Child's Travel Mat

Abstract

A travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon is described. The travel mat comprises a fabric panel of an appropriate size to be received on an airplane tray table or on a travel tray intended for use in an automobile. Toys/activities are provided on both the front and back side of the tray wherein the tray can be flipped as desired to change the set of toys with which the child is playing. At least one pair of straps is provided to secure the mat to a desired tray. Because of the flexible nature of the mat, it can be easily folded and stowed for transport such as in a diaper bag or a purse.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/834,049 filed Jul. 12, 2010 of which this application claims priority and incorporates fully by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/834,049 in turn claimed priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/226115 filed Jul. 16, 2009 also having the same inventor as the present application, which is also incorporated fully by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to child's play mat.

BACKGROUND

Traveling with young children, especially babies and toddlers, can be a trying experience. Very young children typically do not have the attention span of adults and older children and as such parents or other caretakers must regularly and seemingly constantly attend to the needs of a their needs. This problem is exasperated concerning commercial airline travel because of the confined nature of the aircraft and the relatively small space provided each passenger. Furthermore, the parents' concern that their child might scream or cry disturbing the other passengers increases the relative stress level.

To occupy the child and minimize the occurrence of undesirable outbursts, parents often bring toys or other activities to entertain the child. However, given the stringent restrictions of many commercial airlines concerning carryon baggage, a parent typically has minimal space in which to carry and store toddler toys and activities. Additionally, since the various toys and activities, a parent might bring are often not maintained in a common location in the family's residence, there is a significant risk that the parent will forget one or more toys that he/she intended to bring on the trip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior view of a child travel mat in a tote configuration for carrying by a child or adult according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the travel mat opened but not yet turned inside out according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side of the travel mat after it has been turned inside out into an activity configuration for placement over a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back side of the travel mat after it has been turned inside out for placement over a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a child travel mat installed on an airline seatback tray table and in use by a child according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6 comprises a series of diagrams illustrating the use of a child travel mat in conjunction with an airline seatback tray table according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front side view of a travel mat according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a back side view of a travel mat according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise a travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon.

At least one embodiment is configured to slip and/or slide over and be secured to a seatback tray table in such a manner that provides various activities to be enjoyed by a child when the associated tray table is in both its deployed position or in its stowed upright and latched position. In at least one variation, the mat is comprised primarily of thin flexible material, such as fabric, in the form of a generally rectangular pouch having three closed side edges and a selectively closable opening. In use, the tray table is slid into the pouch from a front edge thereof and the opening of the pouch is closed or otherwise secured around the back edge of the tray table thereby securing the mat in place and minimizing the risk that a child might dislodge it during use. Both the exterior front and back surfaces of the mat when in an activity configuration have toys/activities secured thereon such that position suitable activities are displayed and available to a child no matter whether the associated tray table is in its locked and stowed position or in its deployed position.

At least one embodiment of the travel mat is convertible into a tote/purse with handles that protects and stows the various activities as well as other optional material, such as paper, crayons or children's books therein, and is easily carried by either the parent or a child. In at least one variation that also incorporates the advantages of the preceding paragraph, the various activities and the exterior front and back surfaces of the mat when in its activity (or use) configuration form interior front and back surfaces in the tote configuration. In other words, the mat is turned inside out to convert it from the tote configuration to an activity configuration prior to sliding the mat onto a tray table. Advantageously, the various activities and toys with the mat are protected and safely stored during transport between airplanes or between destinations.

In at least one other embodiment, the travel mat comprises a fabric panel of an appropriate size to be received on an airplane tray table or on a travel tray intended for use in an automobile. The panel usually comprises font and back sheets of fabric that sandwich a thin foam or batting layer. Toys are provided on both the front and backside and the tray can be flipped as desired to change the set of toys with which the child is playing. At least one pair of straps is provided to secure the mat to a desired tray. One strap of the pair extends from a top edge of the mat and terminates in a male buckle portion and the other strap of the pair extends from the opposing bottom edge of the mat and terminates in a female buckle configured to mate with the male buckle. In at least some variations, the straps utilize hook and loop material patches in place of a buckle assembly to secure the pair of straps together around a tray. Typically, as illustrated and discussed below, the mat includes two pairs of straps. Because of the strap's locations, they can be used to secure the mat regardless of which side of the mat is upwardly facing. Because of the flexible nature of this embodiment of the mat, it can be easily folded and stowed for transport such as in a diaper bag or a purse.

The various toys and activities provided with embodiments of the travel mat are typically configured to not only entertain a young child but also enhance his/her cognitive, speech and language and fine motor skills. Typically, the activities are secured to the surface of the mat either permanently, such as when sewed to the fabric surfaces, or removably by way or snaps, hook and loop material or other suitable means.

Other embodiments comprise the process or methodology of using various embodiments of the travel mat to entertain a child while traveling in general and specifically on an airplane. In yet other embodiments and variations, the mat can be convertible into a backpack or other carrying device, such as a waist pack, instead of a tote or purse. For instance, a backpack variation includes shoulder straps that are attached to the mat in a travel configuration in place of or in addition to handles or handle straps.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front, exterior, interior and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−5%. Concerning angular measurements, “about” or “generally” refers to +−10 degrees and “substantially” refers to +−5.0 degrees unless otherwise indicated. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

The terms “toy” and “activity” are used interchangeably herein.

The terms “caregiver”, “guardian” “parent” and their various plurals are used interchangeably herein.

The term “carrying strap” as used herein refers to any implement intended and used for carrying an associated item by a person as such “carrying straps” include but are not necessarily limited to: handle straps; shoulder straps, and handles made of materials other than fabric or strapping material. Accordingly, as used herein, an injection molded rigid or semi-rigid handle is a “carrying strap” as the term is applied in this document.

The travel mat is described herein primarily in relation to an airline seatback tray. It is to be appreciated that the scope of the mat's use is not limited to just airline seatback trays. Rather, embodiments of the mat can be used with any seatback tray, such as those are provided with certain passenger trains. Further, embodiments can be used on or with stand alone trays that a user can rest on his or her lap. Accordingly, the disclosure herein and the methods described herein are intended to be applicable to other types of trays even when an airline seatback tray is specifically recited. For instance, embodiments of the travel mat are sized to be received in the Snack and Play Travel Tray from StarKids Products of Denver, Colo.

An Embodiment of a Travel Mat Including Activities and Toys for a Child

FIGS. 1-5 comprise illustrations of one embodiment of a convertible mat 10. It is to be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments are only exemplary and not exhaustive. Many variations exist as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art who has been given the benefit of this disclosure. Simply, the mat comprises (i) a body 12, which itself comprises a number of panels and sides forming the pouch as is described in detail below, (ii) straps/handles 14a & b by which the mat can be carried in its tote configuration, (iii) a variety of toys/activities 32-58 for use by a child when the mat is in its activity or use configuration.

FIG. 1 is a view of the mat 10 in its tote configuration with the body 12 folded and ready for carrying; whereas, FIG. 2 is a view of the mat still in its tote configuration but with the body unfolded along a fold over bottom edge 16. Of note the location of the fold over bottom edge is clearly illustrated in FIG. 1 but is represented as dotted line in FIG. 2 only for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3 is a front side view of the mat after the pouch formed by the body has been turned inside out transforming the mat into its activity/use configuration. FIG. 4 is a backside view of the mat in the activity/use configuration.

The body of the mat comprises a plurality of fabric panels 60a-d that have been sewn or otherwise coupled together. It is to be appreciated that in variations, the panels can be made of other types of flexible sheet materials such as non-woven sheet material or polymeric sheet. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the panels substantially comprise woven fabric made any suitable fiber material such as but not limited to cotton, nylon, and polyester. The front half of the tote's generally rectangular outer fabric panel 60a is partially illustrated in FIG. 1 with the other back half being disposed directly behind the visible portion. The panel is folded along the bottom fold over edge 16.

Directly opposite the tote outer fabric panel is the tote inner fabric panel 60b as shown in FIG. 2. This panel is substantially similar in dimensions as the tote outer fabric panel 60a. The inner and outer panels are sewn or otherwise joined together along three of four adjoining edges 18a, 18b and 22. Fabric piping 24 may be provided along the edges to give them a more finished look. The panels are not joined along open edges 20 as these edges provide access to the interior of the mat allowing it to be turned inside out to access the toys and activities contained therein as will be become more apparent in the description below.

Sides 18a and 18b form respective and adjacent top sides when in the mat is in its tote configuration of FIG. 1 and comprise respective left and right sides in FIG. 2. Of particular note handle straps 14a & b are centered along and sewn or otherwise secured to the top sides. While the handles illustrated herein comprise straps typically comprised of fabric webbing, the handles can comprise any suitable configuration as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Also in some variations although not illustrated herein opposing fasteners, such as the hook and loop material tabs may be provided proximate the opposing top edges 18a and 18b on panel 60b. These fasteners act to hold the mat in its folded tote configuration as shown in FIG. 1 when folded along fold line 16. Of note, fold line 16 is shown in dashed line in FIG. 2 for context only and is not typically visible in physical embodiments of the mat. Other types of fasteners can be utilized such as but not limited to snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, buckles, buttons and clasps. In yet other variations, such as the illustrated variation, the fasteners can be eliminated altogether relying upon the user holding both handles to hold and maintain the mat in the tote configuration.

Along the open edges 20 of the mat on panel 60a shown in FIG. 1 at the left and in FIG. 3 at the top on panel 60c hook and loop material strips 26a & b are provided to selectively secure the respective facing open edges 20 together to close the pocket formed by the respective panels and the other closed edges 18a, 18b & 22. The closure means 26a & b also act to secure the mat to the seatback tray table when the mat is in its activity/use configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4 for instance and shown in FIGS. 5 & 6. Of note, the closing means 26a & b do not extend completely across their respective panels 60a & 60c proximate edges 20 but rather terminate within a few inches of the open edges' intersection with respective sides/edges 18a & b. As best shown in FIG. 2, the end portions 30 of the closure edges 20 are concavely scalloped. The purpose of the scalloped ends is to provide clearance around the locations where a typical seat back tray mounts to the seatback tray table arms 110 as better shown in FIG. 5. The means for closing can also comprise zippers, laces, snaps, buckles or any equivalent capable of securing the panels together and closing the pocket created therebetween.

With reference to FIG. 2 a rectangular cutout portion 62 is provided along edge 22 proximate the fold location illustrated by phantom line 16. This cutout portion is provided so that when the mat is in its activity/use configuration, the mat does not interfere with the proper operation of a typical seatback tray table's closure latch. In use the portion of the tray table that interfaces with the closure latch, which is usually located on the seatback is exposed and therefore accessible to the latch permitting normal operation thereof. Of important note, however, is that in experiments performed by the inventor on prototypes, a person was able to lock and secure the seatback tray in place by pivoting the tab/lever over the fabric panels without the use of a cutout accordingly variations not having this cutout 62 are contemplated as well.

When in the tote configuration, various suitable items can be stored within the pocket such as but not limited to paper, crayons, a blanket, small stuffed animals or dolls. Furthermore, relatively flat items such as a pad of paper can be placed on the inside of the mat as formed by the tote inner panel 60b. It is to be appreciated, as illustrated, items would be subject to sliding out of the mat along the closure edge 20 (the left edge) and the right edge 22 as both shown in FIG. 1. Variations are contemplated wherein additional hook and loop fasteners (not shown) are provided to secure the closure and right edges making the mat more purse-like with only the top edges 18a & b being open.

Primarily, the purpose of the pocket formed by the inner and outer tote panels 60a-d conceals the various toys and activities typically attached to the mat for a child's entertainment when the mat is converted into its activity configuration as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4. To convert the mat from the tote configuration to the activity configuration, the hook and loop straps 26a & b along the closure edges 20 are decoupled to open the associated pocket. The mat is then turned inside out until the interior surfaces of the pocket comprise the external surfaces of the mat and the formerly exterior inner and outer tote panels 60a & b comprise the interior of the newly formed reverse pocket. The now exposed surfaces comprise fabric front and back side activity panels 60c & d. As shown the activity panels are typically made of a similar material as the tote panels 60a & b and are secured and joined together as well as to the tote panels along the various edges 18a & b and 22. Markedly, the defining characteristic of the activity panels are the plurality of toys and activities attached to the surfaces thereof as are described in greater detail below.

Of important note and as can be ascertained upon examination of this disclosure, the front activity panel 60c abuts and is configured in a direct overlying relationship with one of tote panels 60a & b, and the back activity panel 60d about the other of the tote panels 60a & b. Essentially, the pockets formed by the mat comprise front and back sides that comprise a double thickness of fabric: one layer from a tote panel and one layer from an activity panel. Although not illustrated, each set of overlying panels are separated by a thin sheet of fiberfill material, typically 0.125″-0.375″ thick to provide a degree of structural integrity to the mat as well as cushioning. Variations are contemplated wherein the mat does not comprise separate mat and tote panels but rather each of the sides are comprised of a single layer of fabric. Further, in other variations where the double layer sets of panels are utilized, the fiberfill-type mat may not be used.

The mat in the activity configuration is sized to fit over a typical airline seatback tray table 102 and to be utilized to entertain a young child when the tray table is in both its deployed and retracted configurations. The mat is simply slid over an associated tray table with the tray table being receiving into the formed pocket from the mouth of the closure edge 20. The scalloped end portions 30 along the closure edges 20 permitting the mat to clear and be fit around the arms 110 of the tray such that the opposing hook and loop material strips 26a & b can be secured together to likewise secure the mat to the tray 102 so that it does not slide off during use (see FIG. 5).

The mat is configured to have toys and activities on both front and back surfaces or panels 60c & d thereof, such that the mat can be used while the tray table is both deployed and stowed. In general, the activities attached or otherwise coupled to the mat on its front side as shown in FIG. 3 are those that can most easily be used by a young child when the mat is in a generally horizontal orientation as shown for instance in FIG. 5. In contrast, the toy/activities secured to the back side as shown in FIG. 4 are those that can most easily be used by a young child when the mat is in a generally vertical orientation.

The toys/activities illustrated in the Figures are merely exemplary and it is to be appreciated that any number of different toys/activities may be substituted therefore. Furthermore the numbers and arrangement of the various toys/activities is also subject to change.

Referring to FIG. 3, five toys/activities are illustrated. The first toy comprises a trio of three removable dimensional stuffed fabric shapes 32a-c that each has a hook material tab 33b on their back sides. Corresponding pieces 33a of loop material is sewed or otherwise secured to the front of a fabric piece 34. The fabric panel 34 in combination with the underlying activity panel 60c to which it is sewn forms a pocket in which the child can selectively place one or more of the fabric shapes as he/she desires.

A second toy/activity comprises a buckle assembly 36 that essentially comprises a pair of opposing straps that are sewn to the panel 60c and have respective male and female buckle sections secured to the facing ends of the strap. In use, a young child can practice his/her motor skills by opening and closing the buckle.

A third toy comprises a zipper assembly 38 that is sewn to the front activity panel 60c. Typically, the does not provide an opening to a pocket or cavity there under but in other variations, the mat can be so arranged. Like the buckle, a young child can practice and develop his/her motor skills by opening and closing the zipper.

A fourth toy comprises a pocket 40 that is sewn or otherwise secured to the panel and further includes a fabric tongue 41 that includes a sandwiched piece of material, such as mylar or plastic sheet, that makes a crinkling sound when moved, folded or bent. The tongue is typically secured at a proximal end to a bottom of the pocket. A stuffed shape 42 is provided that is attached to the distal end of the tongue and typically includes a squeaker therein, such that the shape squeaks when compressed by the child with suitable force. In variations the stuffed shape can be permanently attached to the tongue yet in other variations the shape can be removably attached to the tongue, such as with hook and loop material. As desired by the child, the shape and associated tongue can be placed in or pulled out of the associated pocket

A fifth toy comprises a button 44 that is sewn to the front activity panel 60c and an associated piece of fabric 45 that includes a button hole formed therein. As shown, the piece of fabric is in the shape of a flower although any suitable shape can be used. The fabric is secured to the mat by way of a teather 43 As with several of the other toys, a young child can practice his/her motors skills by securing and removing the fabric piece from the button. Typically, the fabric piece is also secured to the panel by way of a tether cord to prevent it from becoming lost.

FIG. 4 shows the back activity panel 60d that is visible to a user when the associated seatback tray is locked in its stowed upright position (see illustration 208 on FIG. 6 for example). Four additional toys are illustrated that are configured to be used when the mat is vertically orientated. A first toy/activity on the back activity panel comprises a photo album 46 in which parents or caregivers can place photos or pictures that the applicable young child may find interesting, stimulating and/or comforting. As shown the album includes a cover 47 with a hook and loop closure strap 48 provided at one end. Accordingly, the child can derive additional enjoyment from opening and closing the album.

A second toy comprises a mirror 50, typically made from reflective metalized Mylar or some other material that would not be subject to breakage that is mounted to the panel. Accordingly, the child can gain enjoyment looking at himself or other people or things from his/her surroundings reflected therein. The mirror also includes a cover 51 with hook and loop pieces of material 53a & b for securing the cover in its closed position, such that the mirror can be used to play a variation of peek-a-boo with the child.

A third toy comprises a string or cord 52 that is securely attached to the back activity panel at respective ends. Attached to the looped cord are a number of beads 54, rings or other suitable items that are typically colorful. Accordingly, a child can slide the items along the string and/or hit/knock them and watch their movement.

A final toy on resident on the surface of the back panel 60d comprises a mesh pocket 56 that is sewn or otherwise attached to the panel. A tethered stuffed animal 58 is provided for insertion and removal from the pocket. While a stuffed animal is illustrated it can be appreciated that other stuffed shapes and/or other toys can be substituted for the illustrated stuffed bear 58.

Use of a Travel Mat Including Activities and Toys for a Child According to One Embodiment

The design of the travel mat permits the easy transport of a set of activities and toys suitable for a small child to an airplane or other form of transit without risk of losing the toys nor having to round up a number of suitable toys prior to leaving on a trip.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the tote in relation to an airline seatback tray table through the use of a series of simple diagrams. The mat in its tote configuration 10 as shown in diagram 202 can be easily carried by a caregiver, parent or most preferably by the young child him or herself. Furthermore, in the tote configuration a number of additional toys or materials can be placed therein, such as paper and crayons.

When the child and his caregivers have been seated on the airplane or other form of transit, the mat can be converted into the activity configuration by turning it inside out and sliding it over a seatback tray table 102 after the table has been lowered into its generally horizontal deployed position as shown in diagram 204. It is appreciated that variations of the mat are contemplated that do not form a large pocket when in the activity configuration as to slide over a tray table. Rather, some variations may include straps that can be secured around the subject tray table. However, concerning the illustrated embodiments and similar variations thereof, the mat is secured in place by closing the open edges 20 around the back edge of the tray table and securing the opposing hook and loop material strips 26a & b.

As the child waits for the plane to taxi and take off, he/she can play with the various toys on the front side of the mat with the tray table deployed as shown in diagram 210. When the flight attendants request the tray table be stowed against the seat 110 for takeoff or any time as desired by the caregiver or the child, the caregiver can secure the seatback tray in its upright position with the typical associated latch as shown in diagram 208 permitting the child to play with the toys and activities on the back side of the mat. Of course, at any time as desired by the caregiver and/or the child and as permitted on the airplane, the tray with the mat attached thereto can be raised and lowered to give access to either the front or back set of toys.

Once the plane has landed and the child and parents are preparing to deplane (or at anytime desired by the caregivers), the closure securing the mat to the tray table can be undone and the mat can be removed from the tray table. The mat is then turned inside out to convert it back into the tote configuration; any additional items being carried therein are placed into the formed pocket(s); and the child or caregiver carries the mat off of the plane typically by the provided handles.

When home or at any other destination, the mat can be converted and used to entertain the child without having to slide it over a tray table.

A Second Embodiment of a Travel Mat Including Activities and Toys for a Child

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 & 8, variations of the second embodiment mat 300 each comprises (i) a thin rectangular body 302 comprising front and back sides 304 & 306 and top, bottom, left and right edges, (ii) two pairs of straps 308 & 310 mounted to top and bottom edges of the body for securing the mat to a travel tray and (iii) a variety of toys/activities 312-328 mounted on the respective front and back sides of the body.

The body 302 of the mat typically comprises a pair of rectangular fabric panels that form the front side 304 and the back side 306 of the mat and have been sewn or otherwise coupled together along top, bottom, left and right edges 332-338. It is to be appreciated that in variations, the panels can be made of other types of flexible sheet materials such as non-woven sheet material or polymeric sheet. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the panels substantially comprise woven fabric made any suitable fiber material such as but not limited to cotton, nylon, and polyester. Along the edges were the panels are sewn together fabric piping 303 can be provided to give the edges a cleaner more finished appearance. Although not illustrated, the fabric panels are separated by a thin sheet of soft flexible and resilient filler material, such as fiberfill or rolled foam, typically 0.125″-0.375″ thick.

Each pair of straps 308 & 310 includes an upper strap portion 308a or 310a and a lower portion 308b or 310b. The proximal end of the upper strap portion of each pair is secured to the top edge of the body at a location generally proximate the respective left or right edge 336 & 338. In the variation illustrated in FIG. 7, a first buckle section 340a is provided proximate a distal end of the upper strap portion. As shown, the buckle section of the upper strap portion comprises a female buckle section.

The proximal end of the lower strap portion of each pair is secured to the bottom edge of the body at a location generally proximate the respective left or right edge 336 & 338. Along the length of the lower strap portion in the variation illustrated in FIG. 7, a corresponding second buckle section 340b is provided. It is configured to slide along the lower strap portion to lengthen or reduce the length of the strap portion between the buckle and the bottom edge 334 of the body thereby permitting the effective operational length of the strap pair to be adjusted to securely and snuggly hold the mat to travel trays of differing sizes. As shown, the buckle section of the lower strap portion comprises a male buckle section.

As can be appreciated, the configuration of the strap pairs 308 & 310 and the buckles 340 provided thereon can vary significantly in other variations. For instance, the male buckle portions could be provided on the upper strap portions and the female buckle portions could be provided on the lower buckle portions. The relative lengths of the upper and lower strap portions could vary.

Further, attachment means (or connector portions) other than buckles can be specified, such as but not limited to snaps, and hook and loop material. FIG. 8 illustrates the backside of the mat shown in FIG. 7, but also incorporates a different strap attachment means. Specifically in place of the buckles 340, hook and loop material 342A & 342B covers the distal ends of the straps. By wrapping the strap around an associated tray and placing the strap having a hook material end in contact with the other strap having a loop material end, the mat is secured to the tray. In FIG. 8, the upper strap portions 308A and 310A have end sections covered in loop material 342B on both sides thereof, and the ends of the lower strap portions 308B & 310B are covered on both sides with a hook material 342A.

A variety of toys and/or activities 312-328 are provided on the front and back sides of the body. Many of the toys are similar to those discussed above in relation to the first embodiment and the discussion need not be repeated. For instance, the flower button toy 312 is substantially similar to the button toy identified by element numbers 43, 44 & 45 in FIG. 3. The zipper 316 is substantially similar to the zipper 38 of FIG. 3. Likewise, the buckle assembly toy 318 is similar to the buckle toy 36 of FIG. 3. The pocket and stuffed bear toy 322 is substantially similar to the pocket bear toy 56 & 58 of FIG. 4. The balls 54 on a string toy 52 of FIG. 4 is essentially the same as the balls on string toy 328 in the second embodiment except that some of the “balls” in the second embodiment toy are cubic in shape. Finally, the pocket and stuffed shapes toy 320 is very similar to the pocket and stuffed shapes toy 32-34 shown in FIG. 3 except instead of coupling to the pocket by way of hook and loop fasteners, the stuffed shapes in FIG. 8 are attached to the pocket by way of tethers.

Several toys/activities that are not shown relative to the first embodiment are provided herein.

Other Variations and Embodiments

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

For instance, other toys and activities than those specified herein can be used in variations. A soft-sided book can be sewn snapped or otherwise secured to the mat in place of one or more of the illustrated toys. Further, a pocket or one or more straps can be provided to secure a book to the mat, such as a child's favorite book. For older children, means to secure electronics, such as a Gameboy™ or other similar devices, can be provided in the form of hook and loop material, straps or pocket-type holders. Simply, embodiments of the mat are not to be considered limited by the particular toys and activities contained thereon unless so recited in claims.

Claims

1. An activity mat for a child comprising:

a body comprised of a pair of rectangular panels, each panel being comprised of a flexible sheet material and having top, bottom, left and right edges, and a filler sheet comprised of a soft, flexible and resilient material, the filler sheet being 0.06″ to 0.375″ thick, the body defining a front surface associated with a first rectangular panel of the pair of fabric panels and a back surface associated with a second rectangular panel of the pair of rectangular panels;

at least one pair of straps, the first pair of straps including (i) a first upper strap (a) having a first connector portion coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a first lower strap portion (a) having a second connector portion coupled therewith and (b) being secured to the bottom edge at a proximal end, the first and second connector portions being adapted to removably couple;

a first plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface; and

a second plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface.

2. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet material comprises a fabric.

3. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the top, bottom, left and right edges include fabric piping.

4. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the filler sheet comprises a foam material.

5. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the filler sheet comprises a fiberfill material.

6. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein a position of the second connector portion along a length of the first lower strap portion is adjustable.

7. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of straps comprises a second pair of straps, the second pair of straps including (i) a second upper strap (a) having a third connector portion coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a second lower strap portion (a) having a fourth connector portion and (b) being secured to the bottom edge at a proximal end, the third and fourth connector portions being adapted to removably couple.

8. The activity mat of claim 7, wherein the first and third connector portions each comprise loop material, and wherein the second and fourth connector portions each comprise hook material.

9. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the first connector portion comprises loop material, and wherein the second connector portion comprises hook material.

10. The activity mat of claim 7, wherein (i) the first upper strap portion is located proximate an intersection of the top edge with the left edge, (ii) the first lower strap portion is located proximate an intersection of the bottom edge with the left edge, (iii) the second upper strap portion is located proximate an intersection of the top edge with the right edge, and (iv) the second lower strap portion is located proximate an intersection of the bottom edge with the right edge.

11. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of toys or activities comprises a mylar mirror.

12. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of toys or activities comprises a pocket.

13. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of toys or activities comprises a pocket.

14. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of toys or activities comprises a zipper.

15. The activity mat of claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of toys include at least the following: a pocket, a mirror, a zipper and a button.

16. An activity mat for a child comprising:

a soft, flexible, thin and rectangular body having a front side with a front surface and a back side with a back surface, the front and back sides being bounded by top, bottom, left and right edges, The front and back sides sandwiching a filler sheet comprised of a soft, flexible and resilient material, the filler sheet being about 0.06″ to 0.375″ thick;

a first pair of straps including (i) a first upper strap (a) having a first connector portion coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a first lower strap portion (a) having a second connector portion coupled therewith and (b) being secured to the bottom edge at a proximal end, the first and second connector portions being adapted to removably couple;

a second pair of straps including (i) a second upper strap (a) having a third connector portion coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a second lower strap portion (a) having a fourth connector portion and (b) being secured to the bottom edge at a proximal end, the third and fourth connector portions being adapted to removably couple;

a first plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface; and

a second plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface;

wherein the first and second pluralities of toys include at least the following: a pocket, a mirror, a zipper and a button.

17. The activity mat of claim 16, wherein the front and back sides comprise a fabric material.

18. The activity mat of claim 16, wherein (1) the first and third connector portions each comprise loop material, and wherein the second and fourth connector portions each comprise hook material.

19. An activity mat for a child comprising:

a soft, flexible, thin and rectangular body having a front side with a front surface and a back side with a back surface, the front and back sides being bounded by top, bottom, left and right edges, the front and back sides being comprised of a fabric material that sandwiches a filler sheet, the filler sheet being comprised of a soft, flexible and resilient material about 0.06″ to 0.375″ thick;

a first pair of straps including (i) a first upper strap (a) having a first section of loop material coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a first lower strap portion having a first section of hook material coupled therewith proximate a distal end, the first sections of hook and loop material being adapted to removeably couple;

a second pair of straps including (i) a second upper strap (a) having a second section of loop material coupled therewith proximate a distal end and (b) being secured to the top edge at a proximal end, and (ii) a second lower strap portion having a second section of hook material coupled therewith proximate a distal end, the second sections of hook and loop material being adapted to removeably couple;

a first plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface; and

a second plurality of toys and/or activities configured for a child under 24 months of age coupled to the front surface;

wherein the first and second pluralities of toys include at least the following: a pocket, a mirror, a zipper and a button.

20. The activity mat of claim 19, wherein the top, bottom, left and right edges include fabric piping.