Baby mat

Abstract

A baby mat comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner layer, one surface having an imprint of a ruler for measuring the height of a baby. The mat is usually bordered at its peripheral edges by various known methods to keep the inner layer intact between the top and bottom surfaces and to prevent the fabric from frilling. The mat provides a good media for recording vital information about a baby and for advertising, as well. A compartment or a bag for holding baby accessories and personal items may be incorporated into or with the mat. The mat is preferably made of washable and reusable materials and is of such thickness to allow the mat to be folded or rolled for easy storage.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/553,713 filed on Mar. 16, 2004.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a portable baby mat that not only provides a mat where a baby can be placed but also provide other functions such as a changing mat, a growth ruler, and a media for recording information. The may also have zippered compartment to store baby accessories.

Baby changing mats today have either plain surfaces or have designs imprinted on them such as flowers, sceneries or designs associated with babies. Changing mats as known means mats used to lay the babies on and change their diapers. The imprints on the present mats have no function. The claimed mat is portable because it is made of soft flexible materials that allow the mat to be folded or rolled, and its uniqueness mainly lies in the imprinted growth ruler at one of its surface. The ruler can be both in the English and metric systems of measurement or either of them. With the imprint, a caretaker can measure the height of the baby and immediately record this on the mat by simply putting the date beside the corresponding height measurement. The caretaker or user can have a permanent or temporary record depending upon the user's desire or the type of recording instrument used. The ruler can be permanently imprinted on the blanket or mat, for example, by silk screening the imprints on the mat, hand writing as desired using a permanent marking pen, or sewing on a surface of the mat. Zippered pockets or attachable bags or pouches on the mats will provide a convenient place to store the pen and any baby accessories desired.

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable mat for a baby that functions as a growth chart, a changing mat, a blanket or a mattress.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a portable changing and growth chart mat that could be a good advertising media to a service provider.

It is also another object of the invention to provide a mat that have zippered compartments or attachable bags to store accessories.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a mat that can be kept as a baby momento or souvenir because of the information imprinted on the mat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a baby mat comprising two flat surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, the top or bottom surface having an imprint of a ruler for measuring the height of a baby; and, an inner layer between the top and bottom surfaces. Imprint of a ruler is used herein synonymously as imprinted ruler. The baby mat is also simply referred to herein as mat. The ruler imprint is preferably permanent or sewn into one of the surfaces. The mat is usually bordered at its peripheral edges by various known methods to prevent the inner layer from getting out of the mat and for preventing a fabric used in making the baby mat from frilling. The mat provides a good media for recording information about a baby and for advertising, as well. The baby mat also serves the conventional uses of a mat such as providing a covered resting place, a changing mat, a blanket, and a mattress depending upon the thickness of the inner layer. A compartment or a bag for holding baby accessories and personal items may be incorporated into or with the mat. It is recommended to use washable and reusable materials in assembling the baby mat to render the same properties to the resulting mat. The baby mat is of such thickness that allow the mat to be folded or rolled for easy storage.

Other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it shows and describes only certain embodiments of the invention by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the baby mat.

FIG. 2 is a blown out detail of the interior cross section of the baby mat.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the baby mat with the imprints.

FIG. 4 is a baby mat with a zippered compartment.

FIG. 5 is a baby mat with a detachable bag.

FIG. 5A is an example of a connector.

FIG. 6 is a baby mat with a permanent handle having straps.

FIG. 7 is a folded baby mat secured by straps.

FIG. 7A is a rolled baby mat secured by straps.

FIG. 8 is a baby mat with a detachable handle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the baby mat 10 that functions as a resting surface, a changing mat, a growth chart, a blanket and/or a mattress, hereinafter simply referred to as baby mat. The baby mat 10 as shown here is rectangular in shape having two flat surfaces, a top surface 11 and a bottom surface 12, and borders 13a-d. Shapes other than rectangular can be used. On one surface 11 or 12 is imprinted a growth ruler 14. The ruler 14 is preferably both in the English and metric systems of measure but one can use either of them especially in countries where only one system of measure is used. The baby mat may be folded or rolled for storage. A rectangle with dimensions of 3×1½ inches is just right for babies between the ages of newborn to three years and is at a size that can be conveniently rolled or folded. The proposed baby mat, however, can have different dimensions, it may be longer or wider or both wider and longer. For larger dimensions, the baby mat may be creased for folding at some areas or channel quilted for easier storage. The color of the baby mat can come in white or in a different color or combinations of colors. The baby mat is usually made up of three layers, having an inner layer 15 between the top 11 and the bottom 12 surfaces comprising the other two layers as shown in FIG. 2. The inner layer can be one layer or multilayer. The inner layer 15 is also referred to as the middle layer. It is preferably made of an open cell foam material which cushions the mat. A water absorbing material such as those used in baby diapers and in urine retaining pads can also be used for the inner layer or incorporated with the open cell foam material. The thickness of the each layer of material is an important factor to consider on the portability of the baby mat. A thick mat would be difficult to fold, unless portions are creased for folding, or rolled. The fabric materials suitable for assembling a baby mat is known. A requirement of the present invention is to have one surface made of a material that can accommodate a permanently imprinted ruler. For example, one surface can be made of an imprintable soft fabric material such as cotton, linen, fleece or polyester terry cloth. The ruler 14 can be imprinted by silk screening, sewing, painting or embroidering on the top surface. Other printing methods that are known in the art can also be used. The area 16 around the ruler 14 can be plain or with designs. This area can be used to imprint other information which will be described later in this application. One surface of the baby mat is preferably made of a waterproof material such as plastic materials made from synthetic fibers, resins or materials like polyvinylchloride (PVC), nylon, polyester and polyurethane. The waterproof material protects the mat from absorbing liquids from the outside and for containing unexpected urination. If the bottom surface is made of a waterproof material, it is advisable to have this surface exposed after folding or rolling the baby mat to keep the mat from getting wet. The peripheral edges or borders 13a-d of the baby mat 10 are closed, preferably protected from frilling off, that is, threads being unwoven and detaching from the fabric material making up the top, inner and bottom surfaces and for keeping the inner layer intact between the top and the bottom layer surfaces. There are several methods known in the art for closing and protecting the borders such as hemming, overlooking or by overlapping a strip of fabric along the peripheral edges or borders of the fabric. The materials for the three layers may be natural, man-made, synthetic or blended. The materials chosen for the baby mat is preferably those that can withstand repeated washing which renders the resulting baby mat, washable and reusable. The examples of materials mentioned herein allow repeated washing of the mat. Other materials with the same quality and performance can likewise be used.

The uniqueness of the baby mat lies on the ruler imprinted or sewn on one surface of the mat, preferably the top surface 11. Because of the ruler, a caretaker or user can easily measure the growth of the baby by simply indicating beside the measurement, the date the measurement was taken. Other personalized data 17 about the baby can also be imprinted or sewn on the top or bottom surface of the mat, for example on the areas around the imprinted ruler, such as the name, date of birth, name of the doctor, name of the hospital, weight and length of the baby at birth, time of birth, name of parents, and immunization records. Hand and feet imprint, and silk screen picture of the baby at birth or after can also be added to the above. The user or caretaker is not limited to the above data but can choose to print other data, words, phrases and designs. All of the above imprinted personal data, hand and foot imprints, words, records, designs, pictures, phrases, and combinations of these, collectively referred to herein as additional imprinted data and designs, or some of them can be printed in the mat. The weight of the baby is most likely taken during the baby's visit to the pediatrician or medical practitioner. It is preferable to also measure the length of the baby at the same time the weight is taken so that both can be recorded on the same date. With the wealth of information recorded on the mat, this becomes a lasting momento or souvenir for the baby and the family.

Because of the portability of the mat, this is also a good promotional material for hospitals, doctors, and corporate entities by imprinting their name, logo, or other information at a surface of the baby mat such as that shown in FIG. 3.

To add versatility to the baby mat, a zippered compartment 18 for carrying the marking pen and other personal accessories such as extra clothing and diapers, may be incorporated within the mat. A baby mat with an incorporated zippered compartment is shown in FIG. 4. Also, a pouch or a bag and the like 19 for the same purpose, may be attached to a handle 20 or a connector 21 attached to the baby mat. A baby mat with an attachable/detachable bag or pouch is shown in FIG. 5. There are several means for attaching and detaching the bags and they can be attached at different sides or parts of the baby mat. Those shown here are mere illustrations of some forms of attachment. Two of these are shown here in FIGS. 5 and 5A. One type of closeable hook as shown in FIG. 5A provides easy detachment and attachment of the pouch or bag 19 to the baby mat or its handle. Other types of commercially available closeable hooks can be used instead of the one shown here as example. A handle 20 may be permanently sewn such as that shown in FIG. 6 or it can be detachable using connectors 22 such as those used for attaching and detaching the pouch or bag 19 as shown in FIG. 8. The handle 20, if incorporated with the baby mat, is preferably attached on one edge of the mat and if straps are incorporated for holding a folded or rolled baby mat, it is preferable to attach the handle on top of or proximal to the straps as shown in FIG. 6. One end 23 of a strap 24 can connect or attach to a matching edge 25 of the strap 24 at the opposite end by means known in the art such as the loop and pile, referred to also as Velcro®, hook and eye, and other fastening means. With Velcro®, for example, the pile end will be on edge 23 while the loop end will be on edge 25. In FIG. 6, for storage, the baby mat is first folded or rolled and then a strap is wrapped around the folded or rolled mat before fastening as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. The handle is convenient to have for carrying a folded or rolled baby mat. A single strap 24 may be used but straps on two sides are preferable. A simple strap that can be simply tied around the folded or rolled baby mat can also be used. The strap can be loose or permanently attached to the baby mat. Instead of using a strap for keeping the baby mat folded or rolled for storage, the baby may can also be stored in a box or sack with or without a drawstring.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A baby mat comprising two flat surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, the top or bottom surface having an imprint of a ruler for measuring the height of a baby; and, an inner layer between the top and bottom surfaces.

2. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the baby mat is used as a resting surface, a changing mat, a blanket and a mattress.

3. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the flat surfaces are used as a media for recording information.

4. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the imprint of the ruler or imprinted ruler is permanently imprinted or sewn.

5. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the imprinted ruler is in the English system, metric system or in both English and metric system.

6. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the inner layer is one layer or multilayered.

7. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the inner layer is made of an open cell foam material, a water absorbing material, or a combination of the open cell foam material and water absorbing material.

8. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the baby mat is washable and reusable.

9. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein one surface is made of a material that can accommodate a permanently imprinted ruler.

10. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein one surface is made of a waterproof material.

11. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein borders around the top and bottom surfaces are closed to keep the inner layer intact between the top and bottom surfaces and to prevent a fabric material used in making the baby mat protected from frilling off.

12. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising additional imprinted data and designs.

13. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the baby mat is also used as a promotional material.

14. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising a zippered compartment.

15. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising an attachable or detachable bag or pouch.

16. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising a permanent or detachable handle.

17. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising a strap for keeping the baby mat folded or rolled.

18. The baby mat of claim 1 further comprising a sack with or without a drawstring for storing the baby mat.

19. The baby mat of claim 1 wherein the mat is colored white or of a different color or combinations of colors.

20. A washable growth chart baby mat comprising two flat surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, the top or bottom surface having an imprint of a ruler for measuring the height of a baby; an inner layer between the top and bottom surfaces; and, a closed border around the peripheral edges of the baby mat.