using the infant chair to unfasten.

In preferred embodiments the screen is arranged to allow visibility into and out of the chair, for example the screen may be formed from, or may comprise areas of mesh material and/or transparent plastic.

The screen may comprise translucent or transparent material. For example, the screen may comprise a transparent thermoplastics material such as polyethylene or some other polymer.

In some embodiments the screen or body may be arranged to prevent the device becoming dislodged from the chair. For example, the material of the screen and/or the body may be flexible and/or elastomeric, so as to limit tension on the securement mechanism.

In some embodiments, the screen may comprise perforations; for example, the material defining the screen may comprise a perforated mesh and/or may comprise one or more apertures or other perforations. This material may be flexible and/or elastomeric.

In some embodiments the material from which the screen is formed may be or may comprise impermeable or water-resistant material.

In some embodiments the body may be formed from or may comprise a material which is opaque and/or which is impermeable.

In this way the device may provide a waterproofing screening device for an infant using the infant chair to which the device is secured.

In some embodiments the device may comprise interactive elements, which may be for being interacted with by occupants of the infant chair to which the device is secured. The interactive elements may be arranged to provide interaction potential for occupants of the chair or other persons. For example, in some embodiments all or part of the interactive elements may be displaceable and/or arranged to be moved, such that the occupant of the infant chair may be entertained by moving the portions, or a parts thereof. The interactive elements may for example be, or may comprise pivot-able arms, mobiles, dummy steering wheels, spinners, malleable toys. In some embodiments interactive elements may produce optical and/or audible signals when interacted with, for example interactive elements may comprise one or more LEDs. The interactive elements are preferably non-functional elements for a child to play with.

Interactive elements may be located interior to a volume enclosed by the device, for example such that an infant occupying the chair may interact with them while the screen is closed, or may be located exterior to the volume such that they may not.

For example, in some embodiments the device may comprise a steering wheel which may be located inside the screen for the inhabitant to interact with, even in wet conditions when the screen is closed. In other embodiments having other themes, other interactive internal elements may be envisaged to match the themes of the device, for example a lever or a toy gun.

In still further embodiments the screening device may comprise an electric energy source for the interactive portions which may comprise electronic components such as lights or sound emitters. For example the device may comprise a battery or batteries, or may comprise an energy harvesting and/or electrical generating means, such as one or more photovoltaic cells and/or kinetic energy generator.

Interactive elements powered by such electric energy sources may comprise lights, such as known on soft night-time infant toys, lamps or light sensory apparatus. Said lights may be projector lights and may be arranged to project images onto the interior of the screen, the interior of the top or bottom body portions, and/or elsewhere on the device for the occupant’s entertainment. In some embodiments the interactive portions may comprise audio and/or optical emitters and/or sensors, for example an interactive element may comprise one or more speakers and/or one or more interaction controls, all of which may be themed appropriately to the device theme. For example, the occupant may be able to interact with a racing car noise-box for audio interaction in a racing car themed screening device.

Additionally, or the alternatively, the interactive elements may be arranged to provide interactive or moveable portions for people other than those occupying the infant chair, for example they may be for being used by other children near to but outside of the infant chair. In such embodiments the portions may be arranged to be interacted with by children walking alongside the chair, such as older siblings of the chair’s occupants for example..

Such interactive elements may therefore comprise components such as extending arms or tethers, and/or at least a part of the elements may be interactable with outside of the volume enclosed at least partially of the screening device.

In further embodiments the screening device may comprise interactive elements for occupants of the infant chair to interact with and interactive elements for other persons to interact with. In some embodiments the two sets of interactive elements may comprise or consist of wholly separate and distinct components. In other embodiments the two sets of interactive elements may both comprise mutual components or interactable elements which may be interactable with within and without the volume of space enclosed by the screening device.

In some embodiments one or more of the interactive elements may comprise at least one pocket, which may enable a person to place independently available or displaceable apparatus therein.

In some embodiments the interactive elements may be or may comprise hanging or suspended items, for example within the volume at least partially enclosed by the screening device so as to allow the inhabitant to interact within the volume, even when the volume is closed by the screen. For example, such items may be suspended from the interior of the top section of the body.

In some embodiments the screening device may comprise a rain cover which may be dimensioned to fit over and/or to attach to all or part of the remainder of the device, in some embodiments such a rain cover may be an additional screen for covering the gap between the top and bottom sections.

The rain cover may be a protective sheet attached to the screen device that is rolled up when not in use and can be deployed to cover the buggy in wet conditions.

In some embodiments the screening device may comprise a bag, pocket or pouch into which the components of the screening device may be collapsible. In some embodiments the bag pocket or pouch may be formed integrally with one of the sections or with the screen such that the device is collapsible into itself for storage. The bag, pocket or pouch may be securable to an infant chair.

In yet a further embodiment the screen device may include a foot muff. In this way the child’s feet and lower legs are enclosed for additional warmth.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention in use;

Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1 with screen removed;

Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 6;

Figures 10 show sketch isometric views of further embodiments of the device in use; and

Figure 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the device and a storage bag for the device.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1,2,3, 7, and 8 there is shown a first embodiment of t a screening device 105 according to the present invention for a wheeled infant chair 400. The device 105 comprises a screen 5, a body 3,6 and a chair securement mechanism

4. The body comprises a top section 3 and a bottom section 6, and the screen 5 is arrangeable intermediate the top and bottom sections 3, 6.

The chair securement mechanism 4 is arranged to secure the body to a chair such as the wheeled infant chair 400 at a plurality of points. The chair securement mechanism comprises six attachment means in the form of hooks or clips 14, 18, 12, 41 which are located at the end of straps 15, 16, 51, 61. A first attachment means 14, 15 is located at the top of the rear of top section 3, two more 18, 16 are located at the sides of the rear of the top section, another 12, 51 is located the front of the bottom of the bottom section 6, and two more 61, 41 are located at the sides of the bottom of the bottom section. In use the hooks or clips 14, 18, 12, 41 attach to elements of the infant chair 400 so as to secure the top and bottom sections 3, 6 of the body to the chair 400. The straps 15, 16, 51, 61 may be adjustable or elastic so as to ensure a secure fit

The two body sections 3, 6 are separate and are not directly connected to each other in use. Each body section 3, 6 comprises a strip of flexible material which is held in a curved arrangement in use when the body sections 3, 6 are secured to the infant chair 400. In this arrangement each end of each of the sections 3, 6 is adjacent to, but not connected to a corresponding end of the other section 3.6. Consequently, the gap between the sections 3. 6 is in the form of an aperture through the body, connecting the seat of the infant chair 400 to its surroundings.

The screen 5 is arrangeable such that it covers the gap between the two body sections 3,6 and connects to each of them such that they are joined together and the two body sections 3, 6 and the screen 5 define a continuous boundary which encloses the seat of the infant chair 400. The screening device 105 comprises a pair of fastening means 20 one of which connects a first edge of the screen 5 to the forward edge of the top section 3, and the other of which connects a second edge of the screen 5 to the upwards edge of the bottom section 6. The fastening means comprising zippers. The rows of teeth of the two zippers 20 running along the forward edge of the top section 3, the upward edge of the bottom section 6, and the first and second edges of the screen 5.

The screen 5 is formed from a transparent impermeable and flexible thermoplastics material. The device may alternatively or additionally comprise a screen of the same dimensions which is formed from a mesh and which may be secured in the same location.

The screen 5 may be used to enclose the child seat 400, for example during rain, high winds, or other adverse weather, in which circumstances it may be connected to both body sections by the zippers 20 such that the seat is enclosed. When such protection is unnecessary the screen may be opened and/or removed, for example the lower zipper 20 may be unfasted allowing the screen 5 to be rolled or folded up while remaining attached to the top section 3, alternatively, both zippers may be unfastened and the screen may be removed in its entirety, in such circumstances the screen may be stored in a pouch comprised by the device or the infant chair 400.

The body sections 3, 6 comprise strips of opaque impermeable and flexible thermoplastics material which are held in curved arrangements in use..

The device further comprises two interactive elements 8. These interactive elements 8 each comprise an arm 9 connected to the bottom section 6 proximate to the points where the ends of the top and bottom sections are adjacent to each other by a hinge 11.

The arms 9 each comprise a hinge or pivot 11 at one end and a grip 10 at the other. In the first embodiment the grip 10 comprises a replica steering wheel in common with a racing car theme for the device.

The hinges or pivots 11 allow the arms 9 to be rotated with respect to the bottom section 6 so as to provide interactivity to manipulators of the arms. In the first embodiment the steering wheel shaped grips 10 comprise four holes, 30, 31, 33, through which the inhabitant of the chair 400 or another person alongside the chair 400, such as a larger sibling, may be able to place their hand or fingers through, so as to create further interaction possibilities.

The four holes include three holes 30, 33 which surround a central lateral member 32, 34 connected at the side to an annular outer 35, wherein the lateral member has a central circular hole 31 in its centre.

The arms 9 comprise intermediate elongate members, which bulge outwards centrally between the hinges 11 and the grips 10.

The securement mechanism 4 comprises clips 12, 41, 14, 18 supported at the ends of straps 15, 16, 51, 61 which extend between the clips and the sections 3, 6 of the body. The ends of the straps distal from the sections 3, 6 of the body pass through loops on the clips 12, 41, 14, 18 and then are connected to points along their length by hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro (RTM). Consequently, the straps form loops through the loops comprised by the clips 12, 41, 14, 18 and the distance of the slips from the sections 3, 6 of the body can be adjusted by adjusting the straps.

A vent 7 is formed through bottom section 6 of the housing so as to provide ventilation to the interior of the chair enclosed by the screening device.

The arm pivots 11 comprise circular studs 13 passing through perforations 17 in the ends of the bottom section 6 proximate to the top section 3. The studs comprise rear discs 71 of Nylon (RTM) or some other smooth polymer.

Referring to figures 4, 5, 6 and 9 show alternative embodiments of the invention. A second embodiment 205 shown in figures 4 and 5 comprises a top section 3 provided with a small topmost three-dimensional crown 21, and arm portions comprising end star shaped grips 21 at the ends distal from the hinges 11, 13.

The third embodiment 305 shown in figure 6 and 9 comprises a top section 3 with a topmost spine 27 projecting vertically and extending from the front to the back, and decorate teeth shaped protrusions 28 extending perimetrically from the front edges of the top section 3 and the upper edge of the bottom section 6 to frame the securement mechanism 20.

The arms 9 have grips 37 shaped so as to replicate fingers or claws.

Figure 10 shows three further embodiments of the invention relating to different themes.

Figure 11A shows a fourth embodiment 405 of the screening device with the top section 3 and a bottom section 6 defining an open mouth. The top section 3 includes a mesh screen 5 formed from two segments that can extend to the bottom section 6 when deployed so as to fully enclose the child.

The top section 3 has an internal popper (not shown) arranged between the segments 5 of the mesh 5 to hold the mesh screen 5 in different configurations such that the top section 3 and mesh screen 5 can be deployed to different degrees in order to further enclose or shelter the child when more segments are deployed, thereby creating a larger visor over the child.

Each segment of the top section 3 and mesh screen 5 is defined by a flexible metal rod (not shown).

Figure 11B shows a bag in which the device can be stored when not in use. The bag is designed to match the theme of the screening device.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A screening device for an infant chair, the screening device comprising a body with a top section and a bottom section, a screen for at least partially covering a gap between the top section and the bottom section, and a chair securement mechanism which is arranged to secure the body to the chair.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the top and bottom sections of the body are discrete and not directly connected to each other.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein securement means is arranged to secure the top and bottom sections to the infant chair independently.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the screen is arrangeable such that it spans the gap between the top and bottom sections.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the screen is permanently connected to the top section and is releasable connectable to the bottom section.

6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the screen is releasable connectable to both the top and bottom sections.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the screen is deployable into a plurality of different configurations covering different proportions of the gap between the top and bottom sections.

8. A device according to claim 7 comprising one or more screen fixing means for fixing the screen in one or more of the plurality of different configurations.

9. A device according to any preceding claim 8 wherein top section is collapsible into a plurality of different configurations which extend different distances from the infant chair in use.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the top section folds in a concertina-like manner.

11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the top section comprises a sheet of flexible material and a plurality of rods supporting the flexible material, and wherein the size of the top section is adjustable by displacing the rods towards or away from each other.

12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the screen comprises a sheet of flexible transparent material.

13. A device according to any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the screen comprises a sheet of flexible meshed material.

14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the screen comprises a sheet of flexible material and a plurality of rods supporting the flexible material and the amount of the gap between the top and bottom sections of the body is adjustable by displacing the rods towards or away from each other.

15. A device according to any preceding claim comprising interactive, novelty elements for a child to interact with.

16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein securement mechanism comprises a plurality or releasable connectors for engaging with the infant chair on the ends of straps of adjustable lengths.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1802051.1