Protective Placemat

Abstract

A protective placemat for providing protection against injury against edges of a table. The protective placemat includes a platform. The protective placemat includes a bumper region positioned at one end of the platform. The protective placemat includes loops at the second end of the platform, opposite the bumper region. When the protective placemat is placed on top of the table, the bumper region is positioned over and across one edge of the table. This positioning provides safety to an individual at a table because instead of a person's head accidentally coming in contact with the edge of the table, the bumper region provides cushioning to prevent the individual from getting injured on the sharp edge of the table. The platform rolls up such that the loops encircle the rolled-up platform and secure the platform in a rolled-up configuration for easy transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/091,440, filed Oct. 14, 2020 to Berlyn Haughton, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a protective placemat, and more specifically, to a protective placemat that provides protection against edges of a table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every household includes furniture that can cause harm to infants, such as a dining room table. Tables typically encompass sharp edges. The sharp edges may cause injuries to occupants in the house when they come in contact with those edges. Further, children bump their mouths on the edges of the table and get injured.

It is especially desirable to protect infants from the edges of furniture. Typically, bumpers are placed on the furniture, such as the tables, to cover the edges and corners to protect the occupants from hard contact against these edges.

One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,901, entitled, “Table edge bumper assembly”, (“the '901 patent”). The '901 patent discloses a bumper assembly for covering peripheral edges of a table. The assembly includes linear bumpers securable to straight edges of a table. Corner bumpers extend between adjacent angled linear bumpers so as to protect an individual from impact against the table edges and corners. The bumpers are constructed of a substantially transparent material so as to permit viewing of the table edges therethrough.

The above discussed disclosure provides protection against corners or edges of the table but provides no eating surface for the infant and the bumpers are not easily transported to different pieces of furniture that an infant may be around. Therefore, there remains a continuing need for improved devices that protect infants from edges of furniture, especially while eating.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved protective placemat and that avoids the drawbacks of known bumpers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective placemat that provides protection against edges of a table.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective placemat that can be rolled up for easy storage and transport.

In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a protective placemat. The protective placemat includes a platform having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side. The protective placemat also includes a bumper region positioned at the first end of the platform and loops positioned at the second end of the platform. The platform is adapted, configured, and/or designed to be placed or positioned over a furniture, and adapted to be placed or positioned over a edge of the furniture, whereby the bumper region protects an individual from being injured from the edge of the furniture. The platform is made of a flexible material and is designed to be either in an open configuration or a rolled-up configuration. The loops are designed to maintain or retain the platform in the rolled-up configuration when the loops encircle the platform in the rolled-up configuration.

The bumper region comes in contact with individuals if the individually accidently comes too close to the edge of the table. Normally, without the bumper region, the edge of the table may cut the individual. However, the bumper region prevents the individual from getting injured by having a thicker compressible region block direct contact of the individual to the edge of the table.

In another object of the present invention there is a method of providing a protective placemat. The method comprises the steps, providing a platform having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side, providing a bumper region positioned at the first end of the platform, providing loops positioned at the second end of the platform, placing the platform over a furniture such that the bumper region positions at an edge of the furniture, rolling up the platform, and encircling the loops around the rolled-up platform for securing the platform in the rolled up configuration.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the platform includes a bumper region at one end designed to lay over at the edge of the furniture. The bumper region provides protection by covering sharp peripheral edges of the table/counter. Furthermore, there may be a flange extending from the bumper region that helps to secure the protective placemat against the edge of the furniture, and prevents the protective placemat from sliding away from the edge.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the protective placemat allows placing food or liquid on the platform without restricting the use of the furniture. A rim prevents food and/or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the loops/hooks are pulled over each end of the platform when it is rolled up in order to keep the platform from unrolling. The loops encircle the rolled-up platform and retain the platform in a rolled-up configuration.

Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment of a protective placemat connecting a furniture, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a perspective view, a top view, and a front view, respectively of the protective placemat;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the protective placemat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the protective placemat rolling up, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the protective placemat encircled using loops, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.

It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications, and non-patent references anywhere mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which the protective placemat or the pad 12 implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The protective placemat 12 connects to furniture 14 such as a table, for example. A person skilled in the art understands that furniture 14 may include tables, counters, and the like. As shown, the furniture (e.g. table) 14 includes a table top 16 having peripheral edges 17. Further, the furniture 14 includes legs 18 that connect to the table top 16. In accordance with the present invention, the protective placemat 12 is positioned up to the edge 17 of the table top 16, and prevents individuals, such as infants, from getting injured upon coming in hard contact with the edge 17 of the table top 16 due to the bumper (shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) overlaying the edge 17.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a perspective view, a top view, and a front view, respectively of the protective placemat 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when the protective placemat 12 is in an open configuration. The protective placemat 12 presents a platform or a main body 20. The platform 20 is generally planar and may come in a square, rectangular or any other shape. The platform 20 may be a material made of synthetic, silicone, fabric, or any other flexible material. The platform 20 presents a first end 22, a second end 24, a top side 26 and a bottom side 28. The first end 22 indicates a front end of platform 20. The second end 24 indicates a rear end of platform 20. In particular, the bottom side 28 of the platform 20 can be made of a non-slip or slip-resistant material or coating to prevent the protective placemat 12 from sliding around on the table. Non-slip or slip resistant materials can be made of natural or synthetic compositions that are well-known in the art, including, but not limited to polyvinyl, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polyester.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the protective placemat 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the platform 20 includes bumper region 30 at the first end 22. The bumper region 30 is shown as curved and raised portion at first end 22 of platform 20. The bumper region 30 extends from, and raises above the surface of platform 20. In other words, bumper region 30 is a curved or expanded piece raised above the surface of platform 20 i.e., raises higher than the top side 26 of the platform and may also extend outward in a substantially planar orientation from the platform 20. The bumper region 30 is made of a soft-material such as rubber, silicone, or foam-like material. Bumper region 30 includes a flange 32. The flange 32 extends from the bumper region 30 in a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular orientation from the platform 20. i.e., toward the ground. As can be seen, the flange 32 extends from bumper region 30, and positions approximately perpendicular to platform 20. The help secure the bumper region 30 along the edge 17 of the furniture 14, the inner surface (i.e. underside) of the bumper region 30, may be complementarily shaped to the edge 17 of the furniture, which generally going to be a right-angle shape. In one example, the flange 32 extends approximately 1 inch from bumper region 30. However, a person skilled in the art understands that the flange 32 can extend more or less than 1 inch from bumper region 30 depending on the need. The purpose of the flange is to better secure and position the tab pad 12 against the edge 17 of the furniture 14, where the flange can rest against the planar surface of the furniture edge 17.

At the second end 24 of the platform 20, the protective placemat 12 includes loops or hooks 34. The loops 34 are positioned on the platform 20 at the opposite side of bumper region 30. The loops 34 are also made of a flexible material. The loops 34 present a generally elongated configuration with a hole in the center. The loops 34 are large enough to encircle the rolled-up platform 20, and small enough to retain the platform 20 in its rolled-up configuration (FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the platform 20 includes a rim 36 around its periphery. The rim 36 raises slightly above the surface of platform 20. Here, the rim 36 acts as a raised lip around one or more sides of platform 20 and prevents food and/or liquid from rolling off of the platform 20. In other words, the rim 36 helps to catch food or liquid within platform 20. As such, the protective placemat 12 can be used without limiting the functionality of the furniture 14. In one embodiment, the rim 36 is raised along three sides of the platform 20, and along the remaining side is the bumper region 30, thereby providing some form of raised regions along all sides of the platform to reduce that changes that liquid will spill over any side of the platform 12 and reduce the chances than an infant will get wet while using the protective placemat 12. The entirety of the protective placemat 12 or individual components of the protective placemat 12 may be made of these same compositions.

In accordance with the present invention, the protective placemat 12 positions at edges or corners 17 of table top 16 as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the flange 32 positions adjacent and perpendicular to the edge 17 of the table top 16 and helps to secure the platform 20 against the edge 17 of the table top 16. In other words, the protective placemat, in general, is designed, capable of, and adapted to be positioned or placed on a table along the edge or corner of the table. A person skilled in the art understands that flange 32 ensures the platform 20 does not slide away from the edge 17. As specified above, the protective placemat 12 positions at edges or corners 17 of the table top 16. When on the table 14, the bumper region 30 substantially lays across the edge 17 of table top 16 and forms a protective, curved, flexible member around table top 16. The bumper region 30 protects individuals from accidental bumping and injuring themselves along the sharp edge 17 of table top 16.

When not in use, the platform 20 folds or rolls up as shown in FIG. 4. After rolling up, a user can make the loops 34 encircle platform 20 and ensures the platform 20 remains in the rolled-up configuration. FIG. 5 shows the feature of the loops 34 encircling the rolled up platform 20 in a cylindrical shape, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the loops 34 act similar to rubber bands that are capable of being flexed open, but at least slightly constrict when not actively kept open to prevent the platform 20 from unrolling. The rolled-up configuration of platform 20 allows for easy storage and transport.

The embodiments provide for several advantages over the prior art. For example, the protective placemat provides protection against corners or edges of furniture such as a table. The protective placemat includes a bumper region at one end. The bumper region substantially lays across the edge of the furniture/counter, thereby forming a protective, curved, flexible member to protect individuals from accidental bumping and injuring themselves along the sharp edge of the table/counter. The bumper region presents a semi-circular part with added thickness and cushioning, where the thickness of the bumper region is thicker than the thickness of the platform. The bumper region provides protection if an individual's face accidentally hits the edge of a table. Instead of hitting the edge of the table, the individual will only hit the cushioned bumper region. The protective placemat includes a flange extending from the bumper region. The flange helps to secure the protective placemat against the edge of the table and prevents it from sliding backward or forward away from the edge of the table. In addition, the loops pull over each end of the platform when rolled up to keep the platform from unrolling. This allows the protective placemat to be easily carried. Furthermore, the platform may include a rim or lip around one or more regions. The rim along one or more sides of the platform prevents food and/or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

In one embodiment, the protective placemat is approximately 12 inches in width and approximately 13 inches in length. In one embodiment that platform has approximately 11.5 inches of usable space on the platform with a lip width of about 0.25 inches along the entirety of the sides. In one embodiment the platform has a length of approximately 9 inches, and each loop has a length of approximately 3 inches and positioned near the second side corners of the protective placemat. In one embodiment the distance from the bottom of the flange to the top of the bumper is approximately 1.4 inches. In one embodiment the thickness of the platform is approximately 0.1 inches and the lip has a thickness of approximately 0.14 inches (whereby the lip height extends approximately 0.5 inches above the platform. As previously stated, these dimensions are just examples of dimensions that may be used, but embodiments may be ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%. A person skilled in the art understands that the protective placemat can be manufactured in various sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.

Claims

1. A protective placemat, comprising:

a platform having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side;

a bumper region positioned at the first end of the platform; and,

loops positioned at the second end of the platform,

wherein the platform is adapted to be placed over a furniture, and adapted to be positioned over a edge of the furniture, whereby the bumper region protects an individual from being injured from the edge of the furniture, and

wherein the platform is made of a flexible material and is designed to be in either an open configuration or a rolled-up configuration, wherein the loops are designed to maintain the platform in the rolled-up configuration when the loops encircle the platform in the rolled-up configuration.

2. The protective placemat of claim 1, further comprising a flange extending from the bumper region.

3. The protective placemat of claim 2, wherein the flange is positioned perpendicular to the platform, thereby preventing the platform from sliding away from the edge of the furniture when the protective placemat is placed over the edge of the furniture.

4. The protective placemat of claim 1, wherein the protective placemat further comprises a rim along one or more sides of the platform, whereby the rim prevents food or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

5. The protective placement of claim 1, wherein the protective placemat further comprises a rim along at least three sides of the platform, whereby the rim prevents food or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

6. The protective placemat of claim 1, wherein the bumper region is curved and raises above the top side of the platform and has a bumper thickness thicker than a thickness of the platform.

7. The protective placemat of claim 1, wherein the bumper region is made of a rubber, silicone, or foam-like material.

8. The protective placemat of claim 1, wherein the platform is square or rectangular shaped.

9. The protective placemat of claim 1, wherein the bottom side is made from a slip-resistant material.

10. A method of providing a protective placemat, the method comprising steps of:

providing a platform having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side;

providing a bumper region positioned at the first end of the platform;

providing loops positioned at the second end of the platform;

placing the platform over a furniture such that the bumper region positions at an edge of the furniture;

rolling up the platform; and,

encircling the loops around the platform for securing the platform in a rolled-up configuration.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a flange, the flange extending from the bumper region, the flange perpendicular to the platform.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a rim along one or more sides of the platform, the rim for preventing food or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a rim along at least three sides of the platform, the rim for preventing food or liquid from rolling off of the platform.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the bottom side is made from a slip-resistant material.

15. A protective placemat, comprising:

a platform having a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein the platform is made of a flexible material and is designed to be in an open configuration or a rolled-up configuration, wherein the platform comprises a rim across at least three sides of the platform to prevent food or liquid from rolling off of the platform, and wherein the platform is of a square or rectangular shape, wherein the bottom side is made of a slip-resistant material;

a bumper region positioned at the first end of the platform, wherein the bumper region comprises a flange that extends from the bumper region, wherein the flange is positioned perpendicular to the platform, wherein the bumper region is curved and raises above the top side of the platform, and wherein the bumper region is made of a rubber, silicone, or foam-like material; and,

loops positioned at the second end of the platform, wherein the loops are designed to retain the platform in the rolled-up configuration when the loops encircle the platform.