DIAPER CHANGE KIT
The present disclosure relates to change/travel kits and systems for absorbent articles and/or garments. A change kit for single and/or emergency use includes a change pad with single change accessories having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an outer perimeter and a fully folded/rolled condition; a pouch secured to the outer perimeter of the change pad, the pouch defining a cavity that is sized to receive the change pad when the change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch being invertible to an inverted condition; wherein, when the change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch is everted from the inverted condition to completely receive the change pad within the cavity of the pouch; and an absorbent article retained in the pouch and that is compressed by hand upon folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded condition to the fully rolled/folded condition.
The present application claims the benefit of and priority to each of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/540,018, filed on Sep. 28, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/495,414, filed on Jun. 10, 2011, the entire contents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to absorbent article change systems, and more particularly, to change/travel kits and systems for absorbent articles and/or garments, including and not limited to child/adult diapers and the like.
2. Background
Numerous commercial products are available to a parent for toting baby care items and accessories (e.g., diaper(s), bottles, formula, hygienic wipes, baby powder/cream, medications, change pads, etc.) when venturing out of the home on relatively short trips and the like. These commercial products include and are not limited to tote bags, such as, change bags, diaper bags, tote bags, backpacks, etc. The size of these tote bags and their many bulky change items/accessories are very cumbersome and inconvenient when outside of the home and in particular when traveling on short trips with a baby.
The commercial products available are also not ideal for use in an emergency situation where a single absorbent product change is needed. While relatively smaller “quick” change kits and/or systems, the size of small purses, are available, such relatively smaller “quick” change kits and/or systems still tend to be quite large, tend to be confusing to use, or tend to be sold without the actual items/accessories necessary for a single use change situation.
Accordingly, a need exists for improved change kits and/or systems that are more compact, more portable and easier to use over existing change kits and/or systems.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to change/travel kits and systems for absorbent articles and/or garments, including and not limited to child/adult diapers and the like.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a change kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising a change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an outer perimeter and a fully folded/rolled condition; and a pouch secured to the outer perimeter of the change pad, the pouch defining a cavity that is sized to receive the change pad when the change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch being invertible to an inverted condition. In use, when the change pad is in the fully rolled/folded condition, the pouch is everted from the inverted condition to completely receive the folded/rolled change pad within the cavity of the pouch. The change kit further includes an absorbent article and single change accessories retained in pockets on the change pad all being compressed by hand upon a folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition.
The change pad may be rectangular and may define first, second, third and fourth side edges, wherein the third side edge is opposite the first side edge and the fourth side edge is opposite the second side edge.
The pouch may be connected to the fourth side edge of the change pad.
The pad may be foldable to a first folded condition wherein the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the third side edge is folded toward the first side edge resulting in each section having a substantially equal width, in the preferred embodiment, or a wider width center section and equal width side sections to accommodate wider storage needs of change accessories, if needed.
The pouch may be centrally located along the fourth side edge and where the connecting portion may be central to and not exceeding the width of the tri-folded section of the change pad that it is preferably attached to the center section.
The change pad may be folded from the first folded condition to the fully folded condition by folding the change pad onto itself by folding the second side edge toward the fourth side edge.
The change pad may include one or more accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent article and optional change accessories may be disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
The change pad may have a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to from about 209.25 in2 to about 232.875 in2, and the change kit may have a volume that is less than or approximately equal to between about 48.75 in3 to about 54.84 in3.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a change kit for single and/or emergency use, is provided and includes a change pad having a front side and a back side, the change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition and a fully folded/rolled condition, wherein when the change pad is in the fully unrolled/unfolded condition, the change pad defines an outer perimeter having a first, second, third and fourth side edge; and wherein the change pad includes a first folded condition wherein the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the third side edge is folded toward the first side edge.
The change kit further includes a pouch secured to the fourth side edge of the change pad, the pouch having a front panel and a back panel secured to one another along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof, the pouch defining a cavity, wherein the front panel of the pouch is disposed on a common side of the change kit as the front side of the change pad; and wherein the pouch is invertible to an inverted condition; and wherein, the change pad is receivable in the cavity of the pouch by folding/rolling the change pad from the first folded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition by folding/rolling the change pad onto itself from the second side edge toward the fourth side edge, and then everting the pouch from the inverted condition to completely receive the change pad within the cavity of the pouch.
The change kit also includes an absorbent article and optional single change accessories retained in the pouch and that is compressed by hand upon folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unfolded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition.
The pouch may be centrally located along the fourth side edge of the change pad with the connecting portion not exceeding the width of the tri-folded section it is attached to.
The change pad may include accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent article and other single change accessories may be disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
Once again, the change pad may have a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to between about 209.25 in2 to about 232.875 in2, and the change kit may have a volume that is less than or approximately equal to between about 48.75 in3 to about 54.84 in3.
The change pad may define a first fold line extending between the second side edge and the fourth side edge and a second fold line extending between the second side edge and the fourth side edge, wherein the change pad defines at least three panels.
In an embodiment, a width of each panel may be substantially equal to one another.
The pouch may have a width that is at least equal to the width of the panel it is connected to.
The change pad may define a width that is equal to approximately between about 13.5 to about 17.25 inches and a length that is equal to approximately between about 13.5 to about 15.5 inches.
Again, the change pad may have a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to between about 209.25 in2 to about 232.875 in2, and the change kit may have a volume that is less than or approximately equal to between about 48.75 in3 to about 54.84 in3.
The change pad may include at least one accessory pouch, wherein the absorbent article and other single change accessories are disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
Additional advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts in the several views, and wherein:
Embodiments of the presently disclosed change kit will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.
Referring initially to
As seen in
Change pad 110 defines a width “W1” and a length “L1.” Change pad 110 includes at least three longitudinally extending sections or panels 116a, 116b, 116c, each having a respective substantially uniform width “W2a, W2b, W2c”, in a preferred embodiment. Widths “W2a, W2b, W2c” of each section or panel is approximately equal to one-third of width “W1” of change pad 110 (i.e., (W1)/3), in the preferred embodiment. Accordingly, each panel 116a, 116b, 116c has a width “W2” equal to approximately 5.75 inches.
In some designs, for cost savings and to better accommodate a size of diapers/change accessories therein, a change pad having a narrower overall width (e.g., about 15.5 inches) is desirably contemplated, wherein a width “W2b” of center panel 116b is wider (e.g., about 5.75 inches) that the width “W2a, W2c” of the side panels 116a, 116c, wherein the widths “W2a, W2c” of the side panels 116a, 116c are substantially equal to one another (e.g., about 4.875 inches).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, when in the fully open or unrolled/un-folded condition, change pad 110 has a width “W1” equal to approximately 17.25 inches and a length “L1” equal to approximately 13.5 inches. As so dimensioned, change pad 110 defines a first surface area “S1” of approximately 232.875 in2.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, when in the fully open or unrolled/un-folded condition, change pad 110 has a width “W1” equal to approximately 13.5 inches and a length “L1” equal to approximately 15.5 inches. As so dimensioned, change pad 110 defines a first surface area “S1” of approximately 209.25 in2.
Change pad 110 includes a backing layer 118, constituting front side 112, fabricated from a substantially water repellant/resistant material (e.g., 100% nylon, 100% polyester, polyethylene, nonwoven/film laminate, repellent-treated or coated woven or nonwoven, satin, neoprene or polyurethane), having a preferably repellent or water-resistant woven or nonwoven fabric top surface layer or liner 120 overlying backing layer 118 and constituting back side 114. Top surface layer or liner 20 may be fabricated from, for example, 100% polyester (polyethylene PET), 100% cotton, PET/cotton blend, 100% polypropylene (e.g., SBPP), viscose/PET blend, nylon/cotton blend, repellent-treated or coated cotton fabrics, SMS/SMMS polypropylene nonwovens. It is contemplated that backing layer 118 and top surface layer 120 may be inter-changeable in regards to which layer constitutes front side 112 and back side 114. Change pad 110 can also consist of a heat or adhesive laminated material of like materials as identified above.
In an embodiment, it is contemplated that change pad 110 has a thickness “T1” less than or approximately equal to 0.0625 inches resulting in change pad 110 having a first volume “V1” less than or equal to approximately between about 13.078 in3 to about 14.555 in3.
Backing layer 116 and absorbent layer 118 may be secured to one another by adhering, stitching and the like or may be laminated together by heat or adhesive.
Change pad 110 is foldable from the fully un-folded or open condition (see
As mentioned above, and with continued reference to
As seen in
As seen in
In an embodiment, as illustrated in
According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to or in lieu of flap or extension 131, it is contemplated that pouch 130 may be fabricated to have a substantially rectangular shape and include folded over corners or ears formed at the intersection of side edges 130a and 130c of pouch 130 and first side edge 110a of change pad 110. By providing pouch 130 with folded over corners or ears, when pouch 130 is inverted and re-everted, pouch 130 is better able to do so as compared to a pouch that does not have the folded over corners or ears.
As seen in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Pouch 130 may be preferably fabricated from a water repellant/resistant material (e.g., nylon, polyester, polypropylene) or a substantially water repellent/resistant woven or nonwoven material as identified above.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen in
In a further embodiment, as seen in
In either the embodiment illustrated in
In yet another embodiment, as seen in
With reference to
Referring now to
When change pad 110 is in the first folded condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, change pad 110 has a width substantially equal to width “W2b” which is less than or at least equal to the width “W3” of pouch 130.
Also with reference to
Turning now to
As illustrated in
In accordance with the present disclosure, change kit 100 defines a compaction ratio of (S1)/(V2) of approximately 4.2, and preferably 4.3.
In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that a change kit 100, that does not include any changing accessories (e.g., diaper, wipes/towelettes, etc.), and that is in a fully rolled/folded condition, may have a width “W3” (equal to or less than approximately 7.25 inches), a length “L2” (equal to or less than approximately 4.0 inches), and a thickness “T2” equal to approximately 0.6875 inches. As so dimensioned, fully folded change kit 100, with no changing accessories, has a second volume “V2” less than or equal to approximately 19.94 in3.
Also in accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that pouch 130 of change kit 100, that does not include any changing accessories (e.g., diaper, wipes/towelettes, etc.), may have a width “W3” (equal to or less than approximately 7.25 inches), a length “L2” (equal to or less than approximately 4.0 inches), and a thickness equal to approximately 0.0625 inches. As so dimensioned, pouch 130, with no changing accessories disposed therein, has a volume that is less than or equal to approximately 1.8125 in3.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, change kit 100 includes at least one diaper 144 disposed within accessory pocket 140, and at least one separate accessory item, such as a wipe/towelette 142, also disposed within accessory pocket 140, or in a separate distinct accessory pocket 140. In this manner, as change pad 110 is folded/rolled to the first folded condition and then to the fully rolled or folded condition, diaper(s) 144 and/or wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142 are compressed, by hand, to reduce their size. By compressing wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142, and especially diaper(s) 144, at least diaper(s) 144 better retain their absorbing and recovering properties as compared to similar diapers that have been compressed by mechanically and/or pneumatically evacuating (i.e., vacuum-forming) the packages containing the diapers.
When using a vacuum forming process for packaging, the final packaged article tends to be relatively stiffer, have reduced recovering abilities when released from the packaging, and have reduced absorbent properties. Additionally, the article must be retained in a costly, air-impermeable bag or the like that is air-tight sealed to maintain the compressed configuration and that tend to be difficult to open.
Change kit 100, in accordance with the present disclosure, would be the smallest kit available without the use of expensive vacuum packaging methods, materials and packaging.
As stated above, change kit 100, in accordance with the present disclosure, provides an absorbent article (i.e., diaper 144) that is compressed by hand-rolling, while change pad 110 is folded to the first folded condition and then to the fully rolled or folded condition.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed change kit.
For example, while change pad 110 is shown and described as having a generally rectangular perimeter when in the fully unfolded condition, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure for change pad 110 to have any desired shape when in the fully unfolded condition, such as, for example, circular, ovular, triangular, hexagonal, combinations thereof, and the like.
It is further contemplated that change kit 100 may be configured such that change pad 110 may be selectively separable from pouch 130 in order for the change pad 110 and pouch 130 to be washed independently of one another, as needed, or replaced as necessary in the event the change pad 110 or pouch 130 become stained, damaged or otherwise unusable.
Also in accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that change kit 100 may be provided with an attachment feature (not shown), in the form of a strap, a clip, a band, a hook, a lanyard, a bungee or the like, for selectively attaching change kit 100 to a stroller, a bag (e.g. diaper bag, backpack, duffle bag, hand bag, etc.), a wagon, a cycle, or the like.
Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A change kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising:
- a change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an outer perimeter and a fully folded/rolled condition;
- a pouch secured to the outer perimeter of the change pad, the pouch defining a cavity that is sized to receive the change pad when the change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch being invertible to an inverted condition;
- wherein, when the change pad is in the fully rolled/folded condition, the pouch is everted from the inverted condition to completely receive the folded/rolled change pad within the cavity of the pouch; and
- an absorbent article and single change accessories retained in pockets on the change pad all being compressed by hand upon a folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition.
2. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad is rectangular and defines first, second, third and fourth side edges, wherein the third side edge is opposite the first side edge and the fourth side edge is opposite the second side edge.
3. The change kit according to claim 2, wherein the pouch is connected to the fourth side edge of the change pad.
4. The change kit according to claim 3, wherein the change pad is foldable to a first folded condition wherein the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the third side edge is folded toward the first side edge resulting in each section having a substantially equal width.
5. The change kit according to claim 4, wherein the pouch is centrally located along the fourth side edge and where the connecting portion is central to and not exceeding the width of one of the tri-folded sections of the change pad.
6. The change kit according to claim 5, wherein the change pad is folded from the first folded condition to the fully folded condition by folding the change pad onto itself by folding the second side edge toward the fourth side edge.
7. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad includes one or more accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent article and optional change accessories are disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
8. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad has a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to 232.875 in2, and the change kit has a volume that is less than or approximately equal to 54.84 in3.
9. A change kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising:
- a change pad having a front side and a back side, the change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition and a fully folded/rolled condition, wherein when the change pad is in the fully unrolled/unfolded condition, the change pad defines an outer perimeter having a first, second, third and fourth side edge; and wherein the change pad includes a first folded condition wherein the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the third side edge is folded toward the first side edge;
- a pouch secured to the fourth side edge of the change pad, the pouch having a front panel and a back panel secured to one another along at least a portion of a perimeter thereof, the pouch defining a cavity, wherein the front panel of the pouch is disposed on a common side of the change kit as the front side of the change pad; and wherein the pouch is invertible to an inverted condition; and
- wherein, the change pad is receivable in the cavity of the pouch by folding/rolling the change pad from the first folded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition by folding/rolling the change pad onto itself from the second side edge toward the fourth side edge, and then everting the pouch from the inverted condition to completely receive the change pad within the cavity of the pouch; and
- an absorbent article and optional single change accessories retained in the pouch and that is compressed by hand upon folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unfolded condition to the fully folded/rolled condition.
10. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the pouch is centrally located along the fourth side edge of the change pad not exceeding the width of one tri-folded section.
11. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad includes accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent article and other single change accessories are disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
12. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad has a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to 232.875 in2, and change kit has a volume that is less than or approximately equal to 54.84 in3.
13. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad defines a first fold line extending between the second side edge and the fourth side edge and a second fold line extending between the second side edge and the fourth side edge, wherein the change pad defines at least three panels.
14. The change kit according to claim 13, wherein a width of each panel is substantially equal to one another.
15. The change kit according to claim 13, wherein a width of a central panel is greater than a width each side panel, and wherein a width of each side panel is substantially equal to one another.
16. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the pouch has a width that is at least equal to the width of the panel.
17. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the change pad defines a width that is equal to approximately 17.25 inches and a length that is equal to approximately 13.5 inches.
18. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the change pad has a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to 232.875 in2 when in the fully unfolded condition, and the change kit has a volume that is less than or approximately equal to 54.84 in3 when in the fully folded condition.
19. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad includes at least one accessory pouch, wherein the absorbent article and other single change accessories are disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 6, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 13, 2012
Inventor: Peter W. Jackson, II (Studio City, CA)
Application Number: 13/489,528
International Classification: A47D 15/00 (20060101);