TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to mats.

The invention has particular but not exclusive application to a baby's play mat and particular reference will be made hereinafter to such application. However the invention is applicable to other types of mats such as, for example, a groundsheet or a beach mat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baby's play mats are well known. They are used by temporarily laying them on floor coverings to protect the child from possible dirt and/or germs during play. The mats also have the advantage that a baby becomes familiar and comfortable with the texture, feel, colours etc of its own mat. When taking the baby visiting, the parent or minder etc often takes the mat along together with the baby's favourite toys and napkins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a mat which will be a useful alternative to existing mats and which will be reliable and efficient in use.

The invention in one aspect resides broadly in a mat convertible to a container bag and/or a sleeping bag including:- a sheet of flexible material having upper and under sides; and releasable fastening means, whereby the sheet can be folded and fastened by the releasable fastening means to form the container bag and/or sleeping bag.

According to another aspect this invention resides broadly in a mat, wherein the placement of the releasable fasteners enables the mat to be formed into either a

container bag or a sleeping bag by the methods described herein.

The fasteners may be coded to distinguish the fasteners required to form the container bag from the fasteners required to form the sleeping bag, thus facilitating folding of the mat into the desired article. For example, the fasteners required to be connected together to form the container bag could be colour coded white, and the fasteners required to be connected together to form the sleeping bag could be colour coded yellow. Other forms of coding instead of different colours could be utilised, such as different shapes of the fasteners and/or different types of fasteners. If desired, some of the fasteners may be utilised in forming both the container bag and the sleeping bag.

Any suitable type of fastening means may be utilised and the fasteners may be positioned at any suitable position on the mat. The fastener means may take the form of, for example, plug and socket, tapes, press-studs, hooks, zipper or VELCRO brand fastenings. Preferably the fasteners are selected and positioned on the mat so as to reduce the likelihood of contact/chafing by the user. Thus, when utilising fasteners of the plug and socket type for example, it is preferable that the plugs be located on the under side of the mat. In one arrangement the majority of the fasteners are positioned adjacent the perimeter of the mat to reduce the likelihood of contact with the user.

The mat may be provided with conveniently located handle means which may be of any suitable form such as, for example, a hand or shoulder strap attached to the mat or a cut-out/recess in the mat adapted to be gripped by the hand. The handle means may be located on the upper and/or under sides of the mat. Preferably the handle means are located on the under side of the mat to facilitate stowage when not in use. Handle fastener means may be provided to conveniently stow the handles. For example, when utilised as a play mat or as a sleeping bag, the handles may be stowed and secured by releasable fasteners out of harms way

on the under side of the mat.

The mat may be provided with a suitably shaped and located pocket or pockets to carry a range of accessories. The pockets may be detachable and may be provided with closure means. In one arrangement the pockets may be located on the under side of the mat whereby, when the mat is formed into a container bag, the pockets are conveniently located on an outer surface of the container bag. An optional method of forming a sleeping bag is to partially or fully lay over the mat a further sheet of flexible material to form the sleeping bag. The further sheet may be formed of any suitable material. It could be the same material as the mat or a different material. Material such as a blanket or a quilted material such as DOONA brand material is suitable for both. The further sheet may be releasably attached to the mat by any suitable fastener means, for example the fastener means referred to above for converting the mat into a container or sleeping bag may be utilised. The further sheet of material may be stored in a pocket of the mat.

When formed, the container bag may include two side walls. The container bag may be provided with a suitably shaped bag, insert or liner to fit inside the container bag. The bag or liner may be provided with closure means such as a zipper and may be formed, for example of plastics material, and may be provided with suitable fastening means for releasable attachment to the mat. The mat may include releasable fastening means such as tabs which interconnect the two side walls to facilitate retention of the liner or articles within the container bag.

Thus, the mat could be used as a baby's play mat and could be converted to a container bag to carry toys or nappies when taking a baby visiting. The baby could play with its favourite toys on the mat and on completion of the play period the toys could be positioned on the mat, and the mat then converted to a container bag for carrying the toys. This avoids the need for the parent/minder to carry

a number of separate packages or loose articles. Similarly, if desired, the mat or bag could be converted to a sleeping bag for the baby.

The mat may be of any convenient shape and size and formed of any suitable material or combination of materials depending upon the intended use of the mat, container bag or sleeping bag. For example, when used as a beach mat the materials could be towelling provided with a washable plastics backing under surface. When used as a play mat the materials could include a washable under surface layer, a top cotton surface layer and a cushioned intermediate pad/layer.

According to another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method of folding a mat into a sleeping bag including:- bringing together adjacent the centre of the mat a pair of opposing edge portions of the mat; bringing an edge portion of the mat located substantially transverse to the pair of edge portions a desired distance towards the centre of the mat; and fastening the edge portion to the mat, (for example see FIGS 10 and 11) .

According to another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method of folding a mat into a container bag including:- bringing together adjacent the centre of the mat a first pair of opposing edge portions of the mat to overlie any articles on the mat; fastening the opposed edges together; bringing together adjacent the centre of the mat a second pair of opposing edge portions of the mat located substantially transverse to the first pair of opposing edge portions to overlie the articles and the first pair of edges; and fastening the second pair of opposed edges together (for example see FIGS 2 and 3) .

According to another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method of folding a mat into a container bag

including:- folding a first pair of opposing edge portions of the mat into an overlapping or abutting relationship; and bringing together a second pair of opposing edge portions of the mat located substantially transverse to the first pair of opposing edge portions (for example see FIG 8 or FIG 18).

According to another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method of folding a mat into a sleeping bag including:- bringing an edge portion of the mat a desired distance towards the centre of the mat; bringing together adjacent the centre of the mat a pair of opposing edge portions of the mat located substantially transverse to the edge portion; and fastening the two opposing edges together (for example see FIG 15).

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein:- FIG 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a baby's play mat of this invention;

FIGS 2 and 3 show plan views of the folding sequence of the baby's play mat of FIG 1;

FIG 4 shows a plan view of the play mat of FIC 1 when folded into the form of a bag;

FIG 5 shows the play mat of FIG 1 converted by one method to a sleeping bag;

FIG 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a baby's play mat of this invention; FIGS 7 and 8 show views of the folding sequence of the baby's play mat of FIG 6;

FIG 9 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a baby's play mat of this invention;

FIGS 10 and 11 show plan views of the folding sequence to form the mat of FIG 9 into a sleeping bag;

FIG 12 is a plan view of a sleeping bag attachment piece for use with a further embodiment of the invention; FIGS 13 to 15 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention relating to a baby's play mat convertible to a baby's sleeping bag; and

FIGS 16 to 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention relating to the mat of FIGS 13 to 15 being convertible to a nappy bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The baby's play mat 10 illustrated in FIG 1 is substantially octagonal shape in plan view and has a first pair of opposing side edges 12 and a second pair of opposing side edges 14 located transverse to the first pair of edges. The mat has an upper side surface 16 formed of cotton material supporting toys 17, an intermediate cushion layer and an under surface 18 formed of a washable waterproof material such as TASLON brand. Releasable fasteners in the form of snap fasteners/press-studs 20 are suitably positioned around the perimeter edges of the mat, and handle means in the form of straps 22 are attached to the under surface 18 of the mat adjacent the first pair of side edges 12. A pair of pockets 24 are attached to the mat beneath the straps 22. Both the straps and the pockets are hidden from view when in the mat mode.

To convert the mat to a container/bag on completion of the play period, the toys 17 are positioned centrally on the mat 10, the first pair of opposed side edges 12 are brought together adjacent the centre of the mat as shown in FIG 2 to overlie the toys and are fastened together by their respective press-studs 20. The second pair of opposed side edges 14 are then brought together adjacent the centre of the mat as shown in FIG 3 to overlie both the toys 17 and the first side edges 12. The edges 14 are then fastened together by their respective press-studs 20 to

form a space within the folded mat thus forming a bag for the toys. To carry the bag, the straps 22 are pulled out from their positions shown in dotted outline in FIG 3 and brought together to a position on top of the bag shown in FIG 4, ready for carrying.

As illustrated in FIG 5 the mat can be converted to a sleeping bag by attaching a layer of DOONA brand sheet material 26 to the mat upper surface 16 utilising fasteners 20. The sheet 26 can be carried within the bag or in a suitably sized and located pocket of the bag.

The baby's play mat 30 illustrated in FIG 6 has a first pair of opposing side edges 32 and a second pair of opposing side edges 34 located transverse to the first pair of edges. Straps 36 and pockets 38 are located adjacent side edges 34. To convert the mat of FIG 6 to a container/bag the toys are positioned centrally on the mat and the first pair of side edges 32 are folded into an overlapping arrangement as shown in FIG 7. The second pair of side edges 34 are then brought together as shown in FIG 8 and fastened by their respective fasteners ready for carrying by the straps 36.

Referring to FIGS 9 to 12, a baby's play mat 40 has a first pair of opposing side edges 42A and 42B, and a second pair of opposing side edges 44 located transverse to the first pair of edges. To convert the mat to a sleeping bag the second pair of side edges 44 are brought together adjacent the centre of the mat as shown in FIG 10 and are fastened together by their respective fasteners. As shown in FIG 11 the bottom edge 42B is then brought towards the centre of the mat and fastened to a suitably located fastener thus forming a sleeping bag. The bottom edge 42B can be brought to different positions along the mat to accommodate different sizes of babies and the fastener may be adjustable to accommodate the different fastening positions.

A sleeping bag attachment piece 60 made from a quilted material is illustrated in FIG 12. Attachment piece 60 can be snap-fitted to play mat 40 by means of connectors in the

form of press-studs 61 to 73 which cooperate with press- sockets 45 to 57 respectively on play mat 40. It is preferred that play mat 40 carries sockets rather than studs so that the surfaces of the sockets lie substantially flush with the surface of the mat thereby minimising the potential for discomfort if the baby lies on the connectors. Connectors 45 to 47 and 55 to 57 on play mat 40 are respectively sockets and studs so as to interconnect as seen in FIG 10. Correspondingly, connectors 71 to 73 and 61 to 63 on attachment piece 40 are respectively studs and sockets so that attachment piece 60 is snap fitted to play mat 40. Alternatively connectors 55 to 57 can be sockets. In this arrangement corresponding studs (not shown) are located on the underside of the mat to facilitate a substantially flat join when the sides 44 are joined as seen in FIG 10. e As can be seen in FIGS 9 and 11, the lower edge 42B of mat 40 is affixed to the upper portion by means of straps 58 and 59 and D-rings 60 and 61. Adjustable spring clips could also be utilised. The location of the D-rings at the foot and underside of the mat also minimises the potential for baby discomfort.

FIGS 13 to 15 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein a play mat 90 is convertible to a sleeping bag 92. The play mat 90 is substantially octagonal shape in plan view and has an edge portion 94 and a pair of opposing edge portions 96 located substantially transverse to the edge portion 94. A pair of straps 98 are attached to the underside of the mat adjacent the opposing edges 96. The mat is provided with a number of press-stud type fasteners 100 and, as in other embodiments, it is preferable that the stud or spigot portions of the fasteners are located in a safe/convenient position, for example on the under side 104 of the mat to minimise discomfort if the baby should lie on the connectors.

The sleeping bag of FIG 15 is formed by bringing edge portion 94 of the mat a desired distance towards the centre of the mat as shown in FIG 13, bringing together adjacent

the centre of the mat the pair of opposing edge portions 96 of the mat as shown in FIG 14, and fastening the two opposing edges 96 together by fasteners 100. If desired, a zipper could be utilised as the fastener and the edge portions 96 could be brought together in an abutting relationship. As can be seen in FIG 15 the handles 98 are secured in a stowed position to the underside 104 of the mat with VELCRO brand fasteners (not shown). If the handles (when in the stowed position) cause discomfort to the baby, then the handles could be conveniently tied together on the upper side of the sleeping bag. Angled edges 106 (FIG 13) of the mat reduce the likelihood of the mat covering the baby's face, and flaps 108 (FIG 15) created by the angled edges can be folded back and fastened by VELCRO brand fasteners 109 to the mat underside 104 to form a collar.

FIGS 16 to 18 illustrate a further embodiment whereby the mat 90 illustrated in FIG 13 is utilised to convert to a nappy bag. The mat 90 is substantially octagonal shape in plan view and has a first pair of opposing edge portions 110 and a second pair of opposing edge portions 112 located substantially transverse to the edge portions 110. A r of straps 98 are attached to the underside 114 of the mat adjacent the opposing edges 112. A pair of pockets 113, each adapted to hold a baby's bottle, are also attached to the underside 114 of the mat. The mat is provided with a number of press-stud type fasteners 100 and, as in other embodiments, it is preferable that the socket portions of the fasteners are located in a safe/convenient and unobtrusive position on the upper side of the mat.

The nappy bag of FIG 18 is formed by folding the first pair of opposing edge portions 110 of the mat into an overlapping arrangement and positioning a plastics bag 116 (FIG 17) over substantially one half of the folded mat, and bringing together the second pair of opposing edge portions 112 of the mat. Fabric strips provided with VELCRO brand fastener strips 118 at one end are positioned to interconnect the two side walls of the plastics bag to

bring the second pair of edges together and to facilitate retention of the plastics insert 116 within the bag. The fasteners of the mat 90 of FIGS 13 to 18 may be colour coded to distinguish the fasteners required to form the container bag from the fasteners required to form the sleeping bag.

The convertible play mat, container bag and sleeping bag of the embodiments avoids the need for the parent/minder to carry a number of separate packages such as a mat, blanket, toys and other accessories for the child. The convertible mat can be utilised as play mat, a bag/container or a sleeping bag, as desired. The placement and colour coding of the fasteners enables different methods of folding the mat to form the bag/container or to form the sleeping bag. The play area of the mat and the toys may be protected by a washable lower surface and which may also provide weather protection when in the carrying bag mode. The embodiments provide useful alternatives to prior art mats known to the applicant. It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative examples of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is claimed herein.