US20080248712A1

US20080248712A1 - Amusement device for entertainment of a child

Info

Publication number: US20080248712A1
Application number: US11/895,239
Authority: US
Inventors: Christina Gressianu; Owen Keating; Joseph O'Keefe
Original assignee: MALLOMAR CREATIVE LLC
Current assignee: MALLOMAR CREATIVE LLC
Priority date: 2006-09-26
Filing date: 2007-08-23
Publication date: 2008-10-09

Abstract

An amusement device for entertainment of a child is provided. Said amusement device is releasably attached to a child seat. Said amusement device includes a first panel for providing entertainment to a child sitting in said child seat, a second panel for providing support to said amusement device, and an attaching device for releasably attaching said amusement device to said child seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to amusement devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an amusement device for entertainment of a child.
A typical shopping cart has a shopping basket with wheels, a child seat and a shopping-cart handle. A child sitting in the child seat faces a person driving the shopping cart. In the absence of any source of entertainment, the child may sooner or later get bored, and may cause disturbance to nearby people. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a source of entertainment to the child.
Various amusement devices for infants and children have been known in the art. Examples of the various amusement devices include, but are not limited to, decorative handle covers, toy attachments, and drawing boards. However, known amusement devices are not easy to install, remove and store. These amusement devices are often installed on the shopping-cart handle, thereby making it difficult to maneuver the shopping cart. In addition, these amusement devices are often installed on the shopping cart by resting on the shopping-cart handle and/or edges of the shopping basket, thereby making the installation unstable. Furthermore, such amusement devices are often made from petroleum-based plastics, which are toxic and harmful to children and the environment.
In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an amusement device that is easy to install, remove and store. The amusement device should be stable, when attached on a shopping cart, without making it difficult to maneuver the shopping cart. Further, the amusement device should be eco-friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an amusement device for entertainment of a child.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a stable and releasable attachment of said amusement device to a cart, without making it difficult to maneuver said cart.
Another object of the present invention is to make said amusement device easy to install and remove.
Another object of the present invention is to make said amusement device easy to use and store.
Another object of the present invention is to make said amusement device eco-friendly.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an amusement device for entertainment of a child. Said amusement device may be, for example, an easel, an electronic game, a magnetic-board game, a wire-frame bead maze, and an activity board.
Said amusement device is releasably attached to a child seat on which a child is seated. Said child seat may, for example, be arranged on a cart having a basket and a cart handle. Said amusement device includes a first panel having a front surface facing said child, a rear surface opposite to said front surface, and an entertainment module for providing entertainment to said child. Said amusement device also includes a second panel for providing support to said amusement device. Said second panel is secured to said rear surface of said first panel. Said amusement device further includes an attaching device for releasably attaching said amusement device to said child seat. Said attaching device includes at least one ledge placed on said rear surface of said first panel, and a bar placed on said second panel. In an embodiment of the present invention, said ledge is secured to at least one edge of said basket with a ledge fastener, while said bar is secured to said cart handle with a bar fastener. Said bar rests on said cart handle in a space between hands of a person driving said cart. In this way, said attaching device enables a stable attachment of said amusement device to said cart, without making it difficult to maneuver said cart. These features make said amusement device easy to install and remove.
In an embodiment of the present invention, said amusement device is an easel. Said entertainment module includes one or more drawing papers, one or more drawing devices, one or more drawing-paper clips for holding said drawing papers, and at least one drawing-device holder for holding said drawing devices. Said drawing-device holder snaps to close against said front surface of said first panel to retain said drawing devices. When opened, said drawing-device holder acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by said child. In addition, a hinged arrangement between said first panel and said second panel enables folding said first panel and said second panel together in to a compact form, which is suitable for storage. This makes said amusement device easy to use and store.
Said amusement device is made of a bio-degradable material, such as Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA). This makes said amusement device non-toxic and secure for children and the environment, and hence eco-friendly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the present invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an amusement device releasably attached to a child seat, wherein embodiments of the present invention may be practiced;

FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged side view of said amusement device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of said amusement device, wherein said amusement device is an easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of said easel, when in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a back view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts another side view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 a depicts a side view of a drawing-device holder within said easel, when open, and FIG. 11 b depicts a side view of said drawing-device holder, when closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of said easel, when said drawing-device holder is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 a depicts a side view of a hinged arrangement between a first panel and a second panel of said easel, before folding, and FIG. 13 b depicts a side view of said hinged arrangement, after folding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of a drawing-paper clip on said first panel and another clip on said second panel of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of said easel releasably attached to a cart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide an amusement device for entertainment of a child. In the description herein for embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or mechanisms, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an amusement device 102 releasably attached to a child seat 104, wherein embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. Child seat 104 is arranged on a cart 106 having a basket 108 and a cart handle 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A child 112 is seated in child seat 104, while a person 114 is driving cart 106.
Amusement device 102 provides entertainment to child 112. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amusement device 102 is a toy, which keeps child 112 engaged in a particular activity. Examples of amusement device 102 include, but are not limited to, easels, electronic games, magnetic-board games, wire-frame bead mazes, and activity boards. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amusement device 102 is releasably attached to child seat 104.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amusement device 102 is made of a single piece of plastic. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, amusement device 102 is made of a bio-degradable material, and is eco-friendly. Said bio-degradable material may be, for example, Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA). PLA is a non-toxic, bio-degradable polymer, which utilizes renewable resources in its manufacture. PLA is molded to make various components of amusement device 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Said components of amusement device 102 may be secured to each other in various arrangements using, for example, hinges, clips, clamps, or latches.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for amusement device 102, child seat 104, and cart 106 is for the convenience of the reader and is not to be construed as limiting amusement device 102, child seat 104, and cart 106 to a specific size, shape, type, or arrangement. For example, amusement device 102 may be attached to a self-contained child seat that is not arranged on any cart. Further, cart 106 may be, for example, a shopping cart or any other wheeled vehicle provided with a child seat.
FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged side view of amusement device 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Amusement device 102 includes a first panel 202 and a second panel 204. First panel 202 has a front surface 206, a rear surface 208 opposite to front surface 206, and an entertainment module 210 placed on front surface 206. At least one ledge, such as a ledge 212, is placed on rear surface 208 of first panel 202, while a bar 214 is placed on second panel 204. Second panel 204 is secured to rear surface 208 of first panel 202, and provides support to amusement device 102.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, ledge 212 rests on at least one edge of basket 108, while bar 214 rests on cart handle 110. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, bar 214 rests on cart handle 110 in a space between hands of person 114 driving cart 106, thereby enabling easy maneuverability of cart 106. Ledge 212 and bar 214 form a part of an attaching device for releasably attaching amusement device 102 to cart 106. Details about said attaching device have been provided with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 15.
When amusement device 102 is attached to cart 106, front surface 206 of first panel 202 faces towards child 112, while second panel 204 faces towards person 114. While entertainment module 210 on first panel 202 provides entertainment to child 112, second panel 204 may be used by person 114 for various purposes. For example, second panel 204 may be used to retain items of interest to person 114. Alternatively, second panel 204 may be used as a writing board by person 114.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for amusement device 102 and its components is for the convenience of the reader and is not to be construed as limiting amusement device 102 to specific numbers, sizes, shapes or types of amusement device 102 and its components.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of amusement device 102, wherein amusement device 102 is an easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Entertainment module 210 includes one or more drawing-paper clips for holding drawing papers, such as a drawing-paper clip 302, and at least one drawing-device holder for holding drawing devices, such as a drawing-device holder 304. First panel 202 includes one or more panel handles for carrying amusement device 102, such as a panel handle 306 a and a panel handle 306 b. Panel handle 306 a and panel handle 306 b are hereinafter referred to as panel handles 306. Said panel handles are integrated with at least one side of first panel 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 3, panel handles 306 are integrated with both sides of first panel 202, one on each.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for panel handles 306 is for the convenience of the reader and is not to be construed as limiting panel handles 306 to specific numbers, sizes, shapes or types.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of said easel, when in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Entertainment module 210 includes one or more drawing papers, such as a drawing paper 402, and one or more drawing devices, such as a drawing device 404 a, a drawing device 404 b and a drawing device 404 c. Drawing device 404 a, drawing device 404 b and drawing device 404 c are hereinafter referred to as drawing devices 404.
Drawing paper 402 is clipped with drawing-paper clip 302 onto front surface 206 of first panel 202, and drawing-device holder 304 is opened to hold drawing devices 404. With reference to FIG. 4, drawing-device holder 304 is semi-circular in shape. When opened, drawing-device holder 304 acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by child 112. Examples of drawing devices 404 include, but are not limited to, crayons, pencils, pens, and pieces of chalk. In order to make amusement device 102 completely eco-friendly, soy-based crayons may be provided instead of paraffin-wax crayons. In addition, various drawing-aid devices, such as erasers, sharpeners and rulers, may also be provided. Said drawing-aid devices may be held in a separate holder.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for entertainment module 210 and its components is for the convenience of the reader and is not to be construed as limiting entertainment module 210 to specific numbers, sizes, shapes or types of components. Consider, for example, amusement device 102 is an electronic game. In such a case, entertainment module 210 may include a display screen and a plurality of buttons for receiving input from child 112.
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 depicts a back view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Second panel 204 has a surface 602 that faces person 114, when said easel is attached to cart 106. Second panel 204 includes one or more clips, such as a clip 604, placed on surface 602. Rear surface 208 of first panel 202 has a ledge 212 a and a ledge 212 b with a ledge fastener 606 a and a ledge fastener 606 b, respectively.
Clip 604 may be used by person 114 to retain items of interest to him/her. The items of interest may include, but are not limited to, shopping lists, coupons, forms, and receipts. Surface 602 of second panel 204 may also be used as a writing board by person 114, for example, to edit shopping lists or fill forms.
Ledge 212 a and ledge 212 b are secured to said edge of basket 108 with ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b, respectively. Ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b are flexible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b may, for example, be rubber-band contraptions. Ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b enable stable attachment of ledge 212 a and ledge 212 b to said edge of basket 108.
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bar 214 placed on second panel 204 is secured to cart handle 110 with a bar fastener 702. Bar fastener 702 is flexible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bar fastener 702 may, for example, be a rubber-band contraption. Bar fastener 702 enables stable attachment of bar 214 to cart handle 110.
Ledge 212 a, ledge 212 b, bar 214, ledge fastener 606 a, ledge fastener 606 b and bar fastener 702 collectively form said attaching device of said easel, and provide stable attachment of said easel to cart 106.
It is to be understood that the specific designation for said attaching device and its components is for the convenience of the reader and is not to be construed as limiting said attaching device to specific numbers, sizes, shapes or types of components.
FIG. 8 depicts another side view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 depicts a top view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of said easel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 a depicts a side view of drawing-device holder 304, when open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An arrow 1102 represents a direction in which drawing-device holder 304 may be closed.
FIG. 11 b depicts a side view of drawing-device holder 304, when closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of said easel, when drawing-device holder 304 is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A hinged arrangement 1202 is used to secure drawing-device holder 304 to first panel 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Drawing-device holder 304 snaps to close against front surface 206 of first panel 202 to retain drawing devices 404, when said easel is not in use and/or is being carried, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 a depicts a side view of a hinged arrangement 1302 between first panel 202 and second panel 204, before folding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An arrow 1304 represents a direction in which first panel 202 and second panel 204 may be folded together.
FIG. 13 b depicts a side view of hinged arrangement 1302, after folding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. First panel 202 and second panel 204 are folded together into a compact form, which is suitable for storage.
FIG. 14 depicts a side view of drawing-paper clip 302 and clip 604, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An arrow 1402 represents a direction in which drawing-paper clip 302 may be pushed, while an arrow 1404 represents a direction in which clip 604 may be pushed.
FIG. 15 depicts a side view of said easel releasably attached to cart 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Ledge 212 a and ledge 212 b (not shown in the figure) are secured to an edge 1502 of basket 108 facing child 112 with ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b (not shown in the figure). Bar 214 is secured to cart handle 110 with bar fastener 702. As mentioned before, ledge 212 a, ledge 212 b, bar 214, ledge fastener 606 a, ledge fastener 606 b and bar fastener 702 form said attaching device of amusement device 102. Said attaching device is easy to use, and provides a stable attachment of amusement device 102 to cart 106. It should be noted that other suitable mechanisms may be employed to attach amusement device 102 to cart 106. For example, amusement device 102 may be clipped, clamped, or latched onto cart 106. Alternatively, amusement device 102 may be supported by a base and at least one edge of basket 108.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an amusement device that is a self-contained system, and is easy to install, use, remove, and store. No tools are required during installation, use, removal and storage of amusement device 102. In order to attach amusement device 102 to cart 106, ledge 212 a and ledge 212 b are secured to edge 1502 of basket 108 with ledge fastener 606 a and ledge fastener 606 b, while bar 214 is secured to cart handle 110 with bar fastener 702. This makes it easy to install and remove amusement device 102. Further, drawing-device holder 304 snaps to close and retain drawing devices 404, when amusement device 102 is not in use and/or is being carried. When opened, drawing-device holder 304 acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by child 112. In addition, hinged arrangement 1302 enables folding first panel 202 and second panel 204 together into a compact form. These features make amusement device 102 easy to use and store.
Amusement device 102 is stable, when attached on cart 106, without making it difficult to maneuver cart 106. Said attaching device ensures stable attachment of amusement device 102 to cart 106. Bar 214 rests on cart handle 110 in a space between hands of person 114 driving cart 106, thereby enabling easy maneuverability of cart 106.
Moreover, amusement device 102 is eco-friendly. Amusement device 102 is made of a bio-degradable material, such as PLA. This makes amusement device 102 non-toxic and secure for children and the environment.
While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An amusement device for entertainment of a child, said amusement device being releasably attached to a child seat, said amusement device comprising:

a) a first panel comprising:

i) a front surface facing said child, said child sitting in said child seat;

ii) a rear surface opposite to said front surface; and

iii) an entertainment module for providing entertainment to said child, said entertainment module being placed on said front surface of said first panel;

b) a second panel for providing support to said amusement device, said second panel secured to said rear surface of said first panel; and

c) an attaching device for releasably attaching said amusement device to said child seat.

2. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said child seat is arranged on a cart having a basket and a cart handle, and wherein said attaching device comprises:

a) at least one ledge placed on said rear surface of said first panel, said ledge resting on at least one edge of said basket, said ledge being secured to said edge of said basket with a ledge fastener; and

b) a bar placed on said second panel, said bar resting on said cart handle in a space between hands of a person driving said cart, said bar being secured to said cart handle with a bar fastener,

whereby said attaching device enables a stable attachment of said amusement device to said cart.

3. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said amusement device is an easel, said entertainment module comprises:

a) one or more drawing papers;

b) one or more drawing devices, said drawing devices comprising one or more of: crayons, pencils, pens, and pieces of chalk;

c) one or more drawing-paper clips for holding said drawing papers; and

d) at least one drawing-device holder for holding said drawing devices.

4. The amusement device according to claim 3, wherein said drawing-device holder snaps to close against said front surface of said first panel to retain said drawing devices when said amusement device is not in use.

5. The amusement device according to claim 3, wherein said drawing-device holder is semi-circular in shape, and acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by said child when opened.

6. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said amusement device is at least one of: an easel, an electronic game, a magnetic-board game, a wire-frame bead maze, and an activity board.

7. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said first panel comprises one or more panel handles for carrying said amusement device, said panel handles being integrated with at least one side of said first panel.

8. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said child seat is arranged on a cart, and wherein said second panel comprises one or more clips for retaining items of interest to a person driving said cart.

9. The amusement device according to claim 1, wherein said amusement device is made of a bio-degradable material.

10. The amusement device according to claim 9, wherein said amusement device is made of Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA).

11. A toy for entertainment of a child, said toy being releasably attached to a cart, said cart comprising a basket, a child seat, and a cart handle, said toy comprising:

a) a first panel comprising:

i) a front surface facing said child, said child sitting in said child seat of said cart;

ii) a rear surface opposite to said front surface; and

b) a second panel for providing support to said toy, said second panel secured to said rear surface of said first panel; and

c) an attaching device for releasably attaching said toy to said cart, wherein said attaching device comprises:

i) at least one ledge placed on said rear surface of said first panel, said ledge resting on at least one edge of said basket, said ledge being secured to said edge of said basket with a ledge fastener; and

ii) a bar placed on said second panel, said bar resting on said cart handle in a space between hands of a person driving said cart, said bar being secured to said cart handle with a bar fastener,

whereby said attaching device enables a stable attachment of said toy to said cart.

12. The toy according to claim 11, wherein said toy is an easel, said entertainment module comprises:

a) one or more drawing papers;

c) one or more drawing-paper clips for holding said drawing papers; and

d) at least one drawing-device holder for holding said drawing devices.

13. The toy according to claim 12, wherein said drawing-device holder snaps to close against said front surface of said first panel to retain said drawing devices when said toy is not in use.

14. The toy according to claim 12, wherein said drawing-device holder is semi-circular in shape, and acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by said child when opened.

15. The toy according to claim 11, wherein said toy is at least one of: an easel, an electronic game, a magnetic-board game, a wire-frame bead maze, and an activity board.

16. The toy according to claim 11, wherein said first panel comprises one or more panel handles for carrying said toy, said panel handles being integrated with at least one side of said first panel.

17. The toy according to claim 11, wherein said second panel comprises one or more clips for retaining items of interest to said person driving said cart.

18. The toy according to claim 11, wherein said toy is made of a bio-degradable material.

19. An easel for entertainment of a child, said easel being releasably attached to a cart, said cart comprising a basket, a child seat, and a cart handle, said easel comprising:

a) a first panel comprising:

ii) a rear surface opposite to said front surface;

iii) one or more drawing-paper clips for holding one or more drawing papers; and

iv) at least one drawing-device holder for holding one or more drawing devices, said drawing devices comprising one or more of: crayons, pencils, pens, and pieces of chalk;

b) a second panel for providing support to said easel, said second panel secured to said rear surface of said first panel; and

c) an attaching device for releasably attaching said easel to said cart, wherein said attaching device comprises:

whereby said attaching device enables a stable attachment of said easel to said cart.

20. The easel according to claim 19, wherein said drawing-device holder snaps to close against said front surface of said first panel to retain said drawing devices, when said easel is not in use, and wherein said drawing-device holder is semi-circular in shape, and acts as a collector for drawing devices dropped by said child when opened.

21. The easel according to claim 19, wherein said first panel comprises one or more panel handles for carrying said easel, said panel handles being integrated with at least one side of said first panel.

22. The easel according to claim 19, wherein said second panel comprises one or more clips for retaining items of interest to said person driving said cart.

23. The easel according to claim 19, wherein said easel is made of a bio-degradable material.