Mat for changing diaper

An objective of the present invention is to provide a diaper change mat which has excellent workability and facilitates changing diapers. A diaper change mat according to the present invention includes surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) configured to be fastened detachably to a diaper and a mat (11) on which the surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) are fixed. The surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) are preferably convex members of surface fasteners and the convex members are fastened to nonwoven fabric used for a disposable diaper. The convex members of the surface fasteners are sheets provided with many engaging members of convex shape such as hooked or mushroom shaped, or the like. The surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) can fix a diaper (2) in a spread state to the mat (11), and thus help facilitate changing diapers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a diaper change mat which is laid under a diaper wearer when changing diapers.

BACKGROUND ART

A diaper change mat is conventionally known as a tool which is laid under a baby or infant when changing diapers. When changing diapers for the baby or infant, one hand is devoted to holding the baby or infant, and thus, there is a problem that the changing work takes a long time due to the instability of the work done by a single hand Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-P 2005-21625A) discloses a diaper change tool for a baby or infant. The diaper change tool can solve the problem in changing diapers by having a structure in which a hard plate, to which a fixing belt for holding the baby or infant is attached, is fixed at one end to a hard plate body attached detachably to the center of a foldable cloth mat such that the hard plate can lean forward, and a structure in which side portions of the plate body are separable to widen the plate body.

Also, Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 8-154974) discloses a disposable diaper including: a liquid permeable top sheet; a liquid impermeable back sheet; an absorbing material between the sheets; and a fastening tape for fixing the diaper to a wearer, wherein no target tape, to which the fastening tape is fastened, is on a surface of the back sheet and the fastening tape is fastened to the surface of the back sheet. The disposable diaper is not subjected to a restriction of the fastening tape being fastened to the target tape, so that the size of the diaper can be freely adjusted.

Further more, Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 10-57413) discloses a disposable diaper of an unfolded type employing nonwoven fabric for a surface of a back sheet, and including a fastening portion which can be fastened detachably to the back sheet. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei, 10-57413) describes that a convex member of publicly known (commercially available) surface fasteners can be used as the fastening portion without particular limitation. The convex member is a sheet provided with many engaging members of convex shape such as hooked or mushroom shaped, or the like.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a diaper change mat which has excellent workability and facilitates changing diapers.

A diaper change mat according to the present invention includes surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′) which are configured to be fastened to detachably to a diaper; and a mat (11) on which the surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′) are fixed.

On the diaper change mat according to the present invention, the surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′) are preferably convex members of surface fasteners. The convex members are fastened detachably to nonwoven fabric used for a disposable diaper.

The diaper change mat according to the present invention may include a protecting cover (41) attached to a mat (11). The protecting cover (41) includes a fastening surface formed of nonwoven fabric which is fastened detachably to the surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′). The protecting cover (41) can cover the surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′).

On the diaper change mat according to the present invention, preferably, the surface fasteners (101to105and101′ to105′) are respectively provided in a plurality of positions on one of two principal surfaces of the mat (11).

On the diaper change mat according to the present invention, the mat (11) may have a substantially rectangular shape. Two of the plurality of positions (e.g., positions where the surface fasteners (105and105′) are provided) are preferably symmetrically arranged with respect to a center line of the mat (11), the center line is parallel to long sides (11xand11z) of the mat (11).

The diaper change mat according to the present invention preferably includes a carrying bag (51) configured to accommodate the mat (11). In this case, the mat (11) is configured to be folded and is coupled to inside of the carrying bag (51).

The diaper change mat according to the present invention preferably includes an extension mat (21) attached to the mat (11). The extension mat (21) is configured to move relative to the mat (11).

The diaper change mat according to the present invention preferably includes kneepads (81,91) attached to the mat (11). In this case, the mat (11) has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side (11y) and a long side. The kneepads (81,91) are respectively attached to two corners. The two corners are two of four corners of the mat (11), and placed at both ends of the short side (11y). The kneepads (81,91) are preferably configured to move relative to the mat (11).

The diaper change mat according to the present invention preferably includes a pocket (35to38,61,71) attached to the mat (11).

In the diaper change mat according to the present invention, the mat (11) preferably includes a slip stopper (110) for preventing the mat (11) from slipping on a floor.

Alternatively, a diaper change mat according to the present invention includes a main body of the mat, (10) configured to be folded and a carrying bag (51) configured to accommodate the main body of the mat, (10). In this case, the main body of the mat, (10) is preferably coupled to inside of the carrying bag (51).

Still alternatively, a diaper change mat according to the present invention includes a main mat (11) and an extension mat (21) attached to the main mat (11). In this case, the extension mat (21) is preferably configured to move relative to the main mat (11).

In the diaper change mat according to the present invention, the main mat (11) preferably has a substantially rectangular shape with short sides and long sides (11x,11z). Also, the extension mat (21) is preferably configured to move in a direction parallel to the long sides (11x,11z) with respect to the main mat (11).

Yet alternatively, a diaper change mat according to the present invention includes a main mat (11) and kneepads (81,91) attached to the main mat (11). The main mat (11) has a substantially rectangular shape with a short side (11y) and a long side. The kneepads (81,91) are respectively attached to two corners. The two corners are two of four corners of the main mat (11), and placed at both ends of the short side (11y). Also, the kneepads (81,91) are preferably configured to move relative to the main mat (11).

The diaper change mat according to the present invention preferably includes fixing portions (94to96) for detachably fixing a kneepad (81,91) to the main mat (11). The fixing portions (94to96) fix the kneepad (81,91) to a first position (95) and to a second position (96) other than the first position (95) of the main mat (11).

Further alternatively, a diaper change mat according to the present invention includes a main mat (11) and a pocket (35to38,61,71) attached to the main mat (11).

On the diaper change mat according to the present invention, the pocket (37,38) preferably includes a first portion (31,33) and a second portion (32,34). Each of the first portion (31,33) and the second portion (32,34) is a sheet-like member. In each of the first portion (31,33) and the second portion (32,34), three sides (33a,33b, and33c, or34b,34c, and34d) of the sheet-like member are fixed on a front surface of the main mat (11), and a remaining one side forms an opening portion (33c,34a) without being fixed on the main mat (11). Also, the first portion (31,33) and the second portion (32,34) are adjacently arranged with their opening portions (33cand34a) oriented toward each other. The front surface of the main mat (11) is one of two principal surfaces of the main mat (11).

Still further alternatively, a diaper change mat according to the present invention includes a main mat (11) and a slip stopper (110) provided on a back surface of the main mat (11). The slip stopper (110) prevents the main mat (11) from slipping on a floor.

According to the present inventions a diaper change mat is provided which has excellent workability and helps facilitate changing diapers.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the attached drawings, embodiments of a diaper change mat of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1shows a diaper change mat according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use. The diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main body of the diaper change mat,10and a carrying bag51to accommodate the main body of the diaper change mat,10. The main body of the diaper change mat,10includes a main mat11, an extension mat21, kneepads81and91, and a protecting cover41. The main mat11has a substantially rectangular shape, and has three portions, i.e., an upper portion of the main mat,11a, a central portion of the main mat,11b, and a lower portion of the main mat,11c, into which the main mat11is equally separated along its long sides. The upper portion of the main mat,11a, the central portion of the main mat,11b, and the lower portion of the main mat,11care arranged in this order. The extension mat21has almost the same shape as the upper portion of the main mat,11a, and overlaps on the upper portion of the main mat,11ain an unextended state. The extension mat21is attached to the upper portion of the main mat,11asuch that the extension mat21moves in the direction parallel to the long sides of the main mat11.FIG. 1shows a state of the extension mat21being fully drawn to extend the mat.

The main mat11and the extension mat21have a cushioning property and their surfaces are formed of material, which is good in terms of touch and has water-absorbing property, such as cotton pile fabric. Also, the main body of the mat,10is foldable.

In the present description, each of the main mat11, extension mat21, and kneepads81and91has two principal surfaces. One of the two principal surfaces faces upward upon use of the diaper change mat (seeFIG. 1) and is referred to as the front surface, and the other surface faces downward is referred to as the back surface.

Spare diaper bags61and71are attached to the upper portion of the main mat,11a. Each of the spare diaper bags can be in either a spread state shown inFIG. 1or a folded state. The folded state will be described below.

The carrying bag51and a belt44are attached to a portion of a second peripheral edge11xforming one of long sides of the main mat11, and the portion belongs to the central portion of the main mat,11b. The main mat11is coupled to the inside of the carrying bag51by sewing. The belt44has a button hole at its tip. The belt44engages with a button45which is described later. A protecting cover attaching loop43is provided at a portion of a fourth peripheral edge11zforming the other of the long sides of the main mat, and the portion belongs to the central portion of the main mat,11b. A position at which the protecting cover attaching loop43is provided and that at which the belt44is attached are symmetrical with respect to a center line parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. The protecting cover41is attached to the protecting cover attaching loop43via a connection42. The connection42is a string or tape member, and extends through the protecting cover attaching loop43and a slit hole41aof the protecting cover41.

The front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11cis provided with pockets35to38. Also, the kneepads81and91are respectively attached to two corners of the lower portion of the main mat,11c. The two corners are placed at both ends of a third peripheral edge11ythat is one of the short sides of the main mat11. The kneepads81and91can move relative to the lower portion of the main mat,11c. Also, the kneepads81and91have a cushioning property.

InFIG. 1, a baby or infant1lies face up on the main mat11. A head and a hip of the baby or infant1are placed on the upper portion of the main mat,11aand the central portion of the main mat,11b, respectively. Between the hip of the baby or infant1and the central portion of the main mat,11b, a diaper2is laid in a spread manner. When the diaper change mat is laid on a floor, a diaper changer, such as a mother, changes diapers for the baby or infant1in a posture in which both of the knees are respectively placed on the kneepads81and91.

FIG. 2shows a front view of the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 2, the extension mat21overlaps on the upper portion of the main mat,11a. The spare diaper bag71is in the folded state of being folded behind the upper portion of the main mat,11a.

The front surface of the central portion of the main mat,11bis provided with surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′. The surface fasteners101,102,101′, and102′ are placed nearer to the upper portion of the main mat,11athan the surface fasteners104,105,104′, and105′, and the surface fasteners103and103′ are placed nearer to the lower portion of the main mat,11cthan the surface fasteners104,105,104′, and105′. Positions of the surface fasteners101,102,101′, and102′ are determined to fix the back body2aof the diaper2; positions of surface fasteners104,105,104′, and105′ are determined to fix gather portions provided on both sides of a crotch portion2bof the diaper2with the gather portions being stretched; and positions of surface fasteners103and103′ are determined to fix a front body2cof the diaper2. The surface fasteners101to105and surface fasteners101′ to105′, which are respectively corresponding to the surface fasteners101to105in reference numerals, are symmetrically placed, respectively, with respect to the center line parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. Because the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ are symmetrical in their positions with respect to the center line of the main mat11as described, the diaper2can be fixed on the main mat11in a spread manner in the right and left direction.

As the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′, convex members of publicly known (commercially available) surface fasteners can be used. The convex member of the surface fastener is a sheet provided with many engaging members of convex shape such as a hooked or mushroom shaped. The surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ are fastened detachably to nonwoven fabric employed for a surface of a back sheet of a disposable diaper of unfolded type. Here, the surface of the back sheet corresponds to an outer surface of the diaper2, which faces to and contacts with the front surface of the main mat11as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ can fix the diaper2on the main mat11with the diaper2being longitudinally and laterally spread, and facilitating changing diapers.

As shown inFIG. 2, the surface fasteners101,103,105,101′,103′, and105′ occupy a certain area extending in the direction parallel to the short sides of the main mat11. Moreover, the surface fasteners101(101′) and102(102′) for fixing the back body2aof the diaper2are provided in different positions along the direction parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. Similarly, the surface fasteners104(104′) and105(105′) for fixing the gather portions of the diaper2are provided in different positions along the direction parallel to the long side of the main mat11. Therefore, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention can fix diapers of various sizes on the main mat11.

The protecting cover41has a substantially rectangular sheet shape, and its size is slightly smaller than that of the front surface of the central portion of the main mat,11b. Accordingly, the protecting cover41can be placed on the front surface of the central portion of the main mat,11bto cover all of the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ without protruding from the central portion of the main mat,11b. One surface (fastening surface) of the protecting cover41is formed of nonwoven fabric which can be fastened to the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′. The fastening surface of the protecting cover41is detachably fastened to the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′. When the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention is not in use, the protecting cover41is being kept fastened to the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′. The protecting cover41protects the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ from the adhesion of dirt and dust. Thus, the performance of the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ to fix the diaper2is prevented from reducing. Also, instructions to use the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention may be described on a surface opposite to the fastening surface of the protecting cover41.

FIG. 3shows the back view of the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 2. The spare diaper bags61and71are bags of substantially rectangular shapes formed of mesh fabric. The spare diaper bag71is fixed at its side portion71bto a portion of the second peripheral edge11xwith its bottom portion71coriented toward the lower portion of the main mat,11cand its opening71aoriented in the opposite direction, and the portion belongs to the upper portion of the main mat,11a. Of the side portions of the spare diaper bag71, a side portion71dis not fixed to the second peripheral edge11xand is a free end. The spare diaper bag61is attached to the upper portion of the main mat,11ain the same manner as the spare diaper bag71. The back surface of the upper portion of the main mat,11ais provided with surface fasteners63and73for respectively fixing the spare diaper bags61and71in their folded state, and the spare diaper bags61and71are respectively provided with surface fasteners62and72for engaging with surface fasteners63and73. The surface fasteners62and63engage with each other detachably and the surface fasteners72and73engage with each other detachably. InFIG. 3, the spare diaper bag61is in a folded state, whereas the spare diaper bag71is in a non-folded state.

Each of the spare diaper bags61and71can accommodate three diapers, i.e., in total, both can accommodate six diapers. When the spare diaper bags61and71accommodate diapers, and are folded behind the upper portion of the main mat,11a, they and the upper portion of the main mat,11aserve as a pillow or cushion. When the spare diaper bags61and71are spread in a right and left outward direction as shown inFIG. 1, the main mat11is flattened, and the diapers can be easily taken out of the spare diaper bags61and71.

On the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention, slip stoppers110are respectively provided at the center and four corners of the back surface of the main mat11. The slip stoppers110are formed by fixing thin and soft rubber sheets onto the back surface of the main mat11. Because the main mat11is prevented from slipping on the floor, the main mat11is kept spread even if the baby or infant1actively squirms when changing diapers.

On the back surface of the main mat11, the button45is attached to a portion of the fourth peripheral edge11z, at which the protecting cover attaching loop43is attached.

An attachment state between the main mat11and the extension mat21of the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 4. InFIG. 4, the main mat11and the extension mat21are viewed from the side of the front surface, and the spare diaper bags61and71are omitted. On the front surface of the upper portion of the main mat,11a, tape members25and26are attached to a first peripheral edge11wforming the short side of the main mat11such that the tape members25and26are along the first peripheral edge11w. The tape members25and26are respectively fixed at their both ends to the upper portion of the main mat,11a, and there is space between the portion other than both ends of each of the tape members25and26and the upper portion of the main mat,11a. Tape members23and24extend respectively through the spaces. Both ends of each of the tape members23and24are respectively fixed to an upper peripheral edge21aand a lower peripheral edge21bof the extension mat on the back surface of the extension mat21. Because the tape members23and24extend in the direction parallel to the long sides of the main mat11, the extension mat21can move in a direction parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. In order to fix the extension mat21to the upper portion of the main mat,11ain an unextended state, surface fasteners29and30are provided on the front surface of the upper portion of the main mat,11a, and also surface fasteners27and28for respectively engaging detachably with the surface fasteners29and30are provided on the back surface of the extension mat21.

On the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention, the length of the mat is adjusted easily by drawing the extension mat21. Accordingly, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used for a plurality of babies or infants of different body sizes. This is advantageous when one goes out with a plurality of babies or infants. Also, by extending the length of the mat in accordance with the growth of a baby or infant, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used for a long period of time.

Moreover, the extension mat21is provided with a toy attaching loop22on the upper peripheral edge21a. A favorite toy (not shown) of the baby or infant1can be freely attached to the toy attaching loop22. Changing diapers is facilitated by attracting and amusing the baby or infant1with the toy.

FIG. 5is an enlarged view showingFIG. 2inside a box. The pocket38includes a pocket upper portion33and a pocket lower portion34. The pocket upper portion33is a sheet-like member having a substantially rectangular shape; its three sides, i.e., its side portions33band33dand bottom portion33a, are fixed closely on the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c; and the remaining one side forms an opening portion33cwithout being fixed on the lower portion of the main mat,11c. The pocket lower portion34is a sheet-like member having the same shape as the pocket upper portion33; its three sides, i.e., its side portions34band34dand bottom portion33c, are fixed closely on the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c; and the remaining one side forms an opening portion34awithout being fixed on the lower portion of the main mat,11c. The pocket upper and lower portions33and34are adjacently arranged with the opening portions33cand34aoriented toward each other. The pocket37includes a pocket upper portion31and a pocket lower portion32, and has the same structure as pocket38. The pockets37and38are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. The pockets37and38can accommodate baby wipes and garbage bags for used diapers. Structures of the pockets37and38enable the baby wipes and the garbage bags to be taken out one by one with one hand. The diaper changer can prepare the baby wipes in the pocket37or38on the side of the main hand of the diaper changer.

The pockets35and36will be described. The pocket36has a substantially rectangular shape; its three sides, i.e., its side portions36band36dand bottom portion36c, are fixed closely on the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c; and the remaining one side forms an opening portion36awithout being fixed on the lower portion of the main mat,11c. The pocket35has the same shape as pocket36; its three sides are fixed on the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c; and the remaining one side forms an opening portion without being fixed on the lower portion of the main mat,11c. The pockets35and36are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line parallel to the long sides of the main mat11. The pockets35and36can accommodate tools for cleaning ears as well as small articles relevant to changing diapers, such as baby powder, diaper rash ointment, and cotton swabs.

A state of attachment between each of the kneepads81and91and the lower portion of the main mat,11cis described. A tape member93is fixed on the front surface of one of two corners of the main mat11placed at both ends of the third peripheral edge11y. The tape member93is fixed at its one end to the fourth peripheral edge11z, and at the other end to the third peripheral edge11y, and there is a space between the middle portion of the tape member93and the lower portion of the main mat,11c. A tape member92extends through the space between the middle portion of the tape member93and the lower portion of the main mat,11c, and its both ends are fixed on the back surface of the kneepad91. Surface fasteners95and96are provided at different positions on the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c, and a surface fastener94capable of detachably engaging with the surface fastener95or96is provided on the back surface of the kneepad91. InFIG. 5, the surface fasteners94and95engage with each other. The kneepad81is attached on the front surface of the other one of the two corners of the main mat11placed at both ends of the third peripheral edge11y, in the same manner as the kneepad91.

As is clear from the structures above described, the kneepads81and91can move relative to the lower portion of the main mat,11c. More specifically, each of the kneepads81and91is capable of translation along the front surface of the main mat11and rotation around an axis perpendicular to the front surface of the main mat11. Further more, with the surface fasteners, the kneepads81and91can be fastened to various positions (95or96) of the lower portion of the main mat,11cto be detachably fixed. Accordingly, the positions of the kneepads81and91can be adjusted in accordance with the body size of the diaper changer. When the diaper change mat is not in use, the kneepads81and91can be withdrawn so as not to protrude from the main mat11.

Because the kneepads81and91have a cushioning property, pain in the knees of the diaper changer is relieved upon changing diapers. Accordingly, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention is suitable for outdoor use or use on a hard floor. Also, the diaper changer can place his or her knees on the kneepads81and91to thereby fix the main mat11on the ground, floor, or the like, with the use of his or her weight.

On the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the mat,10can be folded and packed in the carrying bag51. This procedure will be described below.

The diaper2is first removed from the diaper change mat shown inFIG. 2. Next, the protecting cover41is fastened on the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′. Then, the spare diaper bags61and71are folded behind the upper portion of the main mat,11a, and also the kneepads81and91are withdrawn so as not to protrude from the main mat11. Subsequently, the lower portion of the main mat,11cis folded such that the front surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11cfaces to the front surface of the central portion of the main mat,11b. After that, the upper portion of the main mat,11ais folded such that the front surface of the upper portion of the main mat,11afaces to the back surface of the lower portion of the main mat,11c.FIG. 6shows the diaper change mat having been folded so far.

Further more, the portion to which the belt44is attached and that to which the protecting cover attaching loop43is attached are overlapped with each other such that the back surface of the upper portion of the main mat,11afaces inside, and then the button45is fastened into the button hole of the belt44.FIG. 7shows the diaper change mat with the button being fastened.

Finally, the main body of the mat,10is packed in the carrying bag51,FIG. 8shows the diaper change mat with the main body of the mat,10being packed in the carrying bag51. The opening52of the carrying bag51can be freely opened and closed with a slide fastener). Also, there are two sliders54for opening or closing the opening52, and thus, the main body of the mat,10can be easily packed or taken out. Further more, the carrying bag51is attached with handles53. Accordingly, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention may be carried in a hand in a state shown inFIG. 8, or when it is carried in another bag, it can be easily taken out of the other bag because of the handles53.

On the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention, while the baby or infant is held with one hand, the main body of the mat,10can be taken out of the carrying bag51and unfolded with the other hand, or, folded and packed in the carrying bag51with the other hand.

The diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention is washable. Also, if the surfaces of the main mat11, the extension mat21, the pockets35to38, and the like are waterproofed, dirt can immediately be wiped away from there. Consequently, the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention can be always used in a clean condition.

When the diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, a person who has little experience with changing diapers, such as a father who has just had his first child, can easily change diapers, since the surface fasteners101to105and101′ to105′ provide marks indicating a place where a diaper should be put on and fixed to in a spread manner. The father can acquire confidence in child care through a success in changing diapers at the start of his role as a child career. As a result, the father spends longer time with his child.

The diaper change mat according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used not only in changing diapers for a baby or infant but also in changing diapers for an adult such as the sick or elderly.