Patent Application
20130326805
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mat for use in a bathtub to protect and cushion an infant while bathing.
2. Description of Related Art
As parents and caregivers are familiar, infants lack the muscles and motor skills required to hold themselves up for any period of time. Until the infant develops more strength, the caregiver is dependent to support their head, neck and back at all times. The support is especially important during baths when the child is in a body of water and requires the parent to continuously ensure that their face and nose do not go beneath the water surface. Typically, the parent performs the bathing process with one free hand while the opposite hand remains supporting the child. This may be challenging when trying to clean the entire body, and when having to reach for an item that is not directly next to the washing basin. Sometimes two caregivers are needed, one to hold the baby and the other to wash.
Standard baby bath basins include a non-slip or textured bottom to help prevent sliding. But these basins are often hard and uncomfortable for the baby, and still require caregiver support to ensure that the baby does not slide beneath the water. Recently, bath mats have been developed for placement within the tub or basin. The problems with these mats are that they often become water logged and slide against the slippery tub surface, therefore defeating the purpose of the mat in the first place. The mats become more of a hindrance than a help when constantly trying to straighten and replace the mat.
It would be beneficial in the art to provide a bathing mat that prevents infants from sliding in a tub, while also remaining in place throughout the entire bath. It would also be desirable in the art to provide a bathing mat that continuously cushions and supports the infant thereby allowing the caregiver to utilize both hands to wash and rinse child.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a non-slip bathing mat, configured to include all of the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an infant bathing mat that includes a non-slip top surface and an adhesive bottom surface for optimal anti-skid surfaces in a bathing basin.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an infant bathing mat with a detachable pillow for additional support to the infant's head.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an infant bathing mat with a body forming intermediate support between the top surface and the bottom surface to hug the infant's body while in the tub.
To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, an infant bathing mat is described comprising a non-slip top surface extending between a first end and a second end; a bottom surface opposing the non-slip top surface, where the bottom surface includes an adhesive layer to adhere the infant bathing mat to a base of a bathing basin; and an intermediate support between the non-slip top surface and the bottom surface, where the intermediate support form fits to an infant's body. The infant bathing mat accommodates safe bathing within a portable basin or a standard tub.
These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.
The present invention relates to a mat for use in a bathtub to protect and cushion an infant while bathing. The infant bathing mat provides a foundational support beneath the infant to offer a safe medium for infant bathing. The infant bathing mat includes a non-slip top surface to support the infant's body, and an adhesive bottom surface to ensure that the mat does not slide. The infant bathing mat remains structured during bathing to ensure that the infant does not slide beneath the water surface if/while the adult supervisor is looking away. This way the adult supervisor is able to grab any necessary items without requiring both hands on the baby at all times.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to
The infant bathing mat 10 is covered with a non-slip top surface 12 that is composed of a non-slip material to ensure that the infant does not slide while in the tub 50. The non-slip top surface 12 may be textured to create an anti-skid surface and for a comfortable feel against the baby's skin. The non-slip material may be rubber, neoprene, plastic or similar materials that are commonly known and used for non-slip surfaces.
Fastened towards the first end 14, on the head portion, may be a pillow 18. The pillow 18 supports the baby's head and neck while in the tub 50, and provides additional resistance to prevent the baby from sliding. The pillow 18 may be detachable to give the user the option of whether or not to use it. The pillow 18 may be inflatable to vary the amount of support provided. Finally, the pillow 18 may be made from a rubber, plastic, or gel-filled casing for a soft and comfortable feel.
Referring now to
Between the non-slip top surface 12 and the bottom surface 22 is an intermediate support 20. The intermediate support 20 cushions and forms to the baby's body while the baby is resting on the infant bathing mat 10. By hugging the contours of the baby's body, the intermediate support 20 allows additional security to prevent sliding in the tub. The intermediate support 20 may be made from rubber or plastic, or alternatively filled with air or gel. The total height of the infant bathing mat 10, including the non-slip top surface 12, the intermediate support 20 and the bottom surface 22, may range from 1-3 inches, preferably 2 inches.
The infant bathing mat 10 ensures safety and security while washing a baby. The adhesive bottom surface 22 secures the infant bathing mat 10 to the tub or basin which further allows the non-slip top surface 12 to safeguard the baby from sliding during their bath. With peace of mind that the baby is safe the caregiver is able to thoroughly lather and rinse the child, and freely move to reach items as necessary for washing. The non-slip top surface 12 and the bottom surface 22 are waterproof to prevent water from filling into the intermediate support 20. The infant bathing mat 10 provides constant stability, and is an essential basin accessory for caregiver and parents alike.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
