US20110265265A1

US20110265265A1 - Baby changing mat

Info

Publication number: US20110265265A1
Application number: US13/098,327
Authority: US
Inventors: Maria Oltmann Roach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2011-04-29
Publication date: 2011-11-03

Abstract

A changing mat having securing features allows a caretaker to easily and conveniently change the infant's diaper when traveling, at home, or elsewhere. The changing mat may include one or more mounts or groups of mounts which allow the infant to be strapped and secured to the mat. The mounts may be positioned such that the straps do not obstruct the diaper changing process. A stiffening element within the changing mat helps ensure that the infant's movements are restricted during changing. One or more gripping elements prevent the changing mat from sliding or moving when in use. A support surface may be provided to support and/or cushion to the infant. The changing mat may have a variety of shapes used to appeal to caretakers and to properly support the infant during a diaper change.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/329,189 titled Baby Changing Mat, filed April 29, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to baby changing devices and in particular to a secured baby changing mat.
2. Related Art
As is known, infants need frequent changing. The changing process generally involves replacing a soiled diaper with a clean diaper. Though seemingly straightforward, the process is complicated by infants themselves who often choose to squirm, roll, wiggle, attempt to leave, or engage in other activities rather than remaining motionless or substantially motionless. The caretaker is thus in a quandary as he or she must simultaneously manage a moving infant while replacing the infant's diaper.
The situation is made worse for new parents or other caretakers. In addition, an infant's diaper may need changing at any time. For example, the infant and caretaker may be on vacation, shopping, or travelling. These are less than ideal circumstances for changing the infant's diaper. This is especially so when only one caretaker is present.
From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A changing mat for convenient and safe baby diaper changes is disclosed herein. The changing mat provides a number of convenience and safety features which secure infants of various sizes and shapes to prevent movement as well as injury. The changing mat may be configured to be easily transported and stored, as well as being appealing to caretakers. In addition, the changing mat includes features to aid in repairing, maintaining, and cleaning the changing mat.
The changing mat may have a variety of configurations. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a changing mat may comprise a stiffening element, and a support surface having a least some cushioning. The support surface may cover at least a portion of the stiffening element. Alternatively the support surface may be formed into a form fitting cover that surrounds the stiffening element. It is noted that the stiffening element may have one or more articulation lines so as to be foldable along these lines.
A plurality of mounts may be configured to engage one or more straps. The straps may extend outward from the support surface. One or more couplers may be attached to one or more of the straps. The couplers may be configured to connect one or more of the straps to secure an infant to the changing mat. One or more gripping elements may be at a bottom of the changing mat to help hold the changing mat in position relative to the surface or structure it is on.
The plurality of mounts may be arranged in sets of one or more mounts at a first and a second side of the changing mat to cause the straps to extend from across the changing mat. For instance, the plurality of mounts may be arranged in four sets of one or more mounts with a first two of the sets on a first side of the changing mat and a second two of the sets on a second side of the changing mat. To illustrate, the sets of mounts may be in a rectangular, trapezoidal or other four sided polygonal shape or arrangement. Pairs of the sets of the mounts may be aligned such that the straps extend diagonally between the pairs of the sets.
It is noted that a first pair of the sets of the mounts at the top of the changing mat may be laterally spaced closer together than a lateral spacing of a second pair of the sets. In this manner, the straps may extend between the sets of the mounts in an “X” shape that is narrower at the top of the changing mat and wider at the bottom of the changing mat because of the lateral spacing of the first and second pair of the sets. to The wider spacing at the bottom is beneficial in that it provides a large amount of space at a baby's lower body so that changing can be more easily accomplished.
In another exemplary embodiment, a changing mat may comprise a stiffening element, and a support surface having a least some cushioning. As with the above, the support surface may be at a top of the changing mat and adjacent the stiffening element. A plurality of mounts may be arranged in one or more pairs with one or more first mounts of a pair on a first side of the support surface and one or more second mounts of the pair on a second side of the support surface. One or more straps may extend between the pairs of mounts. It is noted that the straps comprise one or more couplers configured to releasably connect a first and a second portion of the straps. A bottom surface having one or more gripping elements may be included as well.
The straps may extend between the pairs of mounts in an “X” shape. For example, individual mounts of the pairs may be aligned such that the straps extend diagonally between the pairs of the sets. The plurality of mounts of the pairs of mounts may be positioned to cause the “X” shape formed by the straps to be narrower at a top end and wider at a bottom end. It is noted that the straps may releasably engage one or more of the plurality mounts to permit the straps to extend between various of the plurality of mounts.
Various methods relating to the changing mat's construction and use are disclosed herein as well. For example, in one embodiment a method of changing a baby with a changing mat may comprise providing a changing mat comprising a support surface mounted to a first side of a stiffening element, and a plurality of pairs of mounts located diagonal from each other on a first side and a second side of the to support surface. A plurality of straps may be attached in an “X” shape to the support surface via one or more of the pairs of mounts at the support surface. A bottom surface of the changing mat may be provided at a second side of the stiffening element.
One or more couplers may be configured to releasably connect a first portion of at least one of the plurality straps to a second portion of the of the plurality of straps. At least two of the mounts may be positioned to cause the “X” shape of the straps to be narrower at a top end of the changing mat and wider at a bottom end of the changing mat.
A baby may be placed beneath a portion of the plurality of straps to change the baby. The baby may then be positioned such that the baby's head extends out at a top end of the “X” shape, the baby's arms extend out laterally from the “X” shape, and the baby's legs extend out at a bottom end of the “X” shape. This allows the straps to secure the baby so that changing can take place easily.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 1B is a perspective cross section view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 1C is a top view of exemplary mounts and straps of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 1D is a top view of exemplary mounts and straps of an exemplary to changing mat;

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat with articulation lines;

FIG. 2B is a top view of an exemplary changing mat with articulation lines;

FIG. 3A is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a first shape;

FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a second shape;

FIG. 3C is a top view of an exemplary changing mat in a third shape;

FIG. 3D is a top view of an exemplary changing mat;

FIG. 3E is a back view of an exemplary changing mat; and

FIG. 3F is a top view of an exemplary changing mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
The changing mat herein provides numerous aids and benefits to caretakers who must change an infant's diapers. The changing mat may be used for infants of various ages and/or sizes as will become apparent in the following. In addition, though described with reference to babies/infants it is contemplated that the changing mat may be used for individuals who are no longer infants, such as by sizing the changing mat for such individuals.
In one or more embodiments, the changing mat provides a surface upon which an infant may be placed. The changing mat may secure the infant in position to aid in changing the infant's diaper. In addition, the changing mat may be configured to prevent movement of the mat while in use. These features, individually and in combination, are highly advantageous to the safety of the infant in that they prevent the infant from falling off the changing mat or otherwise colliding with hard or hazardous surfaces if the infant were to move.
The changing mat also provides convenience features which allow diaper changes to be easily and conveniently accomplished even when the infant and caretaker are in less than ideal surroundings/circumstances. Moreover, the changing mat may be configured to be easily stored for transport or simply stored. In one or more embodiments, as will be described further below, the changing mat also provides and aesthetically pleasing shape which makes the changing mat more attractive to purchasers but also contributes to the health and happiness of the caretaker and/or infant.
The changing mat will now be described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B. FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate exemplary changing mats 104 that provide a support surface 120 for supporting an infant. As can be seen, a changing mat may also have a first end 108 and a second end 112 as well as a top 132 and a bottom 136.
In one or more embodiments, the support surface 120 may be at the top 132 of the changing mat 104. In general, the support surface 120 provides an area upon which an infant may be placed. The support surface 120 may be cushioned or “soft” in one or more embodiments, to provide a comfortable surface for the infant. In addition, the cushioning may be used to prevent injuries to the infant and caretaker. It is noted that the support surface 120 need not be cushioned (i.e., soft) in all embodiments.
The support surface 120 may have various levels for rigidity and/or resiliency. For example, the support surface 120 may be formed with sponge in one embodiment, and with rubber or rubberized material in another embodiment. It is contemplated that various portions of the support surface 120 may have different levels of rigidity and/or resiliency. For example, a portion of the support surface 120 may be formed from rubber or rubberized material while another portion of the support surface may be formed by sponge or padding. As another example, only the portion of the support surface used to support an infant's head (such as the portion at the first end 108 of the changing mat 104) may be cushioned in some embodiments. Though shown as generally planar, it is noted that some portions of the support surface 120, such as cushioned portions, may extend upward further than other portions of the support surface. This provides additional support/cushioning for certain areas of an infant's body. In addition, the combination of raised and lowered portions of the support surface 120 may serve as an indicator as to where an infant should be placed on the support surface. For instance, raised and lowered portions may form outlines to indicate/accept various portions of an infant's body. In one embodiment, the raised and lowered portions may form an outline similar to that of an infant's body (including or not including its extremities) with the lowered portion being configured to accept the infant. It is noted that though particular soft or padded portions have to been illustrated by stippling in exemplary embodiments of the figures, various portions of the changing mat may be soft or padded in one or more embodiments.
The support surface 120 may be stain resistant, water resistant/repellant, water proof, or the like in one or more embodiments. For example, the support surface 120 may have a plastic or vinyl surface in one or more embodiments. This is beneficial in that it allows the support surface 120 to remain clean and to be easily cleaned when desired. It is contemplated that the outer surface of the support surface 120 may be plastic or other water resistant/repellant or water proof so that the inner foam or other resilient material may be protected. It is also contemplated that one or more anti-bacterial surfaces may be used as well to reduce or eliminate the presence of germs. Though perhaps less stain resistant, it is noted that other materials may be used to form the support surface 120 as well. For example, cloth may be used in one or more embodiments.
The support surface 120 may be removable in one or more embodiments. This allows the support surface 120 to be removed, such as for cleaning or maintenance. In addition, this allows the support surface 120 to be replaced if damaged or otherwise necessary. As an example, in one or more embodiments, the support surface 120 may comprise or be configured as a removable cover in some embodiments. In general, when provided, such cover will provide the outer surface of the support surface 120. For example, the cover may comprise a fabric or other covering which wraps around or over at least the top 132 of the changing mat 104.
In another embodiment the cover may form or provide the rubberized or other surface of the changing mat's bottom 136. For example, the cover may be configured to enclose or wrap around the stiffening member 124 and any cushioning of the changing mat to form the outer surface of the changing mat 104. It is contemplated that the cushioning may be part of the cover in some embodiments.
The cover may have an opening to allow it to be placed over (i.e., accept) the stiffening member 124 and any cushioning. If desired, the opening may be closed or secured by one or more fasteners such as zippers, hook and loop material, “Ziploc” type seals, buttons, elastic or resilient bands, and the like. This is beneficial in that it prevents unwanted material from entering the cover and secures the cover relative to the changing mat.
It is contemplated that the support surface 120 may have a depression or “scooped out” portion at its surface. This forms an indent which helps keep an infant in position. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates an oval shaped depression 148 that accepts the infant, such as the posterior of the infant's body, to help keep the infant in position. Other shapes may be used as well. Alternatively or in addition, it is contemplated that a raised portion, such as a ring of material in a similar or the same shape as the depression 148 may be used to help keep the infant in position. The ring may be formed from a elongated and preferably resilient and/or soft material that is bent or otherwise formed into the ring shape.
The ring and/or depression 148 is beneficial in situations where the changing mat is not level. For example, the changing mat may be on angled or uneven ground. This may cause an infant to slide along the support surface 120. The ring and/or depression 148 may be used to counteract this by providing a physical structure which helps hold the infant's body in position relative to the support surface 120.
In one or more embodiments, a stiffening element 124 may be provided to stiffen the changing mat 104. As can be seen in FIG. 1B for example, a stiffening element 124 may be beneath the support surface 120 to provide a structure for the support surface. The stiffening element 124 may have a variety of configurations which give the changing mat 104 a rigid or semi-rigid structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the stiffening element 124 comprises a planer board-like structure. It is contemplated that other structures may be used. For example, the stiffening element 124 may comprise a frame having one or more members.
Alternatively or in addition, the stiffening element 124 may comprise one or more reinforcing members. The members may be straight or may include one or more bends, angles, curves, or a combination thereof.
The stiffening element 124 may be formed from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials such as but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, rubber, composite materials, or a combination thereof. It is noted that some flexibility of the stiffening element 124 may be advantageous in some embodiments in that the flexibility allows the changing mat 104 to be more easily manipulated, such as during transport, use, and/or storage of the changing mat.
In one or more embodiments, the stiffening element 124 will have sufficient rigidity to prevent an infant from bending or flexing the changing mat 104 when the infant is secured to the changing mat. For example, one common maneuver is for an infant to bend at the waist as he or she is being changed. Another common maneuver is for the infant to roll from side to side or completely over. The stiffening element 124 may have sufficient rigidity to prevent such movement by an infant.
In one or more embodiments, elements of the changing mat 104 may be used to secure an infant to the changing mat. The ability to secure an infant is advantageous in that it makes changing the infant easier. This is because the secured infant is rendered substantially immobile. In addition, safety is increased by preventing the infant from rolling or moving off the changing mat 104. This is advantageous in that it prevents the infant from possibly falling, such as in situations where the changing mat 104 is being used on a table or other raised surface. Safety is also increased in that the infant is prevented from rolling or otherwise moving into other objects such as rigid surfaces. In addition, the infant's grasp of other objects is limited in that the infant can no longer reach to grab potentially dangerous objects. Moreover, the infant can no longer reach to knock over nearby containers or the like.
An infant may be secured in a variety of ways. For example, one or more mounts 116 may be provided to secure an infant in position relative to the changing mat 104. The mounts 116 may be positioned at various locations on the changing mat 104. Typically, the mounts 116 may be positioned to secure mostly or only the upper body of an infant. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the mounts 116 have been located at or near the first end 108 of the changing mat to secure the upper body of an infant.
In one or more embodiments, the mounts 116 may be used to attach one or more securing members, such as straps, belts, buckles, or the like, to the changing mat 104. FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing that one or more straps 140 may be used to secure an infant. As shown, the mounts 116 comprise openings that accept a portion of the straps 140.
A strap 140 may extend from a mount 116. For example, in FIG. 1C it may be said that four straps 140 extend from mounts 116A,116B,116C,116D. Likewise, in FIG. 1D, it may be said that the straps 140 extend from mounts 116E,116F,116G,116H. A strap 140 may also or alternatively pass through two mounts 116. For example, in FIG. 1C it may be said that a strap 140 may pass through mounts 116A and 116D, and/or mounts 116B and 116C. Likewise, in FIG. 1D, it may be said that the straps 140 pass through mounts 116E and 116G, and/or mounts 116F and 116H. In this manner, when connected the strap 140 forms a loop which secures the infant.
To allow an infant to be easily secured and released from the changing mat 104, one or more couplers 144 may be provided to engage/connect and disengage/disconnect the straps 140 from one another. In general, a coupler 144 may be configured to connect portions of two or more straps 140. For example, a coupler 144 may be a buckle, button, clasp, clip, clamp, or other connector. Referring to FIG. 1C, a single coupler 144 may be used to connect two or more straps 140. Alternatively, multiple couplers 144 may be used to connect two (or more) straps 140 as well. Referring to FIG. 1D, it can be seen that the straps 140 may have angles, curves, or various other shapes. The straps 140 may also or alternatively have portions which extend to connect to a coupler 144 as shown in FIG. 1D.
Though shown with particular arrangements of couplers 144 it is noted that additional couplers may be used to allow the straps 140 to be connected and disconnect at various points. This allows the caretaker to easily secure and release an infant and allows the caretaker to choose the easiest or most convenient way to secure and release an infant (by allowing a choice of which coupler(s) 144 to use). It is contemplated that only one or some of a changing mat's couplers 144 may be engaged or disengaged to secure or release an infant.
In some embodiments, couplers 144 may not be required/provided. In these embodiments, the infant may be secured by the straps by manipulating the straps and/or maneuvering the infant, rather than uncoupling and re-coupling one or more couplers 144.
It is contemplated that the straps 140 may be stretchable or not stretchable in various embodiments of the changing mat 104. Stretching allows some movement so as to not overly restrict movement and/or breathing of the infant. Of course, non-stretchable straps 140 could be used as well, with the caretaker being careful not to over tighten the straps. It is noted that the straps 140 may be a soft material or may be padded so that a soft surface is presented to an infant.
The mounts 116 need not be configured as openings in all embodiments. For example, a mount 116 may comprise a fastener which secures a strap 140 to the changing mat 104. A variety of fasteners may be used. For example, one or more adhesives, screws, pins, clips, clamps, hook and look fasteners, the like, or a combination thereof could be used to secure a strap 140 to the changing mat 104.
It can be seen that corresponding mounts 116 may be oriented such that their associated straps 140 may be directed or pointed towards corresponding mounts. For example, in FIG. 1C, the mounts 116 have been angled such that there is a generally linear path for the straps between the mounts. In this manner, the straps 140 may connect in an “X” shape with the straps extending diagonally to form such “X” shape. As another example, in FIG. 1D, the mounts 116 have been oriented such that the straps 140 may form shoulder straps. It is contemplated that the mounts 116 need not be oriented in this way in all embodiments because flexible straps 140 may connect regardless of the orientation of the mounts 116.
It is noted that the “X” shape is highly beneficial in that it securely holds an infant while providing an open area for the infant's head, arms, and legs. For example, an infant's head may be between the straps 140 at the top of the “X” shape, while the infant's arms extend outward at the sides of the “X” shape. The infant's legs may extend downward between the straps 140 at a lower section of the “X” shape. Also, unlike a single horizontal strap, the diagonal straps 140 provide increased surface area to contact and thus hold an infant in position.
As stated above, an infant may be secured by his or her upper body. For example, in FIG. 1C, the infant could be placed such that one arm is located between mounts 116A and 116C and another arm is located between mounts 116B and 116D. Likewise, in the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the infant could be positioned such that one arm is between mounts 116E and 116G and another arm is between mounts 116F and 116H. When secured in such manner, it can be seen that the infant's lower body remains accessible to allow the infant's diaper to be changed.
The mounts 116 may be positioned to secure an infant's upper body while not obstructing the lower body to allow diaper changes to be easily performed. For example, in FIG. 1C, the mounts 116 have been oriented such that the straps 140 form a short “X” where the top of the “X” is narrower than the bottom of the “X”. This secures the infant's upper body such that the straps 140 (forming the wider bottom of the “X”) to not interfere with diaper changes at the infant's lower body. In one or more embodiments, the mounts 116 may be positioned such that they are at or above the infant's waist so as to not interfere with diaper changes. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1C-1D, it is contemplated that none of the mounts 116 would be located below an infant's waist.
As can be seen from FIGS. 1A-1D, a set or series of mounts 116 may be grouped together in one or more embodiments. For instance, in FIG. 1C, mounts to 116A,116B,116C,116D are grouped together in four groups of three. Such groupings are advantageous in that they allow the straps 140 to be positioned at or extend from various locations. This allows the changing mat 104 to accommodate infants of various sizes. Referring to FIG. 1C, the straps 140 extend from the mounts 116A,116B,116C,116D which are closest to one another. This may be used to accommodate an infant of a first size. To accommodate an infant of a second larger size, the straps 140 could be moved outward to one or more of the other mounts 116A,116B,116C,116D. Though shown in groups having various numbers of mounts, it is contemplated that mount groupings may comprise additional or fewer individual mounts to accommodate infant's of various sizes.
Referring back to FIG. 1B, it is contemplated that the changing mat 104 may be placed on different surfaces when in use. For example, a caretaker may place the changing mat 104 on a table or other surface. It is contemplated that the changing mat 104 may have sufficient rigidity (such as provided by a stiffening element 124) to span across two or more supporting surfaces in some embodiments. In either case, the changing mat 104 may be configured such that it does not slide or slip when placed on a surface.
FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment having a gripping element 128. Typically, the gripping element 128 will be located at the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104 to “grip” the surface(s) upon which the changing mat is placed. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the gripping element 128 spans the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104 thus forming a gripping surface at the bottom of the changing mat. In some embodiments, multiple gripping elements 128 may be provided at various locations of the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104.
In one or more embodiments, a gripping element 128 may utilize friction to prevent the changing mat 104 from slipping, sliding, or otherwise moving. For example, the gripping element 128 may be a rubber surface, area, or element. Other materials besides rubber may be used to generate/increase friction between the changing mat 104 and its supporting surface(s). In addition, it is contemplated that other forces may be used in some embodiments. For example, a gripping element 128 may be magnetic or may be an adhesive compound. In one embodiment, one or more gripping elements 128 may be one or more suction cups.
It is noted that though shown in FIG. 1B as having an inner portion (e.g., stiffening element 124) and an outer portion (e.g., support surface 120 and gripping element(s) 128), the changing mat 104 may have other configurations. For example, it is contemplated that the changing mat 104 may have a layered configuration such as shown in FIG. 1E. The embodiment of FIG. 1E shows a triple-layered configuration having a support surface 120, stiffening element 124, and gripping element 128 which form the three layers. The changing mat 104 may comprise various layers. For example, a two-layered changing mat 104 may have a support surface 120 and stiffening element 124. Rather than forming a layer, one or more gripping elements 128 may be attached to the stiffening element 124 at the bottom 136 of the changing mat 104.
It is contemplated that the layers may be permanently or removably attached to one another. For example, the layers may be adhered together permenantly with one or more adhesives. Alternatively, the layers may be removably attached by one or more removable fasteners, such as screws, magnets, hook and loop material, or the like. The removability is beneficial in that it allows individual portions of the changing mat 104 to be replaced (such as if damaged) and/or removed for maintenance. For example, the support surface 120 could be removed for cleaning and reattached to the stiffening element 124 when clean. Likewise a worn or damaged support surface 120 could be replaced for a new one. In addition, a support surface 120 having a more appealing design or appearance may replace an old support surface in one or more embodiments.
The changing mat 104 may be configured to be easily and/or conveniently transported and stored in one or more embodiments. For example, the changing mat 104 may be foldable or come in one or more sections that may be connected and disconnected as desired. Folding or separating the changing mat 104 into sections can reduce one or more dimensions of the changing mat allowing the mat to be more easily transported and/or stored as will now be described.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the changing mat 104 may comprise one or more areas that may be configured to fold as indicated by the articulation lines 204. For example, the changing mat 104 may comprise one or more folds, creases, hinges or the like which allow the changing mat 104 to be folded or bent. This allows the changing mat 104 to have a reduced linear size thus making it easier to store and/or transport the changing mat. It is noted that one or more reinforcing members may be attached or engaged to prevent the changing mat 104 from folding when in use. For example, a rigid member may span an articulation line 204 to prevent folding when the changing mat 104 is in use.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2B, it can be seen that the changing mat 104 may comprise one or more sections 208,212 which may be connected and disconnected. The sections 208,212 may be secured together in various ways. For example, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the sections. Alternatively or in addition, the sections 208,212 may be shaped to secure themselves when properly connected. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sections 208,212 may have interlocking shapes (like that of puzzle pieces), as indicated by the articulation line 204 of FIG. 2B. In this way, the sections 208, 212 may be separated to allow the changing mat 104 to be easily stored and/or transported. The changing mat 104 may then be reassembled for use when needed Like foldable embodiments, one or more reinforcing members may span an articulation line 204 to reinforce the combined sections 208,212 of the changing mat.
It is noted that though particular articulation lines 204 have been illustrated, a variety of articulation lines may be provided in various embodiments of the changing mat 104. For example, the articulations lines 204 may include angles, curves, or both in one or more embodiments. In addition, the articulation lines 204 need not extend all the way across the changing mat 104. Moreover, the articulation lines 204 may be oriented at various angles relative to the changing mat 104. In this manner, a changing mat 104 may fold into various shapes or be separated into sections of various shapes.
In one or more embodiments, the changing mat 104 may have a size and/or shape which allows it to be placed on commonly available changing tables or changing stations such as those found in residences and public places. For example, in one embodiment, the changing mat 104 may have a width of 50 cm and a length of 72 cm. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment the changing mat 104 may have a width of 32.5 in and a length of 17 in. Other exemplary changing mats 104 may be between these measurements, be smaller, or larger.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the changing mat 104 may have a rectangular or square shape. One highly advantageous feature of the changing mat 104 herein is that it may have a variety of complex shapes. This is beneficial in that the shapes may appeal to consumers while generally conforming to the body shape of an infant to provide adequate support of the infant when the infant is secured to the changing mat. For example, the shape of the changing mat 104 may be such that an infant's body and extremities are supported during changing, while at the same time being an appealing shape to increase popularity and sales.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate some exemplary shapes for changing mats 104. FIGS. 3A and 3D-3F provides the appearance of a turtle, FIG. 3B provides the appearance of a bear, and FIG. 3C provides the appearance of a rabbit. Thus, as can be seen, a variety of engaging and appealing shapes may be used. Also, as can be seen, the shapes may be configured to provide sufficient area to support an infant's body and extremities (even when the infant moves his or her extremities). The support surface 120 of the changing mat 104 may provide a graphic design which enhances the shape of the changing mat. For example, the support surface 120 may have a turtle shell, head, legs, and/or tail design in FIG. 3A, a furry design in FIG. 3B, or a rabbit face design in FIG. 3C. It is contemplated that the shapes may have short or reduced length extremities or limbs so as to allow the changing mat 104 to be more easily transported.
The shapes and/or support surface designs may give the appearance of various objects, animals, characters, people, or a combination thereof. The shapes and/or support surface may be configured based on an infant's gender. For example, a truck design or shape could be intended for male infants while a rabbit design or shape could be intended for female infants, or vice versa. Some additional examples of shapes and/or support surface designs include, trains, flowers, buildings, planes, dogs, cats, cartoon or other fictional or real characters/animals, plants, tools, and gadgets.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims

1. A baby changing mat comprising:

a planar stiffening element having a top and a bottom;

a support surface having a least some cushioning, the support surface covering at least a portion of the top of the stiffening element;

a plurality of mounts configured to engage one or more straps, the one or more straps extending outward from the support surface; and

one or more couplers attached to one or more of the one or more straps, the to one or more couplers configured to connect the one or more of the one or more straps to secure an infant to the changing mat.

2. The baby changing mat of claim 1, wherein the support surface forms a form fitting cover around the top and the bottom the stiffening element.

3. The baby changing mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounts are arranged in four sets of one or more mounts with a first two of the sets on a first side of the changing mat and a second two of the sets on a second side of the changing mat.

4. The baby changing mat of claim 3 wherein, pairs of the sets of the one or more mounts are aligned such that the one or more straps extend diagonally between the pairs of the sets.

5. The baby changing mat of claim 3, wherein a first pair of the sets of the one or more mounts at the top of the changing mat are laterally spaced closer together than a lateral spacing of a second pair of the sets.

6. The baby changing mat of claim 5, wherein the one or more straps extend between the sets of the one or more mounts in an “X” shape that is narrower at the top of the changing mat because of the lateral spacing of the first pair of the sets.

7. The baby changing mat of claim 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises to at least one articulation line and is foldable along the at least one articulation line.

8. A changing mat comprising:

a stiffening element;

a support surface having a least some cushioning, the support surface at a top of the changing mat and adjacent the stiffening element;

a plurality of mounts arranged in one or more pairs with one or more first mounts of a pair on a first side of the support surface and one or more second mounts of the pair on a second side of the support surface;

one or more straps extending between the one or more pairs of mounts; and

a bottom surface having one or more gripping elements.

9. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more straps extend between the one or more pairs of mounts in an “X” shape.

10. The changing mat of claim 9, wherein the plurality of mounts of the one or more pairs of mounts are positioned to cause the “X” shape formed by the one or more straps to be narrower at a top end and wider at a bottom end.

11. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein individual mounts of the one or more pairs are aligned such that the one or more straps extend diagonally between the pairs of the sets.

12. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein a first pair of the sets of the one or more mounts at the top of the changing mat are laterally spaced closer together than a lateral spacing of a second pair of the sets.

13. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more straps comprise one or more couplers configured to releasably connect a first and a second portion of the one or more straps.

14. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein the changing mat has an outer peripheral shape corresponding to an animal.

15. The changing mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more straps releasably engage one or more of the plurality mounts to permit the one or more straps to extend between various of the plurality of mounts.

16. A method of changing a baby with a changing mat comprising:

providing a changing mat comprising a support surface mounted to a first side of a stiffening element, and a plurality of pairs of mounts located diagonal from each other on a first side and a second side of the support surface;

attaching a plurality of straps in an “X” shape to the support surface via one or more of the pairs of mounts at the support surface; and

providing a bottom surface of the changing mat at a second side of the stiffening element.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising providing one or more couplers configured to releasably connect a first portion of at least one of the plurality straps to a second portion of the at least one of the plurality of straps.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising positioning at least two of the mounts to cause the “X” shape of the straps to be narrower at a top end of the changing mat and wider at a bottom end of the changing mat.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising placing the baby beneath a portion of the plurality of straps.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising positioning the baby such that the baby's head extends out at a top end of the “X” shape, the baby's arms extend out laterally from the “X” shape, and the baby's legs extend out at a bottom end of the “X” shape.