BABY-CHANGING MAT, BABY-CHANGING UNIT HAVING SUCH A MAT, AND USE OF THE SAME

Abstract

In the case of a baby-changing mat (10) having an upper side (11), a lower side (12), a first and a second lateral delimitation (13, 14), said lateral delimitations (13, 14) being mutually opposite, and a front end (15) and a rear end (16), said ends (15, 16) being aligned so as to be transverse to the first and the second lateral delimitation (13, 14), the invention provides that the front end in comparison to the rear end has a taper. Moreover, the invention relates to a baby-changing device (1) having such a baby-changing mat (10), and a straightening device (50) by way of which the baby-changing mat (10) over a geodetically oblique support surface (U) is alignable so as to be geodetically straight. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the baby-changing mat (10) and of the baby-changing device (1).

Claims

1. A baby-changing mat (10) comprising: an upper side (11); a lower side (12); a first lateral delimitation (13) and a second lateral delimitation (14), said lateral delimitations (13, 14) being mutually opposite; and a front end (15) and a rear end (16), said ends (15, 16) being aligned so as to be transverse to the first and the second lateral delimitation (13, 14); wherein the front end (15) in comparison to the rear end (16) has a taper.

2. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lateral delimitation (13) and the second lateral delimitation (14) are aligned so as to be at least substantially mutually parallel.

3. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the taper is at least in part configured by a first blunt corner (17) between the front end (15) and the first lateral delimitation (13)

4. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first blunt corner (17) is configured by an oblique first corner edge (19) of the baby-changing mat (10).

5. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the taper is at least in part configured by a second blunt corner (18) between the front end (15) and the second lateral delimitation (14).

6. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one first air chamber (30) is disposed in said baby-changing mat (10), wherein the baby-changing mat (10) is rigidified upon charging the first air chamber (30) with air (L).

7. The baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said baby-changing mat (10) has elastic unfolding means (32) which exert an unfolding force on the first air chamber (30).

8. A baby-changing device (1) having a baby-changing mat (10) as claimed in claim 1, and a straightening device (50) by way of which the baby-changing mat (10) over a geodetically oblique support surface (U) is alignable so as to be geodetically straight.

9. The baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the straightening device (50) has an air cushion (51) which is disposed on or below the lower side (12) of the baby-changing mat (10).

10. The baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the straightening device (50) has a holding strap (60) which is fixable to a headrest (102) of a vehicle.

11. A method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 8, for changing the diapers of a baby or infant.

12. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 11 on a vehicle seat (101) of a vehicle.

13. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a side bolster (104) of a backrest (103) of the vehicle seat (101) lies in the taper, and the first and the second lateral delimitation (13, 14) are aligned longitudinally in relation to a front seat edge (107) of a seat face (106) of the vehicle seat (101).

14. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a central part (108) of a backrest (103) of the vehicle seat (101) lies in the taper, and the first and the second lateral delimitation (13, 14) are aligned diagonally in relation to a front seat edge (107) of a seat face (106) of the vehicle seat (101).

15. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one first air chamber (30) is disposed in the baby-changing mat (10), wherein the baby-changing mat (10) is rigidified by charging the first air chamber (30) with air (L).

16. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the baby-changing device (1) has a straightening device (50) by way of which the baby-changing mat (10) over a geodetically oblique support surface (U) is aligned so as to be geodetically straight.

17. The method of using the baby-changing device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the straightening device (50) has an air cushion (51) which is or is to be disposed on or below the lower side (12) of the baby-changing mat (10); and/or has a holding strap (60) which is fixable to a headrest (102) of a vehicle; and wherein a geodetic alignment over the geodetically oblique support surface (U) is performed by setting the quantity of air in the air cushion (51) below the baby-changing mat (10); and/or fixing the holding strap (60) above the baby-changing mat (10) and setting the length of the holding strap (60).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention are derived from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments by means of the drawings in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a baby-changing mat;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the baby-changing mat as per FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the baby-changing mat as per FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a straightening device that is configured as an air cushion;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a straightening device that is configured as a holding strap;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a baby-changing device having a baby-changing mat as per FIG. 1 and a straightening device, in a first use on a vehicle seat;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6;

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a baby-changing device having a baby-changing mat as per FIG. 1 and a straightening device, in a second use on a vehicle seat;

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 9; and

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] A perspective view of a baby-changing mat 1 can be seen in FIG. 1. Said baby-changing mat 1 is additionally shown in a plan view in FIG. 2 and in a side view in FIG. 3. It can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 that the baby-changing mat 10 has an upper side 11 (to be seen only in FIGS. 1 and 3), a lower side 12, a first and a second lateral delimitation 13, 14, said delimitations being mutually opposite and being aligned so as to be substantially mutually parallel, and a front end 15, or a front edge (to be seen only in FIGS. 1 and 2), respectively, and a rear end 16, or a rear edge, respectively, said ends being aligned so as to be transverse to the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14. The upper side 11 configures a planar lying surface, and the lower side 12 configures a planar bearing face.

[0058] A first air chamber 30 is disposed in the baby-changing mat 10, on account of which the baby-changing mat 10 in the case of the first air chamber 30 being charged with air L is rigid. When the first air chamber 30 is vented, the baby-changing mat 10 is limp. Said baby-changing mat 10 in this instance has no inherent rigidity and can be collapsed. A first air valve 31 for aerating and venting the first air chamber 30 opens into the first air chamber 30. The first air valve 31 is disposed on the circumference of the baby-changing mat 10 between the upper side 11 and the lower side 12. The baby-changing mat 10 is presently embodied as a self-inflatable air bed, in that elastic unfolding means 32 in the form of an elastic foam material are disposed in the first air chamber 30, said unfolding means 32 exerting an unfolding force on the air chamber 30. The volume of the foam material can be kept small on account of longitudinal and transverse ducts or else vertical cavities. On account thereof, the baby-changing mat 10 is easy to vent, readily collapsible, and light.

[0059] The baby-changing mat 10 furthermore has a flat collar 22 which frames the upper side 11 and the lower side 12. The upper side 11 and the lower side 12 are interconnected, in particular welded or adhesively bonded, in this collar 22. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, hanger holes 21 are configured in the collar 22.

[0060] The baby-changing mat 10 is configured so as to be overall flat. The spacing A1 between the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14 herein is at least 5 times, preferably at least 7 times, and particularly preferably at least 10 times the spacing A2 (cf. FIG. 3) between the upper side 11 and the lower side 12. In absolute values, the spacing A3 between the front end 15 and the rear end 16 is between 40 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 50 cm and 85 cm, furthermore preferably between 55 cm and 80 cm, and particularly preferably between 60 cm and 75 cm. Moreover, the spacing A1 between the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14 is between 35 cm and 70 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 65 cm, furthermore preferably between 45 cm and 62 cm, and particularly preferably between 50 cm and 60 cm.

[0061] According to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first blunt corner 17, or a first corner clearance, respectively, is configured by an oblique corner edge 19 between the front end 15, in particular a front edge, and the first lateral delimitation 13. On account thereof, the front end 15 is tapered as compared to the rear end 16. The first blunt corner 17 at the side of the front end 15 extends across a length between 10% and 50%, preferably between 20% and 45%, furthermore preferably between 25% and 42%, and particularly preferably between 30% and 40% of the spacing A1 between the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14. Moreover, the length of the first blunt corner 17 at the side of the first lateral delimitation 13 is between 15% and 40%, preferably between 17% and 38%, furthermore preferably between 20% and 35%, and particularly preferably between 25% and 30% of the spacing A3 between the front end 15 and the rear end 16. The first corner edge 19 presently forms an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the first lateral delimitation 13 and in relation to the front end 15, or the front edge, respectively. The internal angle is thus 135 degrees.

[0062] Moreover, a second blunt corner 18 which is similar to the first blunt corner 17 is configured by means of a second corner edge 20 between the front end 15 and the second lateral delimitation 14. A taper at the side of the front end 15 as compared to the rear end 16 is thus also present on account thereof. The second blunt corner 18 is presently configured so as to be a mirror image of the first blunt corner 17. This relates in particular to the collar 22. By contrast, the first air chamber 30 is slightly displaced in an asymmetrical manner such that the collar 22 at the first lateral delimitation 13 is wider than at the second lateral delimitation 14. The hanger holes 21 are to be found in the wider collar portion on the side of the first lateral delimitation 13.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a straightening device 50 that is configured as an air cushion 51, the baby-changing mat 10 as per FIGS. 1 to 3 over a geodetically oblique support surface being alignable so as to be geodetically straight by way of said straightening device 50.

[0064] The air cushion 51 has a cushion upper side 54 and a cushion lower side 55. A cushion collar 56 which frames the cushion upper side 54 and the cushion lower side 55 is configured on the circumference of the air cushion 51 between the cushion upper side 54 and the cushion lower side 55. The cushion upper side 54 and the cushion lower side 55 are interconnected, in particular welded or adhesively bonded, in the cushion collar 56.

[0065] The air cushion 51 likewise has an air chamber 52 (referred to hereunder as the second air chamber 52) into which a second air valve 53 opens. The second air valve 53 is disposed in particular on the circumference about the length D2 and the width D3, and here lies between the cushion upper side 54 and the cushion lower side 55. The thickness D1 of the air cushion is thus adjustable by filling the second air chamber 52 with air in a variable manner. The air cushion 51 herein is stabilized by the cushion collar 56. The maximum thickness D1 of the air cushion 51 is between 4 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 18 cm, furthermore preferably between 11 cm and 17 cm, and particular preferably between 12 cm and 16 cm. Moreover, the maximum thickness D1 of the air cushion 51 is smaller than the length D2 and the width D3 of the air cushion 51. The width D3 of the air cushion 51 in turn is smaller than the length D2 of the air cushion 51.

[0066] In absolute values, the maximum length D2 of the air cushion 51 is between 20 cm and 55 cm, preferably between 25 cm and 50 cm, furthermore preferably between 30 cm and 46 cm, and particularly preferably between 35 cm and 43 cm. Moreover, the maximum width D3 of the air cushion 51 is between 8 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 24 cm, furthermore preferably between 12 cm and 23 cm, and particularly preferably between 13 cm and 22 cm.

[0067] When the dimensional specifications of the air cushion 51 are compared with those of the baby-changing mat 10 as per FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, it can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5 to 11 that the maximum thickness D1 of the air cushion 51 is larger than the spacing A2 between the upper side 11 and the lower side 12 of the baby-changing mat 10. Moreover, the length D2 and the width D3 of the air cushion 51 are smaller than the spacing A1 between the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14 of the baby-changing mat 10.

[0068] The air cushion 51 and the baby-changing mat 10 thus have in each case a separate air chamber 30, 52 and separate air valves 31, 53. The first air chambers 30 and the second air chamber 52 do not have any gas-permeable connection. Moreover, the first air valve 31 and the second air valve 53 are dissimilar.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a straightening device 50 that is configured as a holding strap 60. Said holding strap 60 can be used on its own or in combination with the straightening device 50 as per FIG. 4 that is embodied as the air cushion 51, in order for a baby-changing mat 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 over a geodetically oblique support surface to be aligned so as to be geodetically straight. In particular, such a holding strap can be fixed to a headrest 102 of a vehicle in order for the baby-changing mat 10 to be mounted in a suspended manner at least on one side. To this end, the holding strap 60 is fixable to the baby-changing mat 10, in particular with the aid of hook-shaped hooking means 61 at the two free ends of the holding strap 60. Said hooking means 61 can be fixed in the hanger holes 21 in the baby-changing mat 10 by being hooked thereinto.

[0070] It can be seen in FIGS. 6 to 11 how a geodetically straight lying surface is achieved on a non-planar support surface U in the form of a vehicle seat 101 by way of a baby-changing device 1 having a baby-changing mat 10 as per FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and a straightening device 50 comprising an air cushion 51 as per FIG. 4 and a holding strap 60 as per FIG. 5.

[0071] In terms of the baby-changing mat 10 shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 reference is made to the above description in the context of FIGS. 1 to 3. Moreover, in terms of the air cushion 10 reference is made to the above description in the context of FIG. 4, and relating to the holding strap 60 reference is made to the above description in the context of FIG. 5.

[0072] Beyond the description of the individual parts, the mutual relative arrangement of the baby-changing mat 10, the air cushion 51, and the holding strap 60 can be seen in FIGS. 6 to 11. The air cushion 10 lies in each case in a seat depression of a seat face 106 and between two side bolsters 104 and below the lower side 12 of the baby-changing mat 10. Moreover, the holding strap 60 is hooked to a headrest 102 in all embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 11.

[0073] Types of uses that deviate in particular by way of a deviating orientation of the baby-changing mat 10 on the vehicle seat 101 are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 9 to 11, said types of uses however being in each case suitable for changing the diaper of the baby or an infant on the vehicle seat 101.

[0074] It can thus be seen in FIGS. 9 to 11 that a side bolster 104 of a backrest 103 of the vehicle seat 101 lies in the first blunt corner 17 of the baby-changing mat 10, and the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14 are aligned so as to be parallel with a front seat edge 107 of a seat face 106 of the vehicle seat 101.

[0075] By contrast, in the use as per FIGS. 6 to 8 a central part 108 of the backrest 103 lies in the first blunt corner 17. In particular, the first corner edge 19 abuts said central part 108. On account thereof, the first and the second lateral delimitation 13, 14 are aligned diagonally in relation to a front seat edge 107 of the seat face 106 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0076] In both types of uses as per FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 9 to 11, the baby-changing mat 10 can be rigidified by filling the first air chamber 30 with air L and over the geodetically oblique support surface U be aligned so as to be geodetically straight by way of the straightening device 50. In use, the geodetic alignment of the baby-changing mat 10 over the geodetically oblique support surface U can be achieved by setting the quantity of air in the air cushion 51 below the baby-changing mat 10 and/or fixing the holding strap 60 above the baby-changing mat 10 and setting the length of the holding strap 60. The baby-changing mat 10 in part is additionally supported on side bolsters 104 of the seat face 106. The baby or the infant for changing the diaper can subsequently be placed onto the upper side 11.

[0077] The invention is not limited to any of the previously described embodiments but can be modified in many ways.

[0078] All features and advantages, including constructive details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, that are derived from the claims, the description, and the drawing, can be relevant to the invention both individually as well as in the most varied combinations.

TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1 Baby-changing device 10 Baby-changing mat 11 Upper side 12 Lower side 13 First lateral delimitation 14 Second lateral delimitation 15 Front end 16 Rear end 17 First blunt corner 18 Second blunt corner 19 First corner edge 20 Second corner edge 21 Hanger hole 22 Collar 30 First air chamber 31 First air valve 32 Unfolding means 50 Straightening device 51 Air cushion 52 Second air chamber 53 Second air valve 54 Cushion upper side 55 Cushion lower side 56 Cushion collar 60 Holding strap 61 Hooking means 101 Vehicle seat 102 Headrest 103 Backrest 104 Side bolster 106 Seat face 107 Front seat edge 108 Central part (backrest) A1 Spacing (between the lateral delimitations) A2 Spacing (between upper side and lower side) A3 Spacing (between the front end and the rear end) D1 Thickness (air cushion) D2 Length (air cushion) D3 Width (air cushion) L Air U Support surface