GB2615147A

GB2615147A - Changing mat

Info

Publication number: GB2615147A
Application number: GB2206451.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Agnes Rose Calvelo Santos Clementine; Ann Hamilton Penelope
Original assignee: Hamilton Marriott Ltd
Current assignee: Hamilton Marriott Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-03
Filing date: 2022-05-03
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2042-05-03
Also published as: GB202206451D0; GB2615147B

Abstract

A baby changing mat comprises a structural portion 102 having a plurality of elongate slats 104 and an outer layer with a changing region arranged for changing an infant thereon. The exterior layer may include a receiving portion 110 in which the slats can be removably placed. The strengthening portion may span a width of the mat or may be shorter in length than the mat. Each slat may have a long edge, optionally 350mm long, a short edge, optionally 16mm long and may be 3mm thick. The slats may be attached to each other, for example by a fabric material located at perimeter edges of the structural portion. Twenty to thirty slats may be provided, and the slats may be made of bamboo. The mat may also include a pillow (124, figure 1) for supporting a baby’s head. The structural portion may provide rigidity or backbone to the mat.

Description

CHANGING MAT

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a changing mat for changing babies.

S

BACKGROUND

Baby changing mats are known. Parents or carers will often carry a changing mat with them when outside of the home in case their baby needs to be changed. Changing mats aim to provide a clean and comfortable surface on which their baby 10 can be changed.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided a changing mat comprising: a structural portion comprising a plurality of elongate slats; and an outer layer comprising a changing region arranged for changing a baby thereon.

According to some examples, the outer layer comprises a receiving portion for enabling the structural portion to be placed in and removed from the outer layer.

According to some examples, the outer layer is arranged to enclose or substantially enclose the structural portion.

According to some examples, the receiving portion comprises an opening on a rear side of the changing mat.

According to some examples, the changing mat comprises a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, wherein the first and second sides extend between the first and second ends.

According to some examples, a width of the structural portion substantially spans a width of the changing mat.

According to some examples, the width of the structural portion is about 350mm and the width of the changing mat is about 380mm.

According to some examples, a length of the structural portion is less than a length of the changing mat.

According to some examples, the length of the structural portion is about 435mm and the length of the changing mat is about 750mm.

According to some examples, each elongate slat has a long edge, a short edge, and a thickness.

According to some examples, the long edge is about 350mm, the shod edge is about 16mm, and the thickness is about 3mm.

According to some examples, the structural portion is arranged so that the long edges of the elongate slats extend across the changing mat between a first side and a second side.

According to some examples, the elongate slats are attached to each other 15 with means for attachment.

According to some examples, the means for attachment comprises a fabric material located on a perimeter edge of the structural portion.

According to some examples, the structural portion comprises about twenty to thirty slats.

According to some examples, the structural portion is arranged so that it can be rolled up or folded.

According to some examples, the elongate slats are made of bamboo.

According to some examples, the changing region comprises a restraint portion for restraining a baby during changing.

According to some examples, the restraint portion comprises a chest strap.

According to some examples, the chest strap additionally comprises a button-closure.

According to some examples, the restraint portion comprises a pair of shoulder straps.

According to some examples, the changing mat comprises a pillow portion for supporting a baby's head.

According to some examples, the pillow portion does not overlay the structural portion.

According to some examples, the changing mat comprises one or more pockets for holding nappies or wipes or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically shows in plan-view a front face of a changing mat according to an example; Figure 2 schematically shows in plan-view a rear face of the changing mat of Figure 1, and a support structure to be inserted in to the changing mat; Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional view through the changing mat of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a changing mat for changing a baby thereon. It will of course be understood that the disclosed changing mat is also suitable for changing a toddler or small person. In examples, the changing mat is easily portable.

As mentioned above, changing mats are known per se. The present disclosure identifies that currently available changing mats do not suitably address the problem of babies that wriggle or try to roll over during changing, which can make the process difficult and frustrating for the parent or carer. Although some known changing mats do include a restraint, such as a strap, to try and stop a baby from rolling or wriggling, these are usually ineffective for particularly wriggly babies.

A changing mat 100 according to an example is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The changing mat 100 is generally rectangular in top plan view. The changing mat 100 comprises a first end 130 and a second end 132, and a first side 134 and a second side 136. The first end 130 and the second end 132 are connected by the first side 134 and the second side 136. In the example of Figure 1, end 130 may be considered a top end, end 132 may be considered a bottom end, side 134 may be considered a left side and side 136 may be considered a right side. Figure 1 shows a front face 115 of the changing mat 100, and Figure 2 shows a back or rear face 117 of the changing mat 100.

The changing mat 100 comprises a changing region 108 arranged for changing a baby thereon. During changing, a baby is oriented so that its head is proximate to end 130 and its feet are proximate to end 132 of the changing mat 100. In examples, the changing mat 100 is provided with a restraint portion 114 arranged to restrain a baby during changing. According to some examples, the restraint 114 comprises a chest strap 116. According to some examples, the chest strap 116 comprises a first chest strap portion 121 and a second chest strap portion 123. In practice, a baby may be placed on changing region 108, and then chest strap portions 121 and 123 placed over the baby's chest. In some examples, the first and second chest straps 121 and 123 may be secured to each other with Velcro®, to help hold the baby in place. In some examples, and for extra securing strength, a button closure 118 may be provided. In some examples, the button closure 118 comprises a button 125 located on first chest strap portion 121, and an elastic tie 127 located on second chest strap portion 123. Elasticated tie 127 may be secured over button 125.

According to an example, the restraint 114 comprises shoulder straps 120 and 122. In practice, the shoulder straps 120 and 122 are placed over the baby's shoulders, to provide extra security to prevent the baby from rolling from side to side. In some examples, shoulder strap 120 attaches to first chest strap portion 121 and shoulder strap 122 attaches to second chest strap portion 123, for example with Velcro®. In some examples, the shoulder straps 120 and 122 are shaped in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, such as like a pair of bunny ears.

According to some examples, a pillow portion 124 is provided on which a baby's head can be rested. According to some examples, the pillow portion extends approximately 150mm from end 130 towards end 132. In some examples, pillow portion 124 comprises a padded material.

According to some examples, the changing mat 100 comprises a pocket region 129 which comprises one or more pockets. In the example of Figure 1, the pocket region 129 comprises a first pocket 126 and a second pocket 128. The one or more pockets may be used for holding nappies or wipes, or the like. According to some examples, the pocket region 129 extends approximately 150mm from end 132 lo towards end 130.

In examples, the changing mat 100 comprises an outer layer 106, and a structural portion 102. See Figure 2, which shows the structural portion 102 removed from and placed next to the outer layer 106. The structural portion 102 may also be referred to as a backboard. In examples, the outer layer 106 is arranged to enclose or substantially enclose the structural portion 102. As shown in Figure 2, which is the reverse or back side of the mat 100, there is provided a receiving portion 110 for receiving the structural portion 102. In examples, the receiving portion 110 comprises a slot or opening 111 through which the structural portion can be inserted and removed. For example, the structural portion 102 may be removed when a user wants to wash the outer layer 106. To this end, the outer layer 106 may comprise a washable material.

In examples, the structural portion 102 comprises a plurality of elongate slats 104. In some examples, the slats 104 are made of a material having some pliancy, but at the same time not overly-flexible. In some examples, the slats 104 are made of bamboo. In some examples, the slats 104 are made of plastic. In some examples, each slat 104 has a long edge X, a short edge Y, and a thickness Z (see Figures 2 and 3). In some examples, the long edge X is about 350mm, the short edge Y is about 16mm, and the thickness Z is about 3mm. Thus, it can be considered that the long edge X is considerably longer than the short edge Y, and that the thickness Z is thin compared to the short edge Y and especially compared to the long edge X. Thus, it may be considered that each slat 104 is long and elongate.

In examples, the structural portion 102 is arranged so that the long edges X of the elongate slats 104 extend across the changing mat between the first side 134 and the second side 136. In other words, in some examples it may be considered that the slats 104 extend in a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to a length (L2) direction of the changing mat. In other words it may be considered that the slats 104 extend in a longitudinal direction that is parallel to a width (W2) direction of the changing mat. To use compass points for the purpose of explanation, in use it may be considered that a baby is placed on the changing mat 100 in a north to south orientation when viewing Figure 1, whereas each of the elongate slats 104 extends in an east-west direction across the width of the changing mat. In some examples, the elongate slats 104 are attached to each other with means for attachment 112. In some examples, the means for attachment 112 is located on one or more perimeter edge 103 of the structural portion 102. In some examples, the means for attachment 112 extends around an entire perimeter of the structural portion 102. In some examples, the means for attachment 112 comprises a fabric material.

In some examples, the structural portion 102 comprises 20 to 30 slats. In some examples, the structural portion 102 comprises 25 to 30 slats. In some examples, the structural portion comprises 27 slats.

In some examples, the structural portion 102 is arranged so that it can be rolled up or folded. That is, the slats 104 can be rolled over each other. This enables, for example, the changing mat 100 to be rolled up or folded for compact transport.

In some examples, a width W1 of the structural portion 102 substantially spans width W2 of the changing mat. In some examples, the width W1 of the 25 structural portion 102 is about 350mm and the width W2 of the changing mat is about 380mm.

In some examples, a length L1 of the structural portion 102 is less than overall length L2 (e.g. length of sides 134 and 136) of the changing mat 100. In some examples the length L1 of the structural portion is about 435mm and the length L2 of 30 the changing mat is about 750mm According to some examples, the structural portion 102 is spaced from the first end 130 and the second end 132 of the changing mat 100. According to some examples, when installed in the outer layer 106, the structural portion 102 is not overlayed by the pillow portion 124. According to some examples, when installed in the outer layer 106, the structural portion 102 is not overlayed by the pocket portion 129. According to some examples, when installed in the outer layer 106, there is a gap of about 150mm from the end 130 of the changing mat 102 to the structural portion 102. According to some examples, when installed in the outer layer 106, there is a gap of about 150mm from the end 132 of the changing mat 102 to the structural portion 102. Thus, at either end of the changing mat 100, there is a space that is not occupied by the structural portion 102.

to The structural portion 102 provides a degree of rigidity or "backbone" to the changing mat 100, when inserted in the outer layer 106. When the changing mat 100 is unrolled and placed on a floor or changing table or the like, the structural portion 102 provides a strong base to the changing mat 100. Particularly, the structural portion 102 helps to keep the changing mat 100 flat on a surface on which it is placed (for example the floor, or a raised surface such as a changing table) as a baby is being changed. The structural portion 102 makes it very difficult for a baby to pull the sides 134 and 136 of the changing mat 100 over itself. This prevents a baby from wrapping itself up in the changing mat 100. Also, because the structural portion 102 makes it difficult for a baby to pull up the sides 134 and 136 of the mat, it also makes it difficult for the baby to use the sides 134, 136 as a lever for rolling over.

Individually, but especially in combination, the structural portion 102 and the restraint portion 114 provide excellent resistance to rolling of a baby during changing on the changing mat 100.

Not only does the structural portion 102 provide the backbone to the changing mat 100 when in use, the design of the structural portion 102 as a plurality of elongate slats makes it easy for the changing mat 100 to be quickly and easily rolled-up and unrolled. The design of the structural portion 102 also enables the changing mat 100 to be folded. The changing mat 100 is therefore very convenient to use.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the changing mat 100 according to an example. According to some examples, the outer layer 106 comprises a first or top layer 105, and a second or under layer 107. In some examples, the outer layer 106 comprises a wipeable, machine washable fabric. In some examples the top layer 105 and under layer 107 are made from the same material. In some examples, the top layer 105 and the under layer 107 are bound to each other, for example by sewing along their respective edges. As shown, the structural portion 102 is sandwiched between the top layer 105 and the under layer 107, when the structural portion is inserted in the outer layer 106. In some examples, a layer of padding 109 is provided beneath the top layer 105, i.e. between the structural portion 102 and the top layer 105 when the structural portion 102 is inserted in the outer layer 106. In some examples, an outer side of under layer 107 is provided with a non-slip finish, to grip surfaces that the changing mat 100 is placed on.

The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A changing mat comprising: a structural portion comprising a plurality of elongate slats; and an outer layer comprising a changing region arranged for changing a baby thereon.
2. A changing mat according to claim 1, the outer layer comprises a receiving portion for enabling the structural portion to be placed in and removed from the outer layer.
3. A changing mat according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receiving portion comprises an opening on a rear side of the changing mat.
4. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a width of the structural portion substantially spans a width of the changing mat.
5. A changing mat according to claim 4, where the width of the structural portion 20 is about 350mm and the width of the changing mat is about 380mm.
6. A changing mat according to any preceding claim, wherein a length of the structural portion is less than a length of the changing mat.
7. A changing mat according to claim 6, wherein the length of the structural portion is about 435mm and the length of the changing mat is about 750mm.
8. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each elongate slat has a long edge, a short edge, and a thickness.
9. A changing mat according to claim 8, wherein the long edge is about 350mm, the short edge is about 16mm, and the thickness is about 3mm.
10. A changing mat according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the structural portion is arranged so that the long edges of the elongate slats extend across the changing mat between a first side and a second side.
11. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elongate slats are attached to each other with means for attachment.
12. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the means for attachment comprises a fabric material located on a perimeter edge of the structural portion.
13. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the structural portion comprises about twenty to thirty slats.
14. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the structural portion is arranged so that it can be rolled up or folded.
15. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elongate slats 25 are made of bamboo.
16. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the changing region comprises a restraint portion for restraining a baby during changing.
17. A changing mat according to claim 16, wherein the restraint portion comprises a chest strap
18. A changing mat according to claim 17, wherein the chest strap additionally comprises a button-closure.
19. A changing mat according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the restraint portion comprises a pair of shoulder straps.
20. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 19, comprising a pillow portion for supporting a baby's head.
21. A changing mat according to claim 20, wherein the pillow portion does not overlay the structural portion.
22. A changing mat according to any of claims 1 to 21, comprising one or more pockets for holding nappies or wipes or the like.