Disposable cover for diaper changing station and method of use

Abstract

A disposable cover for use with a public diaper changing station provides a sanitary barrier between the child and the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the diaper changing station. Three edges of the disposable cover include an elastic band for securing the cover around the horizontal surface of the diaper changing station. Another edge has two tabs permanently affixed to the cover. The tabs are double sided adhesive for attaching to the vertical surface of the diaper changing station and for securing the cover tightly to itself after use for sanitary disposal. The cover safeguards both the horizontal surface and the vertical surface of the diaper changing station to insulate the child and parent from possible contact with these surfaces during use. After use, the cover folds up on itself containing any contaminants and curtailing the spread of bacteria.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/291,933, entitled “Disposable Cover for Diaper Changing Station and Method of Use” filed on Nov. 14, 2008 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/988,361, entitled “Protective Cover for Diaper Changing Station” filed on Nov. 15, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disposable covers. In particular, the invention relates to a disposable cover that is removably securable to a diaper changing station and used to protect a child from unsanitary public surfaces during the process of changing the child's diaper. The disposable cover also provides a salubrious means of disposing of the used cover and the soiled diaper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diaper changing stations located in public restrooms assist parents by providing a flat, horizontal, sturdy surface on which to place a child and change a diaper. These public diaper changing stations typically are mounted to a wall. When in the stored position, the flat surface is generally parallel to the wall. When in use, the pivotally connected flat surface rotates down to a horizontal position and becomes perpendicular to a now exposed vertical surface. Often, after use, the previous user has not properly cleaned the surfaces after changing a child's soiled diaper. This can result in viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants being left on the surfaces. These contaminants give rise to the possibility of infecting subsequent users. The leftover contaminants also promote the spread of common colds as well as infectious diseases to not only the child but also to the parent and other restroom users. Some parents resort to using paper towels, toilet paper, or changing pads to insulate their child from the horizontal surface during the diaper changing process. These items typically do not cover the entire horizontal surface and also may be difficult to keep in place under a wiggling or floundering child. Often the vertical surface is left uncovered and exposed to contamination. Both surfaces of the diaper changing station may also be contaminated if the parent does not properly secure the contents of the diaper or the used diaper itself for proper disposal.

Typical of the prior art is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0256244 to Ashley. Ashley discloses a disposable diaper changing cover for use with a diaper changing table that is commonly found in public restrooms. The cover can be stretched over the flat surface of the table. An elastic band around the edges of the cover is used to removably secure the cover to the table. The elastic band can extend around all four edges of the cover or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the cover contains two adhesive sections that are used to help secure the cover to the table. The adhesive sections contact the protruding horizontal surface of the table. However, the vertical surface of the table is left exposed and the diaper itself is left to be disposed of independently.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0240261 to Yazarlo-Stahl et al. discloses a disposable cover for seat cushions, mattresses, and changing tables. The cover is comprised of a liquid-receiving layer, an absorption body, and a backing layer. The cover further contains a securing flap that is used to securely close the rolled up cover after use. The first end of the securing flap is permanently affixed to the cover. The second end of the securing flap contains an adhesive. When the cover is in use, the second end of the securing flap is releasably adhered to a portion of the pad to a specialized surface that resists bonding with the adhesive. Once the cover is rolled, the second end of the securing flap is then removed from the specialized surface. To secure the cover closed, the second end of the securing flap is secured to a portion of the cover that does not contain a specialized surface and therefore bonds with the adhesive. However, when used for a diaper changing station, the vertical surface remains exposed and the pad itself is bulky and space consuming. Further, the play allowed by the second end of the securing flap requires the effectiveness of the attachment of the flap to the cover.

Therefore a need exists for a disposable cover for a diaper changing station that covers both surfaces of the changing station, is easily affixed to the changing station, stays in place during use and provides a convenient means to properly secure and dispose of the used diaper after removal from the child.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a disposable cover for a diaper changing station commonly found in public restrooms. The invention provides a one-piece sanitary covering for both the flat horizontal surface that supports the child and the vertical surface exposed when the changing station is in use. The cover is flexible enough and compactable enough to be easily stored in a typical bag or purse.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a generally rectangular shaped thin, flexible material of sufficient size to cover both exposed surfaces of a typical diaper changing station. Three of the four edges of the cover contain elastic material. The fourth edge includes two double sided adhesive tabs extending perpendicular from the edge. A portion of each tab is permanently affixed to the cover. The remainder of each tab contains an adhesive coating on both sides. The adhesive coating on both sides of each tab are covered by a removable strip.

An alternate preferred embodiment is made up of three different sized rectangular sections. A one by two ratio section connected by a small rectangular region to a larger two by four ratio section. The two by four section has three edges that include elastic and the one by two section includes two double-sided adhesive tabs extending perpendicular from an edge. The adhesive coating on both sides of each tab are covered by a removable strip.

In use, the cover is placed on the changing station with the edge containing the tabs aligned with the vertical surface of the changing station. The cover is secured to the changing station by first wrapping the elastic edges around the changing station's protruding horizontal surface. The removable strips on each of the tabs adjacent the changing station's vertical surface are removed. Once the adhesive portions of the tabs are exposed, the tabs are pressed against the changing station's vertical surface.

To remove the cover from the changing station, the adhesive tabs are removed from the vertical surface of the changing station. The elastic edges are then unwrapped from the changing station's horizontal surface. The cover is wrapped inward to contain contaminants from the diaper changing process within the cover and isolate them from contact with external surfaces. The removable strips that cover the remaining adhesive portion of the tabs are removed. The newly exposed adhesive portions of the tabs are used to keep the cover securely closed. Additionally, the used diaper can be wrapped up in the cover as well for sanitary disposal. The cover and the diaper are disposed of in a receptacle located in the restroom.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a disposable cover of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in place on a diaper changing station.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a disposable cover of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cut away view of a tab of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a disposable cover of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show disposable cover 100. The preferred embodiment of disposable cover 100 is generally rectangular in shape. Alternate embodiments could be square shaped or oval shaped. The criticality of the size and shape being that it is large enough and shaped appropriately to completely cover a typical diaper changing station as shown in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, disposable cover 100 is a thin, lightweight plastic sheet. Disposable cover 100 in a preferred embodiment is transparent. In an alternate embodiment, the disposable cover is made of durable, lightweight paper having a wax or plastic surface adhered to at least one side. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a non-volatile disinfectant on one or both sides that is capable of sterilizing the changing table. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a chemical with a pleasant smelling scent.

In still a further embodiment, the cover may be an opaque white plastic impregnated with a temperature sensitive pigment. Examples of heat sensitive pigments are shown in Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paints by Tianshu Liu and John P. Sullivan (Springer 2004), incorporated herein by referenced. In this preferred embodiment the temperature of the child can be ascertained after changing by observing the cover where the child was in contact with it. The cover may include printed legend 101 correlating the colors to an appropriate range of temperatures. If an elevated temperature is indicated, appropriate health care can be administered to the child. The disposable cover is easily compacted and before unfolding for use, is easily transportable in a typical purse, bag, or pocket. As the cover is disposable, several disposable covers can easily be carried at one time.

Disposable cover 100 has top side 126 and bottom side 128. Disposable cover 100 further includes diametrically opposed edges 110, 112, 114, and 116. Edges 112, 114, and 116 contain elastic 134 along their peripheries. In the preferred embodiment, elastic 134 is a ribbon of elastic material sewn into disposable cover 100 at the edges. In the preferred embodiment, the entire length of edge 114 and approximately half the lengths of edges 112 and 116 include elastic 134. In alternate embodiments, elastic 134 can extend through the entire length of all edges 110, 112, 114, and 116 or just the entire length of edges 112, 114, and 116. Edge 110 further includes tabs 130 and 132. Tabs 130 and 132 extend approximately perpendicularly from and overlap edge 110. Tabs 130 and 132 are permanently affixed to disposable cover 100. The lateral location of tabs 130 and 132 is generally equidistant between both tabs and edges 112 and 116.

Diaper changing station 102 is comprised of housing 108 and table 106. Housing 108 is generally configured as a three sided box and is commonly attached to a vertical surface such as wall 104. Table 106 is pivotally attached to housing 108 at pivot point 118. When in a stored position, table 106 is rotated upwards to where it's generally parallel with wall 104 and is fully contained in housing 108. When in use, table 106 is rotated downward so that table 106 extends perpendicular from wall 104. Table 106 includes horizontal surface 122. When table 106 is rotated downward and extends perpendicularly from wall 104, vertical surface 120 of housing 108 is exposed.

FIG. 3 shows the layers of tab 130. Tab 132 is structurally identical to tab 130. Tab 130 includes base layer 314 having ends 320 and 322. Tab 130 is permanently affixed to top side 126 of disposable cover 100 at end 322. Adhesive layer 312 is adjacent one side of base layer 314 at end 320. Adhesive layer 310 is adjacent the opposite side of base layer 314 at end 320. Adhesive layers 310 and 312 have a releasable tack strength capable of securing disposable cover 100 to diaper changing station 102 but also easily removable without leaving a residue. Removable strip 308 is adjacent adhesive layer 312 and completely covers adhesive layer 312. Removable strip 306 is adjacent adhesive layer 310 and completely covers adhesive layer 310. Removable strips 306 and 308 can be easily removed from adhesive layers 310 and 312 respectively without removing the adhesives from base layer 314.

In use, disposable cover 100 completely covers both horizontal surface 122 and vertical surface 120 of diaper changing station 102 to provide a clean, sanitary surface on which to change the diaper of a child. Table 106 is rotated downward from a stored position within housing 108 until table 106 is generally parallel with the floor. Disposable cover 100 is secured to diaper changing station 102 by first wrapping edge 114 over the leading edge of table 106. Edges 112 and 116 of disposable cover 100 are wrapped around the lateral edges of table 106. Elastic 134 contained in edges 112, 114, and 116 keeps disposable cover 100 from slipping off horizontal surface 122. Disposable cover 100 is pulled taut so that bottom side 128 is adjacent horizontal surface 122 and also adjacent vertical surface 120. Removable strip 306 is peeled away from both tabs 130 and 132 exposing adhesive layer 310. Tabs 130 and 132 are secured to vertical surface 120 by pressing the now exposed adhesive layers on each tab onto vertical surface 120. Adhesive layer 310 on each tab keeps disposable cover 100 from slipping off vertical surface 120.

After completing the diaper change and moving the child off the diaper changing station, disposable cover 100 is removed from diaper changing station 102 by first untucking edges 112, 114, and 116 from underneath table 106. Edges 112, 114, and 116 are folded upward and inward and disposable cover 100 is rolled up into a tube or ball shape towards edge 110. Tabs 130 and 132 are peeled from vertical surface 120. Removable strip 308 is peeled away from both tabs 130 and 132 exposing adhesive layer 312. Edge 110 is folded over the tube or ball and adhesive layer 312 on both tabs 130 and 132 is used to prevent disposable cover 100 from unfolding and keep disposable cover 100 rolled up. Additionally, the soiled diaper may also be rolled up in disposable cover 100.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate preferred embodiment of the disposable cover. Disposable cover 400 has upper face 426 and lower face 428. Disposable cover 400 consists of section 402 connected to section 404 by section 436. Each section 402, 404, and 436 are generally rectangular in shape. Section 402 has over twice the surface area of section 404. In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of section 402 are approximately four feet by two feet, the dimensions of section 404 are approximately 2 feet by 1 foot, and the dimensions of section 436 are approximately 1½ feet by 4 inches. The actual measurements of the sections are not as important as the aspect ratio of each defined by the approximate widths and lengths stated. The importance of the size and shape is that the disposable cover is large enough and shaped appropriately to completely cover a typical diaper changing station.

Section 404 has four diametrically opposed edges 450, 452, 454, and 456. Edge 450 is opposite edge 454. Edge 456 is opposite edge 452 and is broken up by section 436. Edge 452 further includes tabs 430 and 432. Tabs 430 and 432 extend approximately perpendicularly from and overlap edge 452. Tabs 430 and 432 are permanently affixed to disposable cover 400. The lateral location of tabs 430 and 432 is generally equidistant between both tabs and edges 450 and 454. Section 404 is connected to section 402 by section 436. Flanking section 436 and in-between sections 402 and 404 are gaps 440 and 442. In an alternate embodiment, gaps 440 and 442 may be semicircular in shape.

Section 402 includes diametrically opposed edges 410, 412, 414, and 416. Section 402 further includes slits 444 and 446 situated equidistant between edges 412 and 416. Slits 444 are a plurality of cuts through the disposable cover and are located proximate and parallel to section 436 while slits 446 are also a plurality of cuts through the disposable cover and are located proximate and parallel to edge 414. Each opening of slits 444 and 446 is large enough to fit a safety belt that is commonly present on diaper changing stations through.

Edges 412, 414, and 416 contain elastic 434 along their peripheries. Edge 412 is opposite edge 416. Edge 410 is opposite of edge 414 and broken up by section 436. The entire length of edges 412, 414, and 416 include elastic 434. In alternate preferred embodiments, elastic 434 may extend only partially the length of edges 412 and 416. In an additional alternate preferred embodiment, the disposable cover is made of durable, lightweight paper having a wax or plastic surface adhered to at least one side. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a non-volatile disinfectant on one or both sides that is capable of sterilizing the changing table. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a chemical with a pleasant smelling scent. In still a further embodiment, the cover may be an opaque white plastic impregnated with a temperature sensitive pigment that changes colors according to its temperature. The cover may also include a printed temperature scale correlating the colors to an appropriate range of temperatures.

In use, section 402 of disposable cover 400 covers the horizontal surface of a diaper changing station often found in public restrooms. Elastic 434 secures section 402 around the base of the diaper changing station and prevents the disposable cover from sliding off during use. Section 404 is attached to the horizontal surface of the diaper changing station by use of tabs 430 and 432. Gaps 440 and 442 are positioned at the hinges of the diaper changing station to allow the diaper changing station to move between the open and closed position unhindered by the disposable cover. After completing the diaper change and moving the child off the diaper changing station, disposable cover 400 is removed in the manner previously described regarding disposable cover 100.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disposable cover for a diaper changing station mounted to a wall comprising:

a thin, flexible sheet having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge;

an elastic band contained in the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station;

a first tab affixed to the flexible sheet and extending from the fourth edge;

a second tab affixed to the sheet and extending from the fourth edge;

wherein the first tab includes a first adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station and a second adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet in a closed position; and,

wherein the second tab includes a third adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station and a fourth adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet in the closed position.

2. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein the flexible sheet includes a temperature sensitive dye.

3. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is adjacent the full length of the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge.

4. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is adjacent the full length of the second edge and the elastic band is adjacent less than the full length of the first edge and less than the full length of the third edge.

5. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are covered by removable strips.

6. The disposable cover of claim 5 wherein the third adhesive portion and the fourth adhesive portion are covered by removable strips.

7. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein a non-volatile disinfectant is included on a surface of the disposable cover.

8. The disposable cover of claim 1 wherein a chemical with a scent is included on a surface of the disposable cover.

9. A method of protecting a child from contaminated surfaces when changing a diaper using a public changing station having a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, a stored position, and an in use position comprising the steps of:

providing a sheet having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge;

providing an elastic band attached to the sheet proximate the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge;

providing a first tab affixed to the sheet, wherein the first tab extends perpendicularly from the fourth edge;

providing a second tab affixed to the sheet, wherein the second tab extends perpendicularly from the fourth edge;

providing a first adhesive adjacent the first tab and a second adhesive adjacent the first tab;

providing a third adhesive adjacent the second tab and a fourth adhesive adjacent the second tab;

providing a first strip adjacent the first adhesive, a second strip adjacent the second adhesive, a third strip adjacent the third adhesive, and a fourth strip adjacent the fourth adhesive;

rotating the horizontal surface down from the stored position to the in use position;

wrapping the elastic band proximate the second edge around the horizontal surface;

wrapping the elastic band proximate the first edge around the horizontal surface;

wrapping the elastic band proximate the third edge around the horizontal surface;

pulling the sheet tight across the horizontal surface towards the vertical surface;

removing the first strip from the first adhesive and removing the third strip from the third adhesive;

pressing the first tab against the vertical surface and pressing the second tab against the vertical surface;

changing the diaper and moving the child off the changing station;

unwrapping the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge from around the horizontal surface;

folding the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge up towards the fourth edge forming a closed shape;

peeling the first tab from the vertical surface and peeling the second tab from the vertical surface;

removing the second strip from the second adhesive and removing the fourth strip from the fourth adhesive;

folding the fourth edge over the closed shape; and

pressing the first tab against the closed shape and pressing the second tab against the closed shape.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of folding the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge up towards the fourth edge encompassing the diaper.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of comparing a color of a temperature sensitive region of the sheet to a color coordinated legend to determine a temperature of the child.

12. A disposable cover for a diaper changing station mounted to a wall comprising:

a thin, flexible sheet having a first section, a second section, and a third section where the second section connects the first section to the third section and wherein the third section has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge;

a first tab affixed to and extending from the first section;

a second tab affixed to and extending from the first section;

an elastic band contained in the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station;

a first gap adjacent the second section and in between the first section and the third section;

a second gap adjacent the second section and in between the first section and the third section;

wherein the first tab includes a first adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station and a second adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the flexible sheet; and,

wherein the second tab includes a third adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the diaper changing station and a fourth adhesive portion for securing the flexible sheet to the flexible sheet.

13. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein the flexible sheet includes a temperature sensitive dye.

14. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein the elastic band is adjacent the full length of the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge.

15. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein the elastic band is adjacent the full length of the second edge and the elastic band is adjacent less than the full length of the first edge and less than the full length of the third edge.

16. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are covered by removable strips.

17. The disposable cover of claim 16 wherein the third adhesive portion and the fourth adhesive portion are covered by removable strips.

18. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein a non-volatile disinfectant is included on a surface of the flexible sheet.

19. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein a chemical with a scent is included on a surface of the flexible sheet

20. The disposable cover of claim 12 wherein the third section includes a first plurality of slots proximate the second edge and a second plurality of slots proximate the second section.