DIAPER CHANGING ARTICLE

Abstract

Diaper changing articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad having one or more configurable pockets comprises three segments. The first segment may contain a first fillable cavity for providing cushioning for a child's head, storing diapers, and dispensing diapers. The second segment may provide cushioning for the child's torso. The third segment may contain a second fillable cavity positioned under the child's legs for storing and dispensing disposable wipes. All segments may provide a barrier against germs and filth that may be present on the underlying surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

Implementations consistent with the principles of the invention generally relate to the field of child care products, and more specifically to diaper changing articles.

2. Background of Related Art

A parent or other care giver of a child in diapers typically carries a diaper bag that includes various child care products, such as extra diapers, an extra set of clothes, disposable baby wipes, baby powder, and the like. The child may require care, such as a diaper change, at any time.

In some situations, for example during a short trip out to lunch, it may not be desirable to carry a diaper bag, due to the relatively large bulk of such bags. Typically, however, to change a child's diaper, one or more diapers, disposable wipes, and a diaper pad (sometimes called a “diaper mat,” “changing pad,” or “changing mat”) are nevertheless required. To change the child's diaper, the child is typically first set down on the diaper pad, which acts both as a cushion for the child and well as a barrier from germs and filth that may be present on the underlying surface. Diaper pads, however, may not be sufficiently cushioned to provide adequate comfort or support.

It is desirable to address the limitations in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Diaper changing articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad having one or more configurable pockets comprises three segments. The first segment may contain a first fillable cavity for providing cushioning for a child's head, for storing diapers, and for dispensing diapers. The second segment may provide cushioning for the child's torso. The third segment may contain a second fillable cavity positioned under the child's legs for storing and dispensing disposable wipes. All segments may provide a barrier against germs and filth that may be present on the underlying surfaces. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention can be seen upon review of the figures, the detailed description, and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are for the purpose of illustrating and expounding the features involved in the present invention for a more complete understanding, and not meant to be considered as a limitation, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description of the present invention is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons, having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to an implementation of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment 100 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary diaper pad 105 comprises three segments: top segment 110, middle segment 120, and bottom segment 130. As indicated by the dark arrows shown in FIG. 1, to convert the diaper pad 105 into a closed configuration, top segment 110 may be folded inward toward middle segment 120, and bottom segment 130 may be folded inward toward middle segment 120 as well. In one embodiment, diaper pad 105 is substantially rectangular in overall shape, with the length of diaper pad 105 being approximately 28 inches, and the width approximately 12.5 inches, with the length divided approximately equally among the three segments, such that each segment is approximately 7 to 8 inches long and 12.5 inches in wide. Diaper pad 105 may be constructed of any flexible material suitable for depositing a child during a diaper change, such as leather, vinyl, cloth, and the like. In one embodiment, each of the three segments (110, 120, and 130) is filled with a relatively thin (e.g., 0.25 inch) layer of packing foam or other suitable commercially available cushioning material, such as cotton. The crease between top segment 110 and middle segment 120, as well as the crease between middle segment 120 and bottom segment 130, may be implemented using any of a variety of techniques known to skilled artisans, such as sewing or crimping the creases between the segments or forming each segment separately and then foldably attaching the segments using commercially available fasteners such as zippers, male-female snap connectors, or VELCRO™.

As shown in FIG. 1, top segment 110 provides a storage and dispensal facility for diapers, as well as a pillow for the head of the child whose diaper needs to be changed. In one embodiment, two or three diapers (not shown) may be inserted into a cavity within top segment 110 via a first opening 115. With diapers thus inserted into this cavity within top segment 110, additional cushioning is provided for the child's head, as indicated by dashed oval curve 117 in FIG. 1. For example, if three diapers are inserted into the cavity, additional cushioning for the child's head is provided even if two of the diapers are subsequently removed and used. Although opening 115 is shown in FIG. 1 as being located at the top of the top segment 110, it may be constructed at other locations, depending on the needs of each particular implementation (i.e., the opening may be located along one of the short sides of top segment 110, or it may be a slit that is located on the back surface (not shown) of top segment 110. In any event, first opening 115 may be implemented with a means for closing and reopening it while securing its contents, such using commercially available fasteners such as zippers, male-female snap connectors, or VELCRO™. If desired, objects other than diapers (e.g., diaper rash ointment) may also be stored in the cavity within top segment 110, in which case such objects may be located relatively far away from the middle of top segment 110 so as to minimize interference with the head cushioning function of top segment 110 while a child's diaper is being changed.

Middle segment 120 shown in FIG. 1 provides cushioning for the child's torso, and may be filled with a variety of suitable cushioning materials as mentioned previously, such as foam, cotton, and the like.

The bottom segment 130 of the diaper pad 105 shown in FIG. 1 may be located underneath the legs of the child being diapered, and in one embodiment provides a storage and dispensal area for disposable wipes. A package of disposable wipes may be inserted into a cavity within bottom segment 130 via opening 132. Disposable wipes may be dispensed via opening 135. As shown in FIG. 1, a lid 137 of a disposable wipe package 138 is visible through opening 135 and may partially extend beyond the top surface of bottom segment 130. Opening 135 facilitates access to lid 137, and, by reaching through opening 135 and opening lid 137, a person changing a child's diaper may gain access to disposable wipes, which may be pulled out via opening 135. Various commercially available disposable wipe package types may be used, such as 40-count “soft packs” with hard plastic lids or thin flaps, commonly offered by HUGGIES™ and others. Although opening 132 is shown in FIG. 1 as being located along the bottom of the bottom segment 130, it may be constructed at other locations, depending on the needs of each particular implementation (i.e., the opening may be located along one of the short sides of bottom segment 130, or it may be a slit that is located on the back surface (not shown) of bottom segment 130. In any event, opening 132 may be implemented with a means for closing and reopening it while securing its contents, such using commercially available fasteners such as zippers, male-female snap connectors, or VELCRO™. If desired, objects other than disposable wipes may also be stored in the cavity within bottom segment 130.

Although this is not shown in FIG. 1, diaper pad 105 may include a means for maintaining the diaper pad in a closed or folded configuration. Such means may comprise, but is not limited to, zippers, male-female snap connectors, VELCRO™, or a hook-based fastening system. Also, although this is also not shown in FIG. 1, diaper pad 105 may include a variety of handle means (such as a fabric strap) so as to facilitate carrying the diaper pad 105.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A diaper changing article, comprising:

a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad comprising a plurality of segments, wherein a first upper segment comprises a pillow comprising a first cavity fillable with one or more diapers and a first opening, thereby providing a head cushioning pad as well as storage of said diapers within said first cavity and dispensal of said diapers via said opening.

2. The diaper changing article of claim 1, further comprising:

a second lower segment comprising a pocket comprising a second cavity fillable with a disposable wipe container, a second opening for dispensal of said disposable wipes, and a third opening for introduction and removal of said disposable wipe container.

3. The diaper changing article of claim 2, further comprising a third middle segment comprising a torso cushioning pad.

4. A diaper changing article, comprising:

a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad; and

a first combined means for providing head cushioning, diaper storage, and diaper dispensal.

5. The diaper changing article of claim 4, further comprising a second combined means positioned under a child's legs for providing disposable wipe storage and dispensal.

6. A diaper changing article, comprising:

a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad comprising a plurality of segments, wherein a first lower segment positioned under a child's legs comprises a pocket comprising a first cavity fillable with a disposable wipe container, a second opening for dispensal of said disposable wipes, and a third opening for introduction and removal of said disposable wipe container.

7. A diaper changing article, comprising:

a substantially rectangular foldable diaper pad; and

a first combined means positioned under a child's legs for providing disposable wipe storage and dispensal.

8. The diaper changing article of claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

9. The diaper changing article of claim 2, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

10. The diaper changing article of claim 3, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

11. The diaper changing article of claim 4, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

12. The diaper changing article of claim 5, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

13. The diaper changing article of claim 6, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.

14. The diaper changing article of claim 7, further comprising a carrying handle attached to said diaper pad.