Child Place Mat with Voice Recording

• US 20160174744A1
• Filed: 12/28/2015
• Published: 06/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rebekah Bawden
• Original Assignee: Rebekah Bawden
• Inventors: Bawden, Rebekah
• Application Number:
  US14/981,770
• Publication Number:
  US 20160174744A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/143 producing means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/146 recording or detecting means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 23/0306 with means for amusing or giving information to the user A47G23/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/04 with audible presentation of the material to be studied sound recording or reproducing G11B
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles

Abstract

A child'"'"'s place mat with a voice recording feature prevents spills. The place mat is waterproof, dishwasher safe, and semi-rigid such that it may be used as a serving tray in some situations. The edge of the place mat is raised to contain spills. Within the place mat, a battery-powered memory device, a microphone, and a speaker are provided in a removable insert, enabling the adult user to record and play brief messages, such as commands or words of encouragement, for the child. The insert also provides a tilt sensor, such that when the place mat is tilted to the extent that there is risk of a spill, an audible alert is provided by the speaker. The top surface of the place mat may provide dividers similar to a cafeteria tray, and a circular ridge to secure a cup or bowl.

Claims

1. A child'"'"'s place mat comprising:

a. a place mat having a top surface, bottom surface, edge, and at least one side;

b. an insert;

c. said insert comprising a memory device, a speaker, a microphone, a battery compartment, one or more batteries, and a power switch;

d. said memory device, speaker, and said microphone being in electronic communication with a microprocessor; and

e. said insert being configured to record audio via said microphone, store said recorded audio via said memory device, and playback said recorded audio via said speaker.

2. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein said edge is raised above the top surface.

3. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein said place mat is rectangular in shape.

4. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein said insert further provides a tilt sensor;

said tilt sensor being configured to measure a tilt angle of said place mat; and

said insert is configured to play an audio alert if said tilt angle reaches a predetermined angle.

5. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein said bottom surface provides a recess and said insert is placed within said recess.

6. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 5, wherein said recess is positioned adjacent to said side such that said power switch is accessible through said side.

7. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 6, wherein said insert further provides a tilt sensor;

said tilt sensor being configured to measure the tilt angle of said place mat; and

said insert is configured to play an audio alert if said tilt angle reaches a predetermined angle.

8. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein said insert is positioned adjacent to said side such that said power switch is accessible on said side.

9. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 8, wherein said insert further provides a tilt sensor;

said tilt sensor being configured to measure the tilt angle of said place mat; and

said insert is configured to play an audio alert if said tilt angle reaches a predetermined angle.

10. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, further comprising a non-slip texture on said bottom surface.

11. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 10, wherein said non-slip texture is a plurality of grip pads located at corners of the place mat.

12. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein the place mat is provided in a broad range of bright colors and patterns.

13. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, wherein the place mat provides illustrations such as licensed or public domain cartoon characters, sports team logos, jungle animals, flowers, marine life, or dinosaurs.

14. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 1, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

15. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 2, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

16. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 4, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

17. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 6, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

18. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 7, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

19. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 9, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.

20. The child'"'"'s place mat of claim 10, further providing dividers;

said dividers being located on the top surface;

said dividers being raised above said top surface;

a circular ridge; and

said circular ridge being configured to secure a bowl or cup.