CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/121,380 filed on December 4, 2020. The above identified patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a child development and decorative aid. The present invention further provides a child development and decorative aid for enjoyment and entertainment.

[0003] It is common for a child to have a variety of toys and development aids, such as rattlers, block or cups for color matching or stacking, and other interactive devices (e.g., lights and sound producing devices). These interactive toys generally involve simple designs that are easily handled and manipulated in furtherance of developing hand eye coordination. However, these devices have many disadvantages. Specifically, the devices are solely directed to interaction and enjoyment. Due to the lack of versatility, die caregivers may need to bring these toys to a kitchen table or high seat during mealtime. If not handled carefully, the device can fall or be thrown from the table or seat causing damage to the toy. Furthermore, these existing toys may require too much space and be a distraction to the toddler.

[0004] The present invention provides a child development and decorative aid wherein the same can be used as either a bib or a playmat. Further, the present invention provides enjoyment to the child by pressing and releasing the body of the child development and decorative aid causing the filling medium to flow and the suspended reflective material to reflect light in a changing manner. The aid functions to entertain the child while engaging the motor skills and have a significant purpose during mealtime of covering clothing or a tabletop from spills and the like. Therefore, there exists a need for a more versatile child development and decorative aid that has an additional function during mealtime.

[0005] Additionally, there are other novelty devices that utilize sealed chambers to support glittering particles in liquid. These novelty devices include some utensils and footwear. However, these devices fail to provide a liquid medium that suspends the particles for extended periods of time. In the known art, glitter particles settle due to gravity acting on the particles creating an accumulation toward the bottom of the chamber. These novelty devices lose their visual appeal and require constant movement to reposition the glitter particles towards an upper end and allow them to fall through the liquid to achieve the desired result. The present invention provides a viscous filling medium that suspends the particles for extended periods of time, or indefinitely, for a more desirable distribution within the sealed interior. Moreover, the manipulation of particles within the interior volume allows for selective positioning of the particles that achieves the desired result of satisfaction to the user.

[0006] In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement in child entertainment and development aids. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of child development aids now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new child development and decorative aid wherein the same can be utilized for conveniently providing tactile learning through the pressing and releasing of the aid coupled with visual stimulation resulting from the handling thereof.

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a child development and decorative aid may form a bib, playmat, placemat, or the like. The aid comprises transparent front and back panels having a filling medium positioned within an interior volume formed by the panels. The filling medium includes a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend particles. The particles include reflective material or otherwise engaging shaped objects. The panels are flexible and allow for a user to selectively manipulate the aid by pressing or otherwise actuating regions of the aid.

[0009] It is an objective of the present invention to provide in some embodiments, a filling medium, such as a liquid, which flows freely from one end to the other end while suspending the reflective material as it flows which creates a light reflective effect for visual enjoyment. In this way, the flexibility of the panels allows for pressure to cause the filling medium and suspended particles to flow within the interior volume.

[0010] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide the bib wherein the filling medium comprises a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend reflective material or engaging shaped objects.

[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide another embodiment comprising a playmat having a transparent body having a front and back panel forming an interior volume adapted to receive a filling medium therein. The filling medium comprises a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend reflective material or engaging shaped objects. The interior volume allows the filling medium to fluidly travel throughout the entire body thereof.

[0012] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide reflective material having various sizes and shapes, including, but not limited to hearts, stars, animals, vegetables, and the like. Further, the filling medium is adapted to be manipulated so as to change the position of the reflective material suspended therein by pressing on the front and/or rear panels of the playmat or bib.

[0013] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide materials to stimulate tactile and visual senses. In one embodiment, the panel materials include silicone, and the filling medium comprises glycerin. The particles suspended within the aid are generally reflective and are visually stimulating patterned materials.

[0014] It is also another objective of the present invention to provide a placemat that holds flatware such as bowls and cups in a stable upright manner by having less than capacity filling medium within the interior volume of the body. The less than full capacity of filling medium allows the front and back panels to contact each other and rest the flatware directly atop a tabletop surface.

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new ⁷ and improved child development and decorative aid that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

[0016] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid being worn by a child.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the child development aid.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of a lower portion of an embodiment of the child development aid.

[0021] FIG. 4A shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the child development aid before pressure being exerted.

[0022] FIG. 4B shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the child development aid having pressure exerted to the front side of the aid.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the child development aid.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the child development aid in an extended configuration.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid in a rolled configuration. [0026] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for child development and entertainment while the child is eating or otherwise engaging in play. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment,” “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid being worn by a child. In the shown embodiment of the child development aid 1000, the aid forms a transparent body 1100 with a front panel 1200 and a back panel 1300. The front and back panel 1100, 1200 are joined and define an interior volume 1400 that is adapted to receive a filling medium 1500 therein. In the shown embodiment, the front and back panels 1200, 1300 share a common perimeter 1120 and are generally coextensive. The filling medium 1500 comprises a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend particles 1600.

[0030] In the shown embodiment, the panels 1200, 1300 of the body 1100 is constructed from a transparent material that fluidly seals the filling medium 1500 within the interior volume 1400. The filling medium 1500 comprises a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend the particles 1600. In the shown embodiment, the particles 1600 are reflective material or visually engaging shaped objects. In some embodiments, the reflective material generally remains distributed throughout the interior volume 1400 regardless of orientation and overall gravitational effect. “Reflective material” used herein may refer to glitter, metallic or polymeric foil or film particles, and the like, including any material that includes reflective particles that redirect the light at different angles.

[0031] In some embodiments, the filling medium 1500 comprises glycerin or glycerol having a viscosity greater than water. The higher viscosity is adapted to suspend the particles 1600 in a fixed position within the filling medium 1500. In this way, the particles 1600 do not settle due to gravity causing the particles 1600 to accumulate towards a lower portion. In one example, the particles 1600 remain within ten to twenty millimeters of the original position after one hour. The high viscosity of the filling medium 1500 allows a user to control the position of the particles 1600 suspended therein. In other embodiments, the reflective material settles towards the ground surface due to gravity when resting in a particular orientation for an extended period of time.

[0032] The panels 1200, 1300 of the body 1100 are composed of transparent plastic material that provides visibility of the interior volume 1400 and filling medium 1500. Moreover, the panels 1200, 1300 are sealed at a perimeter 1120 and allow for the filling medium 1500 to fluidly travel throughout the entire interior volume thereof when force is applied to an exterior of the body 1100. In this way, the filling medium 1500 and suspended particles 1600 are not limited to any region or subregion of the aid 1000. The front and back panels 1200, 1300 comprise tactile exterior sides. The panels 1200, 1300 are flexible and provide for user manipulation by pressing or otherwise actuating regions of the aid 1000. In this way, the flexibility of the panels 1200, 1300 allow for pressure to cause the filling medium 1500 and suspended particles 1600 to flow within the interior volume 1400.

[0033] Specifically referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the bib embodiment 2000 of the child development aid 1000. The bib 2000 comprises a neck receiving portion 2100 for securing to a child, wherein an adjustable fastener 2150 extends from either panel 1200, 1300 to secure opposing sides of the neck receiving portion 2100 together. In this way, the neck receiving portion 2100 forms an opening sized to receive a neck of the wearer and the fastener 2150 provides for selective securement around the neck of the wearer. In the shown embodiment, the neck receiving portion 2100 comprises a generally circular neck opening. The neck receiving portion 2100 is dimensioned to receive a neck of a child therein, wherein the fastener 2150 is adapted to selectively close and open the neck receiving portion 2100. In a closed configuration, the neck receiving portion 2100 is closed via the fastener 2150 and secured to the wearer such that the front panel 1200 is positioned over the chest of the wearer.

[0034] In the shown embodiment, the bib 2000 comprises a pair of arm openings

2200 adapted to receive an arm of the wearer therethrough, wherein the arm openings 2200 are disposed on opposing sides of the bib 2000. The width of the bib 2000 is approximately ten inches w’hen measured from one arm opening to the other arm opening. In alternate embodiments, the bib comprises any suitable shape adapted to cover a front side of the wearer to prevent food or beverage from spilling on the clothing or body of the wearer.

[0035] In one embodiment, the bib 2000 is generally tilled by the filling medium 1500 in such a ay that no air is captured therein. In this way, the particles 1600 may flow throughout the neck receiving portion 2100 and between the front and back panels 1200, 1300. In one embodiment, a port 2400 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 1400. The port 2400 is adapted to add or remove filling medium 1500 from the interior volume. Moreover, in some embodiments, the port 2400 is adapted to remove air trapped within the bib 2000.

[0036] Referring now to FIGs. 3. there is shown a close-up view of a lower portion of an embodiment of the child development aid. In the shown embodiment, the bib 2000 further includes a pocket 2300 at a lower end 1230 of the front panel 1200 of the body 1100. The pocket 2300 includes a compartment adapted to collect food and other items dropped from the wearer when worn. The pocket 2300 includes an opening oriented towards a center of the bib 2000 so that when worn, the pocket 2300 is positioned below the neck of the wearer such that food dropped therefrom is collected in the pocket 2300. In the shown embodiment, the pocket 2300 extends across the lateral sides with the purpose of catching dropped or spilled articles such as food, liquid, and the like. In one embodiment, the pocket compartment is adapted to remain dry being sealed via a fastener, such as a zipper, to control the open end thereof.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pocket 2300 is formed by the front panel 1200 having a fold and forming a chamber that is in fluid communication with the interior volume 1400. The pocket 2300 in this embodiment shares the filing medium 1500 with the rest of the bib 2000. [0038] Referring now to FIGs. 4A and 4B, there is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the child development aid before pressure being exerted and a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the child development aid having pressure exerted on the front side of the aid, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the particles 1600 are shown suspended in the filling medium 1500 between the front and back panels 1200, 1300. Referring to FIG. 4B, the front panel 1200 is being pressed (actuated) by a user. The front panel 1200 is flexible and deforms from the actuation. As the front panel 1200 is depressed, the filling medium 1500 flows away from the point of pressure, thereby causing the particles 1600 suspended in the filling medium 1500 to move as well. Generally, the particles 1600 flow away from the point of actuation. When pressure is released, some filling medium responds to the release of pressure causing the filling medium 1500 and front panel 1200 to return to the initial shape.

[0039] In operation, the position of the particles 1600 are altered based upon the type of actuation. For example, a user may knead, roll, or wringing the aid 1000. Each application causes the particles 1600 to move within the filling medium 1500. Additionally, the filling medium 1500 is shown as taking the entirety of the interior volume 1400 without the inclusion of air within the interior volume 1400. The omission of air creates clear viewing of the particles 1600 suspended in the filling medium 1500, and for clear manipulation of the particles 1600 through actuation. In one embodiment, a nominal amount of air remains within the interior volume.

[0040] In one embodiment, the particles include reflective material having various sizes and shapes, including, but not limited to hearts, stars, animals, vegetables, and the like. The reflective material may be generally flat or have three-dimensional shape so as to catch and reflect light. In this way, the suspended reflective material entertains and captures the attention of the child interacting with the aid.

[0041] Referring now to FIGs. 5, 6, and 7, there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment of the child development aid, a top-down view of an embodiment of the child development aid in an extended configuration, and a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid in a rolled configuration, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the aid 1000 comprises a playmat 3000 having a transparent body 1100 having a front and back panel 1200, 1300 forming an interior volume adapted to receive a filling medium therein. The filling medium comprises a viscous and transparent medium adapted to suspend particles. The interior volume allows the filling medium to fluidly travel throughout the entire body thereof. The particles comprise 1600 various sizes and shapes, including, but not limited to: hearts, stars, animals, vegetables, and the like and the filling medium is adapted to be manipulated so as to change the position of the particles suspended therein by pressing on the front and/or rear panel of the playmat.

[0042] In the shown embodiment, the perimeter 1120 of the playmat 3000 comprises rounded corners and an aperture 3200 disposed at a comer 3100 of the body, wherein the aperture 3200 is crescent moon shaped and adapted to hang the aid 1000 therefrom. In one embodiment, the playmat 3000 comprises a rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, the playmat 3000 may comprise square, trapezoidal, triangular, circular, or other shape.

[0043] The playmat 3000 is adapted to transition between an expended configuration, as shown in FIG. 6A, and a rolled configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B. In the expanded configuration, the playmat 3000 is adapted to rest atop a flat surface such that the front and back panels 1200, 1300 are generally parallel. In the rolled configuration, one end of the panels 1200, 1300 are taken and turned onto itself forming a spiral shape when viewed from a perpendicular view. A clasp fastener 3300 is secured to the body and adapted to couple with another part of the body 1100 so as to retain the rolled configuration. In another embodiment, the body 1100 is trifolded such that the body 1100 is folded into three parts, with the lateral sides being folded towards a center part. Depending on the amount of filling medium within the interior volume, the trifold configuration may be better suited to folding as opposed to rolling.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the child development aid. The child development aid 1000 comprises a placemat 4000 rested on a tabletop surface of a highchair. The placemat 4000 comprises a transparent body having a front panel 1200 and a back panel joined at a perimeter 1800 defining a sealed interior volume 1400 having a filling medium therein. The filling medium is substantially less tilled within the interior volume to provide for objects 5000 placed on the front or back panel to sit flat atop the tabletop surface. In this way, plates, bowls, and the like remain stable.

[0045] In one embodiment, the capacity of the interior volume of the placemat comprises three cups. However, the filling medium disposed within the interior volume is half a cup. In this configuration of being less than filled, the filling medium occupies the entire interior volume since air is not present to fill the remaining capacity of the interior volume. In this embodiment, a bowl placed on top of the front panel causes the filling medium to spread out to other areas surrounding the bowl allowing the front and back panel to substantially be coextensive and stacked. The front and back panels rest flat with the tabletop and provide a surface that the bowl rests stably thereon. In some embodiments, the ratio of interior volume capacity to filling medium is between

1:10 and 1:2. [0046] In some embodiments, a perimeter is formed between the front and back panels. An interior side of the perimeter includes a seal that defines the interior volume. The width of the perimeter allows for easy handling of the child aid 1000 and ensures that the seal remains closed.

[0047] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.