Abstract:
An organizational device for use with a group of children comprising a substantially-rectangular flexible mat having opposed first and second ends, a length, and a width. In a preferred embodiment, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas distributed along the length and a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets affixed to the first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas. In another aspect, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has at least one end anchoring device coupled to each of the first and second ends wherein the at least one end anchoring device is configured to removably couple to a fixed object. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an organizational device for use with a group of children.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/984,479 filed on Nov. 1, 2007, entitled “KIDZMAT,” commonly assigned with the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed, in general to an organization device and more specifically, to a placement device for organizing young children for orderly participation in sports, games, etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children&#39;s teams, e.g., T-ball, soccer, baseball, basketball usually involve a number of members of a team, all of whom do not play at the same time. Therefore, some team members may be unoccupied while not playing. It is well known that young children, and even some older ones, do not necessarily have an attention span that keeps them focused on the game. Often they will mill about talking to friends or doing something totally unrelated to the game in progress. When time comes for them to play, e.g., to bat in T-ball, the child may have wandered away from the team holding area and therefore not be readily available, thereby delaying the game. Of course, this problem is not limited to team sports, but is also evident whenever a number of children are in need of organization, such as: schools, churches, youth organizations, summer camps, etc. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a device that encourages each of the members of a children&#39;s team to sit at, or stand in front of, a specified place, as well as a place to store their personal items, thus organizing multiple children participating in any event. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an organizational device for use with a group of children comprising a substantially-rectangular flexible mat having opposed first and second ends, a length, and a width. In a preferred embodiment, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas distributed along the length and a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets affixed to the first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas. In another aspect, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has at least one end anchoring device coupled to each of the first and second ends wherein the at least one end anchoring device is configured to removably couple to a fixed object. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an organizational device for use with a group of children. 
     The foregoing has outlined preferred and alternative features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of an organizational device for use with a group of children constructed according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial isometric view of a second embodiment of an organizational device intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial isometric view of a third embodiment of an organizational device intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a partial isometric view of a fourth embodiment of an organizational device intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a partial isometric rear view of a fifth embodiment of an organizational device intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a partial isometric view of the organizational device of  FIG. 3  when used with a bench; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a partial isometric view of the organizational device of  FIG. 3  when used with a bench with optional tie downs; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a storage and transportation bag constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of this discussion, the invention will be discussed with reference to a sports team where needed. However, one who is of skill in the art will realize that the invention may be configured differently for other specific functions involving a group of children, such as: school, theater, Bible study, etc. Furthermore, the discussion will refer to several pluralities of elements of the invention. Some of these pluralities may be identical in number to other elements, but others may differ in number. One who is of skill in the art will understand the differences. Not all of any given plurality will be shown in the accompanying FIGUREs for the sake of space. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an isometric view of one embodiment of an organizational device  100  for use with a group of children constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The organizational device  100  comprises a substantially-rectangular, flexible mat  110 , a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n , a second plurality of visible dividers  130   a - 130   m , a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n , and end anchoring devices  151 ,  152 . The mat  110  is preferably of a flexible material such as: canvas, ground cloth, tent floor material, vinyl, or other durable, sheet-like material that can be readily rolled into a cylindrical shape. The flexible mat  110  has a length l and a width w with opposed first and second long edges  111 ,  112  and opposed first and second ends  113 ,  114 . In a preferred embodiment, the flexible mat  110  should be waterproof or, at least, water repellant. This provides at least minimal protection for the children from wet or damp ground where benches or chairs are not available. The plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n  is distributed along the length l of the flexible mat  110 . The plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n  is customizable for a number n that is normally at least equal to the number of players on a team of the type of sport being played. Of course, a single organizational device  100  does not have to provide for all members of a team. That is, more than one organizational device  100  may be used in order to provide a space for each active player, second string, and backup, etc. The second plurality of visible dividers  130   a - 130   m  is sufficient to provide equal areas  120   a - 120   n  for each of the players. The second plurality of visible dividers  130   a - 130   m  may be stitching, paint, printed lines, contrasting tape, or any other suitable differentiation of adjacent areas  120   a - 120   n  that will not prevent the flexible mat  110  from being rolled up, or even folded by the user if so desired. 
     In one embodiment, the substantially-rectangular, flexible mat  110  has a width w of about 26 inches and each of the substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n  measures about 20 inches along the length l of the flexible mat  110 . The substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n  may also be termed player locations  120   a - 120   n . In one embodiment the organizational device  100  may provide 15 player locations, for example, for a total length l of about 25 feet. The first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  120   a - 120   n  has a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n  affixed thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n  comprises a flexible, transparent medium, e.g., clear vinyl, or other similar material, that allows a card  160  having the child&#39;s name or number to be readily visible when placed therein. The plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n  may be affixed to the mat  110  material by any suitable means, e.g., stitching, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, etc. In one embodiment, the plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n  may be about 6.5 inches by 9.5 inches that is sufficient to readily accept an identifying card  160 , e.g., 5 inches by 8 inches, with the child&#39;s name or number printed thereon. Each of the plurality of identification pockets  140   a - 140   n  may have a fold over flap  145   a - 145   n  and snap  147   a - 147   n  for closing to prevent loss of the identifying card  160 . 
     In one embodiment, the end anchoring devices  151 ,  152  may be elongated end weights  151 ,  152  that may provide stiffness across the ends of the organizational device  100  and additionally are of sufficient weight to hold the organizational device  100  down against the force of at least a moderate wind, as well as to resist movement of the organizational device  100  by repeated motion of the children. Optionally, the end anchoring devices  151 ,  152  may be a plurality of loops  150   a - 150   d  attached to the corners  151   a - 151   d  of the organizational device  100 . These loops  150   a - 150   d  may comprise rope, heavy cord, canvas material, or the like, and be used with stakes  152   a - 152   d  to fasten the organizational device  100  temporarily to the earth. Additionally, the organizational device  100  may comprise loops  150   e  spaced apart along the long edges  111 ,  112  for use with stakes  152   e . This embodiment is preferred for use in areas without the availability of benches. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a partial isometric view of a second embodiment of an organizational device  200  intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches (not shown). The organizational device  200  comprises a substantially-rectangular mat  210 , a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  220   a - 220   n , a second plurality of visible dividers  230   a - 230   m , a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  240   a - 240   n , first and second end anchoring devices  251 ,  252  ( 252  not shown), and a front flap  260 . The substantially-rectangular mat  210 , first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  220   a - 220   n , second plurality of visible dividers  230   a - 230   m , and corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  240   a - 240   n  may be of the same materials and similar construction as specified above for the organizational device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The front flap  250  may be made contiguous with and of the same material as the first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  220   a - 220   n . In this embodiment, the front flap  250  is used to mount the corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  240   a - 240   n.    
     Each substantially-rectangular area  220   a - 220   n  has a corresponding identification pocket  240   a - 240   n . The first plurality of identification pockets  240   a - 240   n  are similar to those described above, but are smaller to accommodate the smaller seating areas  220   a - 220   n ; that is, the plurality of pockets  240   a - 240   n  may be only about 6 inches by 9 inches, yet sufficient to accept an identifying card with each child&#39;s name or number printed thereon. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a partial isometric view of a third embodiment of an organizational device  300  intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches (not shown). The organizational device  300  comprises a substantially-rectangular mat  310 , a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  320   a - 320   n , a second plurality of visible dividers  330   a - 330   m , a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  340   a - 340   n , first and second end anchoring devices  351 ,  352  ( 352  not shown), a front flap  360 , and a corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  370   a - 370   n . The substantially-rectangular mat  310 , first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  320   a - 320   n , second plurality of visible dividers  330   a - 330   m , and corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  340   a - 340   n  may be of the same materials and similar construction as specified above for the organizational device  100  of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  370   a - 370   n  is attached to the front flap  360  on the front face thereof. The mesh pouches  370   a - 370   n  may be used to hold a water bottle, or other small object(s) for the individual player. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is a partial isometric view of a fourth embodiment of an organizational device  400  intended for use with standard wooden or metal benches (not shown). The organizational device  400  comprises a substantially-rectangular mat  410 , a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  420   a - 420   n , a second plurality of visible dividers  430   a - 430   m , a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  440   a - 440   n , first and second end anchoring devices  451 ,  452  ( 452  not shown), a front flap  460 , and a corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n . The substantially-rectangular mat  410 , first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas  420   a - 420   n , second plurality of visible dividers  430   a - 430   m , corresponding first plurality of identification pockets  440   a - 440   n , and corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n  may be of the same materials and similar construction as specified above for the organizational device  300  of  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n  is attached to a rear edge of the substantially-rectangular mat  410 . Access to the corresponding first plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n  is through a corresponding first plurality of apertures  480   a - 480   n  through the substantially-rectangular mat  410 . The plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n  may have an opening of about 4 inches diameter and a depth of about 6 inches for holding the child&#39;s water bottle of other small equipment item. The first plurality of mesh pouches  470   a - 470   n  may be of an open weave of about ½ inch square so as to hold the water bottle, but eliminate the collection of debris. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a partial isometric rear view of a fifth embodiment of the organizational device when used with a bench  501 . In this view, the organizational device  500  rests upon an optional foam pad  510  which rests, in turn, on a seat  502  of the bench  501 . Standard athletic benches, i.e., baseball, T-ball, softball, football, etc., commonly measure about 7 inches wide by about 7.5 feet long. Because the organizational device  500  is intended for use with these standard athletic benches, the individual seating areas and the overall mat width and length must be adjusted. The seating areas  520   a - 520   n  are about 8 inches deep to cover the seat  502  of the bench  501 , with a frontal flap  560  of about 4 inches height hanging from the front of the bench  501 . Only the 8 inch deep seating area  520   a - 520   n  has the optional foam pad  510  to assist in holding the organizational device  500  in place on the bench  501 . The foam pad  510  may be permanently affixed to the organizational device  500  or may be temporarily affixed with hook and loop fasteners (not shown), or other means as will be understood by one who is of skill in the art. The preferred embodiment will be with a separate foam pad  510 , as this will more readily enable rolling the organizational device  500  for storage. Additionally, corner loops of elastic  551  may be used to slip under corners of the bench seat  502 . Alternatively, a single elastic loop or drawstring ties may be used to attach the organizational device  500  to the bench  501 . The frontal flap  560  and seating areas  520   a - 520   n  may be formed from a continuous piece of the material as cited above. The plurality of areas  520   a - 520   n  is customizable for the length of the bench  501 , with the most practical proportion being 18 inches measured along the bench  501  which yields five areas for each 7.5° bench. The plurality of mesh pouches  570   a - 570   n  may be individually larger in this embodiment, i.e., extending the width of each seating area  520   a - 520   n , thus enabling the stowage of more than a single small item, e.g., water bottle, fielder&#39;s glove, etc. This embodiment is preferred for use in areas with benches. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a partial isometric frontal view of the organizational device  500  of  FIG. 5A  when used with a bench  501 . One who is of skill in the art will understand the implementation of this embodiment in view of the foregoing. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a partial isometric frontal view of the organizational device  500  when used with a bench  501  with optional tie downs. When the organizational device  500  is used on a bench  501 , a plurality of bungee cords  561  may be interposed the loops  551  and stakes  552  driven into earth. Alternatively, removable clips (not shown) each equipped with an eyelet may be provided for use when the organizational device  500  is longer than the bench available. The removable clips may be attached anywhere along the length l of the organizational device  500  to accommodate the shorter bench. The excess length of the organizational device  500  may be folded under the useable portion of the organizational device  500  or may be rolled up and secured by tying to the bench. 
     In practice, the coach or other team organizer will determine the seating order for the children in the activity or sport. That seating order will be reflected by inserting appropriate identification cards marked with the particular child&#39;s name or number in the identification pockets of the organizational device  100 - 500  in the order desired. The children would then be instructed to sit or stand, as appropriate, on or near their identification cards when they are not actively engaged in the activity. Thus, the children will be readily available when their turn to play or perform comes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is an isometric view of a storage and transportation bag  600  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The organizational devices  100 - 500  may come with the storage and transportation bag  600  that accepts the organizational device  100 - 500  when rolled up. The storage and transportation bag  600  has a drawstring  610  closure and a shoulder sling  620  for convenient carry. The transportation bag  600  may be made from any suitable material, especially the same material as the organizational device. A similar transportation bag (not shown) may also be provided for the foam pad  510 . The organizational device  100 - 500  may be stenciled or printed with any of a variety of symbols related to the team or the sport/activity for which it is used, e.g., baseballs, bats, soccer balls, basketballs, etc. Additionally, the organizational devices  100 - 500  may be produced in team colors and with team logos or specific customized features or ornamentation. Alternatively, the organizational device  100 - 500  may be secured with ties when rolled up as is well known in the art. 
     For the purposes of this discussion, use of the terms “providing” and “forming” includes: manufacture, subcontracting, purchase, etc. 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. Furthermore, sizes as stated above are not limiting and may be adjusted for specific installations.