Beds – Ground mat – Padded
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-05
2001-03-13
Melius, Terry Lee (Department: 3628)
Beds
Ground mat
Padded
C005S655000, C005S732000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199230
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to children's play and activity mats, specifically to an improved type of mat that is machine washable and includes a locking handle and clasp mechanism that can be used for securing and carrying purposes.
2. Description of Prior Art
Toy and department stores commonly sell consumers play and activity mats for their children's entertainment and pleasure. Such play mats usually have a colorful base, attached or removable toys and come with or without surrounding walls.
Originally these play and activity mats were provided as a source of learning and entertainment for infants. However, consumers realized that they had a short life span. Once the infant began the rolling stage, the play and activity mats became obsolete because the child could easily move off of it.
Thereafter, an inventor created a foldable playmat with removable sideguards. U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,013 to Bloom (1991) discloses a circular cushioned base with removable sideguards which follow the perimeter of the base to confine a child to a specific area; however, the removable sideguard could pose harm to an infant if the head or other body part gets wedged between the base and the removable sideguard.
Bloom's foldable infant playmat folds along the diameter wherein the base is converted into a semicircle. Continual folding could create a permanent crease in the wall portion, causing the cushioned wall to lose its shape. There is no locking mechanism for the mat in its folded position and nothing keeps the mat in its folded position while being carried and stored. When it is folded into a semicircle, it is too large and inconvenient to store in a small space without being distorted.
The foldable playmat has a 36-inch diameter with removable sideguards. This circular shape restricts the child's play area.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:
(a) It provides for an open space to the corral, without all of the netting as found in most play pens, the infant/toddler can see all surroundings making him/her feel comfortable and secure.
(b) It contains water resistant nylon fabric allowing the corral to be used both indoors and outdoors (i.e. the park, beach, camping). The water resistant nylon fabric also protects against spills.
(c) It permits easy removal and insertion of the foam block walls by means of zippers sewn to the longest exterior portions of the corral for the purpose of washing.
(d) It employs a unique method of construction of the corral. Fabric pieces have been sewn to its base making it extremely sturdy when unfolded and flexible when folded. Since all fabric is attached, it provides a safe environment thus making the parent or guardian feel confident in allowing their child to play in it. When the corral is in its unfolded position, the two “U” shape pieces meet creating a perfect square.
(e) It consists of foam block walls that are thick enough so they will not lose their shape.
(f) While not in use, it folds into a rectangular shape half its original size and is secured by the locking handle and clasp mechanism. The folded corral is small enough to store in a closet, under a bed or in the trunk of a car.
Additional features and advantages will become apparent upon studying and reviewing the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 359869 (1995-07-01), Oren
patent: 3363272 (1968-01-01), Channon
patent: 4873734 (1989-10-01), Pollard
patent: 4999863 (1991-03-01), Kane
patent: 5035013 (1991-07-01), Bloom
patent: 6026525 (2000-02-01), Davis
Haynes Mark A.
Hewitt James M
Melius Terry Lee
Parikh Christina M.
LandOfFree
Children's foldable portable indoor/outdoor play... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Children's foldable portable indoor/outdoor play..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Children's foldable portable indoor/outdoor play... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2492117