US20050282465A1 - Moulded mat - Google Patents

Moulded mat Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050282465A1
US20050282465A1 US11/139,580 US13958005A US2005282465A1 US 20050282465 A1 US20050282465 A1 US 20050282465A1 US 13958005 A US13958005 A US 13958005A US 2005282465 A1 US2005282465 A1 US 2005282465A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
mat
features
stroller
sub
array
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/139,580
Inventor
Brie McNab
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2004902954A external-priority patent/AU2004902954A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20050282465A1 publication Critical patent/US20050282465A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47DFURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D15/00Accessories for children's furniture, e.g. safety belts
    • A47D15/001Mattresses
    • A47D15/003Mattresses foldable, e.g. baby mats

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to floor mats and more particular to a floor mat with three dimensional features which is particular adapted to work in conjunction with a baby stroller to create oscillations or vibrations which are conducive to the baby's rest.
  • a floor mat with three dimensional features co-operate with a baby's stroller.
  • the stroller's wheels pass over the features and create movements and vibration which simulate stroller movement or walking etc. Movement of a stroller back and forth over a mat made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention promotes a restful state or sleep in a baby.
  • the mat is soft enough to be used as a play mat.
  • sub-features are moulded into the mat or painted onto the mat which may have educational value or entertainment value to an infant or toddler.
  • a floor mat comprising a moulded rubber substrate.
  • the substrate comprises a top surface having three dimensional features.
  • the features are formed into a pattern which is conducive to baby rest.
  • the mat is fabricated from a compound made from recycled rubber tires.
  • the features comprise a pattern or array.
  • the array comprises raised areas into which are formed sub-features.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a floor mat made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mat depicted in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an alternate cross-section of the mat depicted in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the invention in plan view.
  • a floor mat lo comprises a soft substrate 11 which is preferably long enough and wide enough to accommodate the back and forth movement of a conventional stroller on wheels.
  • the substrate 11 has a top surface which is subdivided into rows and columns of equally spaced raised squares 12 .
  • the squares are preferably separated from one another by regular gaps 13 .
  • the mat 10 can be placed on a floor and the wheels 14 of a stroller can rest on the mat 10 .
  • the mat 10 protects the floor from the wheels 14 of the stroller. Further, the substrate 11 provides an area where the stroller can be moved forward and backward (reciprocated) by a seated or standing person. As the wheels 14 pass or roll over the various squares 12 and gaps 13 , the stroller will be oscillated and vibrated.
  • each of the raised surface areas (e.g. the squares 12 ) includes a moulded-in sub-feature 15 .
  • the sub-feature 15 may be formed in positive or negative relief with respect to the top surface 16 of the area 12 .
  • positive or negative printing techniques create a visual contrast between the feature 15 and the remainder of the area 12 .
  • particularly apt sub-features include letters of the alphabet or simple symbols which would be understood by toddlers and young children.
  • the sub-features 15 also contribute to the pattern of vibrations induced by the substrate in the stroller wheels 14 .
  • all or some of the areas 12 can be formed with sub-features 15 which further comprise repetitive patterns which are adapted to induce specific kinds of vibrations.
  • the regularly occurring sub-features 17 have a regular spacing which is shorter than the spacing between adjacent gaps 13 .
  • the substrate 11 further comprises a border area 18 which is lower than the raised areas 12 .
  • the mat 10 need not be square. In this example, a round mat 20 in illustrated. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the areas 12 form a regular array in this example. The areas 12 need not be provided in a regular array need not be square and the gaps 13 need not be uniform in width or depth.
  • the molded rubber mat of the present invention provides a convenient and durable floor covering which is well adapted to protect a floor or other surface from the action of stroller wheels. Further, it is tough, water proof and soft enough to be well adapted for baby and toddler play. The mat is easily cleaned and can be hosed down if required. In this way, the mat serves a purpose while the baby is in a stroller but may also be used in later phases of infancy to the point where the sub-features 15 may serve educational or entertainment purposes.
  • the mat of the present invention simulates the motions, rhythms and vibrations associated with walking, strolling and car trips (together referred to as “stroller translation”).
  • the mat provides the advantages of each, without the requirement for actual mobility.
  • the product is well adapted to use in and around homes, day care centres, hospitals, waiting rooms or other locations where actual mobility is undesirable, inconvenient or impossible.
  • the gaps between the primary features are 13-18 mm wide and about 1-5 mm deep.
  • the features, when they are square are about 100-200 mm along the sides, preferably about 150 mm.
  • the shapes moulded into the features have a width or “line” width of about 8-10 mm and are 1-5 mm deep.

Abstract

A floor mat is provided with three dimensional features. The features co-operate with a baby's stroller. When a stroller is moved over the mat, the stroller's wheels roll over the features and create movements and vibration in the stroller that simulate stroller movement or walking etc. Reciprocating movement of a stroller back and forth over a mat made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention promotes a restful state or sleep in a baby.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention pertains to floor mats and more particular to a floor mat with three dimensional features which is particular adapted to work in conjunction with a baby stroller to create oscillations or vibrations which are conducive to the baby's rest.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • It is a well known phenomenon that certain forms of movement induce a restful state in a baby. Restfulness and sleep can sometimes be induced by walking with a baby, strolling with a baby or by taking a baby for a journey in a car. However, there are times when it is not practical or convenient for the baby or the baby's carer to be mobile. For example, inclement weather may make walking, strolling or a car trip impractical. In other instances, a carer may have other responsibilities or activities which limit the carer's and the baby's mobility.
  • OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a floor mat with three dimensional features. The features co-operate with a baby's stroller. When the stroller is moved over the mat, the stroller's wheels pass over the features and create movements and vibration which simulate stroller movement or walking etc. Movement of a stroller back and forth over a mat made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention promotes a restful state or sleep in a baby.
  • In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mat is soft enough to be used as a play mat.
  • In other embodiments of the invention, sub-features are moulded into the mat or painted onto the mat which may have educational value or entertainment value to an infant or toddler.
  • Accordingly, there is provided a floor mat comprising a moulded rubber substrate. The substrate comprises a top surface having three dimensional features. The features are formed into a pattern which is conducive to baby rest.
  • In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mat is fabricated from a compound made from recycled rubber tires.
  • In other embodiments of the invention, the features comprise a pattern or array.
  • In other embodiments of the invention, the array comprises raised areas into which are formed sub-features.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a floor mat made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mat depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an alternate cross-section of the mat depicted in FIG. 1; and
  • FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the invention in plan view.
  • BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • As shown in FIG. 1, a floor mat lo comprises a soft substrate 11 which is preferably long enough and wide enough to accommodate the back and forth movement of a conventional stroller on wheels. In the example of FIG. 1, the substrate 11 has a top surface which is subdivided into rows and columns of equally spaced raised squares 12. The squares are preferably separated from one another by regular gaps 13. The mat 10 can be placed on a floor and the wheels 14 of a stroller can rest on the mat 10.
  • Thus, the mat 10 protects the floor from the wheels 14 of the stroller. Further, the substrate 11 provides an area where the stroller can be moved forward and backward (reciprocated) by a seated or standing person. As the wheels 14 pass or roll over the various squares 12 and gaps 13, the stroller will be oscillated and vibrated.
  • In some embodiments of the invention, each of the raised surface areas (e.g. the squares 12) includes a moulded-in sub-feature 15.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-feature 15 may be formed in positive or negative relief with respect to the top surface 16 of the area 12. In preferred embodiments, positive or negative printing techniques create a visual contrast between the feature 15 and the remainder of the area 12. As suggested by FIGS. 1 and 2, particularly apt sub-features include letters of the alphabet or simple symbols which would be understood by toddlers and young children. The sub-features 15 also contribute to the pattern of vibrations induced by the substrate in the stroller wheels 14.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, all or some of the areas 12 can be formed with sub-features 15 which further comprise repetitive patterns which are adapted to induce specific kinds of vibrations. In preferred embodiments the regularly occurring sub-features 17 have a regular spacing which is shorter than the spacing between adjacent gaps 13.
  • In some embodiments the substrate 11 further comprises a border area 18 which is lower than the raised areas 12.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, the mat 10 need not be square. In this example, a round mat 20 in illustrated. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the areas 12 form a regular array in this example. The areas 12 need not be provided in a regular array need not be square and the gaps 13 need not be uniform in width or depth.
  • From the above description, it will be appreciated that the molded rubber mat of the present invention provides a convenient and durable floor covering which is well adapted to protect a floor or other surface from the action of stroller wheels. Further, it is tough, water proof and soft enough to be well adapted for baby and toddler play. The mat is easily cleaned and can be hosed down if required. In this way, the mat serves a purpose while the baby is in a stroller but may also be used in later phases of infancy to the point where the sub-features 15 may serve educational or entertainment purposes.
  • The mat of the present invention simulates the motions, rhythms and vibrations associated with walking, strolling and car trips (together referred to as “stroller translation”). In particular, the mat provides the advantages of each, without the requirement for actual mobility. As such, the product is well adapted to use in and around homes, day care centres, hospitals, waiting rooms or other locations where actual mobility is undesirable, inconvenient or impossible.
  • In preferred examples of the mat, the gaps between the primary features are 13-18 mm wide and about 1-5 mm deep. The features, when they are square are about 100-200 mm along the sides, preferably about 150 mm. The shapes moulded into the features have a width or “line” width of about 8-10 mm and are 1-5 mm deep.
  • While the present invention has been described with reference to particular details of construction, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope of spirit of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A floor mat comprising:
a unitary mouled polymer structure having a substrate onto which is formed a pattern or array of raised three dimensional features;
the features further comprising features that are separated by gaps.
2. The mat of claim 1, wherein:
the array comprises rows and columns of equally spaced, raised squares.
3. The mat of claim 2, wherein: the array is adapted to co-operate with a baby's stroller so that when the stroller is moved over the mat so the stroller's wheels rotate over the array, vibrations are caused that simulate stroller translation.
4. The mat of claim 3, wherein: the polymer is soft enough to be used as a play mat.
5. The mat of claim 3, wherein: the features have shapes moulded into them mat or painted onto them that have educational value or entertainment value to an infant or toddler.
6. The mat of claim 1, wherein: the mat is fabricated from a compound made from recycled rubber tires.
7. The mat of claim 1, wherein: the features comprise raised areas into which are formed recessed sub-features.
8. The mat of claim 7, wherein: the sub-features are letters or graphic images.
9. The mat of claim 7, wherein: sub-features further comprise repetitive patterns which are adapted to induce vibrations, the sub-features have a spacing that is shorter than a spacing between adjacent gaps.
10. The mat of claim 1, wherein: the mat further comprises a border area that is lower than the features.
US11/139,580 2004-06-03 2005-05-31 Moulded mat Abandoned US20050282465A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2004902954 2004-06-03
AU2004902954A AU2004902954A0 (en) 2004-06-03 Moulded Mat

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050282465A1 true US20050282465A1 (en) 2005-12-22

Family

ID=35481230

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/139,580 Abandoned US20050282465A1 (en) 2004-06-03 2005-05-31 Moulded mat

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20050282465A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005202323A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060016635A1 (en) * 2002-10-01 2006-01-26 Downey Paul C Noise and vibration mitigating mat
US20100325804A1 (en) * 2009-06-24 2010-12-30 Barry Tubb Nap seat
US8113495B2 (en) 2005-05-02 2012-02-14 Downey Paul C Vibration damper
GB2492391A (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-01-02 Alistair Stuart Nobles A board with raised sections for rolling a stroller across to aid sleep
WO2014165929A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Lindley Rose Jones Sleep inducing device
GB2527220A (en) * 2013-04-11 2015-12-16 Lindley Rose Jones Sleep inducing device
US9914011B2 (en) 2015-06-25 2018-03-13 Pliteq Inc. Impact damping mat, equipment accessory and flooring system
US10676920B2 (en) 2015-06-25 2020-06-09 Pliteq Inc Impact damping mat, equipment accessory and flooring system
GB2579770A (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-07-08 Harold Jonas John Improvements in or relating to wheeled child carriers
ES2955181A1 (en) * 2022-04-22 2023-11-29 Rodriguez Fernandez Francisco Javier Complementary tiles (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2512310A (en) * 1949-01-28 1950-06-20 William G Corson Rubber floor mat
US3711362A (en) * 1971-08-17 1973-01-16 J Ballard Method for forming wedge shaped edge
US6420015B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-07-16 Milliken & Company Cushioned rubber floor mat and process
US6950213B1 (en) * 2000-12-20 2005-09-27 Cisco Systems, Inc. Fast method for fax encoded data conversion

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2512310A (en) * 1949-01-28 1950-06-20 William G Corson Rubber floor mat
US3711362A (en) * 1971-08-17 1973-01-16 J Ballard Method for forming wedge shaped edge
US6420015B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-07-16 Milliken & Company Cushioned rubber floor mat and process
US6950213B1 (en) * 2000-12-20 2005-09-27 Cisco Systems, Inc. Fast method for fax encoded data conversion

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060016635A1 (en) * 2002-10-01 2006-01-26 Downey Paul C Noise and vibration mitigating mat
US8240430B2 (en) 2002-10-01 2012-08-14 Downey Paul C Noise and vibration mitigating mat
US8556029B2 (en) 2002-10-01 2013-10-15 Paul C. Downey Noise and vibration mitigating mat
US8113495B2 (en) 2005-05-02 2012-02-14 Downey Paul C Vibration damper
US20100325804A1 (en) * 2009-06-24 2010-12-30 Barry Tubb Nap seat
GB2492391A (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-01-02 Alistair Stuart Nobles A board with raised sections for rolling a stroller across to aid sleep
WO2014165929A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Lindley Rose Jones Sleep inducing device
GB2527220A (en) * 2013-04-11 2015-12-16 Lindley Rose Jones Sleep inducing device
US9914011B2 (en) 2015-06-25 2018-03-13 Pliteq Inc. Impact damping mat, equipment accessory and flooring system
US10676920B2 (en) 2015-06-25 2020-06-09 Pliteq Inc Impact damping mat, equipment accessory and flooring system
GB2579770A (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-07-08 Harold Jonas John Improvements in or relating to wheeled child carriers
ES2955181A1 (en) * 2022-04-22 2023-11-29 Rodriguez Fernandez Francisco Javier Complementary tiles (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2005202323A1 (en) 2005-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050282465A1 (en) Moulded mat
JP2017213356A (en) Foam mat with variable surface density
US5584531A (en) Face to face play area
US7475442B1 (en) Baby soothing apparatus
US20120220819A1 (en) Stroller Mat
US7117552B2 (en) Portable infant playground
US9574362B2 (en) Inflatable pool with drawing board
US6607200B1 (en) Stroller device
GB2492391A (en) A board with raised sections for rolling a stroller across to aid sleep
GB2293973A (en) Movement inducing apparatus for pram or pushchair based on mat with undulating surface or wheel or attachment therefor with varying radius
US20080020155A1 (en) Lapmate
US20070029849A1 (en) Disposable cover for a high chair tray
JP5189220B1 (en) Sleeping pillow
CN201500439U (en) Jigsaw puzzle component and jigsaw puzzle
DE202008016352U1 (en) Seat for a baby or toddler
KR200393201Y1 (en) EVA elastic ball for development infant intelligence
CN205109048U (en) Eighteen disciples of buddha master craftsman of spring and autumn period locks toy
CN215012578U (en) Pet toy convenient to split
CN214847331U (en) Amphibian jigsaw puzzle type children education game pad
US8820765B2 (en) Ride-on toy with adjustable seatback
JP3222445U (en) Mat toy
JP3180752U (en) Tray for tray
JP3022175U (en) Riding toys
JP3062538U (en) Playground equipment
CN201775442U (en) Photosensitive read floor mat

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION