Diaper changing article

Abstract

A diaper changing article comprising a flat circular body preferably having a pluaality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to open and close the changing article; preferably, a storage area radially arranged about a center of the circular body, wherein at least one pocket in the storage area has an opening proximal to the center of the circular body; and at least one handle coupled to the outer edge, wherein a handle is adapted to carry the body is exposed in the closed state and a second handle is adapted to maintain the body in the closed state. In one embodiment, the handle is adjustable in length. In one embodiment, the article is wearable by the user and is expandable to hold additional items. A detachable fabric container is disclosed, whereby the container preferably holds wipes or such. The diaper changing article preferably has a polygonal shape, such as a square, when folded closed.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/872,801, filed Jun. 21, 2004, entitled “Diaper Changing Article” (Attorney Docket No. GRCE-01000US0), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a diaper changing article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diaper changing pads as well as diaper changing stations are widely used to change a child's diaper on the go. However, conventional diaper changing pads are rectangular in shape and are cumbersome for the parent. The conventional changing pads are disadvantageous, because the rectangular shape of the pad requires the child to be aligned on the pad properly to ensure complete coverage from the supporting surface. This maybe quite difficult if the child does not lay still or likes to roll over while being changed.

What is needed is a diaper-changing article which is convenient for the parent to change the child's diaper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a baby changing article having adjustable straps in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a baby changing article having a outer pocket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a foldable compartment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the foldable compartment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3-10 illustrate one folding procedure of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate different folding procedures of embodiments of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is directed to a diaper changing article which comprises a flat body that has a circular outer edge and a plurality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to selectively open and close the changing article. The article, when folded, is substantially flat so that the folded article is able to be easily stored in a small enclosed space (e.g. purse, diaper bag).

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention. The baby changing article 100 is preferably utilized to change the child's (e.g. infant, toddler) diaper. However, the article 100 can also be used for other purposes (e.g. playmat, sleepmat, blanket). As shown in FIG. 1A, the baby changing article 100 has a circular or substantially circular body 101. For instance, the changing article 100 can have several (e.g. twenty) discreet sides on its outer edge, but still have an overall substantially circular body 101. Existing changing pads are rectangular in shape which requires the parent or user to perfectly align the child onto the rectangular changing pad to change the child's diaper. Once the child is placed on the rectangular changing pad, the child may not lie still and may begin to roll, flip or move onto the area surrounding the article 100. It is, of course, an annoyance for the parent to try to align and place the child on the rectangular changing pad. It is a further annoyance for the parent to keep the child from moving onto the area (e.g. bathroom floor, grass) surrounding the rectangular changing pad. The circular changing article 100 of the present invention allows the parent to change the child's diaper without these types of worries and annoyances. In particular, the parent can lay down the child onto the article 100 without needing to orient the child in any specific direction due to the circular shape of the article 100. In addition, the circular shape of the changing article 100 provides ample room such that the child does not come into contact with the surrounding area.

In one embodiment, the changing article 100 is padded to provide a cushion for the child while laying on the changing article 100, although it is not necessary. The changing article preferably has four handles 112 attached to the outer edge of the body 101. Alternatively, the article 100 has any number of handles 112. In another embodiment, the changing article 100 does not include handles 112. The handles 112 are preferably located 90 degrees from each other with respect to the center of the body 101. In another embodiment, the handles 112 are located at any other angle from each other with respect to the center of the body 101. The handles 112 are preferably attached to the body 101 at the locations where the fold lines 104, 106 meet the outer edge of the body 1 0 1. The handles 112 are positioned such that at least one handle 112 is exposed when the article 100 is folded irrespective of the order in which the article 100 is folded. In addition the handles 112 are advantageously located, such that the article 100 can be opened or closed in any order with only one hand. The exposed handle 112 allows the user to carry the article 100. The handles 112 are also formed to be a loop that is long enough to secure the folded body 101 in a closed position, as will be discussed below. In one embodiment, the handles 112 are of a fixed length. In another embodiment, one or more handles 112 are adjustable in length, so that the parent is able to use the exposed handle (see below) as a shoulder strap.

The changing article 100 preferably includes several fold lines 104, 106 in the body 101 which allow the changing article 100 to be easily folded for storage. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3-10, the article 100 is foldable about the fold lines 104, 106 in any order such that the parent is able to fold the article with one hand. The ability of the changing article 100 to be easily folded is advantageous to the parent, especially if the parent is holding the child with his or her other hand. In addition, the article 100, when folded, is substantially flat so that the folded article 100 is able to be easily placed in a small enclosed space (e.g. purse, diaper bag). Referring to FIG. 3, the changing article 100 preferably has two spaced-apart fold lines 104 as well as another two spaced-apart fold lines 106 oriented perpendicularly to the fold lines 104. The fold lines 104 and 106 are preferably spaced apart an equal distance and intersect to preferably form a neat, compact, polygonal-shaped center area 116 (e.g. a square). The polygonal-shaped center area 116 forms the polygonal folded article 100 when the article 100 is folded in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 10. It should be noted that any other shape is contemplated for the center area 116 and is not limited to a square. The compact, folded article 100, when folded, allows the article 100 is able to be easily placed in the small enclosed space. In one embodiment, the fold lines 104,106 are formed in the changing article body 101 by thread lines stitched into the body 101. In another embodiment, the fold lines 104, 106 are formed in the body 101 by any other method or means. In yet another embodiment, no thread lines are stitched into the body 101 at the fold lines 104, 106.

In one embodiment, the body 101 is configured to have an elastic strip of material at the fold lines 104, 106. In some cases, the user, upon placing several items or thick items in the storage areas 110 (FIG. 1B) can cause the overall thickness of the article to substantially increase when the article 100 is folded. The elastic material therefore accommodates the increased thickness by expanding at the fold lines 104, 106 to allow the article to be easily foldable. As indicated herein, the handles can also be made of elastic material or be adjustable.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the changing article 100 includes a circular storage area 110 radially disposed along the body 101. The storage area 110 is useful for holding objects and supplies (e.g. diapers, powder, toys). In particular, a toy 102 is shown attached to the body 101 within the storage area 110 for easy storage when not is use. The storage area 110 is preferably formed by an additional layer of material attached to the outer edge of the body 101. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 is made of the same material as the article 100. In another embodiment, the storage area 110 is made of an elastic mesh material. In yet another embodiment, the storage area 110 is made of any other appropriate material.

The storage area 110 is concentrically positioned with respect to the center of the body 101 and preferably has the opening along an inner edge 114 of the storage area 110 as shown in FIG. 1B. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the opening of the storage area 110 is located at the outer edge of body 101, whereby the storage area 110 is attached to the body 101 at the inner edge 114. In one embodiment, the opening of the storage area 110 is lined with a closing feature (e.g. an elastic material, Velcro®, zipper) such that objects are prevented from falling out of the storage area 110, although not necessarily. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 is partitioned into separate individual pockets such that objects can be stored in the separate discreet pockets of the storage area 110. In another embodiment, the storage area 110 is not partitioned into separate pockets and is a continuous storage area. It is contemplated that the article 100 includes a second storage area disposed on top of the storage area 110, whereby additional items can be placed therein for additional storage. In one embodiment, the second storage area can contain items which are attached to the inner surface of the second storage area, whereby the items can easily be pulled out and inserted back into the storage. For instance, a mirror can be attached to the inner surface of the second storage area (or alternatively the primary storage area 110), whereby the mirror is simply pulled out, but remains attached to the article 100. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the article 100 alternatively does not include the storage area.

In one embodiment, the changing article 100 has a 30 inch diameter, whereby the fold lines 104 are spaced apart from each other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 10 inches. In addition, the fold lines 106 are spaced apart from each other as well as the outer edge of the body 101 by 10 inches. The fold lines 104 and 106 intersect near the center of the body 101 to form the square center portion 116 being 10 inches in length and 10 inches in width. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 extends inward from the edge 108 toward the center 116 by 5 inches.

In another embodiment, the changing article 100 has a 24 inch diameter, whereby the fold lines 104 are spaced apart from each other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 8 inches. In addition, the fold lines 106 are spaced apart from each other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 8 inches. The fold lines 104 and 106 intersect near the center of the body 101 to form a square center portion 116 being 8 inches in length and 8 inches in width. In one embodiment, the changing article 100 includes a concentric storage area 110, whereby the storage area 110 extends inward toward the center 116 from the outer edge 108 by 4 inches. Alternatively, the storage area 110 extends inward by any other appropriate distance. It should be noted that the changing article 100 alternatively has any other dimensions and is not limited to the dimensions discussed. It is preferred that the fold lines 104, 106 are equally spaced in the body 101, however it is not necessary.

The changing article 100 is preferably made of vinyl, although plastic-covered cloth is also contemplated. In other embodiments, the changing article 100 is made of other materials, including but not limited to, nylon, cotton, fleece, Terri-cloth, or canvas. It is apparent that any other appropriate material is contemplated. The material of the changing article 100 should be such that the material can be easily wiped clean. Alternatively, the changing article 101 can be manufactured to be disposable, whereby the material of the changing article 100 can be made of paper or other readily disposable material. In one embodiment, the article 100 is made of one material and includes a circular insert (e.g. vinyl) made of another material (e.g. Terri-cloth), whereby the insert would be placed on the center 116. The insert can be easily detachable from the body 101 so that the insert can be separately washed if soiled. It is also contemplated that the insert can be made of a paper based material such that the insert is disposable. The insert can be attached to the body 101 by any appropriate method (e.g. Velcro, zipper) and can remain attached when the article 100 is folded closed. Alternatively, the insert is not attachable to the body 101 and is able to be merely placed on the body 101 when used. The insert can be of any size with relation to the article 100.

The changing article 100 is preferably constructed by forming two pieces of cloth or other material to have the same circular design. The two circular pieces are then preferably sewed to one another along the circular outer edge 108 to form the body 101, whereby preferably a folded braid 208 (FIG. 1B) is sewed to the outer edge. In one embodiment, a padding material (e.g. foam) is placed in between the two circular pieces, although not necessary. Alternatively, only one piece of cloth is utilized to form the body 101. Following, fold lines 104, 106 are formed into the body 101 in the arrangement described above, whereby the fold lines 104, 106 are preferably sewed into the body 101.

The handles 112 are also preferably attached to the outer edge 108 of the circular body 101, whereby the handles 112 are positioned ninety degrees from each other with respect to the center of the body 101. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 is attached to the body 101 by sewing the outer edge of the storage area 110 to the outer edge 108 of the circular body 101, such that the opening of the storage area 110 faces inward toward the center of the body 101. In addition, it is contemplated in the one embodiment to form individual pockets of the storage area 110. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner edge of the storage area 110 is attached to the body 101 to form the opening to be at the outer edge of the body 101 (e.g. folded braid). The handles 112 are preferably made of a cloth material. In one embodiment, the handles 112 are made of a material which is elastic to easily secure any of the handles 112 around the square shape folded body 108. It should be noted that the handles 112 are preferably of a length which does not pose a hazard to the child.

As stated above, the article 100 can alternatively include toys or different textured surfaces on or attached to the body 101. For instance, different textured and/or colored tags can be attached to anywhere on the body 101 so that the child can touch and explore the tags. In another embodiment, the different textured, shaped and/or colored pieces of fabric can be removably attached to the body 101 so that the child can touch and explore the pieces of fabric. In one embodiment, one or more lights (e.g. LEDs) can be attached on the body 101 (e.g. near the outside edge) whereby the lights automatically illuminate when the article 100 is unfolded. Alternatively, the article 100 includes a pressure sensor placed within the body 101, whereby the lights automatically illuminate when the child is placed on the article 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the article 100 includes a small speaker and circuit which plays music or sounds when the article 100 is unfolded or when the child is placed on the body 101. In another embodiment, the article 100 is configured to make a squeaking noise when the child is placed on or moves around the body 101. In another embodiment, a clear plastic mat having a gel-like substance and objects within which move in the gel can be removably attached to the body 101 of the article 100. Such a mat can provide entertainment to the child who can poke and move the objects around in the gel by pushing on the outside of the clear plastic mat. In yet another embodiment, the article 100 can include a retractable hood which can cover some or all of the article 100 to protect the child from the outside elements while being changed. In one embodiment, the hood is removably attachable to the article 100 such that the hood can be used whenever needed. In another embodiment, the hood is fixedly attached to the article 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the diaper changing article in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the article 300 includes the handles 312 having adjusting tabs 304 thereon. It should be noted that any type of adjusting mechanism can be used in the present invention. The adjustable handle 312 allow the user more flexibility in utilizing the article 300. For instance, the handle 312A can be adjusted to firmly secure the article 300 shut when the the article is expanded due to items being placed in the pockets 210 (FIG. 1B). Additionally, the handle 312B can be lengthened so that the article 300 can be carried around the user's shoulder. Additionally, or alternatively, the article 300 in FIG. 2A includes one or more shoulder straps 302 attached thereto and located on the outside surface of the center portion 306 so that the user can carry the article 300 as a backpack. It is contemplated that the shoulder strap 302 can be configured in any other appropriate manner to allow the article to be worn by the user. In one embodiment, the shoulder straps 302 include an adjusting tab 304. In another embodiment, the shoulder straps 302 do not include an adjusting tab 304, and are instead elastic.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the changing article in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2B, the article 400 includes a pocket 402 on the outer surface of one or more folding flaps 404. In one embodiment, the pocket 402 is made of the same fabric as that of the article body 301. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pocket 402 is made of an elastic mesh net. The pocket 402 allows the user to store items which are to be easily accessible. As shown in FIG. 2B, the pocket 402 can be used to fit a flat milk bottle 406, such that the bottle 406 does not add to the thickness of the article 400 in the closed position. In one embodiment, the pocket 402 is stitched to the article 400. In another embodiment, the pocket 402 is easily removable from the article 400 by hook and loop (Velcro®), buttons or other mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the pocket 402 is located on the inside surface of the article 400.

FIG. 2C illustrates a detachable carrying case which is preferably utilized with any of the changing articles described herein. As shown in FIG. 2C, the carrying case 500 includes a body 502 preferably having a fold line 504 in the middle, whereby the body 502 is foldable into halves about the fold line 504. As shown in FIG. 2C, the carrying case 500 preferably includes two individual pockets 506 and 508, each being in the half portions of the case 500. In one embodiment, the openings 510 of each pocket 506, 508 are near the fold line 504 as indicated in FIG. 2B. The pockets 506, 508 can be used to hold cleaning wipes, tissues, diaper disposing bags or other desired items. In one embodiment, half-moon shaped wipes or tissues can be placed inside each of the pockets 506, 508. In another embodiment, conventional rectangular wipes or tissues can be held by both pockets 506, 508 of the case.

The carrying case 500 can be substantially circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other appropriate shape. The carrying case 500 preferably fits within one of the interior pockets 210 of the article 200 (FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the curved outer shape of the case 500 contours the curved outer edge 108 of the changing article when the case 500 is placed within one of the interior storage pockets 210. In another embodiment, the carrying case 500 is attached to the inside or outside surface of the changing article utilizing hook and loop (Velcro(®), buttons or any other mechanism.

FIGS. 3-10 illustrate one folding procedure of one embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention. It should be noted that any other folding technique is contemplated within the skill in the art. The changing article 100 is shown laid substantially flat on a surface in FIG. 3. To close the changing article 100 into a closed position, the user folds the flap 114 inward toward the center of the body 101 about the fold line 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The user then folds the opposite flap 116 inward toward the center of the body 101 about the fold line 104, as shown in FIG. 5. The user then folds flap 118 inward toward the center of the body 101 about the fold line 106, as shown in FIG. 6. The user then folds flap 120 inward toward the center of the body 101 over the folded flap 118 about the fold line 106, as shown in FIG. 7, to completely fold the changing article into the folded position, as shown in FIG. 8. This forms a square shaped folded body, as shown in FIG. 8.

As stated above and shown in FIG. 8, the handles 112 are preferably positioned such that one handle 112B is able to secure the article 100 in the closed position, and another handle 112A is exposed to allow the user to carry the article 100 in the closed, folded position. The handle 112B secures the article 100 closed, by being secured around the square center portion of the folded body 101 as shown in FIG. 9. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the handle 112B traverses from a first side of the square folded body to the opposite side of the square folded body, as shown in FIG. 9. Once the article 100 is in its folded closed carrier position, the user is able to carry the article 100 using the other exposed handle 112A, as shown in FIG. 10. The remaining two handles 112 are preferably hidden within the folded article 100. It is contemplated that the article 100 is opened by reversing the order by which the article 100 is closed.

Alternatively, the article 100 is secured in its closed, carrier position by any other means (e.g. Velcro®, button). It should also be noted that the steps described above for folding the article 100 is only one method of closing the article, and any other appropriate method of opening and closing the article 100 is contemplated. For example only, the article 100 is closed by first folding the flap 114 about fold line 104; then folding the adjacent flap 118 about fold line 106; folding the following flap 116 about fold line 104; and then folding flap 120 about the fold line 106. Thus, the article 100 is able to be opened or closed securely and also able to be easily carried with one hand, irrespective of the order in which the article 100 is folded. In addition, the article 100 when folded is substantially flat so that the folded article 100 is able to be easily placed in a small enclosed space (e.g. purse, diaper bag).

Although the fold lines shown and described in the Figures above are preferred, the article is folded in any other alternative manner. For instance, FIGS. 11A-14 illustrate different embodiments of the present changing article having various folding features. For instance, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the article 300 has folding lines 302, 304 perpendicular to one another through the center of the article 300, whereby the article 300 is foldable into a quarter section 306, as shown in FIG. 11B. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the article 400 includes one folding line 402 disposed vertically and two folding lines 404 disposed horizontally above and below the center. The circular article 400 is able to be folded about fold lines 402 and 404 into the rectangular folded position, as shown in FIG. 12B. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the article 500 includes several fold lines 502 disposed parallel to one another. The article 500 is able to be folded into the rectangular folded position, as in FIG. 13B, by folding the article about lines 502. In another embodiment, the article 500 is able to be rolled into a rolled-up position, as shown in FIG. 14.

The foregoing description of preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalence.

Claims

1. A diaper changing article comprising: a substantially circular body having a plurality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to selectively close the body in a folded state, wherein the body is substantially square in the folded state.

2. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be coupled to the changing article and having at least one pocket.

3. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a foldable carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be coupled to the changing article and having at least one pocket.

4. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a pocket radially arranged about a center of the body and having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body.

5. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of handles attached on the body, wherein at least one handle is adjustable in length.

6. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising:

a. a first handle is configured to maintain the body in the folded state; and

b. a second handle capable of being exposed in the folded state, the second handle adapted to carry the body.

7. The diaper changing article of claim 1 wherein the body includes elastic material along the fold lines.

8. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap coupled to the body, wherein the body is wearable in the folded state.

9. A diaper changing article comprising:

a. a substantially flat circular body adapted to be folded between an open state and a closed state; and

b. a plurality of handles extending from the body, at least one handle configured to secure the body closed in the closed state.

10. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be removably coupled to the changing article and having at least one pocket.

11. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a foldable carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be removably coupled to the changing article and having at least one pocket.

12. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a pocket radially arranged about a center of the body and having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body.

13. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of handles attached to the body, wherein at least handle is adjustable in length.

14. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a first handle configured to secure the body in the closed state.

15. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a first handle capable of being exposed in the closed state, the first handle adapted to carry the folded body.

16. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a pocket disposed on an outer surface of the article in the closed state.

17. A diaper changing article comprising:

a. a substantially flat circular body configured to be folded into a substantially square body in a folded state; and

b. a carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be coupled to the body and having at least one pocket.

18. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of handles attached to the body, wherein a first handle is adapted to secure the square body in the folded state and a second handle is adapted to carry the square body.

19. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a pocket radially arranged about a center of the circular body and having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body.

20. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a pocket radially arranged about a center of the circular body and having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body, wherein the carrying case is capable of being stored in the pocket.