Abstract:
A portable baby mat apparatus is disclosed where the apparatus has both cushioning features to lay an infant upon, as well as, safety features to keep the infant from rolling off of the mat. Embodiments include mats with collapsible sidewalls as well as embodiments that are assembled to be self supporting. Embodiments further include features to store and transport the mat apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,334, filed on Jun. 17, 2016, currently pending, and is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED-RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention relates generally to the field of baby products, and more particularly, to an apparatus for securely placing an infant while exercising. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Parents enjoy spending time with their infant children. Recent trends towards fitness, especially for new mothers, is on the rise. This has led to many new mothers taking their infant children with them to their exercise classes. For example, it is recently known for mothers to take their infant children with them to a yoga class. The issue is where to put the infant while the mother exercises. Most exercise studios do not have the space for one or more play pens, or other contained areas. Furthermore, babies are typically better behaved when they are in visual contact with the mother. Psychologically, it has been shown that mothers and babies form a closer bond if the mother and baby can interact while the mother is exercising. 
         [0005]    Prior attempts in the art to address this problem have been through the use of a smaller “yoga mat,” for the infant. This is typically just a smaller sized version of a rollable mat used by the adults in the class. While providing for a soft surface for the infant to lie on next to the mother, it does not prevent or discourage the infant from rolling off the mat and onto the gym floor. This problem becomes more acute in cases where, for example, yoga classes are offered on raised platforms in parks. Play pens, or other infant enclosures, are not practical or desirable in many exercise locations. 
         [0006]    It would be desirable, then, to have a baby mat that is capable of preventing an infant from rolling off of the mat, while still being portable and easy to carry. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a portable baby mat apparatus, that provides a soft surface to lie on while also providing a structural deterrent to the infant rolling off of the mat. 
         [0007]    While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein. 
         [0008]    In this specification where a document, act, or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act, or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provision; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable baby mat apparatus comprising a pliable mat surface, collapsible side walls, and a one or more transport and storage means. 
         [0010]    The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an embodiment of the invention showing a portable baby mat in the open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an isometric side view of portable baby mat, in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a portable baby mat, in a first half-folded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a portable baby mat, in a second half-folded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a long side view of a portable baby mat, in a rolled position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an end side view of a portable baby mat, in a rolled position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a long side view of a portable baby mat, in a rolled and strapped position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an embodiment of the invention showing a portable baby mat in the open position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric top view of an embodiment of the invention showing a portable baby mat in the open position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention showing a portable baby mat in the open position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention showing a portable baby mat in the open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a portable baby mat, in a half-folded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a portable baby mat, in a rolled and strapped position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is another top view of a portable baby mat, in a rolled and strapped position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of a flat pattern for manufacturing a portable baby mat, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In the Summary above, in the Description below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
         [0028]    The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, structures, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components or structures. 
         [0029]    The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40% means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upper limit is 100 mm. 
         [0030]    Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that some of the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. 
         [0031]    While the specification will conclude with claims defining the features of embodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. 
         [0032]    Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. 
         [0033]    Referring to the figures in general, and to  FIG. 1  in particular, we describe an embodiment of the portable baby mat apparatus  100 . The portable baby mat apparatus  100  is comprised of a mat portion  110 , a first end wall  120 , a second end wall  130 , a first side wall  140 , a second side wall  150 , and a means for storing and transporting  160  the apparatus. 
         [0034]    Mat Portion  110   
         [0035]    The mat portion  110  is a pliable surface for the infant to lie directly on. It has a top surface  111 , a bottom surface  112 , a thickness  113  between the top and bottom surfaces, and an outer edge  114  defined by the thickness. The mat portion  110  additionally has a first end  115 , a second end  116 , a first side  117 , and a second side  118 . 
         [0036]    The mat portion  110  may be made out of a homogeneous material, such as high density foam, or it may be a composite, such as fabric and compressible fill. The mat portion  110  is to be configured of a size and thickness to provide a cushioned surface for an infant to lie on, while still retaining the ability to be rolled up for storage and transport. 
         [0037]    First End Wall  120   
         [0038]    The first end wall  120  is flexibly attached to the mat portion  110  along the mat portion first end  115 . This attachment is configured to allow the first end wall to lie in a substantially coplanar manner with respect to the mat portion (as is shown in FIG. 3 ), or stand substantially perpendicular with respect to the mat portion (as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or some angle in between. 
         [0039]    The first end wall  120  may be made from the same homogeneous or composite material as the mat portion, or, in the alternative, a different material may be chosen. 
         [0040]    Second End Wall  130   
         [0041]    The second end wall  130  is functionally and structurally similar to the first end wall  120 , with the exception that it is flexibly attached to the mat portion  110  along the mat portion second end  116 . 
         [0042]    First Side Wall  140   
         [0043]    The first side wall  140  is flexibly attached to the first end wall at one end (near  115 ), and to the second end wall at the other, distal end (near  116 ). The first end wall  140  is also made from the same homogeneous or composite material as the mat portion, or, in the alternative, a different material may be chosen. The first side wall  140  includes at least one pliable feature  141 , (in the case of one, at approximately the midpoint of the length of the first side wall). 
         [0044]    The first side wall  140  further incorporates releasable attachment features  145  so that, when the apparatus  100  is in the fully deployed configuration (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and the first side wall  140  edge is coincident with the mat portion first side  117 , the attachment features may engage and attach the first side wall to the first side. By way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention may incorporate mating magnets embedded in both the first side wall and the mat portion first side. This way, when the apparatus is deployed (unrolled) into a flat position, the separation of the first end and the second end, stretch, or extend, the first side wall, and the mating magnets attach to each other, thereby attaching the first side wall to the mat portion along the mat portion first side. The attachment force of the magnets, for example, is to be configured so that the wall will stay in place even when an infant rolls up to it, but releasable by a parent separating the attachment for storage. Other attachment means are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, clips, and other releasable attachment methods as may be known in the art. 
         [0045]    Second Side Wall  150   
         [0046]    The second side wall  150  is functionally and structurally similar to the first side wall  140 , with the exception that it is attached to the apparatus  100  along the mat portion second side  118 . 
         [0047]    Means for Storing and Transporting  160   
         [0048]    The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1-7 , shows a means for storing and transporting  160  the apparatus  100  comprising an elastic strap and loop system fixedly attached to the mat portion at the first end  115 . 
         [0049]    Additional means for storing and transporting the apparatus may include straps that wrap around the rolled up mat and connect, or close, with a fastener. 
         [0050]    Method of Deploying  200   
         [0051]    Referring to the figures in general, and to  FIG. 3-7  in particular, the method of deploying  200  the apparatus  100  comprises the steps of: 
         [0052]    Providing  210  a rolled-up apparatus  100  ( FIG. 7 ); 
         [0053]    Removing  220  the straps ( FIGS. 6 and 5 ); 
         [0054]    Unrolling  230  the half-roll ( FIG. 4 ); 
         [0055]    Unfolding  240  the two side walls ( FIG. 3 ); 
         [0056]    Unfolding  250  the half-folded mat ( FIG. 1 ); 
         [0057]    Attaching  260  the first side wall; 
         [0058]    Attaching  270  the second side wall; 
         [0059]    Placing  280  the apparatus  100  on a stable surface; and 
         [0060]    Placing  290  an infant in the apparatus  100 . 
         [0061]    Method of Stowing  300   
         [0062]    Referring to the figures in general, and to  FIG. 1-7  in particular, the method of stowing  300  the apparatus  100  comprises the steps of: 
         [0063]    Detaching  310  the first side wall; 
         [0064]    Detaching  320  the second side wall; 
         [0065]    Folding  330  the apparatus in half, by bringing the first end together with the second end ( FIG. 3 ); 
         [0066]    Folding  340  the now folded side walls in onto the end walls ( FIG. 4 ); 
         [0067]    Rolling  350  the end walls, side walls, and mat portion onto itself ( FIG. 5 ); and 
         [0068]    Binding  360  the rolled mat with the straps ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0069]    Additional Embodiments 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-15 , we discuss a further embodiment of a portable baby mat as is shown in apparatus  200 . The apparatus  200  comprises an inner pad  210 , an outer pad  220 , and a means for storing and transporting  260 . 
         [0071]    The inner pad  210  has a proximal first side  211 , a distal second side  212 , a proximal first edge  213 , and a distal second edge  214 . The inner pad  210  has an inner pad length  215  defined as the linear distance between the first edge  213  and the second edge  214  as measured along the first side  211  or second side  212 . 
         [0072]    The outer pad  220  has an outer surface  221 , a distal inner surface  222 , an outer first edge  223 , and an outer second edge  224 . The outer pad  220  has an outer pad length  225  defined as the linear distance between the outer first edge  223  and the outer second edge  224 . 
         [0073]    The inner pad length  215  is configured to be less than the outer pad length  225 . 
         [0074]    The inner pad  210  and the outer pad  220  are arranged so that the inner pad  210  second side  212  is facing the outer pad  220  inner surface  222 , the first edge  213  is coincident with the outer first edge  223 , and the second edge  214  is coincident with the outer second edge  224 . 
         [0075]    A means for storing and transporting  260 , similar to the means for storing and transporting  160  described in embodiments above, may comprise a one or more loop, or strap, and a handle the means for storing and transporting  260  is fixedly attached to the outer pad  220 . While embodiments of the apparatus contemplate attachment at any number of locations along, or integral to, the apparatus, a preferred embodiment discloses the means for storing and transporting  260  fixedly attached approximately at the middle of the outer pad  220 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 8-11  illustrate the apparatus  200  in an “open” state.  FIG. 12  illustrates the apparatus  200  in a “half-closed” state.  FIGS. 13-14  illustrates the apparatus  200  in a “rolled-up” state. 
         [0077]    Either one or both of the inner pad  210  or the outer pad  220  are manufactured from a flexible material that is substantially flat in its unconstrained state, but is capable of being folded, rolled, and otherwise deformed, while still providing a padded surface for an infant to be placed on. 
         [0078]    Embodiments of the apparatus may be manufactured out of a “flat-pattern” with a shape substantially similar to the pattern  300  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0079]    Yet other embodiments of the apparatus may also include one or more structure lines. These structure lines are illustrated in  FIGS. 8-14  and are identified as exemplary items 1, 2, 3, and 4. These structure lines are configured to modify the shape of one or both of the outer pad or the inner pad. The size and location of these structure lines is chosen to create the desired physical properties of the apparatus. The structure lines may be fabricated as seams, stitches, folds, creases or other methods as may be known in the art. 
         [0080]    By way of example, and not limitation, the embodiment of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 8-14 , illustrate the structures and components of the apparatus configured such that, when the weight of an infant  1000  is placed on the inner pad  210 , the first edge  213  and second edge  214  pull up on the corresponding structures of the outer pad  220 , thereby forming a cup, or shell, around the infant  1000  that act as a physical deterrent to rolling off of the mat. 
         [0081]    Further embodiments of the apparatus may also include a removable cover or other anti-microbial barrier. Additionally, embodiments of the apparatus may be manufactured from one or more materials with inherent anti-microbial properties. 
         [0082]    Still further embodiments may include the use of a draw string or other tensioning means in order to impart rigidity into the end walls and side walls. 
         [0083]    Other embodiments of the invention contemplate the inclusion of entertainment and stimulus features for the infant to interact with while on the mat. This may include, for example, spinners, rattles, mirrors, chew rings, or other infant-safe items. 
         [0084]    It is further contemplated that any one of the embodiments presented, or contemplated but not presented, may further comprise additional features configured to receive one or more built-in or removable pillow, attachable soft arches with hanging toys, or other items. 
         [0085]    In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in the claims.