US20230009216A1

US20230009216A1 - Restaurant Highchair Tray Topper Device

Info

Publication number: US20230009216A1
Application number: US17/862,880
Authority: US
Inventors: Mynda Rossman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-12
Filing date: 2022-07-12
Publication date: 2023-01-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a restaurant highchair tray topper device that is comprised of a body that has a tray and a pair of arms, in addition to a carrying bag. The body of the device further preferably resembles a cafeteria-style tray and is flexible or semi-flexible, such that it is child-safe and sturdy. The pair of arms extend from the tray and attach to a restaurant highchair. In this manner, the device can be applied to any restaurant highchair that does not already have a tray, such that a child may store all food, beverages, and toys safely, and without disturbing others, or allowing said items to fall to the floor

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/220,751, which was filed on Jul. 12, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of highchair toppers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a restaurant highchair tray topper device that is comprised of a body that has a tray and a pair of arms, in addition to a carrying bag. The device can be applied to any restaurant highchair that does not already have a tray, such that a child may store all food, beverages, and toys safely and without disturbing others or allowing said items to fall to the floor. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Children are messy in general, and are especially messy with food. Highchairs for children located in restaurants are typically unable to be placed close to the tabletop surface. Because of this distance and the parent's inability to reach the child, parents may have difficulty with feeding the child. Further, even if the highchair can be positioned to the tabletop, children often try to grab everything within reach, making for an inconvenient and unenjoyable eating experience. Highchairs found in restaurants or other establishments also typically lack a surface in which a child is able to place items, such as food and toys, which often results in the child dropping the object on to the unsanitary floor. With appetizers, sides, and main dishes already on the table, there may also be little additional room for the child's food, toys, and other objects to keep the child occupied during the meal.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device that provides a stable tray that is attachable to a restaurant highchair, such that a child can eat, drink, or play in the highchair, without dropping anything on the floor surface below. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device that eliminates the need to push a highchair close to a table. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device that is easily-transportable and can be conveniently stored.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a restaurant highchair tray topper device. The device is comprised of a body that has a tray and a pair of arms, in addition to a carrying bag. The body of the device further resembles a cafeteria-style tray and is flexible or semi-flexible, such that it is child-safe and sturdy. The pair of arms extend from the tray and attach the device to a restaurant highchair. In this manner, the device can be applied to any restaurant highchair that does not already have a tray, such that a child may store all food, beverages and toys safely without disturbing others.
In this manner, the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides an improved means to seat a child at a table. Further, the device attaches to the arms of a restaurant highchair, such that a child has a large surface area for storing food, beverages, toys, etc., on a stable surface. In addition, the device can be transported and stored conveniently, and allows a child to be placed further from the table, so as not to disturb others at the table.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a restaurant highchair tray topper device that allows a child in the highchair to have easy access to food, beverages, toys, and other items without the parents or guardians of the child having to worry about said items dropping to the floor. The device is primarily comprised of a body that has a tray and a pair of arms, in addition to a carrying bag. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearance of a cafeteria-style tray, with arms that extend out from the tray. The body may also be made of a plurality of materials, that may be commonly used for making child-safe products. However, the body is preferably made of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic material. In addition, any surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.
The generally flat top surface of the tray may have an opening to secure a beverage in place. A sanitary film cover, either disposable or reusable, may cover the top surface and protect the surface from bacteria. The side surfaces of the tray are preferably raised slightly above the top surface to prevent any spills from leaking over the side and onto the floor. Extending from the side surfaces is a pair of arms that may be either fixedly or removably-attached to the tray. In the embodiment in which the pair of arms are removably-attached to the tray, a tab on each arm may insert into a continuous opening on the side surface of the tray to fasten the components together. In the embodiment in which the pair of arms are fixedly-attached to the tray, at least one hinge connects each arm to the tray, such that the device may fold for convenient storage and transportation purposes. The pair of arms are generally shaped as an upside-down U-shape that tightly fits over the arms of a highchair to secure the device.
The device can further be placed in a carrying bag for both storage and transportation purposes. The carrying bag is comprised of at least one handle and a body. The handles allow a user to easily transport the device by using only a single arm. The body of the carrying bag may be slim, such that it is stored easily due to the foldable or condensable nature of the device.
Accordingly, the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a stable surface in which a child can place food, beverages, toys, and other belongings while at a restaurant. Further, the device attaches seamlessly to the arms of a restaurant highchair, such that the child does not need to sit close to the table, so as not to disturb the others at the table. In addition, the device is collapsible, such that it can be easily transported and stored when not in use. In this manner, the restaurant highchair tray topper device overcomes the limitations of existing highchair toppers known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention stored in a carrying bag in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a stable tray that is attachable to a restaurant highchair, such that a child in the chair can eat, drink, or play in the highchair without dropping anything onto the floor. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device that eliminates the need to try and push a highchair close to a table. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a restaurant highchair tray topper device that is easily transportable and conveniently stored.
The present invention is comprised of a restaurant highchair tray topper device that allows a child in the highchair to have easy access to food, beverages, toys, etc., without the parents or guardians of the child having to worry about those items dropping to the floor. The device is primarily comprised of a body that has a tray and a pair of arms, in addition to a carrying bag. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearance of a cafeteria-style tray but is preferably a generally flat surface that is sturdy and secure. The body may also be made of a plurality of materials safe for use around children, such as but not limited to, finished wood, but is preferably made of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic material, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. In addition, any surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia, such as, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.
Further, the body is comprised of a tray with a generally flat top surface. In differing embodiments, the top surface may have an opening, such as an indent or a continuous opening, to secure a beverage in place. Side surfaces of the tray may run flush with the top surface or be raised slightly above the top surface to contain items or any spills that may occur. Attached to opposite side surfaces of the tray are a pair of arms that may be fixedly or removably-attached to the tray. In the embodiment in which the pair of arms are removably attached to the tray, at least one continuous opening per arm can be found on the side surfaces of the tray. At least one tab on each arm can then be inserted into the continuous openings on the side surfaces of the tray, such that the pair of arms may be easily attached and detached from the tray. In the embodiment in which the pair of arms are fixedly-attached to the tray, at least one hinge may connect each arm to the tray, such that the device may be collapsible for storage purposes.
In differing embodiments, the pair of arms may have the appearance of an upside-down U in which they may press-fit around the arms of a restaurant highchair to securely attach the device to the highchair. The top surface and side surfaces of the pair of arms are smooth and safe for a child to rest his or her arms on or against.
In one potential embodiment, the device may come with a sanitary film cover. The sanitary film cover may be reusable and able to be washed, or it may be a single-use item safe for disposal into the trash. In addition, the sanitary film cover may have an anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial coating to protect against bacteria and/or other organisms. The sanitary film cover may be any color and may be comprised of any indicia. The device may also be comprised of a carrying bag that can easily transport the device. Because the pair of arms are either removably-attached or collapsible into the tray, the body of the bag may also be slim to conveniently store the device. Further, at least one handle is attached to the opening of the bag, such that a user can easily hold the device and transport it into and out of a restaurant.
Accordingly, the restaurant highchair tray topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it adds a stable surface onto a restaurant highchair, in which a child can place food, beverages, toys, etc., while dining at a restaurant. Further, the device requires little space for storage and is easily transported in and out of restaurants. In addition, the device attaches directly to a restaurant highchair, eliminating the need for the child to sit close to the table and disrupt other guests at the table with toys or spilled food and drink.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 of the present invention. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 that has a tray surface 120 and a pair of arms 130, in addition to a carrying bag 200 (shown in FIG. 3 ). In differing embodiments, the body 110 may be configured as a cafeteria-style tray 120 but is preferably configured as a generally flat surface capable of withstanding downward pressure and moments at the attachment points, but can be manufactured in any suitable configuration as is known in the art. Further, the body 110 may be manufactured of a plurality of materials, such as wood or metal, but is preferably manufactured of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic material such as, but not limited to, an acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.
In addition, the body 110 may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque in differing embodiments, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. The body 110 can also comprise any suitable color, design, or shape as is known in the art. Furthermore, any surface of the body 110, sanitary film cover 140 (discussed more fully below) or body 210 of the carrying bag 200 may be comprised of a plurality of indicia 124, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., or any other suitable indicia as is known in the art.
In the preferred embodiment of the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body 110 comprises a generally flat top surface 122, a first and a second pair of opposing side surfaces 126 which are raised above the top surface 122, and a pair of arms 130 that attach to the frame 12 of a highchair 10 (shown as prior art). It should be noted that in one embodiment the top surface 122 also acts as the bottom surface of the tray 120. Further, the top surface 122 may have at least one opening 1220 that can receive and stabilize a cup 22, beverage container, food bowl, etc., or any other suitable container as is known in the art. In differing embodiments, the opening 1220 may be a simple indentation for a cup 22 to rest in or a complete through hole with a diameter smaller than a cup 22, such that the cup 22 can rest in the opening 1220 without falling through to the floor.
In addition, a sanitary film cover 140, which may be of any color and design known in the art, and may be transparent, translucent or opaque, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, may rest on the top surface 122 of the tray 120. The sanitary film cover 140 may be fixedly-attached to the top surface 122 of the tray 120, or may be removably-attached via an adhesive surface. Further, the sanitary film cover 140 may be washable/reusable or disposable. The sanitary film cover 140 may also have an antibacterial or antimicrobial coating or layer to protect the top surface 122 and keep it clean and sanitary. Children can then have a plate 20 with food 24 resting on the sanitary film cover 140 (as shown FIG. 2 ) or can place food 24 directly on the sanitary film cover 140 without need of a plate 20. Further, the side surfaces 126 are preferably slightly raised above the top surface 122 to contain spills and stop said spills from falling to the floor.
The device 100 also comprises a pair of arms 130 that extend from the side surfaces 126 of the tray 120 and away from the tray 120. The pair of arms 130 may be fixedly-attached via at least one hinge 138 (shown in FIG. 2 ), such that the pair of arms 130 can collapse into the tray 120, and slide into the carrying bag 200 (shown in FIG. 3 ). In differing embodiments, the at least one hinge 138 may be any suitable hinge type known in the art such as, but not limited to, an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection-molded hinge, a locking hinge, etc.
In one potential embodiment, the pair of arms 130 may be removably-attached to the side surfaces 126 of the tray 120. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 126 comprise at least one continuous opening 1260 on each side, such that at least one tab 134 on each arm 130 can be inserted into the continuous opening 1260 to secure the arm 130 to the tray 120. The pair of arms 130 may then be detached easily from the tray 120, when the device 100 is being transported or is in storage.
Furthermore, the pair of arms 130 each have a top surface 132 and a pair of generally parallel opposing side surfaces 136 in a generally upside-down U shape to allow the device 100 to rest on the top surface 14 of the frame 12 of a highchair 10 (shown as prior art). This connection is preferably press fit to easily attach or detach from the highchair 10 when needed. Although, in differing embodiments the side surfaces 136 of the pair of arms 130 may have a threaded opening 150, such that at least one threaded fastener 160 can be threaded through the opening 150 and then tightened against the top surface 14 and/or side surface 16 of the frame 12, to further secure the device 100 to the highchair 10. The fastener 160 can be any suitable fastener as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, a bolt or screw, etc. In this embodiment, the fastener 160 may also have a felt piece or other similar material secured to the bottom surface, so as not to damage the surface of the highchair 10. It should also be appreciated that the pair of arms 130 may be dimensioned and shaped to fit onto different styles of highchairs 10 of differing sizes, dimensions, and constructions based on the needs and/or wants of a user.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 of the present invention collapsed for storage and stored in a carrying bag 200. The device 100 can further be placed in a carrying bag 200 for both storage and transportation purposes. Typically, the carrying bag 200 comprises a body 210 and at least one handle 220, that enables a user to easily transport the device 100 with one arm. The body 210 of the carrying bag 200 may be slim, such that it can be stored easily due to the foldable or condensable nature of the device 100.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “restaurant highchair tray topper device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art, without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the restaurant highchair tray topper device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A restaurant highchair tray topper device comprising:

a tray comprising a top surface, a first set of opposing side surfaces and a second set of opposing side surfaces;

a pair of arms that attach to the tray, wherein each of the pair of arms is comprised of a top surface and a pair of opposing side surfaces; and

a carrying bag.

2. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 1, wherein the restaurant highchair tray topper device is sized and configured to be attached to a frame of a highchair via the pair of arms.

3. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 2, wherein the pair of arms contact a top surface and a side surface of the frame of the highchair.

4. A restaurant highchair tray topper device comprising:

a tray comprising a flat top surface, a first set of opposing side surfaces that sit raised above the flat top surface, and a second set of opposing side surfaces that sit raised above the flat top surface;

a pair of arms that attach to the tray via a tab, wherein the pair of arms each comprise a top surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces that engage a side surface and a top surface of a highchair frame, and a threaded opening that receives at least one threaded fastener;

a film cover; and

a carrying bag.

5. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 4, wherein the first set of opposing side surfaces is perpendicular to the second set of opposing side surfaces.

6. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 4, wherein the tab of each of the pair of arms is removably secured within a continuous opening in the first set of opposing side surfaces or the second set of opposing side surfaces.

7. A restaurant highchair tray topper device comprising:

a tray comprising a flat top surface with a continuous opening, a first set of opposing side surfaces that sit raised above the flat top surface, and a second set of opposing side surfaces that sit raised above the flat top surface;

a pair of arms that attach to the tray via at least one hinge, wherein the pair of arms each comprise a top surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces that engage a side surface and a top surface of a highchair frame, and a threaded opening that receives at least one threaded fastener;

a film cover; and

a carrying bag.

8. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the continuous opening of the flat top surface receives and stabilizes a cup, a beverage container or a food bowl.

9. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 8, wherein the continuous opening is smaller in diameter than the cup, the beverage container or the food bowl.

10. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the film cover comprises an adhesive.

11. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 10, wherein the film cover is disposable.

12. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the film comprises an antibacterial or antimicrobial coating.

13. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the at least one threaded fastener can be threaded through the threaded opening to allow the at least one threaded fastener to tighten against a top surface or a side surface of a frame of a highchair to secure the restaurant highchair tray topper device to the highchair.

14. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 13, wherein the at least one threaded fastener has a bottom surface comprised of a felt material.

15. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the restaurant highchair tray topper device is comprised of a wood, a metal or a plastic material.

16. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the film cover is transparent or translucent.

17. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the film cover is fixedly attached to the flat top surface.

18. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 17, wherein the film cover is reusable.

19. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the at least one hinge allows each arm to fold in, allowing the restaurant highchair tray topper device to be stored in the carrying bag.

20. The restaurant highchair tray topper device of claim 7, wherein the restaurant highchair tray topper device may be press fit onto a side surface and a top surface of a frame of a highchair.