Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a baby changing mat. Background

Baby changing mats exist comprising a suitably shaped piece of material providing an impermeable surface onto which a baby can be laid for changing of its nappy. Sometimes babies urinate and defecate whilst positioned on the mat, leading to a mess on the changing mat. As well as dirtying the mat, this may soil the baby and the baby's clothes, as well as run over edges of the mat onto other surfaces. Some baby changing mats have side walls that prevent urine from spilling over side edges.

It is an object of the present invention to improve on known baby changing mats to address at least in part the above-mentioned issues.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided baby changing mat comprising: a support means providing a baby support surface, wherein the support surface is sloped when the mat is located in a use position on a horizontal surface and has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the mat is arranged so that in use a baby can be laid on the support surface with a head of the baby in the vicinity of the upper end and the feet of the baby in the vicinity of the lower end, and wherein the support surface is sloped so that liquid on the support surface flows to the lower end; a sump means arranged so that liquid on the baby support surface drains into the sump means, the slope extending downwardly towards the sump means to facilitate flow of liquid into the sump means.

Liquid, such as urine, on the baby support surface can then drain away quickly rather than remaining on the baby support surface. This is advantageous because it means that a baby does not lie in its own urine. If the baby is partially clothed, it also prevents or reduces the amount of urine/faeces that is absorbed by clothes. Also, it prevents urine/faeces from spilling from the baby changing mat in an uncontrolled manner. Conveniently, the sump means may be removable from the support means for emptying and can be relocated with the support means so that liquid on the support surface can drain into the sump means.

The sump means and the support means are preferably respectively configured for the sump means to engage with the support means.

The baby changing mat may further comprise at least one aperture therethrough from the baby support surface to the sump means to permit drainage of liquid from the baby support surface into the sump means.

A lip may depend from the material of the support structure forming the aperture, the lip extending at least partially around the aperture, so that liquid from the support surface drains over the lip into the sump means.

The support means may comprise at least one support member to provide said slope.

The at least one support member may be moveable between an extended configuration in which the support surface of the support means is sloped, and a collapsed configuration in which the support means is substantially flat. This may result in the mat being smaller for easier transportation and storage.

The baby changing mat may further comprise at least one channel in the baby support surface, arranged to facilitate flow of liquid to the sump means.

The baby changing mat may comprise side walls respectively extending at opposite side edges of the baby support surface to prevent flow of liquid over said side edges.

The support portion may be formed in a mould as a single piece of material.

The baby changing mat may comprise at least one end wall to contain liquid.

The baby changing mat may further comprise at least one strap for restraining a baby lying on the support surface.

At least one recess may be provided in an outer surface of the support means through which the strap extends, for preventing slipping of the at least one strap. There may be further provided apparatus comprising: the baby changing mat of any one of the preceding claims; a shielding arrangement for substantially blocking urine projected by a male baby lying on the changing mat.

The shielding arrangement preferably comprises a shield means and a mounting means to which the shield means is attached, wherein the mounting means is arranged to hold the shield means for said blocking.

The shielding arrangement may be carried by the sump means. The shielding arrangement may be removable with the sump means.

The shielding arrangement may be carried by the mat, the mounting means being attached to the mat.

The mounting means may be attached to a member separate to the mat, wherein the member is locatable adjacent the mat to support the shielding arrangement.

The member may be at least partially locatable underneath the changing mat, so that the weight of the mat and the baby prevent tipping of the shielding arrangement.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising: a baby changing mat; a shielding arrangement comprising a shield means and a mounting means on which the shield means is mounted, for substantially blocking urine projected by a baby lying on the changing mat.

The baby changing mat may comprise a sump means arranged so that liquid on a baby support surface drains into the sump means, wherein the sump means is removable from the rest of the baby changing mat for emptying and can be relocated with the rest of the mat so that liquid on the support surface can drain into the sump means, wherein the mounting means is mounted on the sump means.

Alternatively, the baby changing mat may comprise a support means providing a baby support surface, wherein the mounting means is mounted on the support means. The mounting means may be pivotably mounted on a side wall of the support means, such that the position of the shield means is adjustable.

Alternatively, the shielding arrangement may be separate to the baby changing mat. In this case, the shielding arrangement may further comprise a base member and the mounting means may be mounted on the base member. The base member may be at least partially locatable underneath the changing mat, so that the weight of the mat and the baby prevent tipping of the shielding arrangement.

The mounting means may be adjustable to change a position of the shield means.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shielding arrangement for substantially blocking urine projected by a baby lying on a baby changing mat, comprising: a shield means; a mounting means on which the shield means is mounted; a base member on which the mounting means is mounted.

The base member may be at least partially locatable underneath the changing mat, so that the weight of the mat and the baby impede tipping of the shielding arrangement. The mounting means may be adjustable to change a position of the shield means.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for supporting a baby changing mat comprising: a support means for supporting a baby changing mat, wherein the baby changing mat has a support surface for support of a baby, wherein, when the support means is located on a horizontal surface and the baby changing mat is operatively disposed on the support means, the baby changing mat has an upper end and a lower end and the support surface is sloped, and, in use, a baby can be laid on the support surface with a head of the baby in the vicinity of the upper end and the feet of the baby in the vicinity of the lower end, and wherein the support surface is sloped so that liquid on the support surface flows to the lower end; and a sump means arranged so that liquid on the baby support surface drains into the sump means, the slope extending downwardly towards the sump means to facilitate flow of liquid into the sump means.

Brief Description of the Figures

For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 is perspective view of a baby changing mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a container shown separated from the rest of the baby changing mat;

Figure 2 is perspective view of the baby changing mat shown in Figure 1, with the container located in a support structure of the mat; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat including a first end side and a first longitudinal side;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat including the underside;

Figure 5 is a side view of the baby changing mat;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat from the same perspective as the view of Figure I, with the container shown separate from the rest of the baby changing mat, but located closer to a recess in the support structure in which the container can be located;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of parts of the baby changing mat including a part of the underside surface thereof, the recess in which the container can be located, and an underside of the container from a perspective view;

Figure 8 is a perspective underside view of the baby changing mat, with the container spaced from the recess;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat and also a shielding arrangement in which a shield is carried by the container;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat and also a variant shielding arrangement, in which a shield is carried by the baby changing mat and mounted on a baby support surface;

Figure 1 1 is an alternative perspective view, from in front of the baby changing mat, with the shielding arrangement shown in Figure 10:

Figure 12 is an alternative perspective view, from behind the back of the baby changing mat and to one side, with the shielding arrangement shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat and also a variant shielding arrangement, in which a shield is carried by the baby changing mat and is mounted on a side of the mat;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the baby changing mat and also a variant shielding arrangement, in which a shield is mounted on a separate support member;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a support structure for a baby changing mat in accordance with an embodiment, the support structure including a support portion and a container, and these being shown attached together;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of parts of the support structure shown in Figure 15, with the support portion and the container being in a separated configuration;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of parts of the support structure shown in Figure 15, with the support portion and the container being in a separated configuration;

Figure 18 is an underside perspective view of parts of the support structure shown in Figure 15, with the support portion and the container being attached together;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a support structure like that shown in Figure 15 but with parts for mounting the support structure on a cot; Figure 20 is a perspective view of parts of the support structure of embodiments, showing in particular a depending lip.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Like reference numerals are used to denote like parts throughout.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only and should not be considered as limiting. For example, a baby changing mat has a conventional orientation and the words "upper", "lower", "side", "underside", "bottom", "top", "front" and "back" are to be construed in view of that orientation.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, a baby changing mat comprises a support structure 10 and a sump means in the form of a removable container 12. The support structure 10 provides a substantially rectangular, impermeable, slip-resistant support surface on which a baby can be laid. Although not essential to the invention, the material is preferably at least slightly resiliently deformable for comfort of the baby. The support structure 10 has smooth, easily wipeable surfaces that do not retain bacteria.

The support structure 10 has a planar underside 10b, which is located on a flat underlying surface when the changing mat is to be used. The support structure 10 includes side walls 14a, 14b extending at longitudinal edges of the support surface to contain liquid on the support surface.

The support structure 10 need not provide a substantially rectangular support surface. The support surface needs to be of a size and shape to receive a baby. For example, the support surface could be oval.

The support structure 10 includes a recess 16 therein in which the removable container 12 can be located as shown in Figure 2. The removable container 12 can be slid in and out on the underlying surface. The recess 16 is below the support surface. An aperture 18 is provided in the support structure 10 between the support surface and the recess 16, so that liquid, for example urine/faeces, on the support surface can drain through the aperture 18 into the removable container 12. In modified embodiments, more than one aperture may be provided extending between the support surface and the recess 16 for drainage of liquid on the support surface. In other modified embodiments, the shape of the one or more apertures may differ to that shown. The location of the aperture may also differ to the location shown. In a variant embodiment, the removable container 12 may be locatable underneath the support structure 10, such that the support structure 10 has to be lifted to permit removable of the container 12.

As best seen in Figure 7, a lip 32 depends from and around the lower edge of the aperture 18. This prevents collection of draining liquid on the support structure 10 above the removable container 12 due to surface tension.

The support structure 10 is sloped so that liquid on the support surface flows to a lower end of the support surface, the aperture 18 being located at said lower end. The aperture 18 and the lower end are located at a front of the support structure, and a baby's feet are in the vicinity when the mat is in use.

The support surface has an arrangement of channels therein to guide flow of the urine/faeces to the aperture 18. A channel 20a is located to extend substantially longitudinally with the generally rectangular support surface and extends to open into the aperture 18. Several other channels 20b-e extend from the first channel 20a outwardly in the support surface, towards the side walls 14a, 14b. A pair of further channels 20f, 20g each extend along the lower end of the support surface from the aperture 18 to, respectively, close to the first or second side walls 14a, 14b. The further channels 20f, 20g are located so that liquid in the vicinity of the lower end of the support surface will drain under gravity into the further channels, and from there into the aperture 18. Thus the further channels 20f, 20g substantially prevent any undesirable pooling of liquid at the lower end of the support surface.

The support structure 10 includes a top wall 22a and a bottom wall 22b. The top wall 22a extends between top ends of the side walls 14a, 14b and the bottom wall 20b extends between bottom ends of the sidewalls 14a, 14b. Each of the top and bottom walls 22a, 22b is contiguous with the support surface so as to contain liquid, so that liquid cannot leak between the tops and bottom walls and the support surface.

The removable container 12 is in the form of a substantially semi-circular tray that can be located in the recess 16 so that a front side of the baby changing mat is planar. The container 12 has a base 12a that rests on the underlying flat surface. The removable container 12 is sized to be able to receive urine/faeces from a baby without overflow. As can be seen in Figure 2, a gap 28 is provided between a top edge of a back wall 12b of the container 12 and an upper surface of the recess 16, to enable a person to locate one or more fingers over the edge of the container 12 and thus to pull out the container 12 from the recess 16. The support structure 10 and the removable container 12 include a means permitting attachment of the removable container 12 to the support structure 10. As shown in Figure 1, the removable container 12 includes a recessed portion 24a, 24b in each side of the container 12. The support structure 10 includes resiliently deformable projections 26a, 26b arranged so that when the container 12 is located in the recess 16, the projections extend into a respective one of the recessed portions 24a, 24b. The container 12, when located in the recess 14 with the projections 26a, 26b extending into the recesses 24a, 24b, will then be stable and will not dislodge from the support structure 10 if the baby changing mat is knocked.

Alternative means permitting attachment may be provided in variant embodiments. Other forms of clip are known to persons skilled in the art. For example, side walls of the container may be dimpled with corresponding projecting portions on the surface of the recess engaging in the dimples. Alternatively, no means attachment permitting means may be provided, in which case the support structure 10 and the container 12 are just suitably collocated for use with the container 12 resting on the underlying surface.

A handle 30 is provided in the back wall of the support structure 10 to facilitate carrying and tipping.

In alternative embodiments, the container 12 is not removable, but is permanently attached to or integrally formed with the support structure 10.

The support structure 10 and the container 12 may be formed of various materials and using various manufacturing techniques, as will be clear to a person skilled in the art. The support structure may be formed of a single piece of open-cell or closed-cell foam by injection moulding in a mould. Where the material is an open-cell foam, the mould may be pre-sprayed with a material to form an impermeable skin on the surface of the open-cell foam. Alternatively, the support structure 10 may be cut from a piece of open-cell foam and a plastic sheet cover applied and welded at seams. The support structure may be formed from other materials, for example, polymer, polystyrene, neoprene, plastic material or other suitable material. In embodiments where the container is attached to or integrally formed with the support structure, the container is preferably formed of the same material as the support structure. Where the container is removable, it may be formed of the same material as the support structure in a separate process, or another material, for example a hard plastic material.

In use, a baby is laid on the baby changing mat with a head of the baby in the vicinity of the upper end and the feet of the baby in the vicinity of the lower end. When the baby urinates, urine/faeces flows down the sloping support surface into the aperture 18. The channels 20a-g guide the urine/faeces towards the aperture 18. The side walls 14a, 14b prevent the urine/faeces from spilling over side edges of the support surface. The urine/faeces flows through the aperture 18, over the lip 32, into the removable container 12.

The container 12 is then removed, as shown in Figure 1, 6 and 7. To do this, the user pulls on the container 12 and the projections 26a, 26b disengage from the recessed portions 24a, 24b. The container 12 is then emptied, preferably wiped clean, and returned to its place in the recess 16 of the support structure 10, with the projections 26a, 26b engaging in the recessed portions 24a, 24b.

In the alternative embodiment in which the container is not removable, urine/faeces can be emptied from the container by wiping or sponging the surface of the container or moving the whole changing mat including the container to a disposal and cleaning location, for example a toilet and sink.

Although suitable for use with male and female babies, embodiments of the invention described above are particularly useful with female babies since with a female baby located on her back on the baby changing mat, collection of urine/faeces will be more effective.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 14, embodiments will now be described that are particularly suitable for male babies. These embodiments include the same elements as the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, but further include a shield 40 mounted to prevent urine/faeces projected upwardly from a male baby reaching a person in the process of changing the baby's nappy.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the mount includes a projecting portion 42 of the container 12 and a curved mounting arm 44 fixedly attached at a first end thereof to the projecting portion 42. The projecting portion 42 includes a recess into which the first end of the arm 44 extends and in which the arm 44 is adhered, although the arm 44 may be otherwise attached to the container 12. The shield 40 is fixedly attached to a second end of the arm 44. The arm 44 extends to hold the shield 40 in a position to block projected urine/faeces.

The mount is generally shaped to taper from a portion remote from the front of the mat, to a portion thereof nearest the front of the mat.

Since the shield 40 is carried by the container 12, the shield is removable with the container. This facilitates cleaning. The shield can be otherwise mounted, as now described with reference to separate embodiments respectively shown in Figure 10 to 12, 13 and 14. Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the mount is an arm 44a having a first end attached to the support surface of the mat. The second end of the arm 44a attaches to a side 40a of the shield 40.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, a first end of an arm 44b is attached at a side wall 14a of the mat. The side wall 14a has a hole therein into which the first end extends. The arm 44b may be attached to the wall in a manner that allows pivoting, so that the location of the shield 40 can be selected. Like in the embodiment previously described, the second end of the arm 44b attaches to a side 40a of the shield 40.

Referring to Figure 14, a first end of an arm 44c may be attached to a support plate 46, which is not attached to the mat. The support plate 46 may sit adjacent the mat. Optionally, the support plate 46 may extend underneath the mat for improved support of the shield 40.

The arm 44, 44a, 44b, 44c is preferably formed of a flexible material so that a user can move the shield 40 to different positions. In this way, location of the shield can be selected in view of the dimensions and position of the baby, and also to move the shield 40 out of the way when a baby is being placed or removed from the support surface. After being flexed, the material of the arm is preferably such that the arm stays in the position to which the user has flexed it. In variant embodiments, the arm 44, 44a, 44b, 44c can be adjustable to enable the position of the shield 40 to be changed using other techniques known to the skilled person, for example by implementing a hinge arrangement.

In use, the shield 40 is positioned so that, in the event that a male baby urinates, projected urine is blocked and so does not reach the person changing the baby's nappy or the areas of the room immediately surrounding the mat. The user should position the shield 40 such that liquid reaching the shield 40 drains onto the support surface and continues into the container 12.

Optionally, one or more straps (not shown) may be provided to prevent a baby from crawling or rolling from the support surface. Holes may be provided in the side walls 14a, 14b through which the one or more straps may extend. Alternatively, one or more channels or recesses may be provided in one or more portions of the outer surface and/or top surface and/or bottom surface of the side walls 14a, 14b, for example, in which a strap may be located. The channels impede movement of the straps relative to the length of the mat. Preferably, the strap is adhered into the channel or recess. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the embodiments. For example, the channels are an inessential yet preferred feature of the baby changing mat. There are also many other ways in which such channels can be arranged. Also, the form of the support structure may be different; for example the rear may be raised on one or more one or more support members, such as legs, to provide a slope. Such one or more legs may be pop-up or pivotable, so that the mat is collapsible.

It is also not essential to the invention that the baby changing mat is sloped. Where a baby changing mat in accordance with embodiments is not sloped, a user may tip the mat so that any liquid on the support surface flows to the container 12.

Further, in variant embodiments, the support surface may curve along its width, that is, between the two side walls 14a, 14b, to result in better flow of liquid on the support surface towards the aperture 18. For example, since the aperture 18 is centrally located, a U-shaped curve may usefully improve drainage. There may also be curvature along the length of the mat to improve drainage or to improve comfort for a baby. Particularly in such variant embodiments, the channels described above may be superfluous. Where there is curvature along the length of the width of the mat, the shape of the surface of the mat is preferably chosen taking into consideration the comfort of the baby.

Other embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 20. A support structure is provided for supporting a separate baby changing mat. The baby changing mat may be of a conventional kind. In this case, the baby changing mat has a support surface on which a baby can be placed, and when the baby changing mat is disposed on a horizontal underlying surface, the support surface is substantially horizontal. The support structure includes a sump means in the form of a container, and functions to tilt the baby changing mat so that liquid on the support surface drains into the container. Thus, the assembly of the support structure and the baby changing mat may provide the same functionality as the baby changing mat described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 8, and may have many of the same features described.

As will be appreciated, conventional baby changing mats are available in various shapes and sizes. The support structure is intended to provide support for a wide range of baby changing mats.

In Figure 15, a support structure has an upper surface 102 on which the baby changing mat (not shown) can be placed. The support structure includes a support portion 104, a top wall 106, longitudinal side walls 108a, 108b, and a container 1 10. The support portion 104 provides substantially rectangular upper surface 102, although in variant embodiments, the upper surface may be otherwise shaped. Preferably, the baby changing mat fits within the top wall 106 and the side walls 108a, 108b, although the support structure adequately functions with many designs of baby changing mat that would not so fit.

The support portion 104 is formed of a piece of injection moulded plastic, although, like the mat described in relation to Figures 1 to 8, it can be made in various ways and of various materials. In alternative embodiments, the support portion 104 may also be otherwise formed so as to provide the baby changing mat with a tilt or slope such that liquid on the mat drains into the container 1 10. For example, the support portion 104 may be in the form of a frame. The support portion 104 may be formed of one or more separate parts, for example comprising one or more legs supporting a front part of the baby changing mat and one or more legs supporting a back part of the baby changing mat.

In variant embodiments in which the support portion 104 has legs for example front and/or back legs, the legs may be foldable. Where the legs can be folded against the rest of the support portion such that the overall dimensions of the support portion are reduced, this facilitates transportation. Also, the legs may be of adjustable height, such that the legs can be adjusted to raise or lower an end of the upper surface 102, to adjust the angle of tilt of the support surface of the baby changing mat.

The container 1 10 is removable from the support portion 104 for emptying. As indicated in Figure 16 and 17, the support portion 104 has a recess 109 into which an inner wall 107 of the container 1 10 fits, the width of the container 1 10 being slightly less than the width of the recess 109. The container 1 10 includes first clip portions 1 1 1a, 1 1 1b and the support portion 104 has second clip portions 1 13a, 1 13b. The first and second clip portions can be respectively engaged to attach the container 1 10 to the support portion 104 with the inner wall 107 in the recess 109. The first and second clip portions can be disengaged by a pulling action of the container 1 10 away from the recess 109.

Figure 18 shows the container 1 10 clipped to the support portion 104 from an underside perspective.

As best seen in Figure 20, the support portion 104 includes a lip 121 depending into the recess 109. The lip 121 extends across the recess 109, from one longitudinal side of the support portion 104 to the other. This lip 121 abuts against the top of the inner wall 107 of the container 1 10, to prevent or impede passage or drip of liquid between the top of the inner wall 107 and the support portion 104. In embodiments, the lip 121 may engage over the top of the inner wall 107, and in doing so serve to clip the container 1 10 to the support portion 104. Alternatively, a groove may be provided in the top of the inner wall 107 into which the lip 121 can engage. In this case, the first and second clip portions may be present but need not be. In other embodiments, the container 1 10 may otherwise releasably clip or lock to the support portion 104. In other variant embodiments, the container 1 10 may not clip at all to the support portion 104. In this case, the container is simply locatable with the inner wall 107 thereof in the recess 109 without any clipping or locking action. Since the width of the container 1 10 is substantially the same as the width of the recess 109, relative lateral movement is substantially prevented.

Alternatively, the container 1 10 and the recess 109 may be respectively configured so that the container can be wedged into the support portion 104. The container 1 10 may be removable by pulling it away from the support portion in a substantially horizontal direction, when the support structure is located on a horizontal underlying surface. Alternatively, the container 1 10 may in other embodiments be removable by lifting it substantially vertically, when the support portion 104 is located on a horizontal underlying surface.

In variant embodiments, the container 1 10 is fixedly attached to the support portion 104. The container 1 10 may be integrally formed with the support portion 104.

The support portion 104 provides an upper surface 1 12 on which the baby changing mat is placed. The side walls 108a, 108b and the top wall 106 project from the edges of the upper surface 102. The side walls 108a, 108b and the top wall 106 may serve to prevent slip of the baby changing mat. Also, in the embodiment the upper surface 104 has anti-slip portions in the form of rubberised pads 1 14. Alternatively, the upper surface 102 may be partially or wholly knurled or textured to prevent slip.

In variant embodiments, the baby changing mat may releasably clip to the support portion 104. In this case, the support portion is provided with suitable clips, or separate clips are provided.

Provided the upper surface 102 of the support portion 104 is contiguous and impermeable, then, in the event of spill of liquid onto the upper surface 102, the side walls 108a, 108b serve to prevent further spill of the liquid over the longitudinal sides of the support structure, and to facilitate drainage of the liquid to the container 1 10. However, many conventional baby changing mats are provided with walls projecting from the sides. This means, that, liquid on the baby changing mat, provided the baby changing mat is appropriately positioned, will drain into the container 1 10 with little or no liquid typically spilling onto the upper surface 102. Thus the support portion 102 does not have to be cleaned from one use to another.

The side walls 108a, 108b have attachments 120 for attachment of straps (not shown), so that a baby can be restrained when on the baby changing mat.

The upper surface 102 may be concave. Where a baby changing mat is flexible, the mat may flex to match the shape of the upper surface 102. Some concavity reduces the likelihood of a baby rolling from the support surface of the baby changing mat.

As shown in Figure 19, a mounting assembly may be provided so that the support portion 104, together with the container 1 10, can be mounted on a cot at a height of approximately the height of cot rails. The mounting assembly includes cooperating legs 1 16a, 1 16b to locate at the top of rails of the cot.

In use, the baby changing mat is located on the support portion 104. A baby is then placed on the support surface of the baby changing mat, so that the head of the baby is located at an upper end of the baby changing mat in the vicinity of the top wall 106, and the feet of the baby changing mat are located near the container 1 10.

If the baby urinates while on the mat, urine flows into the container 1 10. Thehe container 1 10 may then be removed in an appropriate manner, emptied and washed. The container 1 10 may then be returned to the support portion 104, and attached thereto. In embodiments in which the container 1 10 is fixedly attached to the container 1 10, the entire support structure may be taken to a drain and the container 1 10 emptied.

The support structure may be used with the shield mentioned above. The shield may be attached to the support portion 102 or the sump means, or be a separate piece. The shield may include a base portion for location under the support portion 102.

Where the word "nappy" is used herein, the word "diaper" should be understood as equivalent.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or step or combination of features and/or steps. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.