GB2473053A

GB2473053A - Baby changing mat with toy suspension means

Info

Publication number: GB2473053A
Application number: GB0915091A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jan Van Der Velde
Original assignee: Kit for Kids Ltd
Current assignee: Kit for Kids Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-01
Filing date: 2009-09-01
Publication date: 2011-03-02
Also published as: WO2011027144A1; GB0915091D0

Abstract

A baby changing mat includes apparatus for suspending a toy. The suspension apparatus of the changing mat comprises a projecting arm 11 with a base end detachably received in a radially supported socket 13 provided on the mat. Projecting toy support arm 11 may have a moulding 15 at its base end that is complementary to socket 13. Socket 13 preferably comprises at least one radially-extending support 14 to stabilise projecting arm 11 when it is fitted to socket 13. The radially extending supports 14 for the socket 13 form a platform that is preferably disposed between an upper and lower layer of the changing mat.

Description

Changing Mat The present invention relates to a baby changing mat and in particular to a changing mat including apparatus for suspending a baby toy.

Changing mats are well-known nursery accessories. A mat provides a convenient and easy-to-clean surface for changing a baby's nappy (diaper) in a nursery or elsewhere.

Conventional mats have a waterproof or washable outer surface or cover and include some padding or cushioning for the comfort of the baby.

A more recent development in this field has been the addition of an activity arch to a conventional changing mat. Such an arch spans the width of the changing mat, with each end of the arch resting in a recessed portion of the mat. The arch can be used to suspend toys above the changing surface. The toys provide amusement for the baby while he or she is lying on the changing mat. This is advantageous in that the nappy can be changed more quickly and easily if the baby is distracted or occupied by the toys. However, in some instances, the arch can interfere with lifting the baby away from the surface of the mat after changing.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved changing mat with means for suspending a toy wherein the suspension apparatus does not interfere with lifting a baby away from the surface of the mat.

The present invention provides a changing mat comprising a changing surface and a projecting arm, wherein the mat further comprises at least one stabilising platform, the platform comprising a socket, for receiving an end of the arm, and one or more radial supports.

In one embodiment, an end of the projecting arm comprises a moulding complementary to the socket. Ideally, the projecting arm is detachable from the socket. Additionally or alternatively, the projecting arm is foldable.

Preferably, the platform comprises two substantially perpendicular radial supports.

Suitably, the platform is formed from plastic components secured together using ultrasonic welding.

Advantageously, the projecting arm is curved and ftirther comprises a rigid or semi-rigid core to maintain its shape.

In one embodiment, the platform is intermediate an upper layer and a lower layer of the changing surface.

Ideally, the changing surface is substantially rectangular and the mat comprises a platform positioned at a corner of the changing surface.

Preferably, the projecting arm further comprises fastening means for receiving a mobile or toy. More preferably, the fastening means comprises a Velcro tab.

The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, in ftirther detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a baby changing mat in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 with a cut-away section illustrating a stabilising platform in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of a changing mat in accordance with the present invention. The mat comprises a rectangular changing surface 10. Surface 10 is dimensioned to accommodate a baby in a reclined position.

The short sides of rectangular surface 10 form a head end and a foot end. The long sides of surface 10 form a left side and a right side.

Changing surface 10 is formed substantially from foamed material encapsulated in a waterproof plastics material. A U-shaped wall 21, also formed from encapsulated foamed material, is further provided at the periphery of changing surface 10. Wall 21 has a thickness approximately three times the thickness of changing surface 10, and it encloses the head end, the left side and the right side of surface 10.

As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the mat comprises a projecting arm 11 that extends upwards, away from surface 10. Arm 11 has a base end and a tip and is curved with a rigid core to maintain its shape. The tip of arm 11 projects towards the centre of the head end of changing surface 10 when arm 11 is secured in place. Arm 11 further comprises a hook and loop (Velcro registered trade mark) tab 20 at its tip and a moulding 15 at its base.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a stabilising platform 12. Platform 12 acts to secure arm 11 to changing surface 10. As illustrated in the cut-away section of Figure 2, platform 12 replaces a portion of wall 21 at the intersection of the head end and the left side of changing surface 10.

Platform 12 has a generally L-shaped footprint. It comprises a socket 13 and two radial supports 14. Socket 13 is dimensioned to receive the base end of arm 11. To generate a particularly secure fit between arm 11 and platform 12, socket 13 is complementary to moulding 15. In the present embodiment, arm 11 is detachably securable to socket 13. In an alternative embodiment, arm 11 is irreversibly secured in socket 13. In this alternative embodiment, arm 11 is preferably foldable.

Supports 14 are substantially perpendicular, with one support extending along the part of wall 21 bordering the head end of surface 10 and the other extending along the part of wall 21 bordering the left side of surface 10.

The mat can be made from any suitable plastics or fabric materials. In the preferred embodiment, platform 12 is formed from rigid plastic components secured together using ultrasonic welding.

In use of the present embodiment of the mat, prior to changing the baby's nappy, moulding 15 of arm 11 is fitted into socket 13 of platform 12 and a toy or mobile is suspended from tab 20. The changing mat is then placed upon a table or other flat surface and the baby is positioned, lying on his or her back, with his/her head towards the head end of changing surface 10. The foamed material of changing surface 10 cushions the baby. Wall 21 provides additional cushioning and discourages the baby from rolling away from the centre of surface 10. Wall 21 also prevents liquid running off surface 10 during nappy changing.

In use, the baby can interact with the toy or mobile suspended above the mat while his/her nappy is changed. The fit of moulding 15 in socket 13, and the rigidity and weight provided by supports 14 prevent arm 11 from becoming dislodged from the changing mat during the changing process. Once changing is complete, the baby can be lifted from the mat. Because arm 11 extends only part-way across surface 10, arm 11 does not interfere with lifting the baby away from the mat. Arm 11 can then be detached from changing platform 12 to allow for easy storage and/or cleaning of the mat. In an alternative embodiment, in which arm 11 is foldable and irreversibly attached in socked 13, arm 11 can be folded for storage of the mat.

Claims

Claims 1. A changing mat comprising a changing surface and a projecting arm, wherein the mat further comprises at least one stabilising platform, the platform comprising a socket, for receiving an end of the arm, and one or more radial supports.
2. A changing mat according to claim 1 wherein an end of the projecting arm comprises a moulding complementary to the socket.
3. A changing mat according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the projecting arm is detachable from the socket.
4. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the projecting arm is foldable.
5. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform comprises two substantially perpendicular radial supports.
6. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform is formed from plastic components secured together using ultrasonic welding.
7. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the projecting arm is curved and further comprises a rigid or semi-rigid core to maintain its shape.
8. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform is intermediate an upper layer and a lower layer of the changing surface
9. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the changing surface is substantially rectangular and the mat comprises a platform positioned at a corner of the changing surface.
10. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the projecting arm further comprises fastening means for receiving a mobile or toy.
11. A changing mat according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastening means comprises a Velcro tab.
12. A changing mat as substantially herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.