Changing Station

Abstract

The portable diaper changing station of the present invention comprises a composite, nonporous shaped body member which is contoured to provide a secure changing surface. A carry handle may be integrated into the body member along with at least one storage compartment for the storage of changing supplies such as diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station is generally rectangular in shape, rigid and includes a nonporous contoured changing surface with a shaped contoured pad running a substantial length of the contoured changing surface. A shaped nonporous head rest is contoured and formed therein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to infant care devices, and more particularly, to a portable diaper changing station and method of using same.

Changing an infant or young child's diaper can be a somewhat difficult task, even when the changing location is within a home where abundant water and waste facilities are present to accomplish the task. Generally, diaper changing stations and tables designed as furniture items and are kept in the nursery or other bedroom and are not easily moved from one location to another. Changing an infant in the home typically requires the caretaker to carry the baby to the location in the house where the changing table and related changing accessories, such as diaper wipes, diapers and baby lotions, are kept. This involves multiple trips to the changing location every day until the need for diapers no longer exists. In homes with multiple levels, climbing up and down the stairs can be quite exhausting for the caretaker.

In today's mobile society, infants travel quite frequently with their parents and caretakers. Many families with infants and small children tend to consume a greater number of meals at restaurants and other public venues, instead of dining at home most of the time. Infants spend more time travelling in cars, trains, airplanes and other forms of transport with their parents and caretakers. Although some public places such as airports and restaurants may have a changing station located in a restroom or other accommodation to visitors, they may become unsanitary due to repeated use without regular cleaning. Likewise they may be positioned in such an area as to make changing a diaper inconvenient and embarrassing. Lugging around a heavy changing station to provide a secure and clean changing surface for the infant, in addition to carrying a diaper bag to store the other accoutrements of child care and diaper changes, makes changing a diaper in a public venue all the more difficult and taxing. Moreover, locating a safe, flat and clean surface on which to change an infant's diaper are relatively few in public venues.

Thus, there is a need for a device which provides a portable, safe, comfortable and secure surface on which a diaper change can be accomplished. There is also a need for a device which is lightweight and can be easily transported and put away for storage when not in use. There is also a need for a portable changing station which can also provide storage and interchangeable tubs for infant care related accessories such as diapers, wipes and other infant related goods.

Therefore, in view of the above it is one object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, portable diaper changing station which can be easily cleaned and sanitized.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a diaper changing station that will provide a soft, clean and comfortable surface on which to place the infant or young child, and which will substantially secure the infant or young child during the diaper change process.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable diaper changing station that includes storage capacity for related cleaning items, such as tubs, wipes, lotions and clean diapers which can be stored, exchanged and carried in the changing station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for a portable diaper changing station is disclosed herein. The diaper changing station of the present invention includes a composite, shaped and contoured one piece body member including an integrated handle with a grip. One or multiple, storage compartments with lids may be formed into the body member for storing changing supplies such as tubs, diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station is generally rectangular in shape, semi-rigid and comprises a nonporous contoured changing surface. A shaped, contoured nonporous head rest may also be formed into the body member.

Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. While specific advantages and embodiments have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is top view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 7 is a back view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide some overview as to the way in which the invention disclosed herein operates. The following information may be viewed as a basis from which the present invention may by properly explained. Such information is offered for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not be construed to limit the broad scope of the present invention and its potential applications.

Turning to FIG. 1, changing station 10 is shown in a perspective view. In the depicted embodiment, changing station 10 is a one piece, formed body which is generally shaped in a rectangular fashion as shown. In one embodiment, changing station 10 is manufactured by a plastic mold injection process which produces a station body 12 that is nonporous, rigid or semi-rigid as preferred by the user. In one embodiment, station body 12 is constructed of a one piece, non-porous, semi-rigid polyurethane foam with a density of 55 and a durometer hardness of 35. A plastic “skin” is created on the surface of the molded foam station body 12 and changing surface 14 during the manufacturing process of station 10 to resist absorption and staining and which is easily cleaned and sanitized after use. Such material may be easily manufactured with a wide degree of color, texture, shapes and designs integrated therewith.

In alternative embodiments, changing station 10 may be constructed from various plastics, foams, metal, metal alloys, wood or other suitable materials as known in the art. Station body 12, changing surface 14 and headrest 16 may also include antimicrobial additives in the polyurethane resin to resist and deter microbial growth and odor. In other contemplated embodiments, changing station 10 may consist of two or more members comprising components of the station body 12, changing surface 14 or headrest 16. Changing surface 14 is contoured in shape to provide a secure and easily sanitized surface on which to lay and secure the infant or child being changed. Head support 16 is contoured and shaped accordingly to provide a secure and comfortable depression in which to place the child's head while changing the child's diaper.

Handle 18 is formed into the station body 12 for purposes of easily carrying and manipulating the changing station 10. Handle 18 includes a formed grip which provides a safe and secure grip for the user to easily transport and manipulated the changing station 10. The grip may consist of the same material as that of station body 12 or may be other materials such as rubber, notched rubber, metal, or other gripping material as known in the art. In one embodiment, handle is substantially formed and located in proximity to the center of gravity of changing station 10 to provide substantial balance while station 10 is being carried.

Various configurable and removable dispenser and storage tubs or compartments may be formed into the changing station 10 for a variety of purposes. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser 20 is a compartment designed to accept sanitary wipes and includes a snap closure lid that includes a slot for the dispensation of wipes, tissues or other dispensable items. In one embodiment, the dispensing tub includes a cap with a lanyard attachment point to secure the dispensing tub cap to the tub cover. Storage compartment 22 is shown with a snap closure lid which provides a secure compartment in which to store associated items such as lotions, gels, pacifiers, toys and/or additional diapers. In alternative embodiments, dispenser 20 and storage compartment 22 may be switched, moved or removed in relative location on or about the station body 12 or away completely detached from the station 10 for purposes of cleaning or restocking wipes and other related supplies. In other embodiments, dispenser 20 and storage compartment 22 include lids with various known means of detachably securing the lid including snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners among others. In one embodiment, dispenser 20 or storage compartment 22 are sized dimensionally to accept common tubs which hold wipes or other items to allow a user to remove the tub from the dispenser 20 or compartment 22, discard the spent tub (e.g. after all the wipes have been used) and replace into dispenser 20 or compartment 22 a new tub of wipes or other supplies as needed.

In the depicted embodiment, safety belt attachment points 24 are preformed slots in station body 12 of sufficient dimension to accept a safety belt which may be draped across the body of a child who has been placed on changing surface 14 for purposes of substantially securing the child to the changing station. In other embodiments, safety belt attachment points 24 may comprise loops, rings, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps or other commonly know means for securing a belt or harness to changing station 10. Additional safety device retention systems or attachment points may be integrated on station boyd 12 as desired.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. Station body 12 is shown with safety belt attachment point 24. Storage lid 30 and dispenser lid 34 are shown detachably secured to station body 12 with hinges 32,36. In one embodiment, lids 30,34 are molded with a “living” hinge feature or other known safety hinge design to eliminate potential pinch points. Lids 30, 34 may also be detachably secured to station body 12 via spring hinges, torque hinges, snaps, hook and loop fasteners or attachment means as known in the art. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser lid 34 includes a slot for dispensing wipes or any other material or object designed to be easily withdrawn without the need for opening the entire lid.

With reference to FIG. 3, lids 30,34 are shown with tabs 40 integrated therewith. Tabs 40 allow the user to easily lift and open lids 30,34 with their fingers or hands. Instead of tabs 40, other pulls or knobs may be utilized according to the preference of the user.

Turning to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, left and right side views of the changing station 10 are shown. The substantial contour of changing surface 14 is shown and, as previously described, acts to substantially secure a child placed thereon to keep the child from “rolling” out of the changing station 10. The contour of changing surface 14 also acts to contain any spills or other materials and substantially prevent the spills or other materials from leaking on to other surfaces in proximity of the changing station 10. Lids 30,34 are shown in a “closed” position. Tabs 40 are shown as configured in the closed position of lids 30,34.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the changing station 10 in one embodiment disclosed herein. Station body 12 is shown with contoured changing surface 14 and headrest 16. Headrest 16 is preformed into station body 12 and is of sufficient size and dimension to provide a comfortable and secure head rest for a child placed on to the changing surface 14. In the depicted embodiment, headrest 16 is a contoured, generally oval depression which is formed into the station body 12 and changing surface 14. In other embodiments, headrest 16 may consist of various geometric shapes and forms, as well as be raised above the horizontal plane of changing surface 14. Indeed, it is contemplated, that various dimensional configurations for station body 12, changing surface 14 and headrest 16 may be designed and utilized for infants and children of various ages, sizes and needs.

Compartments 20 and 22 are shown in a closed position. It is also recognized that compartments 20 and 22 may be designed and utilized for various specific requirements. In the embodiment shown, compartment 20 is a wipe dispenser and compartment 22 is designed to contain various items such as baby lotion, medications or other objects. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may not incorporate one or any storage compartment. In still other possible embodiments, multiple compartments may be integrated into station body 12 at any location and as desired. Likewise, safety belt attachment points 24 may or may not be formed into station body 12 as desired by the user. Handle 18 or another suitable transport attachment may or may not be formed as required or desired by the user. It is contemplated that end users could design and customize the size, shape, color, and storage features to the changing station 10 to suit their individual preferences and needs. In alternative embodiments, various lugs, pulls, straps or other handling means may be incorporated or formed into station body 12 and utilized for transport of the changing station as desired by the user. Likewise, various storage solutions may or may not be incorporated as desired.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the changing station 10 apparatus disclosed herein. In one embodiment, station rests 50 and cleats 52 are formed as convex and protruding up and away from the horizontal plane of station body 12. In the depicted embodiment, station rests 50 are substantially larger in diameter than cleats 52. Station rests 50 act to provide a stable support for the changing station when the changing station is placed on a surface. In an alternative embodiment, rests 50 are formed or cut into station body 12 to prevent station body from creating suction with, sticking to or substantially clinging to any surface upon which the changing station 10 is placed for use in changing a diaper or during storage. Cleats 52 act to provide a friction and/or restriction mechanism when cleats 52 come into contact with any surface or objects resting on a surface on which the changing station 10 is placed. Cleats 52 also act to reduce the surface area of station body 12 which comes into contact with the support surface, thereby making it easier to lift the changing station 10 off and away from the supporting surface. If changing station 10 is placed on an uneven or substantially contoured surface, station rests 50 and cleats 52 will act to provide stability to the changing station. Station rests 50 and cleats 52 may consist of or be covered with non-slip or rubberized materials to reduce slipping of the station and to prevent the marring of the surface on which the station rests. In one embodiment, station rests 50 and cleats 52 are formed as concave dimples into the station body 12 and may act as suction cups to secure the changing station 10 to a flat surface or may be fashioned and constructed to reduce the suction between the station and the surface upon which the station is placed. In still other embodiments, rests 50 and cleats 52 may be formed in mixed concave and convex shapes as desired to provide support, suction, anti-suction or other function as desired to assist in supporting the station 10 and detachably securing it to a variety support surfaces with various topographic environments.

A method of changing a child's diaper using the portable changing station 10 is as follows. The changing station 10 is placed on a surface which can properly support the station 10 and the child placed thereon. The child is then placed on the station body 12 resting substantially on changing surface 14 which provides a soft and secure area for the child while the child's diaper is being changed. A belt or other retention device may be looped over the child's torso to further releasably secure or restrict the child from gross movement during the changing process. The soiled diaper is removed and discarded into an appropriate receptacle. Wipes may be dispensed from the wipe dispenser 20 to clean the child and any portion of the station 10 which may have become soiled during the changing process. Topical medication or lotions may be withdrawn from storage compartment 22 and replaced after use. In one embodiment, the user may withdraw a tub of wipes from the dispenser 20 and place them in a more convenient area while changing the diaper. After the change is complete, the user may replace the tub into dispenser 20 for transport and later use.

The advantages of the portable changing station 10 are readily apparent. Station 10 is a lightweight and can be easily transported. Station 10 provides a secure and sanitary surface on which to safely and quickly change a diaper. Station 10 is easily cleaned and sanitized after each use or as necessitated and provides a storage capability for items which are required or facilitate the changing of a diaper. Due to the contoured shape of the changing surface 14 and headrest 16, changing a diaper can be carried out relatively safely because the potential for the child to fall or roll off the station 10 is minimized. Station 10 is easily customized to suit the preferences of the user including functionality (right handed vs. left handed users) and personal taste (e.g. color or artwork imprints).

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a station body with a carry handle;

a changing surface incorporated into the station body; and,

a headrest.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one storage compartment.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one dispenser.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station body is constructed of polyurethane.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the changing surface is constructed of polyurethane.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station body is rigid.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station body is semi-rigid.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a retention belt.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an anti-microbial additive applied to the polyurethane resin for inhibiting microbial growth on the changing station.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the headrest is integrated into the station body.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one cleat.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one station rest.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station body includes a parabolic contour shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the changing surface includes a parabolic contour shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the headrest includes a parabolic contour shape.

16. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a lid.

17. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a lanyard.

18. A method, comprising:

positioning a changing station on a supported surface;

placing a child on the changing surface located on the changing station;

securing the child to the changing station with a retention belt to substantially restrict the child's movement; and,

removing a soiled diaper from the child.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

removing a baby wipe from a wipe dispenser integrated with the changing station.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

placing a new diaper on the child and releasing the retention belt.

21. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

storing a lotion in a storage compartment integrated with the changing station.

22. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

storing a baby wipe in a wipe dispenser integrated with the changing station.