Safety baby chair expanding thigh aperture insert

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an infant highchair accessory (IHA). In an illustrative example, the IHA may be configured to couple to a tray table of a highchair. The IHA, for example, may include a left thigh support, a crotch support, and a right thigh support configured to extend from a top plane of the IHA along a latitude axis orthogonal to the top plane. For example, the IHA and a seating plate of the highchair may form two apertures each configured to allow a leg of an infant to pass through. For example, each aperture may include a contour of cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing along a longitudinal axis from a back surface towards a front surface. Various embodiments may advantageously allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to pass through comfortably while still meeting safety standards.

Description

SAFETY BABY CHAIR EXPANDING THIGH APERTURE INSERTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 518,833, titled “Safety Baby Chair Expanding Thigh Aperture Insert,” filed by Khai Gan Chuah, on August 10, 2023.

[0002] This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application(s) herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various embodiments relate generally to accessories and safety features of baby chairs.BACKGROUND

[0004] A baby chair is a chair used for feeding older babies and young toddlers. The baby chair may include a raised seat, so that a person of adult height may spoon-feed the child comfortably (e.g., from a standing position, from a seating position at a regular dining table). For stability, the baby chair may often include a wider base. In some examples, the baby chair may also include a tray (e.g., attached to the arms of the baby chair). The tray may allow parents to place the food on the tray for the child to pick up.

[0005] Sometimes, babies may be seated in a booster chair that is configured to combine with a regular dining chair. A booster chair may boost the height of a child sufficiently so that they can be easily cared by the parents during a meal. Some booster chairs may, for example, be a simple monolithic piece of plastic. Sometimes, the booster chair or the baby chair may be more complex (e.g., foldable, including add-on features such as a detachable tray).SUMMARY

[0006] Apparatus and associated methods relate to an infant highchair accessory (IHA). In an illustrative example, the IHA may be configured to couple to a tray table of a highchair. The IHA, for example, may include a left thigh support, a crotch support, and a right thigh support configured to extend from a top plane of the IHA along a latitude axis orthogonal to the top plane. For example, the IHA and a seating plate of the highchair may form two apertures each configured to allow a leg of an infant to pass through. For example, each aperture may include a contour of cross- sectional area monotonically decreasing along a longitudinal axis from a back surface towards a front surface. Various embodiments may advantageously allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to pass through comfortably while still meeting safety standards.

[0007] Apparatus and associated methods relate to a chair expanding thigh aperture insert (CETAI) having mountain shaped apertures. In an illustrative example, the CETAI may be coupled to a baby chair. The CETAI may include a gradient of distance between a crotch support and thigh supports of the CETAI. The distance, for example, may increase toward a proximal surface of the CETAI. The CETAI may also include, for example, a gradient of distance between a bottom end of the CETAI and a near top-end of the CETAI. The distance, for example, may increase from the near top-end of the CETAI toward a bottom end of the CETAI. Various embodiments may advantageously match a thigh shape of a baby sitting in the baby chair so that scratches and / or elevated pressure on a baby skin are prevented and, when the baby is sitting in the baby chair, the baby is stable within the chair.

[0008] Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may advantageously reduce scratches on a baby’s skin when the baby’s thigh rubs against the IHA. Some embodiments, for example, may advantageously provide an ergonomic fitting for a thigh of the baby while preventing the baby from falling out of the highchair. For example, some embodiments may advantageously match a shape of the thighs of the baby. Some embodiments may, for example, advantageously provide a comfortable fit to a highly -tapered baby leg.

[0009] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary expanding chair thigh aperture insert (CETAI) employed in an illustrative use-case scenario.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary CETAI in a perspective view.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary CETAI in a cross-sectional view.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary CETAI in a front elevation view.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts engineering views of an exemplary safety testing block device.

[0015] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary chair expanding thigh aperture insert (CETAI) employed in an illustrative use-case scenario. In this example, a baby chair 100 (e.g., a highchair, a floor chair) includes a seating platform 105 and a foot platform 110. The baby chair 100, for example, may be made of wood. The baby chair 100, for example, may be made of plastic. The baby chair 100, forexample, may be made of metal. The baby chair 100, for example, may be made of a combination of materials.

[0017] For example, an infant 150 (e.g., a baby, a young toddler) may sit on the seating platform 105 and place his / her feet on the foot platform 110. In this example, the baby chair 100 includes adjusting groves 115. The adjusting groves 115 are positioned at different heights from the ground. The foot platform 110 may be adjusted in distance from the seating platform 105 by being placed on different adjusting groves 115.

[0018] The baby chair 100 also includes a CETAI 120. For example, the CETAI 120 may be inserted below a tray table 125 of the baby chair 100. For example, the CETAI 120 may keep the infant 150 sitting in the baby chair 100 on the seating platform 105 by providing a crotch support 155. In various embodiments, the CETAI 120 may include an inverse mountain shape so that the CETAI 120 may advantageously match a thigh shape of the infant 150. For example, such ergonomics design may advantageously reduce scratches on a baby’s skin when the baby’s thigh rubs against the CETAI 120.

[0019] As shown, the CETAI 120 is coupled to the tray table 125 via a coupling feature 160. For example, the coupling feature 160 may couple the CETAI 120 to a bottom surface of the tray table 125. The CETAI 120 includes also a left support 165 and a right support 170. For example, the crotch support 155, the left support 165, the right support 170, and the seating platform 105 may define two apertures 175 A, 175B.

[0020] As shown, each of the two apertures 175 A, 175B includes a length along a longitudinal axis 180 from a distal end towards a proximal end of the baby chair 100. For example, the aperture 175B includes a front surface 135 and a back surface 140. For example, each of the front surface 135 and the back surface 140 may be defined by a peripheral boundary 185 of a corresponding aperture (175A, 175B). In some implementations, the cross-sectional area of the aperture 175B may be reduced along the longitudinal axis 180. As shown in FIG. 1, by way of example and not limitation, a cross-sectional area near the distal end of the baby chair 100 (SA_F) is monotonically increasing towards a cross-sectional area near the proximal end of the baby chair 100 (SA B). For example, the cross-sectional area of the apertures may be determined by integrating a height (h) along a width (w) at a contour in the aperture along the longitudinal axis 180.

[0021] For example, as shown in graph 190, the cross-sectional area of the baby chair (SA_F) near the distal end (e.g., farther from the baby seat / front of the chair when viewed by a parent) of longitudinal axis 180 may get consistently larger towards the cross-sectional area (SA B) near the proximal end (e.g., closer to the baby seat / back of the chair when viewed by the parent) of the longitudinal axis 180. This gradual increase in cross-sectional area from the distal end towards the proximal end may, for example, be calculated by the integration of dimensions, e.g., specificallythe height (h) along the width (w) at a designated contour within the aperture (175 A, 175B), progressing along the longitudinal axis 180 of the baby chair 100. For example, the monotonically increasing cross-sectional may advantageously enhance ergonomic support for the baby. For example, the contour may adapt to the natural contours of the infant 150’s thigh.

[0022] Various embodiments may advantageously provide an ergonomic fitting for a thigh of the infant 150 while preventing the infant 150 from falling out of the baby chair 100 through an aperture between the tray table 125 and the seating platform 105.

[0023] In various implementations, a thigh aperture insert (e.g., the CETAI 120) may include at least one protrusion structure (e.g., the crotch support 155, the left support 165, the right support 170). For example, the at least one protrusion structure may be configured to extend downward to define two apertures (e.g., the two apertures 175A, 175B) upon coupling to a highchair (e.g., the baby chair 100). For example, the two apertures may allow two legs of a baby to extend through. For example, the two apertures may include a decreasing cross-sectional area from a back plane (e.g., the back surface 140) towards a front plane (e.g., the front surface 135) of the highchair.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary CETAI (the CETAI 120) in a perspective view. In this example, the CETAI 120 includes coupling features 205. For example, the coupling features 205 may be used to couple the CETAI 120 to the tray table 125. In this example, the CETAI 120 also includes a curvature 210 at a proximal side of the CETAI 120. For example, the curvature 210 may guide a baby to sit in a desired location (e.g., centered side-to-side in the chair). For example, the curvature 210 may provide support and hugging comfort to a baby sitting on the baby chair 100. A cross-sectional view of the CETAI 120 (3-3) along a transverse 215 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 180 is discussed below with reference to FIG. 3. In various embodiments, the coupling features may have a variety of shapes, sizes, and or placements.

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary CETAI in a cross-sectional view. As shown, the CETAI 120 includes a crotch support 155. For example, the crotch support 155 may prevent a baby sitting in the baby chair 100 to fall through an aperture between the tray table 125 and the seating platform 105. The CETAI 120 also includes two thigh supports 310 (e.g., the left support 165 and the right support 170). In this example, a distance between one of the thigh supports 310 and the crotch support 155 (e.g., along the transverse 215) varies from a distal end to a proximal end of the CETAI 120. For example, a distance DI nearer to the proximal end is larger than a distance D2 nearer to the distal end. In some examples, DI > D2 may advantageously match a shape of thighs of the infant 150 so that the infant 150 is more stable and comfortable in the baby chair 100.

[0026] In some implementations, such as in the depicted example, multiple regions may be provided. A first region 315 (e.g., corresponding to DI and D2) may have a first taper 320 (e.g., defined by a relationship between DI and D2). The first region 315 may, for example, have asecond taper 321 (e.g., defined by the relationship between DI and D2 and / or first taper 320). As an illustrative example, the second taper 321 may taper as shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., taper outwards from the leg aperture from the distal to the proximal edge).

[0027] A second region 325 (e.g., corresponding to DI and D2A) may have a third taper 330, for example (e.g., defined by a relationship between D2A and DI). For example, the third taper 330 may be greater than the first taper 320. In some examples, such as shown, D2A > Dl> D2. The second region 325 may be proximal, for example, to the first region 315. Accordingly, by way of example and not limitation, a baby may be provided with a larger degree of freedom in a proximal region (e.g., higher up the thigh towards the trunk where the thigh may be significantly larger than closer to the knee). The first region 315 may, for example, provide a safety barrier (e.g., restricting a size of a child which may be placed into the chair. For example, the first region 315 may be configured to have a maximal cross-sectional area while still preventing passage of a predetermined safety testing block. For example, at a boundary contour between the first region 315 and the second region 325, a cross-sectional area may be at least larger than a predetermined area (e.g., as determined based on a safety device described with reference to FIG. 5). In various implementations, a rate of change of cross-sectional area (e.g., a gradient of the cross-sectional area) in the first region 315 may be greater than the rate of change of cross-sectional area in the second region 325.

[0028] As an illustrative example without limitation, the CETAI 120 may include two or more distinct regions. For example, each of the regions may include specific geometric and ergonomic features configured to enhance safety and / or comfort. In this example, the second region (325), defined by dimensions DI and D2A, includes the third taper 330. As shown, the third taper 330 is more pronounced than the first taper 320 of the first region 315. For example, the CETAI 120 may be configured that D2A may be greater than DI . DI, for example, may be greater than D2. In some examples, the CETAI 120 may include a progressive narrowing profile. Positioned closer to the child's trunk, for example, the second region 325 may be configured to allow for greater movement and comfort, especially in areas of the body that widen (e.g., the upper thigh). Minimum dimensions defining D2 (e.g., width and height) may be smaller, for example, than maximum dimensions of the safety device. For example, the distal end of the first region 315 may be dimensioned such that the safety device is prevented from passing through the aperture (e.g., through the cross-sectional area D2).

[0029] The first region 315, for example, may be configured to act as a physical barrier. For example, the first region 315 may be configured to accommodate a predetermined cross-sectional area of the infant 150’s leg to pass through without allowing a standard safety testing block to pass through. The delineation between the first region 315 and the second region 325, for example, maybe determined by a threshold cross-sectional area. Various embodiments of a minimum threshold of the first region 315 are described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0030] In some implementations, a rate of change of the cross-sectional area (an “area gradient") of the first region 315 to the second region 325 may be determined based on safety standards and ergonomically constraints (e.g., to fit a body / thigh of the infant 150). In this example, the crosssection area gradient may be higher than that in the second region 325. This differential gradient may advantageously provide a balance between safety constraints and ergonomic design. For example, the cross-section area gradient of the first region 315 may be configured to restrict effectively an escape of the infant 150 below a certain size. For example, the cross-section area gradient of the second region 325 may offer a gentler taper to advantageously accommodate natural variations in body size and shape of the infant 150.

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary CETAI in a front elevation view. The CETAI 120, in this example, includes two mountain shaped apertures 405. For example, the mountain shape apertures 405 may allow thighs of a baby to pass though when the baby is sitting in the baby chair 100. In this example, a distance between one of the thigh supports 310 and the crotch support 155 varies from a bottom end 430 to a top end 435 of the CETAI 120 (as shown along a latitude axis 425). As shown, the crotch support 155 and the thigh support 310 extend from the top end 435 towards the bottom end 430. In some examples, the bottom end 430 may be at a distance at least a maximum height of the crotch support 155. For example, the bottom end 430 may be the seating platform 105.

[0032] In this example, the mountain shaped apertures 405 may include width defined as a distance between two adjacent side surfaces between the thigh supports 310 and the crotch support 155 in the transverse 215. For example, a distance D3 nearer to the top end 435 is smaller than a distance D4 nearer to the bottom end 430. For example, a fourth taper 410 and a fifth taper 415 may be defined by a relationship between D3 and D4. In some examples, D3 < D4 may advantageously match a shape of the thighs of a baby so that the baby is more stable and comfortable in the baby chair 100. For example, the height (e.g., set by D5 and D6) and the tapers 410, 415 (e.g., set by D3 and D4) may be determined based on a safety testing block (such as shown in FIG. 5).

[0033] As depicted, a sixth taper 420 may be defined by a relationship between a first height D5 and a second height D6. For example, D5 and D6 may each be defined by a shortest distance between the bottom end 430 and a corresponding selected intersection point of the line (e.g., D5, D6) with a surface 450 of the CETAI 120 along the latitude axis 425. In some embodiments, the surface 450 may be formed as a continuous unitary surface on the CETAI 120. For example, D5 and D6 may refer to distances to different intersection points on this continuous unitary surface(the surface 450). For example, D5 and D6 may each be a minimum distance from the bottom end 430 to their respective selected intersection points on the surface 450.

[0034] In some implementations, a height of the mountain shaped apertures 405 may be unimodal. For example, the height within the mountain shaped apertures 405 may include only one maximum value. By way of example and not limitation, as shown, D5 < D6. For example, the taper 420 may taper upward in a direction from a center region 440 of the CETAI 120 towards a maximum height 445. For example, the center region 440 may include an area within the CETAI 120. From the center region 440, the taper 420 ascends towards the maximum height 445. For example, from the maximum height 445, the mountain shaped apertures 405 may include a taper 460 of reducing height from D6 to D7. For example, the height of the mountain shaped apertures 405 (e.g., 175A, 175B) may be unimodal along the transverse 215. The taper 420 may, for example, resist a safety block and / or larger child passing through the apertures 405, but may provide expanded room for a child’s legs.

[0035] FIG. 5 depicts engineering views of an exemplary safety block testing device (e.g., an ASTM F404 safety block test device). The safety block 500 may, for example, have a predetermined cross-sectional area. The safety block 500 may, for example, be substantially rigid. For example, the safety block 500 may be configured to be used in a test in which a tapered nose (e.g., shown in the lower left view) is placed in the seat and a predetermined force is applied to the block (e.g., via a hook, as shown) to attempt to drag the block through an aperture (e.g., through the mountain shaped apertures 405). The mountain shaped apertures may, for example, be configured (e.g., via predetermined selection of DI, D2, D2A, D3, D4, D5, D6, and / or relationships therebetween) to advantageously provide a comfortable fit to a highly-tapered baby leg (e.g., knee to thigh), but prevent the safety block 500 from fitting through the mountain shaped apertures when the predetermined force is applied. Accordingly, various embodiments may, by way of example and not limitation, advantageously provide a safe yet comfortable chair for babies. For example, the baby chair 100 may meet various statutory and / or industrial regulations for a baby highchair. For example, the baby chair 100 may meet the safety test standard of ASTM F404 set by ASTM International headquartered in West Conshohocken, PA. In some implementations, for example, the block may be made from aluminum. The block may, for example, have a smooth surface (e.g., such that a variation in texture is not discernible to the touch).

[0036] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible. For example, in some implementations other relationships between dimensions are contemplated. Some embodiments may, for example, have multiple dimensions (e.g., Da, Db, De, . . . Dx), where ‘x’ is any number chosen. For example, the multiple dimensions may define a complex contoured surface (e.g., multi -tapered, multi -curvature).

[0037] For example, D3 may be greater than or equal to D4. For example, in some embodiments, D3 may be greater than D4. As an illustrative example, the fourth taper 410 and / or the fifth taper 415 may be part of a contoured (e.g., tapered, curved) surface that wraps partially around the baby’s leg.

[0038] In some examples, D5 may, for example, be greater than or equal to D6. As an illustrative example, the taper 420 may be straight. For example, in some embodiments, D5 may be greater than D6. In some implementations, for example, the taper 420 may be tapered down in a direction from the center of the CETAI 120 (e.g., from the crotch support 155) towards an outside edge. In some implementations, a compound contoured surface may include a first taper (e.g., taper 420, such as tapered upwards) in a direction from the center (e.g., from the crotch support 155) to a transition region (e.g., point, curve), and then at least a second taper (e.g., straight, angled sharper, angled less, tapered down) in a direction from the transition region to the thigh support 310.

[0039] For example, D2 may, for example, be greater than or equal to DI. For example, D2 may be greater than DI. As an illustrative example, the first taper 320 may taper outwards from a transition point (e.g., taper away from the leg aperture from a proximal to a distal region). As an illustrative example, the second taper 321 may taper inwards towards the leg aperture from a distal edge to a proximal edge. For example, such an implementation may advantageously allow more freedom of movement for a baby’s leg while still restraining a safety test block. In some examples, a surface may have multiple tapered regions of differing angles.

[0040] In various implementations, the CETAI 120 may include other variations in size, shape, and / or positioning to accommodate different requirements. While specific dimensions and configurations have been provided as illustrative examples, these examples are not limitations. In some implementations, other embodiments may include dimensions to effectively prevent a testing block (e.g., the safety block 500) from passing through, while offering maximum comfort for a child's legs.

[0041] For example, DI may, for example, be greater than or equal to D2A. As an illustrative example, the third taper 330 may, for example, be straight or tapered inward. For example, some implementations may include a thigh support 310 rotated such that the third taper 330 surface is aligned with an outside surface of a baby’s leg (e.g., if the baby’s legs are spread apart defining an angle between the baby’s legs), and the third taper 330 and / or the first taper 320 may taper outwards from a distal to a proximal region (e.g., to accommodate the angle of the baby’s legs). For example, along the longitudinal axis 180, the third taper 330 may expand from a narrower point at the distal end to a wider point at the proximal end. Various embodiments may enhance comfort and freedom of movement for the baby's legs, within a safety -centric design preventing passage of the safety block 500.

[0042] For example, various relationships of DI, D2, D2A, D3, D4, D5, and / or D6 are contemplated in which at least one relationship defines a cross-sectional area of a leg aperture (e.g., mountain shaped apertures 405) such that a safety test block (e.g., safety block 500) is prevented from passing through the aperture. For example, various monotonic and / or compound surfaces, curvatures, and / or tapers (e.g., first taper 320, second taper 321, third taper 330, fourth taper 410, fifth taper 415, sixth taper 420) are contemplated. Such embodiments may, by way of example and not limitation, advantageously maintain safety of the baby (e.g., demonstrated by conformance to safety standards such as disclosed at least with reference to FIG. 5 herein), while providing, for example, enhanced comfort and / or motion for the baby.

[0043] In some implementations, the mountain shaped apertures 405 may be the same shape and / or size (e.g., as disclosed at least with reference to FIGS. 1-5). In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, leg apertures 405 may have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0044] In some examples, the CETAI 120 may be releasably coupled to the tray table 125. For example, the CETAI 120 may be coupled to the tray table 125 by threaded fasteners. For example, the CETAI 120 may be coupled to the tray table 125 by latches. For example, the CETAI 120 may be coupled to the tray table 120 by locking mechanisms (e.g., requiring adult intervention and / or a key to unlock). For example, the CETAI 120 may be sold with the baby chair 100 (e.g., for assembly to the tray table 125, pre-assembled to the tray table 125). In some examples, the CETAI 120 may be configured as an accessory (e.g., to retrofit to an underneath of the tray table 125 ).

[0045] In some examples, the CETAI 120 may be integrally formed with (e.g., of a continuous material with) the tray table 125. For example, the CETAI 120 may be molded together with the tray table 125.

[0046] In an illustrative aspect, an infant highchair accessory may include a top plane . For example, the infant highchair accessory may include a left thigh support, a crotch support, and a right thigh support each extending from the top plane along a corresponding axis orthogonal to the top plane. For example, the infant highchair accessory may include a coupling element configured to couple to a highchair. For example, upon coupling to the highchair, a left aperture may be defined by the left thigh support and / or the crotch support, and a right aperture may be defined by the right thigh support and / or the crotch support.

[0047] For example, each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair. For example, each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area may be defined by a peripheral boundary of eachaperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such that each aperture may be configured to allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

[0048] For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area may be determined by integrating a width and a height along the peripheral boundary.

[0049] For example, the width may be defined by opposite point of the peripheral boundary along a latitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For example, the width tapers along the latitudinal axis may include a minimum width at the top plane.

[0050] For example, the height may be defined by a shortest distance between a bottom plane and a point at the peripheral boundary, such that the height may be unimodal along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the top plane.

[0051] For example, the bottom plane may include a sitting plate of the highchair. For example, the coupling element may be configured to couple to a bottom surface of a table of the highchair.

[0052] For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a first taper region. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a second taper region distal to the first taper region. For example, the first taper region may include a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region.

[0053] For example, each aperture may include a boundary surface at a boundary between the first taper region and the second taper region. For example, the boundary surface may be configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block may be applied towards each aperture from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

[0054] In an illustrative aspect, an infant highchair accessory may include a top plane. For example, the infant highchair accessory may include at least one protrusion structure configured to extend from the top plane along a corresponding axis orthogonal to the top plane. For example, the infant highchair accessory may include a coupling element configured to couple to a highchair. For example, upon coupling to the highchair, the at least one protrusion structure and the highchair defines two apertures.

[0055] For example, each of the two apertures may include a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair. For example, each of the two apertures may include a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area may be defined by a peripheral boundary of each aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For example, eachof the two apertures may be configured to allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

[0056] For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area may be determined by integrating a width and a height along the peripheral boundary.

[0057] For example, the width may be defined by opposite point of the peripheral boundary along a latitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For example, the width tapers along the latitudinal axis may include a minimum width at the top plane.

[0058] For example, the height may be defined by a shortest distance between a bottom plane and a point at the peripheral boundary. For example, the height may be unimodal along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the top plane.

[0059] For example, the bottom plane may include a sitting plate of the highchair. For example, the coupling element may be configured to couple to a bottom surface of a table of the highchair. For example, the at least one protrusion structure may include a crotch support.

[0060] For example, the at least one protrusion structure may include two thigh supports, and a crotch support. For example, each of the two apertures are defined by one of the two thigh supports and the crotch support.

[0061] For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture may include a first taper region. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture may include a second taper region distal to the first taper region. For example, the first taper region may include a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region.

[0062] For example, each of the two apertures may include a boundary surface at a boundary between the first taper region and the second taper region. For example, the boundary surface may be configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block may be applied towards a corresponding one of the two apertures from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

[0063] In an illustrative aspect, a highchair may include a sitting plate configured to support a baby. For example, the highchair may include a table plate disposed above the sitting plate. For example, the highchair may include an infant highchair accessory that may include a top plane.

[0064] For example, the infant highchair accessory may include a left thigh support, a crotch support, and a right thigh support extending along corresponding axes orthogonal to the top plane. For example, the highchair may include a coupling element configured to couple to a bottom surface of the table plate. For example, a left aperture may be defined by the left thigh support, thecrotch support, and the sitting plate. For example, a right aperture may be defined by the right thigh support, the crotch support, and the sitting plate.

[0065] For example, each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a length along a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair. For example, each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture may include a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area may be defined by a peripheral boundary of each aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For example, each aperture may be configured to allow a leg of the baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

[0066] For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture may include a first taper region. For example, the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture may include a second taper region distal to the first taper region. For example, the first taper region may include a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region. For example, at a boundary surface between the first taper region and the second taper region, each aperture may include a boundary cross-sectional area configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block may be applied towards each aperture from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

[0067] In an illustrative aspect, an infant highchair accessory may be configured to couple to a child’s chair and retain a child in a predetermined position in the chair. The accessory may include a top surface (e.g., 435). The accessory may include, for example, a protrusion structure (e.g., 155, 310) extending away from the top surface. The accessory may include, for example, a coupling element (e.g., 160) configured to couple the accessory to the chair (e.g., 100). Upon coupling to the chair, at least the protrusion structure may, for example, define two apertures (e.g., 175A, 175B). Each of the two apertures may include, for example, a length along a longitudinal axis (e.g., 180) extending from a proximal end of the chair towards a distal end of the chair; a first cross- sectional area (e.g., 140) at a proximal end defined by a peripheral boundary of the aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis at a proximal surface of the protrusion structure; and a second cross-sectional area (e.g., 135) at a distal end defined by a peripheral boundary of the aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis at a distal surface of the protrusion structure. The first cross- sectional area may, for example, be larger than the second cross-sectional area such that the apertures accommodate tapered thighs of the child while preventing passage of a predetermined safety testing device through the second cross-sectional area.

[0068] The accessory may include an eating tray. The top surface may include, for example, an upper surface of the tray.

[0069] The protrusion structure may include a middle protrusion configured to extend between a left leg and a right leg of the child. The protrusion structure may include a left protrusion configured to at least partially define a first of the two apertures. The protrusion structure may include a right protrusion configured to at least partially define a second of the two apertures.

[0070] For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62], For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53] may be combined with any of the highchair of any of [0063-66], For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53] may be combined with any of the chair of any of [0067-69],

[0071] For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53], For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62] may be combined with any of the highchair of any of [0063-66], For example, the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62] may be combined with any of the chair of any of [0067-69],

[0072] For example, the highchair of any of [0063-66] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53], For example, the highchair of any of [0063-66] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62], For example, the highchair of any of [0063-66] may be combined with any of the chair of any of [0067-69],

[0073] For example, the chair of any of [0067-69] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0046-53], For example, the chair of any of [0067-69] may be combined with the infant highchair accessory of any of [0054-62], For example, the chair of any of [0067-69] may be combined with any of the highchair of any of [0063-66],

[0074] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An infant highchair accessory comprising: a top plane (435); a left thigh support (165), a crotch support (155), and a right thigh support (170) each extending from the top plane along a corresponding axis orthogonal to the top plane; and, a coupling element (160) configured to couple to a highchair (100), wherein, upon coupling to the highchair, a left aperture (175A) is defined by the left thigh support and the crotch support, and a right aperture (175B) is defined by the right thigh support and the crotch support, wherein each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture comprises: a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair; and, a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area is defined by a peripheral boundary of each aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such that each aperture is configured to allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

2. The infant highchair accessory of claim 1, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross- sectional area is determined by integrating a width and a height along the peripheral boundary.

3. The infant highchair accessory of claim 2, wherein the width is defined by opposite point of the peripheral boundary along a latitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein the width tapers along the latitudinal axis comprising a minimum width at the top plane.

4. The infant highchair accessory of claim 3, wherein the height is defined by a shortest distance between a bottom plane and a point at the peripheral boundary, such that the height is unimodal along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the top plane.

5. The infant highchair accessory of claim 4, wherein the bottom plane comprises a sitting plate of the highchair.

6. The infant highchair accessory of claim 1, wherein the coupling element is configured to couple to a bottom surface of a table of the highchair.

7. The infant highchair accessory of claim 1, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross- sectional area of each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture comprises: a first taper region; and, a second taper region distal to the first taper region, wherein the first taper region comprises a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region.

8. The infant highchair accessory of claim 7, wherein each aperture comprises a boundary surface at a boundary between the first taper region and the second taper region, wherein the boundary surface is configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block is applied towards each aperture from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

9. An infant highchair accessory comprising: a top plane (435); at least one protrusion structure (155, 310) configured to extend from the top plane along a corresponding axis orthogonal to the top plane; and, a coupling element (160) configured to couple to a highchair (100), wherein, upon coupling to the highchair, the at least one protrusion structure and the highchair defines two apertures (175 A, 175B), wherein each of the two apertures comprises: a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair; and, a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area is defined by a peripheral boundary of each aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such that each of the two apertures is configured to allow a leg of a baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

10. The infant highchair accessory of claim 9, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross- sectional area is determined by integrating a width and a height along the peripheral boundary.

11. The infant highchair accessory of claim 10, wherein the width is defined by opposite point of the peripheral boundary along a latitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein the width tapers along the latitudinal axis comprising a minimum width at the top plane.

12. The infant highchair accessory of claim 11, wherein the height is defined by a shortest distance between a bottom plane and a point at the peripheral boundary, such that the height is unimodal along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the top plane.

13. The infant highchair accessory of claim 12, wherein the bottom plane comprises a sitting plate of the highchair.

14. The infant highchair accessory of claim 9, wherein the coupling element is configured to couple to a bottom surface of a table of the highchair.

15. The infant highchair accessory of claim 9, wherein the at least one protrusion structure comprises a crotch support.

16. The infant highchair accessory of claim 9, wherein the at least one protrusion structure comprises two thigh supports, and a crotch support, wherein each of the two apertures are defined by one of the two thigh supports and the crotch support.

17. The infant highchair accessory of claim 9, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross- sectional area of each aperture comprises: a first taper region; and, a second taper region distal to the first taper region, wherein the first taper region comprises a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region.

18. The infant highchair accessory of claim 17, wherein each of the two apertures comprises a boundary surface at a boundary between the first taper region and the second taper region, wherein the boundary surface is configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block is applied towards a corresponding one of the two apertures from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

19. A highchair comprising: a sitting plate (105) configured to support a baby; a table plate (125) disposed above the sitting plate; and, an infant highchair accessory (120) comprising: a top plane (435); a left thigh support (165), a crotch support (155), and a right thigh support (170) extending along corresponding axes orthogonal to the top plane; and, a coupling element (160) configured to couple to a bottom surface of the table plate, such that: a left aperture (175 A) is defined by the left thigh support, the crotch support, and the sitting plate; and, a right aperture (175B) is defined by the right thigh support, the crotch support, and the sitting plate, wherein each aperture of the left aperture and the right aperture comprises: a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the highchair towards a distal end of the highchair; and, a monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area monotonically decreasing relative to a distance along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area is defined by a peripheral boundary of each aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such that each aperture is configured to allow a leg of the baby sitting in the highchair to accommodate a tapered thigh of the baby.

20. The highchair of claim 19, wherein the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of each aperture comprises: a first taper region; and, a second taper region distal to the first taper region, wherein the first taper region comprises a first gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area larger than a second gradient of the monotonically decreasing cross-sectional area of the second taper region, such that, at a boundary surface between the first taper region and the second taper region, each aperture comprises a boundary cross-sectional area configured to prevent a tapered safety block to pass through as long as the tapered safety block is applied towards each aperture from the proximal end towards the distal end under a predetermined testing force.

21. An infant highchair accessory configured to couple to a child’s chair and retain a child in a predetermined position in the chair, the accessory comprising: a top surface (435); a protrusion structure (155, 310) extending away from the top surface; and, a coupling element (160) configured to couple the accessory to the chair (100), wherein, upon coupling to the chair, at least the protrusion structure defines two apertures (175 A, 175B), wherein each of the two apertures comprises: a length along a longitudinal axis (180) extending from a proximal end of the chair towards a distal end of the chair; a first cross-sectional area (140) at a proximal end defined by a peripheral boundary of the aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis at a proximal surface of the protrusion structure; and a second cross-sectional area (135) at a distal end defined by a peripheral boundary of the aperture orthogonal to the longitudinal axis at a distal surface of the protrusion structure, wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area such that the apertures accommodate tapered thighs of the child while preventing passage of a predetermined safety testing device through the second cross-sectional area.

22. The accessory of claim 21, the accessory further comprising an eating tray, wherein the top surface comprises an upper surface of the tray.

23. The accessory of claim 21, wherein the protrusion structure comprises: a middle protrusion configured to extend between a left leg and a right leg of the child; a left protrusion configured to at least partially define a first of the two apertures; and a right protrusion configured to at least partially define a second of the two apertures.

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