DE20007258U1 - Pad for a toddler - Google Patents

Description

D-96237 Ebersdorf near Coburg

Mat for a toddler

Description

The present invention relates to a pad for a toddler according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a pad is known from DE 78 29 556 Ul. The known pad is used for changing a small child, whereby two opposite edge areas are raised by reinforced padding to secure the child on the preferably padded base. The padding is defined by elongated round pads which can be detachably connected to the underside of the base by means of tabs attached to their front end which lead around the edges of the base to its underside, whereby the tabs are provided with fastening devices which correspond to complementary fastening devices on the underside of the base. The latter fastening devices are formed by complementary Velcro sections. Instead of Velcro sections, snap fasteners are also conceivable.

The well-known toddler pad is essentially only suitable for changing small children, as the edge padding essentially only makes it difficult for the toddler to roll sideways.

The function of such a changing mat can be expanded essentially by using the other two

Meissner, Bolte & Partner ^m * ** ** ühser**Reference: M/RBA-021-DE

provides the opposite edge areas of the floor with raised padding, as is proposed, for example, in accordance with EP 0 503 231 Bl. In this way, the pad can be used as a changing mat, as a play mat, or as an insert in cots or play areas. The pad according to EP 0 503 231 Bl is further characterized in that its size can be increased or reduced by folding in or out the edge areas containing the filling material. Measures are also proposed there by means of which the filling material can be removed as required to lower the edge area or areas.

Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of creating a universally usable base which, compared to the aforementioned prior art, is characterized by even greater flexibility and, in particular, simple construction.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The essence of the present invention is that at least one edge padding can be connected as a separate component to the base of the underlay in such a way that it can be moved further or further inwards or outwards. In this way, the base area can be changed within a relatively large range, in any case a much larger range than with the construction according to EP 0 503 231 B1. In addition, the underlay according to the invention can be converted from a changing mat into a play mat or bed insert by adding further edge padding to the other two opposite base edges.

Because the edge pads are separate components,

is both the production of the base and the

Meissner, Bolte & Partner *** ** *■* Reference number: M/RBA-021-DE

The latter are extremely easy to handle and the latter are also extremely flexible. With the state of the art according to EP 0 503 B1, the main concern is that the edge cushions folded inwards do not remain in their predetermined position but fold back outwards, especially when a small child presses against them. This cannot happen with the construction according to the invention.

Preferred structural details of the base according to the invention are described in the subclaims.

A preferred embodiment of a base according to the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawing

explained in more detail. They show:
15

Figure 1 shows a base designed according to the invention

in perspective view, with only two opposite edges secured with an edge pad; Figure 2 shows the pad according to the invention according to Figure

also in perspective view, with all four edges provided with edge padding; and

Figure 3 a detail of the pad according to the invention

in perspective bottom view and the

Illustration of the fastening elements for the edge pads.

Figure 1 shows a base 1 for a small child with an approximately rectangular base, which is preferably padded. Two opposite first base edges are each assigned first edge regions 3 raised by filling material, whereby these first raised edge regions 3 are defined by separate components 4 in the form of elongated round cushions. These are parallel to the first edges 5 of the

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Meissner, BOLTE & Partner '** ** — Uhser**Zei*chen: M/RBA-021-DE

Base 2 can be moved more or less far inwards according to arrows 6 or, conversely, outwards with a corresponding change in the base surface. The embodiment according to Figure 1 is particularly suitable as a changing mat. On the front sides of the first edge cushions 4, means 7 are provided for connecting at least a second correspondingly raised edge region 8 such that, in the assembled state, this extends approximately parallel to a second edge 9 adjacent to the first edge 5. In Figure 2, two such raised edge regions 8 are provided in the form of likewise separate base cushions 10, so that the base 2 is delimited on all sides by first edge cushions 4 and second edge cushions 10. In this form, the mat is particularly suitable as a crawling mat or bed insert. As already mentioned at the beginning, designs are conceivable in which the filling material for the raised edge regions 3 and 8 can be removed as required to lower them. Air is then preferably used as the filling material. In this respect, it is per se a known measure, which is described in more detail in EP 0 503 231 Bl, albeit within the framework of a different construction.

According to the invention, it is conceivable that the base or the floor 2 thereof is only padded at the corner edge, namely by a first edge pad 4 and a second edge pad 10 immediately adjacent to it. It is also conceivable to provide only three edge pads. The construction according to the invention is therefore characterized by a high degree of flexibility in this regard.

In the embodiment shown, the first edge cushions 4 are detachably attached to the underside of the base 2. For this purpose, four tabs or bands 11 with fastening devices 12, such as Velcro strips or

Meissner, Bolte & Partner '** " '** Lfnser'*Ze*fchen: M/RBA-021-DE

the like, which can be connected to complementary fastening devices 13, the complementary Velcro strip sections extending parallel to the second edges 9. Reference is made in this regard to Figure 3. The Velcro strip sections 13 allow the first edge cushions 4 to be moved over a relatively long distance, with the result that the floor area can also be changed within a correspondingly large area.

The above-mentioned means 7 for connecting at least one second raised edge region 8 or an edge pad 10 defining it are each formed by a loop 14 which receives the front end sections of the second edge pads. The opening width of the loops is preferably variable, in particular adaptable to the diameter of the second edge pads 10.

According to Figure 3, the loops 14 are each formed by two band sections 15, 16, at the ends of which complementary Velcro sections, snap fasteners or button strips or similar connecting means are arranged. In Figure 3, these connecting means, namely complementary Velcro sections, are provided with the reference numbers 17 and 18. This allows the opening width of the loop 14 to be easily adapted to the circumference of a second connectable raised edge region or the component or edge padding 10 defining it.

Both the fastening means for the second edge cushions 10 and the means for fastening the first edge cushions to the underside of the base 2 are fastened, preferably sewn, to the front sides of the outer edge cushions 4.

Above it was mentioned that as filling material for the edge cushions

Meissner, Bolte & Partner ·** " ** uhser**Zel*chen: M/RBA-021-DE

4, 10 air can be used. Instead of air, other filling materials can of course be used, such as a foam roller or a roll filled with padding. In all these cases, the edge pads comprise a tube-like casing, with at least one end face being open for the insertion of an air tube, a foam roller or a roll filled with padding. When using removable filling materials, it is sometimes not necessary to remove one or the other edge padding in toto, for example in order to pad only three or two or just one edge.

As already explained, the base described can also be used as an insert for a child's bed with mesh walls, whereby the raised edges on the mesh walls then form a protection against feet sticking through. They also protect the child from the hardness of the bars. With the same advantages, the base described can also be inserted into a playpen.

All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention insofar as they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination.

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Meissner, BOLTE & Partner * ^; * *'* "·** laser symbol: M/RBA-021-DE

List of reference symbols

1 pad

2 Floor

3 first raised edge area

4 Component for first increased

Edge area (edge padding)

5 first edge of the floor 2 &bgr; arrow

7 Connection devices

8 second raised edge area

9 second edge of the floor 2

10 Component for second raised

Edge area {edge padding)

11 Fastening strap

12 Fastening device

13 Fastening device

14 Loop

15 ■ Band section 16 Band section

17 Connecting devices

18 connecting devices

Claims (9)

1. Underlay ( 1 ) for a small child with an approximately rectangular, preferably padded base ( 2 ), at least one first edge region ( 3 ) of which is raised by filling material, this first raised edge region ( 3 ) being defined by a separate component (edge cushion 4 ) which can be displaced more or less far inwards (arrows 6 ) or outwards parallel to an associated first edge ( 5 ) of the base ( 2 ), characterized in that means ( 7 ) for connecting at least one second correspondingly raised edge region ( 8 ) are provided on the end faces of the at least one first raised edge region ( 3 ) in such a way that this can be aligned approximately parallel to a second edge ( 9 ) adjacent to the first edge ( 5 ) of the base ( 2 ). 2. Base according to claim 1, characterized in that two opposite first edge regions ( 3 ) raised by filling material are defined by separate components (edge cushions 4 ) which can be displaced more or less far inwards or outwards in each case parallel to the associated edges ( 5 ) of the base ( 2 ), to the front sides of which second edge regions ( 8 ) raised by filling material can be connected, extending parallel to the two other edges ( 9 ) of the base ( 2 ). 3. Base according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filling material for the raised edge regions ( 3 , 8 ) can be removed as required to lower the same. 4. Underlay according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the at least one first edge region ( 3 ) or the component defining it (edge cushion 4 ) is detachably fastened to the upper side, in particular to the underside of the base ( 2 ). 5. Underlay according to claim 4, characterized in that on the end faces of the at least one first edge region ( 3 ) or of the component defining it (edge cushion 4 ) around the adjacent second edges ( 9 ) of the base ( 2 ) to the underside of the same, tabs or bands ( 11 ) with fastening devices ( 12 ), such as Velcro sections, are arranged, which can be connected to complementary fastening devices ( 13 ) arranged on the underside of the base ( 2 ), which complementary Velcro sections extend parallel to the second edges ( 9 ) of the base ( 2 ). 6. Underlay according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the means ( 7 ) provided on the end faces of the at least one first raised edge region ( 3 ) or of the component defining it (edge cushion 4 ) for connecting at least one second raised edge region ( 8 ) or of a component defining it (edge cushion 10 ) are formed by a loop ( 14 ) whose opening width is preferably adjustable. 7. Underlay according to claim 6, characterized in that the loop ( 14 ) is formed by two band sections ( 15 , 16 ), at the ends of which complementary Velcro sections, snap fasteners or button strips or similar connecting means ( 17 , 18 ) are arranged, so that the opening width of the loop ( 15 ) can be adapted to the circumference of a second connectable raised edge region ( 8 ) or the component defining this (edge padding 10 ). 8. Underlay according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the edge regions ( 3 , 8 ) raised by filling material have the shape of elongated edge pads ( 4 , 10 ). 9. Base according to one of claims 3-8, characterized in that air serves as filling material for the edge regions ( 3 , 8 ).