Changing Mat

Abstract

A changing mat for changing a child's diaper. The changing mat has a pair of flaps laterally attached to a rectangular base component. The rectangular base component is foldable into a compact shape for storage that is securable with an attached strap. The pair of flaps are extendable perpendicularly away from the rectangular base and held in place at approximately 90 degrees via a plurality of hinges connecting each of the flaps to the rectangular base component. The changing mat also has an extendable component with a pocket longitudinally attached to a top of the rectangular base component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/964,686 filed on Jan. 23, 2020.

BACKGROUND

Parents and guardians often find themselves in situations where they may have to change their child's diaper while away from home. Without easy access to a changing table, the child may have to sit in a soiled diaper longer than anticipated. Some places, such as strollers, park benches, or even the ground or a floor may be used as makeshift improvised changing surfaces. However, this can be extremely unsanitary, inconvenient, and lacking in privacy. The underlying surface, such as the carrying compartment of a stroller, may also easily become soiled during the diaper changing process. Further, some children may be uncomfortable getting a diaper change in a stroller due to excessive sunlight exposure and lack of privacy.

Many public restrooms now have public changing tables should a parent need to change their child's diaper when away from home. These are typically made of hard plastic materials and rest on hinges so that they can be folded back into a wall when not in use. Most parents still often prefer to provide some kind of extra barrier or padding before they place their child directly on the table. Additionally, these changing tables typically need to be first wiped down or cleaned to ensure that the child is not exposed to unsanitary conditions from a previous user. These changing tables are also typically not enclosed in a stall so that the changing process lacks privacy, even in a restroom. Anyone else in the restroom would be able to observe the diaper changing process.

Accordingly, there is a great need for a uniquely designed baby changing mat. The present invention provides a portable changing mat that permits a parent or guardian to change their child's diaper in public in a safe and sanitary manner while providing some privacy as well. Advantageously, the present invention provides a diaper changing surface when deployed that folds up and collapses into a compact configuration for storage and portability when not in use. The changing mat has built-in privacy protection that shields the baby from unwanted attention when changing a diaper. Additionally, the changing mat is configured to retain some diaper changing supplies, such as a spare diaper, wipes, or the like for convenience.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a changing mat usable as a portable diaper changing station. The changing mat comprises a rectangular base component, an extendable component, and a pair of flaps. The rectangular base component comprises a plurality of folded sections, a top surface, and a back side. The plurality of folded sections comprises a head section, a body section, and a foot section. The changing mat further comprises a securing strap attached to the back side for securing the changing mat when in a folded position.

The extendable component is attached to the head section along a seam and extends longitudinally away from the head section when deployed. The extendable component comprises a pocket and a closure element. The pocket opens typically along a lateral edge of the extendable component for receiving and retaining diaper changing supplies. The closure element is openable and closable to permit access to the retained supplies as needed.

The pair of flaps are each laterally attached to the body section and the foot section of the plurality of folded sections along a seam. Each flap may comprise a semi-rigid perimeter configured to support the flap when unfolded into a vertical orientation. The pair of flaps are rotatably attached to the rectangular base component via a plurality of hinges. Each flap is rotatable perpendicularly from the rectangular base component up to approximately 90 degrees to the vertical orientation. The semi-rigid perimeter of each flap is rotatably attached to the body section of the plurality of foldable sections by one of the plurality of hinges, and to the foot section of the plurality of foldable sections by another one of the plurality of hinges.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a changing mat for use as a portable diaper changing station for a baby in a deployed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the changing mat in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one of a pair of sides of the changing table attached to a rectangular base component of the changing table in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one of a pair of sides of the changing table attached to the rectangular base component in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one of a plurality of hinges rotatably connecting one of a pair of sides of the changing tab to the rectangular base component in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of the changing mat in a partially deployed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an extendable component of the changing table in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the changing table in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in a folded position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the changing mat in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a unique device that can attach to opposite sides of a stroller via a pair of magnetic handle attachments of hook and loop fastener straps which enable a shield to be firmly connected to each handle. The device maximizes comfort and privacy for the child while in the stroller by ensuring that the child cannot be seen by oncoming pedestrians, nor disturbed by bright sunlight. The device may include a mat capable of supporting the shield that allows a child to be changed in a public area that does not have access to a changing area. The changing mat collapses into a compact configuration for storage purposes when not in use.

The device may include a collapsible privacy partition attachment for strollers. The shield may be an accordion-style attachment capable of easily being expanded and contracted. A pair of durable magnetic fasteners may be disposed on opposite ends. The fasteners may be mated with a molded handle attachment installed on opposite sides of the stroller. In that way the shield is attached over the seat area of the stroller. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the shield.

Users can expand the shield and attach it to the stroller via the magnetic connection. The shield is positional over the child offering privacy while in the stroller. The partition covers a bottom half of the child enabling the child to be changed in the stroller without exposing the child's bottom. A mat is included under the shield. The shield can be attached to the mat, allowing the mat to function as a portable and private changing area while away from home and independent of the stroller. The exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary dependent on the needs of the user.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, a changing mat 100 for use as a portable diaper changing station is disclosed. The changing mat 100 may be used in or out of a stroller as desired. The changing mat 100 comprises a rectangular base component 102, an extendable component 140, and a pair of flaps 146. The changing mat 100 may be manufactured from cloth, fabric, plastic, polyester, or water resistant materials.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, the rectangular base component 102 comprises a top surface 120 and a back side 126. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the top surface 120 and a back side 126 are joined by a perimeter 104. The perimeter 104 may be constructed by over-sewing the back side 126 onto the top surface 120. The top surface 120 and the back side 126 may be manufactured from the same or from different materials and may be washable. Additionally, the top surface 120 may comprise a removable pad layer (not shown) that is attachable to the back side 120 via an attachment element (not shown), such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, or the like. This would be desirable in the event that the top surface 120 became soiled and required cleaning in a washing machine.

The perimeter 104 of the rectangular base component 102 defines a pair of sides 106, a top 108, and a bottom 110. The perimeter 104 in one configuration may have rounded corners 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rectangular base component 102 further comprises a plurality of foldable sections 114. The plurality of foldable sections 114 may comprise a head section 114(a), a body section 114(b), and a foot section 114(c). This allows the changing mat 100 to fold up in a folded position as illustrated in FIG. 11 where the head section 114(a) and foot section 114(c) fold over the body section 114(b). The changing mat 100 further comprises a securing strap 128. The securing strap 128 is attachable to the back side 126 and is configured to encompass and retain the changing mat 100 in the folded configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the extendable component 130 comprises a pocket 142 and a closure element 144. The extendable component 130 is attached to one of the foldable sections 114. In one embodiment, the extendable component 130 is longitudinally attached to a top of the head section 114(a) along a seam 140. The seam 140 allows the extendable component 130 to fold inward over the head section 114(a) for storage when not in use, and outward approximately 180 degrees away from the head section 114(a) when in use.

The pocket 142 may open along a lateral side of the extendable component 130 as illustrated, or from the top as desired. The pocket 142 is configured to receive and retain baby changing supplies, such as a few diapers, a slim pack of baby wipes, hand sanitizer, or the like. The closure element 144 may comprise a fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, a zipper, or the like. The closure element is openable and closable to permit access to the retained supplies as needed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the pair of flaps 146 is laterally attached to at least a portion of the plurality of foldable sections 114 of the rectangular base component 102 along a seam 152. Typically, each of the pair of flaps 146 is attached to the body section 114(b) and the foot section 114(c) of the plurality of foldable sections 114 on either side 106 of the rectangular base component 102. Each of the pair of flaps 146 comprise a perimeter 148. The perimeter 148 is semi-rigid, such as a sewn in elastic strip. The perimeter 148 of each flap 146 in one configuration may have rounded corners 150 similar to the rectangular base component 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the changing mat 100 further comprises a plurality of hinges 154. The plurality of hinges 154 are configured to rotatably attach the pair of flaps 146 to the rectangular base component 102. As such, the pair of flaps 146 are laterally attached to the rectangular base component 102 via the plurality of hinges 154. The hinges 154 are typically elastic hinges or flexible plastic hinges but may be any other type of hinge as desired as well. For example, fixed rotatable hinges that click in place at a plurality of positions may be used. Additionally, the plurality of hinges 154 may be fixable at a plurality of positions. For example, the mat could have a plurality of snaps attached to the side and one on the elastic to support the different positions.

To use the changing mat 100, the user releases the securing strap 128 when the changing mat 100 is in the folded position and unfolds the plurality of foldable sections 114. Next, the extendable component 130 is extended, and the pocket 142 may be opened to access supplies. Each flap 146 typically has two hinges 154 for rotating the associated flap 146 outward into a vertical orientation so that each of the pair of flaps 146 rotate approximately perpendicularly to the rectangular base component 102. The pair of flaps 146 will then stay in the vertical orientation to provide privacy due to a combination of the plurality of hinges 154 and the semi-rigid perimeters 148. Once the baby has been changed, the pair of flaps 146 are folded back inward over the rectangular base component 102 as the plurality of hinges 154 are collapsed. Then the extendable component 130 is folded back inward and the plurality of foldable sections 114 are folded. Finally, the securing strap 128 is used to secure the changing mat 100 in the folded position.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A changing mat comprising:

a rectangular base component comprising a plurality of foldable sections;

an extendable component attached to one of the foldable sections; and

a pair of flaps rotatably attached to the rectangular base component via a plurality of hinges.

2. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein the extendable component is longitudinally attached to a head section of the plurality of folded sections.

3. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps are laterally attached to the rectangular base component along a seam.

4. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps are attached to a body section and a foot section of the plurality of foldable sections.

5. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps comprise a semi-rigid perimeter.

6. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein the extendable component comprises a pocket.

7. The changing mat of claim 6, wherein the extendable component further comprises a closure element.

8. The changing mat of claim 1 further comprising a securing strap attached to a back side of the rectangular base component.

9. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hinges are elastic hinges.

10. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hinges are fixable at a plurality of positions.

11. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps are rotated via two hinges.

12. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps rotate perpendicularly to the rectangular base component.

13. A changing mat comprising:

a rectangular base component comprising a head section, a body section, and a foot section;

an extendable component longitudinally attached to the head section; and

a pair of flaps laterally attached to the rectangular base component via a pair of hinges.

14. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein the extendable component comprises a pocket.

15. The changing mat of claim 14, wherein the extendable component further comprises a closure element.

16. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of flaps comprise a semi-rigid perimeter.

17. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein each of the hinges are elastic hinges.

18. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of flaps rotate perpendicularly to the rectangular base component.

19. A changing mat for use as a portable diaper changing station, the changing mat comprising:

a rectangular base component comprising a head section, a body section, and a foot section;

an extendable component comprising a pocket longitudinally attached to the head section; and

a pair of flaps laterally attached to the body section and the foot section via a plurality of elastic hinges.

20. The changing mat of claim 19, wherein the changing mat is water resistant.