Set of a self-adhesive mat and a vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a set comprising an in particular self-adhesive mat (1) and an object (11), such as a vessel, for example, wherein the mat (1) is formed at least partially from an elastically deformable material and on its underside has a smooth surface (9), and wherein the object (11) can be releasably fastened by means of a connection device to an upper side of the mat (1), wherein the connection device comprises a receiving element and a connection piece (14) interacting therewith, which are in particular designed to be plugged into each other. According to the invention, the connection device is designed to be lockable to ensure a connection that a small child is unable to release.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a set consisting of a self-adhesive mat and an object designed as a vessel according to claim 1.

[0002] Elastic, self-adhesive mats with a container are known from the prior art. These mats adhere to a smooth surface. The mat has a smooth underside, ensuring a tight seal with the surface. When the mat is lifted, a partial vacuum is created, causing the mat to adhere to the surface. Such a mat can only be removed from the surface by lifting it at one edge.

[0003] With the help of such a mat, for example, an object such as a bowl or a dish, which is connected to the mat, can be fixed to a smooth surface or secured against slipping.

[0004] WO 2016 / 010585 A1, for example, discloses a one-piece device consisting of a self-adhesive mat and a shell arranged on this mat.

[0005] In addition, a two-piece set consisting of a self-adhesive mat and an attachable bowl for feeding toddlers is known.

[0006] US 2,813,509 discloses a round set with a central receptacle for a bowl or a vessel in general, wherein the vessel can be inserted into the receptacle.

[0007] US 2017 / 0042354 A1 discloses a suction cup with which a container can be fixed to a table surface, whereby no separate mat is provided.

[0008] US 2015 / 0351565 A1 discloses a set comprising a plate and a vessel, wherein the vessel has a connecting piece that can be connected to a receiving element of the plate, which is essentially a screw cap.

[0009] Further sets consisting of a base and a container that can be attached to it are also disclosed in US D812,433 S, CN 206371790 U, and WO 2018 / 107190 A1. WO 2018 / 107190 A1, in particular, discloses a set consisting of a self-adhesive mat with a container that can be fixed to the mat in a holder.

[0010] A disadvantage of the prior art two-part device is that the tray can be detached from the mat relatively easily. This can even be accomplished by a small child, which means there is still a risk that the tray and its contents will be knocked over or thrown to the ground.

[0011] While this problem is solved by a one-piece device according to the state of the art, handling such a one-piece device proves particularly cumbersome due to the elastic nature of the mat. A further disadvantage is the considerable space required due to the size of the mat and the height of the tray, especially when storing and cleaning the device.

[0012] The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a two-part set known from the prior art so that the risk of the bowl being thrown to the ground or knocked over is reduced.

[0013] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1.

[0014] A particular advantage achieved with the set according to the invention is that the object designed as a container can be removed from the mat only by applying increased force and / or releasing a preferably mechanical lock. This means that, on the one hand, the container, such as a bowl or a plate, is essentially inseparably connected to the mat for a small child. On the other hand, the mat and the container that can be fixed to it can be stored and cleaned separately, thereby minimizing the space required for such a set. The smooth surface on the underside of the mat allows it to be placed on a table surface, for example, in a non-slip and self-adhesive manner.Self-adhesion of the mat can be achieved by providing a sufficiently smooth surface on its underside so that when an attempt is made to lift the mat at a position away from the edge, for example at the vessel or the connecting device, a vacuum is created which counteracts a complete detachment of the mat.

[0015] The connecting device can, for example, be designed so that it can be released by turning and preferably simultaneously pressing. For example, pressure from above on the connecting device may be required to enable turning. Alternatively, a lateral compression or squeezing of the connecting device may be required to enable turning. Furthermore, the connecting device can be connected by inserting the parts into one another and locked by a mechanism. For this purpose, the connecting device can be designed as a plug-in connection, in particular as a clip closure, click closure, or snap closure.

[0016] It is advantageous if the mat has a raised edge on the top, which is particularly tapered towards the outside. This raised edge can, for example, serve as a barrier for dirt or food, preventing it from being transported from the container but from reaching a hungry toddler's mouth. If the raised edge is also tapered towards the outside, the lateral contact surface is minimized, making it even more difficult to remove the mat from the surface.

[0017] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the mat has a recess on the underside and a corresponding elevation on the top. The recess and the elevation are preferably located in an edge region of the mat. To release the mat from the surface, the elevation can be pressed in, causing one edge of the mat to lift in the area of ​​the pressed-in elevation. This allows the mat to be easily removed. The recess, together with the elevation, thus forms a release aid.

[0018] It is advantageous if the connecting device is designed as a twist lock, with the receiving element and the connecting piece being designed to rotate relative to each other. This design of the connecting device enables quick and easy connection of the object, designed as a container, to the mat. Alternatively, the connecting device can be designed, for example, as a plug-in connection with a clip closure.

[0019] It is advantageous if the receiving element is arranged on the mat and the connecting piece is arranged on the object designed as a vessel. Alternatively, the connecting piece can be arranged on the mat and the receiving element on the object designed as a vessel.

[0020] It has proven effective for the receiving element to have a stop and / or a notch for the connecting piece. This ensures that when the object, designed as a container, is connected to the mat, the connecting piece engages in the receiving element and can therefore only be removed again with increased force or by moving it out of the notch.

[0021] To facilitate handling when connecting the mat to the object designed as a vessel, the receiving element is partially more rigid than the mat. For this purpose, the receiving element can be made at least partially from a stronger or stiffer material than the mat itself. For this purpose, the mat can be made of a silicone, for example, and / or the receiving element can be made of a hard plastic, a curable plastic, or a thermoplastic. The mat can therefore be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, since the receiving element can be manufactured in large quantities from an inexpensive material, preferably a hard plastic.

[0022] According to the invention, the receiving element is essentially round and has a central, particularly hollow, base. A circular or round design allows the connecting piece to rotate within the receiving element. The base essentially serves as a support for the vessel-shaped object, with the base essentially pressing the vessel-shaped object upward, thus securing the connecting piece in the receiving element.

[0023] It is advantageous according to the invention if the base is designed to be partially elastically deformable and, preferably along an upper edge of the base, a ring is provided which has a higher rigidity than the base. Normally the ring is designed to be rigid so that it stabilizes the base along the upper circumferential edge. In order to release the object designed as a vessel from the mat or to move the receiving element out of the catch, it can be provided that the object has to be pressed downwards. Due to the deformable design of the base, it can be pressed downwards, which subsequently enables a rotational movement and thus the release of the object designed as a vessel from the mat.

[0024] To ensure that the base can only be pushed downwards to a limited extent, the receiving element can be provided with at least one, in particular several, spacers arranged on the underside of the mat, preferably in a cavity in the base. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one spacer is connected to the ring of the base and extends through the mat or the base. The spacer ensures that the base is not pushed in further than is necessary to detach the object, which is designed as a vessel, from the mat. This minimizes stress on the base and increases the service life of the set.

[0025] According to the invention, the receiving element comprises a receiving ring, which is at least partially enclosed laterally by the mat and has greater rigidity than the mat. The receiving ring can be made, for example, of a curable plastic or a thermoplastic. By enclosing the receiving ring laterally, in particular without a gap, the mat can prevent the accumulation of dirt and / or bacteria between the receiving ring and the mat.

[0026] In order to ensure that the object designed as a vessel is firmly fixed to the mat, the connecting piece can be provided with a locking element. This locking element preferably engages in the notch of the receiving element, whereby the connecting piece is locked in the receiving element. In this case, the notch can be designed as a recess and the locking element as a pin that interacts with the recess. The recess is preferably arranged upwardly oriented on the receiving ring and the pin is arranged on the connecting piece. In the area of ​​the notch, the object designed as a vessel is pressed upwards by the base and the pin is thus moved into the notch. In order to now detach the object designed as a vessel from the mat, the object designed as a vessel can be pressed downwards, whereby the pin is moved out of the notch again.

[0027] Furthermore, the connecting piece can be provided with a guide element. This guide element can, for example, engage in a recess provided for this purpose in the receiving element and thus guide the connecting piece along a direction of rotation as well as perpendicular to this direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the connecting piece can be substantially round and optionally has a central socket receptacle. The circular or round design ensures that the connecting piece can be rotated within the receiving element. Because the receiving element comprises a socket, the connecting piece can be provided with a corresponding central socket receptacle.

[0029] It is further advantageous if the connecting device is designed as a safety closure, in particular as a push-turn closure.

[0030] It is expedient to provide an intermediate layer which is essentially designed to be arranged between the mat and the object designed as a container. This makes it possible to cost-effectively enlarge the area which is protected against soiling, as a large-area intermediate layer can be inserted and the mat itself does not have to be made larger. The intermediate layer can be inserted between the mat and the object designed as a container and thus connected to the set. The intermediate layer can be designed as a place mat or a bib, for example. This intermediate layer can also be stably fixed in position between the mat and the object designed as a container, if necessary, by interacting with them.

[0031] It is further advantageous if the intermediate layer has a hole through which a portion of the object, in particular the connecting piece, can be guided. This allows the object designed as a vessel to be connected to the mat in the usual way, with one edge of the hole enclosing the connecting piece and / or the receiving device. The object designed as a vessel is connected to the mat through the hole in the intermediate layer. This prevents the intermediate layer from slipping. To ensure that the connecting piece and / or the receiving device can be guided through the hole, it is advantageous if the diameter of the hole in the intermediate layer is larger than the diameter of the connecting piece and / or the receiving device. As a rule, the diameter of the hole is smaller than the maximum diameter of the object designed as a vessel. This prevents the intermediate layer from being pulled upwards over the object designed as a vessel and subsequently removed orcan be separated from the set without first removing the object designed as a vessel from the mat.

[0032] A further advantage arises if the intermediate layer is designed as a bib with an openable neckline. This means that the intermediate layer can be firmly attached to the set on the one hand and, for example, placed around a child's neck on the other. The neckline can in particular be designed to be easy to open. For this purpose, two sides of the neckline can be closed with a connection, such as a clip fastener, magnetic fastener, one or more snap fasteners or the like. It can be provided that even small tensile forces release this connection. It is also advantageous if the connection can be released with a tensile force of more than 100 N, preferably more than 75 N, particularly preferably with a tensile force of at least 25 N.

[0033] The mat and the receiving element are preferably formed integrally. For example, the receiving element can be provided and encapsulated with a material that forms the mat, thus ensuring a preferably gap-free transition between the receiving element and the mat. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving ring can be formed from a curable plastic or thermoplastic and encapsulated with silicone.

[0034] Further features, advantages, and effects will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments. The drawings, to which reference is made, show: Fig. 1 a plan view of a mat according to the invention; Fig. 2 a view of an underside of the mat according to the invention; Fig. 3 a cross-section through the mat and an object shaped as a vessel; Fig. 4 a cross-section through a portion of the receiving element.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a particularly self-adhesive mat 1, wherein an upper side of the mat 1 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the mat 1 is circular. Alternatively, the mat 1 can be designed in any desired shape, for example oval, rectangular or square. In this case, the mat 1 has a predominantly centrally arranged receiving element which comprises a base 2 and a receiving ring 3. The receiving element is essentially round or circular. The base 2 is usually positioned centrally in the receiving element and optionally surrounded by the receiving ring 3. As a rule, the receiving ring 3 comprises at least one, preferably three or more guide means 4. For stabilization, the base 2 has a rigid ring 5, which is arranged in particular along an upper edge of the base 2.It has proven useful if the ring 5 and / or the receiving ring 3 are made of a rigid material, for example a hard plastic, a curable plastic or a thermoplastic. Furthermore, it can be provided that the rigid ring 5 is connected to the receiving ring 3 via at least one, preferably several, webs 6. It is advantageous if the webs 6 are divided into three sections, with a first section and a third section running offset and parallel and being connected by a second section. To simplify production, it can be provided that the webs 6 are made of the same material as the ring 5. Optionally, the ring 5, the webs 6 and optionally the receiving ring 3 are formed in one piece, but preferably with different material thicknesses. The first section and the second section orThe second section and the third section typically each enclose an angle of approximately 90°. A surface is provided around the receiving element, which is defined by a raised edge 7. The raised edge 7 is preferably beveled radially outward. Furthermore, a release aid 8 is normally provided, which comprises a raised portion on the upper side of the mat 1.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a view of the underside of the mat 1, wherein a substantially annular, smooth surface 9 is provided, which encloses the central base 2. The release aid 8 is provided in an edge region, which includes a recess on the underside of the mat 1. Several spacers 10 are provided on the base 2, which are also arranged along a circular line.

[0037] The spacers 10 are preferably connected to the rigid ring 5 and extend through the mat 1, in particular in an area of ​​the base 2.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a set according to the invention, comprising the mat 1 and an object 11 designed as a vessel along the Fig. 1 dashed line III-III. The object 11 is preferably designed as a bowl, plate, bowl, cup, dish or the like. On the underside of the mat 1, the smooth surface 9 is provided, which is interrupted or offset in the region of the base 2, so that the smooth surface 9 is essentially annular. The base 2 is essentially hollow, whereby a cavity 12 is provided in the middle of the mat 1. Particularly preferably, the base 2 has one or more steps, wherein the respective second section of the webs 6 runs along a step. On the upper side of the mat 1, the receiving ring 3 is arranged, which encloses the base 2. Furthermore, the receiving ring 3 is enclosed by the mat 1. For this purpose, the mat 1 is bent up and essentially has a, usually circular, tab 13, in which the receiving ring 3 is positioned.The base 2 is essentially formed in one piece with the mat 1, wherein the mat 1 is thinner in a section which is arranged essentially horizontally than in a remaining area, such that this section sags slightly downwards. The rigid ring 5 is positioned on the upper edge of the base 2, in particular for stabilizing the same, and is connected to or formed in one piece with a plurality of spacers 10 extending through the mat 1. In one edge area, the mat 1 is delimited by the raised edge 7, which is beveled radially outwards. The release aid 8 is provided in the edge area, wherein the elevation of the release aid 8 is positioned on the upper side and the depression of the release aid 8 is positioned on the underside of the mat 1.

[0039] The object 11, designed as a vessel and attachable to the mat 1, has a connecting piece 14 that corresponds to or interacts with the receiving element. Furthermore, one or more locking elements 15 and / or guide elements 16 can be provided on the connecting piece 14, which serve to fix and / or guide the connecting piece 14 in the receiving element. The locking elements 15 and / or the guide elements 16 are designed, for example, as pins. Furthermore, a base receptacle 17 can be provided centrally in the connecting piece 14, which is designed as a recess, in particular corresponding to the base 2.Preferably, the base 2 fits precisely into the base receptacle 17 when the object 11 designed as a vessel is connected to the mat 1, wherein a depth of the base receptacle 17 is usually less than a height of the base 2, so that the base 2 is deformed when the object 11 designed as a vessel is connected to the mat 1.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a projection of a cross section through a partial area of ​​the receiving element along the Fig. 1shown dashed line IV-IV. In this sub-area, one of the guide means 4 is provided, which guides guide elements 16 arranged on the connecting element and corresponding thereto. The guide means 4 is usually beveled, wherein the guide elements 16 engage into the guide means 4, preferably from above, when connecting the object 11 designed as a vessel to the mat 1. Furthermore, a stop 19 and / or a detent 18 is provided. The detent 18 is designed as a recess into which the locking element 15, such as the pin, of the connecting piece 14 can engage.

[0041] To attach the object 11 in the form of a vessel to the mat 1, it is first inserted into the receiving element with the connecting piece 14. The object 11 in the form of a vessel can then be rotated in a first direction, for example clockwise, whereby the connecting piece 14 rotates in the receiving element. The guide elements 16 engage from above and the locking elements 15 engage laterally in the guide means 4, so that the object 11 in the form of a vessel, together with the connecting piece 14, is pressed downwards. At the same time, the base 2 is deformed by the connecting piece 14 and is also pressed downwards. Rotation preferably occurs until the locking element 15 strikes the stop 19 and engages in the catch 18. At the stop 19, the object 11 in the form of a vessel is pressed upwards again by the base 2, whereby the locking element 15 engages in the catch 18.

[0042] To release the container-shaped object 11 from the mat 1, it is first pressed downward. This, on the one hand, moves the locking element 15 out of the notch 18, and on the other hand, deforms the base 2. The container-shaped object 11 can then be rotated in a second direction, for example, counterclockwise, whereby the container-shaped object 11 is moved upward again by the guide elements 16 and the corresponding beveled guide means 4. In this process, the base 2 also returns to its original position or shape.

[0043] With a set according to the invention, small children can be fed safely and comfortably, while at the same time learning to eat independently, without there being any risk of a bowl filled with porridge, for example, being knocked over or thrown to the floor, since the bowl is firmly connected to the self-adhesive mat 1. In order to clean and / or store the set, the bowl or the object 11 designed as a container can be easily detached from the mat 1 by an adult by loosening the connecting device and can then be stored separately and thus saves space, or can be cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. Due to the two-part design of the set, the mat 1 can remain on a table surface, for example when feeding the small child, while the object 11 designed as a container is replaced.For example, an appetizer bowl can be removed and a main course bowl can be fixed to mat 1.

Claims

1. A set comprising a self-adhesive mat (1) and an object (11) which is formed as a vessel, the mat (1) being formed at least in part from an elastically deformable material and having a smooth surface (9) on an underside, by means of which the mat (1) can be laid down in a non-slip and self-adhesive manner on a tabletop for example, it being possible to fasten the object (11) in a detachable manner on an upper side of the mat (1) by means of a connecting device, the connecting device comprising a holding element and a connecting piece (14) interacting with it, which are designed such that they can be plugged into one another, characterized in that the connecting device is designed in a lockable manner, wherein the holding element is designed in a substantially round manner and has a central, in particular hollow, base (2), wherein the base (2) is formed in a partially elastically deformable manner and has a ring (5) preferably along an upper edge of the base (2), which ring (5) has a higher stiffness than the base (2) and wherein the holding element comprises a holding ring (3) which is enclosed by the mat (1) at least to some extent in a laterally circumferential manner and has a higher stiffness than the mat (1).

2. The set according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mat (1) has a raised edge (7) at the upper side, which edge is designed in an in particular outwardly sloping manner.

3. The set according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mat (1) has a recess on the underside and a corresponding protuberance on the upper side.

4. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting device is configured as a twist lock, wherein the holding element and the connecting piece (14) are designed to be rotatable with respect to one another.

5. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding element is arranged on the mat (1) and the connecting piece (14) is arranged on the object (11).

6. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding element has a stop (19) and / or a notch (18) for the connecting piece (14).

7. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holding element to some extent has a higher stiffness than the mat (1).

8. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding element has at least one, in particular a plurality of spacers (10) which are arranged on the underside of the mat (1), preferably in a cavity (12) of the base (2).

9. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting piece (14) has a latching element (15).

10. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting piece (14) has a guide element (16).

11. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connecting piece (14) is of substantially round design and if appropriate has a central base holder (17).

12. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting device is designed as a safety lock, particularly as a push-twist lock.

13. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an intermediate layer is provided, which is designed to be arrangeable substantially between the mat (1) and the object (11).

14. The set according to Claim 13, characterized in that the intermediate layer has a hole through which a subregion of the object (11), particularly the connecting piece (14), can be guided.

15. The set according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the intermediate layer is formed as a bib with a neckline that can be opened.

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