CONVERTIBLE MAT

A convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position. The convertible mat has a housing a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge therebetween. The first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge. A first insert panel is inserted into the first cavity through the first opening, and a second insert panel is inserted into the second cavity through the second opening. Closure members are provided at each opening to retain the insert panels therein. A connector is used to removably secure the first section to the second section to form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/507,119 filed Jun. 9, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to a play mat, and more particularly, to a play mat that converts into a tent.

BACKGROUND

Play mats and tents are known in the art. While such products, individually, according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations, especially when combined together. The present disclosure seeks to overcome certain of those limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the disclosed subject technology relates to foldable play mats, and foldable play mats that convert into a tent for children's play in a first and second use position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising: a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge; a first pair of insert panels that are inserted into the first cavity through the first opening; a second pair of insert panels that are inserted into the second cavity through the second opening; a pair of first supports that are provided adjacent opposing sides of the first pair of insert panels and within the first cavity; a pair of second supports that are provided adjacent opposing sides of the second pair of insert panels and within the second cavity; a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first pair of insert panels and the pair of first supports within the first cavity; a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second pair of insert panels and the pair of second supports within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar; a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and, a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising: a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge; a first insert panel inserted into the first cavity through the first opening; a second insert panel inserted into the second cavity through the second opening; a first support adjacent the first insert panel and within the first cavity; a second support adjacent the second insert panel and within the second cavity; a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first insert panel within the first cavity; a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second insert panel within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar; a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and, a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising: a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge; a first insert panel inserted into the first cavity through the first opening; a second insert panel inserted into the second cavity through the second opening; a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first insert panel within the first cavity; a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second insert panel within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar; a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and, a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, further comprising a side panel extending from opposing sides of the first section of the housing, and a side panel extending from opposing sides of the second section of the housing, wherein the side panels for doors when the convertible mat is in the second use position.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein the first and second supports each comprise a plurality of elongated members and a connector.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein each of the first and second sections can be folded in half for storage purposes.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein each of the first and the second sections have a window that can be opened and closed.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein the first and second closure members comprise mating Velcro extensions at the end of the first and second sections, respectively.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein the first insert panel comprises a first pair of insert panels, and wherein the second insert panel comprises a second pair of insert panels.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, wherein the first support comprises a pair of first supports, and wherein the second support comprises a pair of second supports.

The disclosed technology further relates to a convertible mat, further comprising a first support adjacent the first insert panel and within the first cavity, and a second support adjacent the second insert panel and within the second cavity.

It is understood that other embodiments and configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosures are illustrated and, together with the descriptions below are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, and serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of a convertible mat in a first use position, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of the convertible mat in a second use position, according to the present disclosure, having a product sensor.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the convertible mat in the first use position, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure, in a folded configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front top perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 1, showing insertion of the supports, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support system for the convertible mat of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 2 in the second use position, showing the supports, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 2 in the second use position, showing the hinge, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 2 in the second use position, showing windows, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the convertible mat of FIG. 2 in the second use position, showing the hinges for the windows, according to the present disclosure.

In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as one of ordinary skill in the relevant art would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Further, descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the present disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law.

Generally, this disclosure describes several embodiments of convertible mats 10 that are arrangeable in a variety of different orientations, both alone and in combination, and which have a variety of different functionality. In one embodiment, the convertible mat 10 comprises a housing 12, side panels 14, and a connector 16. Additionally, in one embodiment the convertible mat 10 may have windows 18. In one embodiment, the convertible mate can be transitioned from a first use position to a second use position.

Referring now to the figures, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of the convertible mat 10 in two use orientations or positions: a first use orientation as a play mat as shown in FIG. 1, and a second use orientation as a tent as shown in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the housing 12 has cavities 20, and a plurality of inserts 22 can be inserted in the cavities 20. The housing 12 preferably has two cavities 20 as shown in FIG. 5, with an opening 21 to each cavity 20 at opposing ends 23 of the housing 12, and a hinge 24 generally at the center or midpoint of the housing 12 between the two cavities 20 as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the housing 12 has two sections 25 and 27 (a first section 25 and a second section 27), one on each side of the hinge 24. The first cavity 20 is in the first section 25 and the second cavity 20 is in the second section 27. The housing 12 further has a first side 29 and a second side 31. In one embodiment, two inserts 22, i.e., a pair, are inserted into each cavity 20 through the openings 21. And, in one embodiment each insert 22 is approximately the same size, and the length of each insert 22 is approximately equal to one half of the length of half of the housing 12. Further, in one embodiment the inserts 22 comprises sheets of foam. By having two inserts 22 in each cavity 20, the convertible mat 10 can be folded in 4 layers as shown in FIG. 4 for packaging and for product transport. Alternately, one large insert 22 can be inserted into each cavity 20. Closure members 19 are provided at the opening 21 to each cavity 20 to secure the inserts 22 therein. The closure members 19 may comprise mating Velcro extensions at the ends of the first and second sections 25, 27, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in one embodiment, supports 30 are used to provide rigidity to the inserts 22 within each cavity 20. Further, a length of the supports 30 may be approximately equal to the length of each insert 22, and when two inserts 22 are placed adjacent one another in a cavity 20 a connector 32 may be utilized to secure the two supports 30 together as shown in FIGS. 4-7. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, each support 30 comprises an elongated L-shaped member. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each connector 32 has an opening 34 at each end 36 and 38 of the connector 32 to receive the supports 30. The supports 30 and connectors 32 may be made of plastic. When the supports 30 are connected to the connectors 32, they form a generally single member, also referred to as a support member assembly 40, to provide rigidity to the two inserts 22. Supports 30 and their associated connector 32, i.e., as support member assembly 40, may be provided at each side 36 and 38 of the inserts 22 as shown in FIG. 7. To assemble, the inserts 22 are inserted into the cavities 20, and then one support member assembly 40, is also inserted into the cavities 20 at each side 36 and 38 of the inserts 22 to create a single rigid insert assembly or sidewall 42 at each side of the housing 12.

When the mat 10 is in the first use orientation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the housing 12 is laid flat on the ground and a user can play on the extended mat 10 with the inserts 22 flat on the ground to provide a cushion for the user.

The housing 12 can be pivoted at the hinge 24 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-10, with each cavity 20 and associated inserts 22 and support member assemblies 40 therein on either side of the hinge 24, thereby providing rigid sidewalls 42 on each side of the hinge 24. The connector 16 is used to secure the two sidewalls 42 in a fixed orientation of a second use position, such as an A-frame or tent, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-10. In one embodiment the connector 16 comprises a strap 44 extending from the housing 12 on one side of the hinge 24 (referred to as a first connector), and a D-ring connector 46, or some other connector, extending from the housing 12 on the other side of the hinge 24 (referred to as a second connector). The strap 44 can be secured to the D-ring connector 46 to secure the two sidewalls 42 in the second use position. Separate connectors 16 may be provided at each side 29, 31 of the housing 12.

In one embodiment, a separate side panel 14 extends from each side, 25 and 27, of each section 21 and 23, of the housing 12. Accordingly, the mat 10 has four side panels 14. In one embodiment the shape of each side panel 14 is a triangle to form one half of a door 50 for the mat 10 when it is in the second use position as shown in FIG. 2.

Further, in one embodiment, each side 25 and 27, of the housing 12 may have a window 18 as shown in FIGS. 7-10. The window 18 may comprise a piece of foam that is sewn into a fabric pocket 52 that is hinged to the housing 12.

The embodiments detailed hereinabove may be combined in full or in part, with any alternative embodiments described.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the term “having” as used herein in both the disclosure and claims, is utilized in an open-ended manner.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

To the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of particular implementations of the subject matter. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

It will be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the Claims are not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Further, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Claims

1. A convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising:

a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge;
a first pair of insert panels that are inserted into the first cavity through the first opening;
a second pair of insert panels that are inserted into the second cavity through the second opening;
a pair of first supports that are provided adjacent opposing sides of the first pair of insert panels and within the first cavity;
a pair of second supports that are provided adjacent opposing sides of the second pair of insert panels and within the second cavity;
a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first pair of insert panels and the pair of first supports within the first cavity;
a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second pair of insert panels and the pair of second supports within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar;
a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and,
a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

2. The convertible mat of claim 1, further comprising a side panel extending from opposing sides of the first section of the housing, and a side panel extending from opposing sides of the second section of the housing, wherein the side panels for doors when the convertible mat is in the second use position.

3. The convertible mat of claim 1, wherein the first and second supports each comprise a plurality of elongated members and a connector.

4. The convertible mat of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second sections can be folded in half for storage purposes.

5. The convertible mat of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second sections have a window that can be opened and closed.

6. The convertible mat of claim 1, wherein the first and second closure members comprise mating Velcro extensions at the end of the first and second sections, respectively.

7. A convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising:

a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge;
a first insert panel inserted into the first cavity through the first opening;
a second insert panel inserted into the second cavity through the second opening;
a first support adjacent the first insert panel and within the first cavity;
a second support adjacent the second insert panel and within the second cavity;
a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first insert panel within the first cavity;
a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second insert panel within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar;
a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and,
a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

8. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein the first insert panel comprises a first pair of insert panels, and wherein the second insert panel comprises a second pair of insert panels.

9. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein the first support comprises a pair of first supports, and wherein the second support comprises a pair of second supports.

10. The convertible mat of claim 7, further comprising a side panel extending from opposing sides of the first section of the housing, and a side panel extending from opposing sides of the second section of the housing, wherein the side panels for doors when the convertible mat is in the second use position.

11. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein the first and second supports each comprise a plurality of elongated members and a connector.

12. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second sections can be folded in half for storage purposes.

13. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein each of the first and the second sections have a window that can be opened and closed.

14. The convertible mat of claim 7, wherein the first and second closure members comprise mating Velcro extensions at the end of the first and second sections, respectively.

15. A convertible mat that can transition from a first use position to a second use position, comprising:

a housing having a first section, a second section, and a hinge between the first and second sections, wherein the first section has a first cavity with a first opening opposite the hinge, and wherein the second section has a second cavity with a second opening opposite the hinge;
a first insert panel inserted into the first cavity through the first opening;
a second insert panel inserted into the second cavity through the second opening;
a first closure member at the first opening to close the first opening and retain the first insert panel within the first cavity;
a second closure member at the second opening to close the second opening and retain the second insert panel within the second cavity, wherein the convertible mat is in the first use position when the first section and the second section are generally planar;
a first connector extending from the first section adjacent the hinge; and,
a second connector extending from the second section adjacent the hinge, wherein the first connector mates with the second connector to removably secure the first connector to the second connector, wherein when the first connector is secured to the second connector the first section and the second section form an acute angle therebetween in the second use position.

16. The convertible mat of claim 15, further comprising a first support adjacent the first insert panel and within the first cavity, and a second support adjacent the second insert panel and within the second cavity.

17. The convertible mat of claim 15, further comprising a side panel extending from opposing sides of the first section of the housing, and a side panel extending from opposing sides of the second section of the housing, wherein the side panels for doors when the convertible mat is in the second use position.

18. The convertible mat of claim 15, wherein each of the first and the second sections have a window that can be opened and closed.

19. The convertible mat of claim 15, wherein the first and second supports each comprise a plurality of elongated members and a connector.

20. The convertible mat of claim 15, wherein the first insert panel comprises a first pair of insert panels, and wherein the second insert panel comprises a second pair of insert panels.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240407569
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 7, 2024
Publication Date: Dec 12, 2024
Inventors: Collin Ostergaard (Chicago, IL), Matthew LaMothe (Chicago, IL)
Application Number: 18/737,136
Classifications
International Classification: A47D 15/00 (20060101); E04H 15/00 (20060101); E04H 15/30 (20060101);