INFANT CHANGING PAD

An infant or toddler changing device, including a compressible foam support pad having a non-removable, cleansable cover, and a harness removably secured thereto. The harness has two shoulder straps and a waist strap. The harness may feature a primary fastener or connector having multiple female sockets for male connectors on the shoulder straps and the waist strap. Length of one or more of the straps may be adjusted, allowing the device to be used as the infant grows.

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Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of infant, toddler or child care. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus for supporting and securing an infant, toddler or baby while changing the infant's clothes or diaper, or simply for securing an infant, toddler or baby while the child's parent or sibling performs a task.

2. Background Art

It is frequently desired or needed to change an infant, toddler, or baby's clothes or diaper, or otherwise secure an infant in a safe yet comfortable device.

There are of course many known devices in the patent literature and on the Internet for this purpose, however, these typically fall into two categories: very complicated, and therefore expensive devices; and inexpensive devices that either secure an infant's shoulders or waist, but not both shoulders and waist. Some in both categories include features that, while functional for their intended purpose, nevertheless either make the device difficult for the adult or other caretaker, or uncomfortable for the infant.

The need remains for a reasonably priced infant changing apparatus to efficiently and safely change a baby or infant's clothes or diaper, or merely to secure the infant while a caretaker attends to a task. There is a particular need for such devices that may be easily cleaned, and that may attach to permanent support structures, such as may be found in public restrooms. Furthermore, there is a need for such devices that may be adjusted for use as a child grows from a baby or infant to a toddler-sized child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, infant changing devices are presented which reduce or overcome one or more of the problems identified above.

A first aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changing device comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and

c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover, the harness comprising:

    • i) a primary coupling member;
    • ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and
    • iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having at least one length adjustment feature; and

wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such that its first and second ends are at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, the transverse strap having at least one length adjustment member; and

wherein each shoulder strap lower end is at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, and each shoulder strap upper end is at least removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover.

A second aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changing device comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and

    • c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover, the harness comprising:
      • i) a molded or machined primary coupling member having multiple sockets;
      • ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and
      • iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having a tri-glide length adjustment member; and

wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such that its first and second ends are removably secured to the primary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two of the sockets, the transverse strap having at least one tri-glide length adjustment member;

wherein each shoulder strap lower end is removably secured to the primary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two other sockets, and each shoulder strap upper end passes through respective slots in the compressible foam support pad and cover and anchored to the back of compressible foam support pad and cover, the compressible foam support pad and cover including at least one other slot for each shoulder strap; and

wherein the front surface of the compressible foam support pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill defined at least by a top edge of the two sides.

A third aspect of the disclosure is an infant or toddler changing device comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;

b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and

c) a single transverse strap having a first end threaded through a first transverse coupling member, the first end folded back on itself and secured to itself at a location adjacent the first end, the strap having a length allowing it to be positioned around the back surface of the support pad and cover so that a second end of the strap is threaded through a second transverse coupling member and releasably attached thereto, the first and second transverse coupling members being releasably connectable to form a transverse coupling, each of the first and second transverse coupling members further comprising a first shoulder strap coupling member; and

d) first and second shoulder straps each having an upper end releasably connected to the support pad and cover at separate locations away from the side surfaces and each generally about two-thirds of the length of the support measured from the bottom surface, and each of the first and second shoulder straps having lower ends releasably connectable to respective second shoulder strap coupling members, each of the second shoulder strap coupling members releasably connectable to one of the first shoulder strap coupling members.

The harness itself, without the compressible foam support pad, cover, and optional cardboard is another aspect of the disclosure since the harness is removable, and therefore can be used with other infant changing devices of same or similar design. Further aspects and advantages of the devices of this disclosure will become apparent by reviewing the description of preferred embodiments that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, with some components partially in phantom, of one device embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal or plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, with shoulder straps illustrated detached from the primary fastener, and illustrated in phantom attached to the primary fastener;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic right and left side elevation views, respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic back view of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, of two harness embodiments;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views, partially exploded and partially in phantom, of two primary fastener embodiments;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic cross-sectional views of three pad embodiments; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, of two other device embodiments in accordance with this disclosure.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings are schematic in nature, may not be to scale, and illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure. They are therefore not to be considered limiting of the full scope of this disclosure, for the disclosure is intended to cover other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned, the present disclosure relates generally to apparatus or devices for infant or toddler childcare including a compressible foam support pad and a harness. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus that may be used for supporting and securing an infant or baby while changing the infant's clothes or diaper, or simply for securing an infant while the child's parent or sibling performs a task. The harness of the device is an important feature, in particular its various embodiments allowing the harness to be completely removed from the support pad, or only the shoulder straps to be removed, and use made of the support pad and waist strap only. This is important as the child grows, avoiding the need to purchase an entirely new, larger device. The removable harness also allows the harness to be used with other support pads, for example in public restrooms, or allows the support pad to be used with other harnesses.

The terms or phrases “primary fastener” and “primary coupling member” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the substantially central attachment component of the harness where all of the shoulder straps and the waist straps converge and at least one, and in certain embodiments all straps are releasably connected. In certain embodiments, the primary fastener may comprise a first transverse coupling member comprising a female socket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of a second transverse coupling member. In other embodiments the primary fastener may be a one-piece molded or machined component having multiple sockets and/or retaining members, such as molded-in or machined features, as illustrated herein.

The term “transverse”, when referring to straps and couplings of the harness, includes laying, or being set crosswise at right angles to the long axis of the support, but is not limited to straps and couplings strictly being at such right angles. For example, a transverse strap may be plus or minus up to 45 degrees from such right angles.

The term “coupling” when used alone or in the phrase “coupling member” means fastening by snaps, latches, clasps, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, quick connect/disconnect plastic buckles having mating male and female parts, and the like. The primary fastener of the harness may include multiple coupling members.

The terms “releasably connected” and “releasably connectable” mean the feature or component in question may be fastened temporarily to a mating or matching member or component, upon the desire of the user. A more permanent connection, such as stitching, permanent adhesive, or molded-in feature would not be considered releasable in the context of the present disclosure.

The term “compressible”, as that term is used herein when referring to the compressible foam support pad, means the compressible foam support pad may have a compression rating of 45 lbs. or less (as discussed herein), more preferably the IFD25 compression rating may range from as low as 7 lbs. of force (IFD25) to as high as 45 lbs. of force (IFD25), or have an IFD25 range from 7 to 35 lbs., or from 7 to 33 lbs., or from 10 to 33 lbs. The phrase “compressible foam support pad” includes a non-removable, cleansable cover as described herein on at least the front of the foam pad.

The term “foam” means any foam, including cellular and non-cellular foams, and includes the plural, for example when two or more foam layers may be laid upon one another or adhered together to form a foam article. Cellular foams may be open-cell, closed-cell, or combinations thereof. For example, a major portion of the foam may be open-cell within a single layer, and a minor portion of the foam maybe closed-cell within the same layer. In other embodiments, one layer may be closed-cell, while another layer may be open-cell, or non-cellular.

In certain embodiments, the compressible foam support pad may comprise foam selected from the group consisting of foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. In certain embodiments, the compressible foam support pad may have a maximum water absorption of 0.1 lb/ft2. In certain embodiments, the front surface of the compressible foam support pad may be contoured to form a concave depression and a sill. The sill may be around some or all of the concave depression. In certain embodiments, the foam pad may be shaped by employing separate pieces of foam padding adhered together, for example, using a single rectangular piece as a base and one, two, or more shaped pieces adhered with an adhesive thereto.

In certain embodiments, the compressible foam support pad comprises a non-removable, cleansable cover secured around the foam pad. The non-removable, cleansable cover is not adhered to the foam pad, but is held by stitching around certain edges, as further explained herein. To distinguish this non-removable cover from optional removable, washable covers also discussed herein, this cover will be referred to as the “non-removable, cleansable cover.” The terms “cleansable” and “washable” are differentiated only by the fact that cleansable covers cannot be removed, and are therefore not washable in a washing machine. The non-removable, cleansable cover may be any material that can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth with or without a cleaning solution, such as laminated cotton and lightweight vinyl, or other material that is safe for use with infants and toddlers. In certain embodiments the cover for the back portion of the pad may be different material from that covering the front, two major sides, top, and bottom. For example, the cover for the back of the device may be vinyl, or a anti-skid material, while the cover for the front, two major sides, top and bottom may be laminated cotton fabric. To be safe for infants and toddlers the material typically must be PVC-free, BPA-free (“BPA” refers to bis-phenol A), lead-free, phthalates-free, and CPSIA compliant. “CPSIA” refers to the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Examples of suitable, child-safe materials are “laminated cotton fabric”, which comprises a high quality cotton sheeting material having a thin coating of polyurethane (PU) film adhered to the right side of the fabric (side facing the infant in this case). Laminated cotton fabric is CPSIA compliant, PVC-free, BPA-free, lead-free, has a slight sheen appearance, and is waterproof and easy to clean. Another child-safe, CPSIA-compliant material is commonly known as “chalk cloth”, which is a PVC product, phthalates-free, lead-free. Its similar to “oilcloth” but is phthalates-free. Oilcloth is a layer of PVC film on top of a cotton mesh. The thickness of laminated cotton fabric ranges from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm. The PU layer thickness is from 10% to 100% of the thickness of the cotton material, or a ratio of 1:10 to about 1:1 in thickness.

In certain embodiments, an anti-slip material may cover some or all the rear or back side of the foam pad, or such anti-slip material may be adhered over all or portions of the non-removable, cleansable cover that covers the rear or back side of the foam. The anti-slip material may be rubber, non-slip plastics, and the like, and may be adhered using a separate adhesive or an adhesive that comes with the material, such as in house-hold shelf covering material. In certain embodiments, the anti-skid material may be laminated cotton similar to the laminated cotton materials covering the rest of the foam pad, differing only by addition of self-adhered anti-skid rubber or plastic buttons. One example of this type of material is known as DRITZ brand Anti-Skid Gripper Fabric, from Prym Consumer USA Inc., and available from Hancock Fabrics. This fabric is available in 11×24 inch (28×61 cm) pieces, and may require two or more pieces to be stitched or otherwise held together; for example, two pieces of this fabric may be sewn together along the length of the fabric to form the entire back piece of the device. The entire bottom does not have to be the anti-skid fabric. In certain embodiments, circles or strips of it could be used, adhered to another fabric, however it is probably most cost-effective and user-friendly to use the anti-skid, non-decorated fabric for the entire bottom piece since it does not have to be laminated as the top does. In certain embodiments, the entire non-removable, cleansable cover may be made out of the decorative laminated cotton fabric and little “anti-skid bubbles” adhered on the laminated cotton fabric on the back side.

The term “removable” in context of a “removable washable cover” means that the cover includes one or more features, such as zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and the like, allowing it to be separated from the compressible foam support pad and the non-removable, cleansable cover. The term “washable” or “machine-washable” means a fabric that does not require dry-cleaning or other special care, other than simple cleaning in a residential or commercial laundry washing machine using water and common detergents, and optional stain removers (for example bleach), and/or fresheners and/or softeners (for example fabric freshening strips added to a drier, or liquids added to the washer). Examples of machine-washable fabrics designated as such by J&O Fabrics, Pennsauken, N.J. 08110 (U.S.A.), include, but are not limited to, flannel and most 100% cotton fabrics (some 100% cotton decorative drapery fabrics and bark cloths are dry-clean only); broadcloth, fleece, twill, denim, poly-lin and poly-crepe, poly-satins such as mystique satin, l′amour satin and crepe-back satin; chiffon, georgette and organza are washable if made from polyester; and acrylic-based fabrics, if they do not include rayon or other dry-clean only fibers. In certain embodiments the removable washable cover may be made of a cotton, flannel, minky, or other soft fabric that fits over the non-removable, cleanable cover with small openings for the straps to fit through and extending at least substantially over the entire front surface of the non-removable, cleansable cover.

Certain embodiments may optionally comprise fastening elements allowing the device to be releasably fastened to a permanent support, such as one or more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sides of the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary straps pendant from the compressible foam support pad, one or more hook and loop fasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more buckles on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable, cleansable cover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable, cleansable cover. Certain embodiments may comprise one or more auxiliary straps stitched to the non-removable, cleansable cover, and/or to the harness, for this purpose.

As mentioned, the harness, defined as the arrangement of waist straps, shoulder straps, length adjustment features on these straps, and the primary fastener that connects the shoulder straps and waist belt together in a one general location, and particularly in combination with the compressible foam support pad and non-removable, cleansable cover, and optional corrugated or other cardboard, is a key feature of the changing pads of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the waist and shoulder straps may comprise, for example, nylon cording, polyester webbing, and the like. In certain embodiments, the primary fastener or connector (sometimes referred to as the waist buckle or master connector) may be specifically designed and manufactured with d-rings (loops) permanently attached to, or molded directly in, the primary fastener.

A key feature of the changing pads of this disclosure is provision of length adjustable shoulder straps of the harness. In certain embodiments this may be accomplished using length adjustment buckles. In other embodiments this may be accomplished using two or more snaps, in yet other embodiments this may be accomplished using hook and loop fasteners (such as that known as VELCRO®). Each shoulder strap may have one, or more than one shoulder strap length adjustment features, and one or more of these may be located above or below, or hidden underneath optional shoulder pads.

The shoulder straps need to be detachable from the waist strap, and removable from the device, typically by pulling through the slots in the cover and foam pad. This is an important feature of the changing pads of the present disclosure because when used with an infant (or small size child or toddler), the consumer/caretaker might not want to use the some or all of the harness. As the child grows, utilization of the full harness may become more pertinent. Therefore, in certain embodiments the lower ends of the shoulder straps clip or otherwise attach to or pass through features on the primary fastener, or molded-in features internal to the primary fastener, such as as small bars that the strap ends may be routed around and held to the primary connector. The shoulder straps may attach to the primary fastener/waist buckle using any configuration, as long as the arrangement of the harness allows it to be removed from the device. In preferred embodiments the lower ends of both shoulder straps (or connectors to which they are attached) are detachable from the primary fastener.

Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, with some components partially in phantom, of one device embodiment 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. Embodiment 100 includes a compressible foam support pad 22 covered with a non-removable, cleansable laminated cotton fabric having a front 4, a rear or back 6, a top 8, a bottom 10, and first and second sides 12, 14. Back 6 is the same length and width as front surface 4, and top 8 and bottom 10 also have the same width as front 4 and back 6. Sides 12, 14 have the same length as front 4 and back 6. A top rim or sill 16 is defined by the uppermost edges of each of top 8, bottom 10, and sides 12, 14. Embodiment 100 features sloping sides 2 forming a contoured or curved front or bed surface 18 that is curved from sill 16 on side 12 to side 14 along the entire length of device embodiment 100. The degree of curvature may vary in a single pad and from device to device, but is evident in embodiment 100 by viewing the sill 16 formed by the top edges of top 8 and bottom 10.

As evident in the partial cut-away in FIG. 1, embodiment 100 features foam pad 22 covered by a non-removable, cleansable cover consisting of a high quality cotton sheeting 25 having a thin polyurethane or other synthetic thermoplastic polymeric coating or film 20 thereon which makes cotton sheeting 25 waterproof, or at least water resistant. An optional corrugated cardboard piece 27 (illustrated in dashed lines) may be present to provide a degree of stiffness to the device. This somewhat depends on the compressibility and other properties of foam pad 22. A low compressibility foam may not require any corrugated cardboard piece 27, while a very compressible foam may require a stiff corrugated cardboard piece. Non-removable, cleansable cover consists in this embodiment of four separate pieces, with stitching 29 is forming seams there between. A large, single piece of laminated cotton fabric forms front surface 4 and sides 12 and 14. Top piece 8 and bottom piece 10, also laminated cotton fabric, are stitched around their periphery on three sides to the large single piece of laminated cotton fabric. To the lower edge of top and bottom pieces 8 and 10, back piece 6 is sewed. Back piece 6 is also sewed along the bottom edges of side pieces 12 and 14. In certain embodiments, all or nearly all of seems 29 are hidden on the inside of the device, as explained further herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, embodiment 100 further includes a harness defined by a transverse strap 24 (sometimes referred to as a waist strap), shoulder straps 26, 28, a primary coupling defined by coupling members 32, 34, 40, and 42, and strap length adjusting buckles 33, 25, 36, and 38. Coupling members 32, 34 may be of the male/female type, that is, one of coupling members 32, 34 has a male portion that releasably interlocks with a female portion in the other coupling member. Coupling members 40, 42 may releasably interlock with coupling members 32, 34 in similar fashion. Adjustment members 33, 35 allow adjusting length of waist strap 24, while adjustment member 36 allows adjustment of length of shoulder strap 26, and adjustment member 38 allows adjustment of length of shoulder strap 28. Shoulder strap adjustment members 35, 38 are illustrated in phantom, as obscured from view by optional shoulder pads 44, 46. Upper ends of shoulder straps 26, 28 pass through respective slots 21, 23 in pad 22 and non-removable, cleansable cover 25 and emerge outside of back surface 6, where they are anchored, as will be explained. In embodiment 100, lower ends of shoulder straps 26, 28 are embedded in plastic or other material of coupling members 40, 42. Coupling members 40, 42 include release mechanisms that are not illustrated for clarity. The release mechanisms may be one button release, but are preferably two-button or even three-button release mechanisms, meaning that two or three points must be operated simultaneously to be child proof, or at least safer than one button releases. Slots 21, 23 extend through front cover 4, foam pad 22, optional corrugated 27, and back cover 6. The non-removable cover material 4, 6 is preferably stitched around the periphery of slots 21, 23 in order to strengthen them. The stitching in these areas does not attach the cover material 4, 6 to the foam pad 22, allowing the non-removable, cleansable cover material 4 to drape over foam pad 22.

As noted herein, in embodiment 100 laminated cotton fabric 25 exists as one piece covering front side 18 and long sides 12 and 14. Top and bottom pieces 8, 10 are separate laminated cotton fabric pieces, and back piece 6 is a separate laminated cotton fabric piece, preferably with anti-skid properties. This is the preferred construction. The pieces are sewn together at seams 29. Foam pad 22 is inside fabric pieces 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 18 like a pillow case, except that fabric 25 is sewn to back piece 6 along the back rectangle, and fabric 25 is also sewn to top piece 8 and bottom piece 10. Backside material 6 in embodiment 100 is a anti-skid material (FIG. 6), like the material used on the bottom of kids pajama feet.

One method of assembling embodiment 100 is as follows. We found that the laminated cotton fabric is even more slippery than regular cotton fabric, so we prefer to use an anti-skid fabric for back surface 6. Preferably, none of the seams show on the final product. However, the final seem sewn does have to be sewn “from the front” since it is covering the pad, and therefore may be visible. There would be no way to get the foam pad and optional corrugated cardboard into the cover if all of the seams were on the inside. First, top and bottom pieces 8, 10 are sewn to the large piece of fabric defining surfaces 12, 14, and 18, then one side is completely sewn closed by sewing the bottom edge of one end piece (either 8 or 10) to the anti-skid fabric piece 6 that will lay on the surface of the changing area. This is all done with the fabric turned “wrong sides out.” Then the fabric is turned right sides out and you have an opening on one side to push the foam pad 22 and any optional cardboard stabilizing piece 27 through. Once foam pad 22 and any optional cardboard 27 are in, sew the remaining bottom of the end piece 8 or 10 to bottom anti-skid piece 6. Therefore, on this one bottom side, the stitches will show. They are typically very small straight stitches though.

FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal or plan view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, with shoulder strap coupling members 40, 42, illustrated detached from their respective mating coupling members 32, 34. The positions illustrated in phantom illustrate their closed or latched position. Male members 52, 54 of coupling members 40, 42 are illustrated, as are seams or flaps 45, 47 in optional shoulder pads 44, 46 where they may be removed.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic right and left side elevation views, respectively, of embodiment 100, and FIG. 5 is a schematic back view of embodiment 100, illustrating one embodiment of an anti-skid surface 6 and how transverse or waist strap 24 encircles embodiment 100. Strap 24 may be attached to sides 12, 14 and/or back 6, but preferably not permanently, and even more preferably is not attached at all to foam pad 22 or cover 25 so that may be removed therefrom. Also viewable in FIG. 5 are shoulder straps 26, 28 which have been secured from being pulled through slots 21, 23 using anchors 56, 58, which may be for example adjustment members similar to adjustment members discussed herein. Alternatively the straps may be secured by folding back each strap after passing through the anchors and stitching each strap to itself. Other anchoring systems may prove more convenient or less expensive.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, of two harness embodiments 200 and 300 illustrated separated from the compressible foam support pad and non-removable cover in order to explain certain harness features. Other harness embodiments will be apparent and deemed within the scope of this disclosure. Harness embodiment 200 (FIG. 6A) includes a generally disc-shaped primary fastener or connector 60, made of plastic, lightweight metal, or combinations thereof. Transverse strap 24 in this embodiment includes a first end 50 routed through primary fastener 60 and about a feature internal of primary fastener 60, such as a metal bar 85 molded into plastic primary fastener 60. End 50 then folds back on itself and is stitched to itself. The other end of transverse strap 24, illustrated at 48 similar is routed into primary fastener 60, about a bar 84 internal of fastener 60, and folded back on itself and through an adjustment buckle 62. In similar fashion ends 64 and 72 of shoulder straps 26, 28 are routed into and back out of primary fastener 60 and through adjustment buckles 68, 76. Finally, upper ends 66, 74 of shoulder straps 26, 28 are each routed through slots 21, 23 (FIG. 1) and then are anchored to back 6 of pad 22 using respective adjustment buckles 70, 78.

Harness embodiment 300 (FIG. 6B) is similar to harness embodiment 200 illustrated in FIG. 6A, but differs in the follow ways. End 50 of transverse strap 24 is secured via an adjustment buckle 80, and shoulder strap ends 64, 72 are folded back on themselves and stitched to their respective shoulder straps 26, 28. Also, bars 82, 84 are slightly curved allowing some adjustment other than length, while bars 85 are straight. Importantly, both harness embodiments 200 and 300 may be completely removed from compressible foam support pad 22 and non-removable, cleansable fabric 25. Embodiments such as 200 allow removable of the shoulder straps while using only the transverse strap.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views, partially exploded and partially in phantom, of two other primary fastener embodiments 250 and 350 that may be useful and are considered within the present disclosure. Primary fastener 60 of embodiment 250 illustrated in FIG. 7A includes four female molded-in sockets 90, 92, 94, and 96, each designed to accept a mating male coupling member 91, 93, 95, and 97. This arrangement allows transverse strap ends 50, 48 to be stitched to transverse strap 24. (Stitching is indicated by the dashed “X” in each instance.) In embodiment 350 illustrated in FIG. 7B, primary fastener 60 includes molded-in ends 48 and 64 (as indicated by dashed lines 98), with sockets 92, 94 as in embodiment 250. This arrangement illuminates stitching and two length adjustment members. Both embodiments 250, 350 allow complete disassembly of the harness in each case; however, embodiment 350 maintains a more permanent connection of primary fastener to at least one strap, possibly avoiding loss or misplacement of primary fastener 60.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic cross-sectional views of three embodiments 360, 370, and 380, showing simply that anti-skid bubbles 30 of the non-removable, cleansable cover 25 may completely cover the back surface, as in embodiment 360 (FIG. 8A), or cover it in non-random pattern as in embodiment 370 (FIG. 8B), or in a random pattern as in embodiment 380 (FIG. 8C).

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views, partially in phantom, of two other device embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. Embodiment 400 illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 includes not only contour 18 from side 12 to side 14, as in embodiment 100, but also contour 19 from top 8 and bottom 10. This is referred to in the art as a four-sided sill. Embodiment 500 illustrated schematically in FIG. 10 is identical to embodiment 100, except that embodiment 500 includes slots 21 and 213 for adjustment of length of strap 26, and slots 23 and 233 for adjustment of length of strap 28. The harness is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 10, in order to clarify the position of the alternate slots. More slots may be used.

As noted, certain embodiments may not always use clips or buckles as illustrated schematically in FIG. 1, embodiment 100. As noted herein, certain embodiments, for example as illustrated schematically in FIG. 6A, may include removable straps that do not include any clips or other fasteners, making for less expense in production. In embodiment 200, the lower ends of the shoulder straps are routed through one or more passages in the primary fastener/waist buckle, the passages being molded or otherwise manufactured therein to have four internal bars that the straps wrap around. The other end of the shoulder straps pass through the length adjustment buckles on each. These embodiments will allow for removing the harness at one end at the length adjustment buckle and the other end at the adjustment buckles on the bottom of the pad. It is preferred, although not absolutely required, that the shoulder pads be removable, for example using hook and loop fasteners such as known as VELCRO®, or zippers, snaps, buttons, or other fasteners.

Compressible foam support pads suitable for use in the invention of course require the function of compressibility, primarily for comfort of the child, but also so that the harness and any optional washable cover maybe removed. It is desired that the foam pad be inexpensive and available for purchase from retail brick and mortar and/or online stores, but more expensive compressible foams may be used. Preferably the compressible foam pad is made of a foamed polymeric material, such as foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyisocyanurate, foamed polyethylene, foamed rubbers, such as foamed polyvinyl chloride/acrylonitrile butadiene (PVC/NBR) rubber, and the like. The foam may be a closed cell foam, open cell foam, or non-cellular foam.

One preferred compressible foam may be so-called flexible polyurethane foams (FPFs), including regular, medium and high density versions. High density FPF has a compression rate of 45 lbs. Higher density FPFs will remain responsive longer, and feature a balance of cushioning and stiffness. The higher density FPF known under the trade designation Firm Quality Foam, available from Murano Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., is available in various colors and sizes, for example 0.5 inch thick, 24 inches wide, and 72 inches length, providing 0.5 inch of high density foam thickness, has a density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), 100% Recovery Rate, and is fire retardant. In the FPF industry, density and compression indicate the softness and longevity of foam. In the flexible foam industry, COMPRESSION=FIRMNESS, and Compression (not density) is what determines firmness. Compression is measured and accorded an “ILD” number, where “ILD” means Indention Load Deflection. Compression means the number of pounds necessary to compress a piece of foam 25% and still bounce back to the original thickness. For example, a 4-inch thick piece of foam that requires 35 lbs. to pack it down 1 inch and have it return to its full 4-inch thickness has a 35 lb. compression rating or ILD. ILD is also known as “IFD”, or indention force deflection. Many FPF retailers will cut to the size needed, or users may purchase the FPF uncut, and use a sharp carving knife or electric knife to cut to the desired dimensions and/or contour. Medium density FPF has a compression rate of 33 lbs., and a density of 1.4 pcf, is soft but still holds its firmness and support for an individual to sit on it without compressing the foam too much. It has a 100% Recovery Rate, and may be purchased as Fire Retardant. Regular density foam has a compression rate of 35 lbs. Regular (Low) Density FPF has density of 1.2 pcf, has %100 recovery, and may be purchased fire retardant. It may be purchased in dimensions of 1-inch thickness, 24 inches width, and 72 inches length, providing 1 full inch of foam thickness.

According to the Polyurethane Foam Association (“PFA”), Loudon, Tenn. (U.S.A.), density is used to gauge the durability of FPFs. Generally, the higher the density, the more durable the FPF, and the more expensive it is to produce. FPF is available in a broad variety of densities, ranging from as low as 0.8 pcf to as high as 6.0 pcf. But, most upholstered furniture use FPF in the 0.9 pcf to 2.5 pcf density range. According to the PFA, density and firmness are not the same thing. A user may select a low-density FPF that is firm or a high-density FPF that is soft. So, if a FPF feels too firm, it does not necessarily mean a lower-density FPF is needed. According to the PFA, “support factor” is another measure that is commonly used to assess FPF performance. “Support factor” is sometimes called modulus, compression modulus, or comfort factor. Support factor is essentially the relationship of the surface feel of the FPF to its deep down support. The higher the support factor (which should range from about 1.8 to 2.6), the better the ability of the FPF to provide support. In general, support factor increases as density increases. And as density increases, price also tends to increase.

Another useful measure according to the PFA for assessing FPF performance is IFD, as explained above. Foam surface feel is expressed in terms of the IFD at 25 percent, 25 percent IFD, or IFD25. IFD25 is determined by measuring the pounds of force required to indent a four-inch-thick FPF sample 25 percent of its thickness (1 inch). Depending on the device design desired by a particular user, the IFD25 spec may range from as low as 7 lbs. of force (IFD25) to as high as 45 lbs. of force (IFD25). Given that the devices of the instant disclosure are to support infants, an IFD25 more toward the low end of the range may be desired.

Other commercial products, such as the materials known under the trade designations Ensolite® and OleTex®, both available from RBX Industries, Inc., Roanoke, Va., USA, may find use as compressible foam support pads. Products known under the trade designation Ensolite® are made in many varieties, but are all essentially variations of PVC/NBR foamed polymers having maximum water absorption of 0.1 lb/ft2 when tested using American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) test D-1667. The products under the OleTex® product line are high-performance, closed cell polyolefin foams, chemically cross-linked using a patented, continuous processing method. The materials are closed cell and moisture proof. These products can be die cut, heat-sealed, vacuum formed, and heat molded.

Strap materials and thread for seams may be natural, synthetic, or combination thereof. Woven polyamide fabric is one preferred synthetic carrier material, due to its strength and flexibility. Leather is a preferred natural material. The material of choice will depend on many factors, including the weight of the child, the type and size of the foam pad, and the desires of the user.

Strap coupling members, also referred to in the art as strap fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners are common and require no further explanation. One preferred hook and loop fastener is that known under the trade designation Velcro®, available from Velcro USA, Manchester, N.H. Strap length adjustment members are sometimes referred to as tri-glides, ladder locks and cinch locks for webbing straps, and are available from a variety of commercial sources. Three-point release safety buckles are available, for example from American Home & Habitat Inc., Sealy, Tex. (AH & H Hardware), under the trade mark Cop-Lok® Specialized Safety Buckle.

As mentioned previously, the harness itself, without the compressible foam support pad, optional corrugated, and non-removable cover, is another aspect of the disclosure since it is removable from the device, and therefore can be used with other pads, or the pads and non-removable cover used with other harnesses. For example, some users may wish to customized their harness for their child in any one or more ornamental ways, for example stitching the child's name or other decoration on a strap, or applying some other decorative feature (buttons, pins, stickers, and the like). The harness may be used in other private or public settings without the need for the user to transport the entire device in an auto, or on an airplane or train. The user simply removes the harness from the device and transports the harness.

Although the foregoing description is intended to be representative of embodiments that may be used, it is not intended to in any way limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An infant or toddler changing device comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;
b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and
c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover, the harness comprising: i) a primary coupling member; ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having at least one length adjustment feature; and
wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such that its first and second ends are at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, the transverse strap having at least one length adjustment member; and
wherein each shoulder strap lower end is at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, and each shoulder strap upper end is at least removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the primary coupling member comprises a first transverse coupling member comprising a female socket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of a second transverse coupling member.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the compressible foam support pad comprises foam selected from the group consisting of foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the non-removable, cleansable cover is laminated cotton fabric.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the front surface of the compressible foam support pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill defined at least by a top edge of the two sides.

6. The device of claim 1 comprising fastening elements allowing the device to be releasably fastened to a permanent support, the elements selected from the group consisting of one or more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sides of the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary straps pendant from the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more hook and loop fasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more buckles on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable, cleansable cover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable, cleansable cover.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the foam of the compressible foam support pad has an IFD25 ranging from 7 to 35 lbs.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the back surface comprises an anti-skid material.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the entire back surface comprises an anti-skid material.

10. The device of claim 1 having one or more slots in the compressible foam support pad and non-removable, cleansable cover for each of the shoulder straps to pass through.

11. An infant or toddler changing device comprising: wherein the front surface of the compressible foam support pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill defined at least by a top edge of the two sides.

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;
b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and
c) a harness removably secured to the compressible foam support pad and cover, the harness comprising: i) a molded or machined primary coupling member having multiple sockets; ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having a tri-glide length adjustment member; and
wherein the transverse strap is positioned around the compressible foam support pad and cover such that its first and second ends are removably secured to the primary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two of the sockets, the transverse strap having at least one tri-glide length adjustment member;
wherein each shoulder strap lower end is removably secured to the primary coupling member using male connectors fitting into two other sockets, and each shoulder strap upper end passes through respective slots in the compressible foam support pad and cover and anchored to the back of compressible foam support pad and cover, the compressible foam support pad and cover including at least one other slot for each shoulder strap; and

12. An infant or toddler changing device comprising:

a) a compressible foam support pad comprising a foam pad and a non-removable, cleansable cover, the cover forming a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two longer side surfaces of the device, the device having length and width sufficient to support infants of varying size as they grow;
b) optionally a cardboard or corrugated cardboard layer positioned between the support pad and the cover back surface; and
c) a single transverse strap having a first end threaded through a first transverse coupling member, the first end folded back on itself and secured to itself at a location adjacent the first end, the strap having a length allowing it to be positioned around the back surface of the support pad and cover so that a second end of the strap is threaded through a second transverse coupling member and releasably attached thereto, the first and second transverse coupling members being releasably connectable to form a transverse coupling, each of the first and second transverse coupling members further comprising a first shoulder strap coupling member; and
d) first and second shoulder straps each having an upper end releasably connected to the support pad and cover at separate locations away from the side surfaces and each generally about two-thirds of the length of the support measured from the bottom surface, and each of the first and second shoulder straps having lower ends releasably connectable to respective second shoulder strap coupling members, each of the second shoulder strap coupling members releasably connectable to one of the first shoulder strap coupling members.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the first transverse coupling member comprises a female socket releasably connectable with a mating male portion of the second transverse coupling member.

14. The device of claim 12 wherein the compressible foam support pad comprises foam selected from the group consisting of foamed polystyrene, foamed polyurethane, foamed polyolefin, and a foamed mixture comprising polyvinyl chloride and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein the non-removable, cleansable cover is laminated cotton fabric.

16. The device of claim 12 wherein the front surface of the compressible foam support pad is contoured to form a concave depression and a sill defined at least by a top edge of the two sides.

17. The device of claim 12 comprising fastening elements allowing the device to be releasably fastened to a permanent support, the elements selected from the group consisting of one or more suction cups adhered to the back and/or sides of the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more auxiliary straps pendant from the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more hook and loop fasteners on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more buckles on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more clasps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more snaps on the non-removable, cleansable cover, one or more pins on the non-removable, cleansable cover, and one or more buttons on the non-removable, cleansable cover.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein the foam of the compressible foam support pad has an IFD25 ranging from 7 to 35 lbs.

19. The device of claim 12 wherein the back surface comprises an anti-skid material.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein the entire back surface comprises an anti-skid material.

21. A harness for use with an infant or toddler changing pad, the harness comprising:

i) a primary coupling member;
ii) a transverse strap having first and second ends; and
iii) first and second shoulder straps, each having at least one length adjustment feature; and
wherein the transverse strap first and second ends are at least removably secured to the primary coupling member, the transverse strap having at least one length adjustment member; and
wherein each shoulder strap lower end is at least removably secured to the primary coupling member.

22. The harness of claim 21 wherein each shoulder strap upper end is at least removably securable to a compressible foam support pad of size sufficient to support an infant or toddler.

23. The harness of claim 21 wherein the transverse strap has a length sufficient to fit around a compressible foam support pad of size sufficient to support an infant or toddler.

24. The harness of claim 21 wherein the primary coupling member comprises a molded or machined member having multiple sockets.

25. The harness of claim 21 wherein the transverse strap has at least one tri-glide length adjustment member.

26. The harness of claim 21 wherein each shoulder strap has at least one tri-glide length adjustment member.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150359355
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 12, 2014
Publication Date: Dec 17, 2015
Applicant: A Finder's Keeper Shop LLC (Huntsville, TX)
Inventors: Tiffany Ward Rushing (Huntsville, TX), Jeffrey N. Perdue (Huntsville, TX)
Application Number: 14/302,726
Classifications
International Classification: A47D 5/00 (20060101); A47D 15/00 (20060101);