Apparatus and Method for a Surface-Secure Changing Mat with Inter-Usable Strap

Abstract

The claimed invention discloses a changing mat apparatus comprising a planar support mat with a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side with at least a portion composed at least one of a silicone rubber material and, or suction cup to form an immobilized contact with any one of resting surface; and the top side affixed with a horizontal tubular sleeve shorter in length than the width of the planar support mat and slidably interposed with a strap to fasten over any point of a body of a subject.

Claims

1. A changing mat apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a planar support mat when rolled out into a use position forms any one of a shape; said planar support mat with a top side and a bottom side; at least one of the top side and, or bottom side with at least a portion composed of any one of a silicone rubber material to form an immobilized contact with any one of resting surface; and the top side further disposed with a longitudinally extending fabric fastener on a first side and an opposable strap slidably disposed on an opposable strap guide on a second side, longitudinally extending therewith; and wherein said slidably disposed strap on the second side secures over a subject at any point of a body of the subject and engages with an opposable point of the longitudinally extending fabric fastener on the first side.

2. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the planar support mat is generally rectangular in shape in the use position.

3. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one suction means to form an additional immobilized contact with the resting surface.

4. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising opposable wing members protruding from a head and neck resting area to provide cranial and neck support.

5. The changing mat apparatus of claim 4, wherein the opposable wing members comprise at least one aperture in the said wing member dimensioned for ear exposure.

6. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the entire bottom side is composed of any one of a silicone rubber material to form the immobilized contact with any one of the resting surface.

7. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein both the top side and bottom side of any one of a silicone rubber material to form the immobilized contact with any one of the resting surface.

8. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power circuit coupled to a motor, outputting a rotational or linear force on an array of balls encased in the planar support mat delivering an ectodermal massage to any one of, or a combination of, a head, neck and or shoulder region.

9. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power circuit coupled to a heating element disposed within the planar support mat, allowing for output of variable temperature.

10. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motorized or manual output of a rotational or linear force on a toy-like device suspended over the planar support mat.

11. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a single or a plurality of sensors embedded in or disposed on the planar support mat and configured to monitor and sense user's position, movement, and environment, as part of a user context.

12. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further reconfiguring a power circuit coupled to at least one of a massage, heating element, toy-like device, and, or sensor output based on data input over a network, from any one of, or combination of, a user mobile device, wearable device, home Internet of Things, user-defined input history, and web automation service

13. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein an inner content may be comprised of any one of, or combination of, a pliable polyurethane foam.

14. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the silicone rubber lining is further embedded, lined, layered, or coated with a therapeutic or antibiotic of proven safety and efficacy.

15. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one of an elasticized string, drawstring, strap, buckle or band for the purpose of securing the changing mat apparatus while in the rolled position.

16. The changing mat apparatus of claim 1, further comprising any one of shoulder and, or head mount to further secure the subject while changing.

17. A changing mat apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a planar support mat with a top side and a bottom side; the bottom side with at least a portion composed at least one of a silicone rubber material and, or suction cup to form an immobilized contact with any one of resting surface; and the top side affixed with a horizontal tubular sleeve shorter in length than the width of the planar support mat and slidably interposed with a strap to fasten over any point of a body of a subject.

18. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, wherein the planar support mat is generally rectangular in shape in the use position.

19. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one suction means to form an additional immobilized contact with the resting surface.

20. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising opposable wing members protruding from a head and neck resting area to provide cranial and neck support.

21. The changing mat apparatus of claim 20, wherein the opposable wing members comprise at least one aperture in the said wing member dimensioned for ear exposure.

22. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, wherein the entire bottom side is composed of any one of a silicone rubber material to form the immobilized contact with any one of the resting surface.

23. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, wherein both the top side and bottom side of any one of a silicone rubber material to form the immobilized contact with any one of the resting surface.

24. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a power circuit coupled to a motor, outputting a rotational or linear force on an array of balls encased in the planar support mat delivering an ectodermal massage to any one of, or a combination of, a head, neck and or shoulder region.

25. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a power circuit coupled to a heating element disposed within the planar support mat, allowing for output of variable temperature.

26. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a motorized and, or manual output for a rotational or linear force on a toy-like device suspended over the planar support mat.

27. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a single or a plurality of sensors embedded in or disposed on the planar support mat and configured to monitor and sense user's position, movement, and environment, as part of a user context.

28. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further reconfiguring a power circuit coupled to at least one of a massage, heating element, toy-like device, and, or sensor output based on data input over a network, from any one of, or combination of, a user mobile device, wearable device, home Internet of Things, user-defined input history, and web automation service.

29. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, wherein an inner content may be comprised of any one of, or combination of, a pliable polyurethane foam.

30. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, wherein the silicone rubber lining is further embedded, lined, layered, or coated with a therapeutic or antibiotic of proven safety and efficacy.

31. The changing mat apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one of an elasticized string, drawstring, strap, buckle or band for the purpose of securing the changing mat apparatus while in the rolled position.

32. The changing mat apparatus of 17, wherein the strap is a fabric fastener on at least a portion of a first side and the complementary fastening substrate on at least a portion of an opposable side.

33. The changing mat apparatus of 17, wherein the strap has a terminal end with a hooking element and a complementary hooking substrate on an opposable terminal end.

34. A method of manufacturing the changing mat apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: forming a first steel mold in the dimensions for a baby-changing mat; forming a second steel mold for a tubular sleeve portion for slidably interposing a strap; filling the first steel mold with a melted silicone rubber composition with any one of a coloring; filling the second steel mold with the same melted silicone rubber composition with the same coloring; curing the said first and second mold; affixing the tubular sleeve onto an appropriate position onto the baby-changing mat; forming a strap with one side comprised of a fabric and an opposable side with a fabric adhesive fastener and dimensioned to slide through the tubular sleeve and have a length comparable to at least the width of the baby-changing mat; and slidably interposing the strap through the affixed tubular sleeve in order to fasten over any point of an infant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of the present invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. In order to better appreciate the advantages and objects of the embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate these embodiments. However, the drawings depict only some embodiments of the invention, and should not be taken as limiting its scope. With this caveat, embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view diagram of a changing mat in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2a is a close-up view diagram of the strap un-fastened in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2b is a close-up view diagram of the strap fastened in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the changing mat in a rolled-up position in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a method flow diagram of the method of manufacturing the changing mat in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details.

[0023] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0024] The present inventor has realized that there is a need for an improved baby changing mat, void of any retaining walls or anchoring means, which could be universally secured to a plurality of surfaces and that can be easily rolled-up for easy carriage or stow-away. In addition, it enables a parent to change a baby in an efficient manner, reducing the potential for mess, or worse, the baby sliding off the surface.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A preferred embodiment of the current invention comprises a changing mat apparatus with a planar support mat 11 when rolled out into a use position forms any one of a shape; the planar support mat 11 with a top side and a bottom side; at least one of the top side and, or bottom side with at least a portion composed of any one of a silicone rubber material to form an immobilized contact with any one of resting surface; and the top side further disposed with a longitudinally extending fabric fastener on a first side and an opposable strap slidably disposed on an opposable strap guide on a second side, longitudinally extending therewith; and wherein the slidably disposed strap on the second side secures over a subject at any point of a body of the subject and engages with an opposable point of the longitudinally extending fabric fastener on the first side (not shown).

[0026] In another embodiment, the bottom-side of the planar support mat 11 may be disposed with only a portion of the bottom-side being composed of any one of the rubber-silicone composition (also not shown). A single portion of rubber-silicone may be sufficient to form a secure contact between the planar support mat 11 and a resting surface. This would allow the remaining portions of the top-side and, or bottom-side of the planar support mat 11 being comprised of any material comforting on the skin.

[0027] In another embodiment (also not shown), the bottom-side of the planar support mat 11 may be disposed with an inconspicuous suction cup forming the secure contact between the planar support mat 11 and the resting surface. Any number of suction cups may be providedin any number of positions of the bottom-side of the planar support mat 11.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the planar support mat 11 is composed contiguously of any one of rubber-silicone composition and may form the secure contact with the resting surface. Ideally, the resting surface is smooth and planar. However, surfaces with a minimal lack of surface uniformity and planarity may also be used, for instance a rough-surfaced, concave changing table. The entire-bottom side of the mat 11 will form the secure contact with the resting surface, further reducing any risk of the mat sliding. The material or smoothness of the resting surface does not bear on the ability of the planar support mat 11 from forming the secure contact. Moreover, the level or degree of concavity, likewise, will not bear on the ability of the planar support mat 11 from forming the secure contact. As a result, a parent may roll-out the changing mat and securely apply onto any number of resting surfacesfrom a flat living room wooden floor to a slightly concave baby changing table in a mall restroom. The changing mat apparatus 11 may have an inner content comprised of any one of, or combination of, a pliable polyurethane foam. Furthermore, the top-side of the planar support mat 11 may be further coated and, or impregnated with an antimicrobial finish to make the mat 11 resistant to the growth of microbes, such as Agion, or any other similar anti-microbial product. Furthermore, the mat 11 may be coated or impregnated with a therapeutic or antibiotic composition of proven safety and efficacy.

[0029] Now in reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Each figure illustrates a top-down perspective of the planar support mat 21 disposed with a tubular sleeve 23 (FIG. 2A); and the tubular sleeve 23 slidably interposed with a strap 25 (FIG. 2B). A preferred embodiment may comprise a planar support mat 21, on a top-side, being disposed with a tubular sleeve 23 fixed in a horizontal position, and being substantially shorter than the width of the planar support mat 21. The protruding tubular sleeve 23 may be interposed with a two-sided fabric-adhesive strap 25 that is substantially longer than the length of the sleeve 23, in order to fasten and secure over the chest of a baby during changing. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned double-sided fabric-adhesive fastener strap 25 (or limited to just terminal ends of) may also be used to securely fasten the strap over the rolled-up planar support mat 21 for easy carriage and, or stow-away. Moreover, the same strap 25 or counter-fabric adhesive portions on the terminal ends of the strap 25 may be used for attaching to, but not limited to, a bed, hospital bed, crib, cot, roll-away bed, wheelchair, stroller, walkers, car seats, play pens, shopping carts, seat, table, desk, bags, back-packs, sleeping bags, and any other travel accessory.

[0030] While not shown in FIG. 2B, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the strap 25 may terminate with a hooking element comprising any one of or a combination fixed or removable hooks, fasteners, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string for fastening and securing over the chest of the baby during changing. Additionally, the above-mentioned hooking elements may also be used to securely fasten the strap over the rolled-up planar support mat 21. Moreover, the same hooking elements on the terminal ends of the strap 25 (connecting elements) may be used for attaching to, but not limited to, a bed, hospital bed, crib, cot, roll-away bed, wheelchair, stroller, walkers, car seats, play pens, shopping carts, seat, table, desk, bags, back-packs, sleeping bags, and any other travel accessory.

[0031] While not shown in FIG. 2A or 2B, the hooking elements for connecting (connecting elements) to the above-mentioned objects may be independent of the strap 25, and formed integrally on any one of, or a combination of, the top, side or bottom-sides of the planar support mat 21.

[0032] While also not shown in FIG. 2A or 2B, a single or plurality of at least one of a modular, adjustable, expandable, and, or customizable storage member compartments may be attached to any one of, or a combination of, the top-side, sides, and, or bottom-side of the planar support mat 21 (not shown). The storage member compartments may be of different shapes and sizes to fit any number of baby-changing items, such as diapers, wet-tissue container, baby powder, etc. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment the storage member compartments maybe configured in any one of, or a combination of, a mesh or net compartment, a cut-out compartment, and, or a compressible, bellowed compartment akin to an accordion. Further, multiple sectionalized compartments to store bottles, toys, cups, sippy cups, brushes, change of clothes, and, or other toiletries, etc., may be affixed onto any one of a side of the planar support mat 21. In some embodiments, the compartments may be transparent for easy picking. Preferably, any one of the compartments may be affixed on a top-side of the planar support mat 21, in order for the compartments to be exposed for storage, while the mat 21 is in the rolled-out state. The stored items may be removed from the compartments after rolling out for baby changing and the bottom-side will remain smooth and contiguous to maximize grip with the resting surface.

[0033] While also not shown in FIG. 2A or 2B, the mat 21 may further comprise opposable wing members protruding from a head, neck, and, or shoulder resting area to provide cranial, neck, and, or shoulder support. In some aspects, the opposable wing members may further comprise at least one aperture in the said wing member dimensioned for ear exposure. In yet other aspects, an audio or visual cue may be played from a housing embedded in the opposable wing members in order to distract the baby during changing.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the mat 31 in a rolled-up position in accordance with an aspect of the invention. As can be seen, the strap 35 used for fastening the baby during change is doubled up as a means to fasten the mat 31 in the rolled-up position. Shown is the double-sided fabric-adhesive fastener strap 35. In other embodiments, any number of strapsearlier mentionedwith any number of terminal hooking elements, such as buttons, hooks, etc., may be used to fasten the rolled-up mat 31. While not shown in FIG. 3, a mat 31 in the rolled up position may use the same strapping to fasten the rolled-up mat 31 and exploit an excess length of the strap 35 to use as an over-the-shoulder strap for easier carriage.

[0035] In some aspects, the mat 31, strap 35 or hooking element may be adapted with a monitoring system of the baby. In other aspects, a control circuit embedded in the hooking element or the actual fabric of the strap 35 and may be operatively coupled with a home or facility Internet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enable analytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power device integrated on the mat 31 to engage the baby during change. In another instance, the surface of the mat 31, the strap 35, or the hooking element may have an embedded accelerometerserving as the above-mentioned monitoring systemrelaying baby movement data analysis or to inform a power device for actuation if necessary. Moreover, a RFID tag may be embedded within the mat 31, the strap 35, or the hooking element, relaying baby movement data to analyze or to inform the power device for actuation if necessary. In some embodiments, an electronic detection means may be operably coupled to the mat 31 and in communication with an interface means for transmitting the data from the electronic detection means to a storage means, wherein when executed by a processor, configure the organizer to cause any one of the following: transfer data over a network interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and cause playback of an auditory and, or visual cue. In yet other embodiments, the actuation of the motor coupled to a baby-distracting device and, or playback of auditory and, or visual cue may be done manually, at the control of the parent. Furthermore, baby movement or changing informatics may be delivered via a dashboard interface (baby height, weight, number of changes, and other infant health metrics).

[0036] In yet another alternative embodiment, the mat 31, strap 35, or hooking elements may be equipped with any one or a combination of an AC/DC power adaptor, and, or a power circuit to drive actuation of a baby-distracting device. In one aspect, a power circuit may be coupled to a motor, outputting a rotational or linear force on an array of balls encased in the planar support mat 31 delivering an ectodermal massage to any one of, or a combination of, a head, neck and or shoulder region. In other aspects, the power circuit may be coupled to a heating element disposed within the planar support mat 31, allowing for output of variable temperature. In yet other aspects, a power circuit may be coupled to a motorized or manual output of a rotational or linear force on a toy-like device suspended over the planar support mat 31. The power circuit may be coupled to at least one of a massage, heating element, toy-like device, and, or sensor output based on data input over a network, from any one of, or combination of, a user mobile device, wearable device, home Internet of Things, user-defined input history, and web automation service The mat 31 may be equipped with any one of or a combination of a wireless communication technology for interfacing a mobile device, for example, Wi-Fi connectivity, infrared, or Bluetooth means.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of manufacturing the baby-changing mat in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Step 1 comprises forming a first steel mold in the dimensions for a baby-changing mat 41; step 2 is forming a second steel mold for a tubular sleeve portion for slidably interposing a strap 42; step 3 is filling the first steel mold with a melted silicone rubber composition with any one of a coloring 43; step 4 is filling the second steel mold with the same melted silicone rubber composition with the same coloring 44; step 5 is curing the said first and second mold 45; step 6 is affixing the tubular sleeve onto an appropriate position onto the baby-changing mat 46; step 7 is forming a strap with one side comprised of a fabric and an opposable side with a fabric adhesive fastener and dimensioned to slide through the tubular and have a length comparable to at least the width of the baby-changing mat 47; and finally, step 8 is slidably interposing the strap through the affixed tubular sleeve in order to fasten over any point of an infant 48.

[0038] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks ( ) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in 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, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

[0039] 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.

[0040] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, a preferred embodiment, an alternative embodiment, a variation, one variation, 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 phrases like in one embodiment, in an embodiment, or in a variation in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

[0041] The term couple, coupled, coupling, or any variation thereof, 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.