Patent Application
20090158521
The invention relates generally to the field of baby care devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a baby-cradling insert that may be placed in a basin to aid bathing a baby, and a method of forming the same.
Bathing babies is a basic care activity which presents numerous challenges to a parent or other caregiver. The choice of a bathing apparatus can mitigate some of these challenges.
For example, a baby must be securely yet gently supported throughout bathing. Particularly the baby's head must be supported during the months prior to the baby acquiring capability for self-support. Typically this requires the caregiver maintain an arm around the baby, leaving only one hand free to wash the baby. However, it can be difficult to simultaneously lift limbs and/or separate folds and to also scrub therein, under, or between.
Additionally, while many caregivers bathe babies in a washbasin (e.g., bathroom sink), washbasins typically comprise hard, cold, uncomfortable and unyielding surfaces which can be quite slippery when wet, presenting risks to a baby, not the least of which include accidental submersion, bruising, etc.
Numerous molded plastic bathtubs are available which include interior shapes configured to support a baby to some extent. However, such tubs are almost invariably relatively large and difficult to store when not in use, consuming substantial space and not having a size or shape configured to fit standard shelves, cabinet spaces, or other standard storage locations. Likewise, many such baby bathtubs comprise rigid materials that are slippery when wet, requiring a caregiver to support a baby with one hand throughout bathing. Additionally, many of the baby bathtubs advertised as ‘baby sink baths’ don't fit in a sink, and rather must be placed on a sink and/or adjacent countertop.
At least one collapsible miniature bathtub exists for bathing children, and is configured to hang within a standard bathtub, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,588. However, this collapsible tub still requires a caregiver to manually support the child during bathing, and also requires the caregiver to bend over and/or lift a baby from the tub at an awkward angle, which presents risks for musculoskeletal injuries to the caregiver.
A highly supportive, conformal, safe, and easy to store baby bathing apparatus is currently unknown in the art.
a-8d depict elongate fasteners according to alternative embodiments of the invention.
a-d depict portions of an elongate fastener according to alternative embodiments of the invention.
a depicts a sectional view of a magnet-actuated fastening means according to an embodiment of the invention.
b depicts a plan view of a side of a baby bathing apparatus configured for easy storage, according to an embodiment of the invention
Numerous terms are used herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to imply or impart any interpretive restrictions on the scope or nature of alternative embodiments of the invention. For example, the positional terms top, bottom, left, right, front, rear, inner, outer, and others may be used for clarity and/or comparison regarding a particular embodiment, but should not be construed to impart absolute requirements with regard to that or any other embodiment, or to limit the scope or nature of embodiments unless explicitly so stated herein.
Further, the qualifying terms relatively, substantially, approximately, and others appear throughout this description. These terms generally indicate that described structures, arrangements, features, assemblies, dimensions, ranges, characteristics, etc. may not, in a particular embodiment, be confined narrowly and exactly as described herein, but may also exhibit some variability within or around the stated range, dimension, etc. Such variation is frequently due to variability in manufacturing and/or assembly of materials, or may be inherent to the properties of a material, or due to environmental factors, or a combination thereof, (e.g., thermal expansion, hygroscopic absorption, etc.). Therefore, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the use of such terms does not denote indefiniteness of descriptions and/or claims in which they appear. Additionally, as alteration of one or more feature, characteristic, material, structure, etc., can affect the performance, response, behavior, etc. of other portions of an apparatus, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the scope of the invented embodiments will in some instances exceed that explicitly described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Generally, the embodiments presented herein provide a three-dimensional baby bathing apparatus configurable from a relatively flat expanse of material. They feature a structurally supportive, yet flexible and compliant material having anti-slip surface properties even when wet. Therefore, a baby positioned therein is substantially cradled within a soft, secure, comfortable environment throughout a bathing process. Additionally, an embodiment of the invention is configured for placement within an existing wash basin (e.g., a sink) and to derive additional structural and positional support therefrom. The interposition of the invented bathing apparatus between the baby and the sink shelters the baby from the uncomfortable and potentially harmful aspects inherent in most installed and/or other such basins.
The configuration of the deployed bathing apparatus typically holds a baby, even a very young infant, in a stable orientation and position such that a caregiver can typically use both hands to bathe the baby, obviating the need to hold the baby with one hand and bathe it with the other. Generally, the apparatus holds a baby's legs, torso, and head in an elevated position relative to the baby's buttocks, with the buttocks held within the interior vertex of an inverted cone-like shape. Therefore, the baby's own movements are unlikely to upset such positioning, such as by causing the baby to slide downward or topple forward or sideways.
Turning now to the figures,
As shown in the embodiment of
Each of the front and back portions 110/110′/105 and the right and left sidewalls 116, 116′ are formed from a unitary, relatively flat expanse of material 400, as will be further described with regard to
The overall thickness may vary in embodiments according to what material is used. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a relatively uniform thickness falling within the range of approximately 1 to 2 (1-2) centimeters is suitable in an apparatus comprising a closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material. EVA provides numerous advantages for the purposes of the described apparatus in numerous embodiments. An expanse of EVA having suitable density, a thickness in the described range, and configured substantially as shown in
Closed-cell EVA materials are relatively impervious to water, similar to a closed-cell neoprene or other such materials. Surface properties of an EVA material also provide a relatively slip-resistant surface, even when wetted with water, therefore reducing the likelihood that a baby will shift position (e.g., such as by slipping) within the apparatus 100 during bathing. This characteristic, combined with certain other design attributes of the apparatus 100 described herein, nearly eliminate any chance that a baby might inadvertently slide beneath the surface of and/or inhale any retained bathwater. Of course, in an embodiment, a bathing apparatus can also be formed with a topographically enhanced surface texture at one or more surfaces, adding to the slip-resistant properties of the bathing apparatus, or slip-resistance can be provided by an adhesively and/or mechanically affixed layer, substance, or other material. However applied or provided, inherently or additionally, a bathing apparatus in embodiments will typically possess slip-resistant properties at all or some portion of its surface(s).
In addition, EVA possesses notable thermal insulating properties, helpful both to maintain a more consistent water temperature of water retained within the apparatus during bathing, and to insulate a baby from the substantially warmer or more typically colder surface temperatures of surrounding objects, such as the surface of a basin. In fact, some forms of EVA feel thermally neutral to the touch, neither conveying thermal energy rapidly away from nor toward surfaces with which the EVA comes into contact. An example of EVA displaying the described properties includes EVA Y-E-20 available from Youngbo Chemical Co., Ltd. Therefore, an apparatus formed from EVA provides a comfortable and comforting environment for a baby.
While EVA materials possess a great number of highly beneficial properties, an apparatus according to embodiments described or contemplated herein may likewise be formed from alternative materials possessing properties partially or substantially similar to those demonstrated by EVA. For example, closed-cell neoprene is an effective thermal insulator, provides cushioning, and possesses a relatively slip-resistant surface. Therefore, neoprene could be utilized in an alternative embodiment of the invention if configured with a suitable thickness enabling it to generally retain its shape when configured as shown, for example, in
Whatever material forms an expanse described herein may inherently possess, or be caused to possess, properties which inhibit the growth of various biological and/or pathogenic organisms. For example, various materials possess inherently anti-fungal properties, or may be integrally combined with anti-fungal compounds during forming an expanse, or have such compounds applied after forming an expanse of material. Preferably, embodiments include materials inherently having such properties, however materials having such compounds added either during or after forming is also contemplated in embodiments, provided such materials do not have known detrimental health effects on humans, or specifically on babies. In generally, (although not exclusively so), the materials of an expanse will not provide a suitable medium for the growth and nourishment of harmful organisms. Because a bathing apparatus is used and sometimes stored in a relatively ideal (e.g., wet, warm) environment for growth of harmful organisms (e.g., mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, etc.), embodiments of the invention help enhance and preserve a baby's good health by inhibiting, or at least failing to support, the growth and proliferation of such organisms.
A material used to form an expanse as described above also can receive and/or retain graphical and/or textual content, applied by whatever means or method is suitable (e.g., adhesive sticker, laminated, painted, molded thermoformed, etc.). Such content can include aesthetically pleasing images, safety information, a maker's mark, use instructions, a thermochromatic temperature indicator, or just about any other type of useful, attractive, informative, or other graphical and/or textual content.
As also shown in
The thinned portions can be formed by removing material from the expanse, by compression forming, and/or by other methods as known in the art. Likewise, a thinned portion can be formed into the expanse as a beveled trough with opposing angular trough ‘walls’, wherein the thickness of the material progressively thins from the relatively uniform thickness of the expanse down to a minimum trough thickness lying at an intersection between the trough walls. However, not all embodiments include thinned portions. In an alternate embodiment, an expanse formed without thinned portions can be folded and/or otherwise deformed to correspond to the configuration and appearance of the bathing apparatus 100 depicted in
When the expanse 400 is deformed into a deployed configuration, the relatively central position 430 generally corresponds to the inner vertex (
As shown in the embodiment of
Additionally, as shown by phantom lines in
If, for example, a relatively common termination region 430 for the thinned portions which is configured relatively close to the front portion 110/110′, an angle of each outer thinned portion 425/425′ relative to a longitudinal center line 405 and/or to an opposing outer thinned portion can be substantially higher that the ranges mentioned above. For example, an angle of an outer thinned portion 425/425′ relative to a longitudinal center line 405 can be approximately ninety (90) degrees in an embodiment. Conversely, such angles can be as low as approximately twenty (20) degrees in other embodiments when the common termination region 430 is configured relatively farther from a periphery 111 of the front portion 110/110′.
Each thinned portion functions as a live ‘hinge’, allowing each wedge coupled with the hinge to flex substantially relative to adjacent portions of the expanse and/or the adjacent wedges. Therefore, as shown in
Therefore, as described above and substantially shown in
To allow one or more fasteners 745 to extend through the material at a front portion 110/110′ of the expanse, one or more perforations 140 are generally formed through a front portion 110/110′ of the expanse and located as shown in
Although formed fully through the expanse, each perforation 140 thusly formed generally retains a substantially and compressively closed condition due to the pliable nature of the material of the expanse, therefore helping to retain a portion of a fastener extending therethrough. At one or more ends of each linear perforation 140, the perforation may be enlarged and/or rounded as at 440 to help deter incidental tearing of the perforation due to applied stresses, wear, or other influences.
As also shown in
As shown in
In general, a bathing apparatus 100, can be stored as a relatively planar expanse 400 when not being used for bathing. However, the features described and depicted enable the expanse to be rapidly and easily configured for deployment. During storage, the one or more fasteners 745 can remain extended through perforations 140 for convenience. When the opposing right and left front portions 110/110′ are drawn together and the thinned portions are flexed as depicted in
In general, a fastener 745 configured and employed substantially as depicted in
As also shown in
As shown in the embodiment of
In an embodiment depicted in
As also depicted in
As with perforations 150 and/or 160, the size, shape, quantity and location(s) of perforations 155 within the expanse can vary in alternative embodiments, providing various benefits to a user during use for bathing a baby, or while transporting or storing the bathing apparatus 100, and in either its deployed and/or generally planar configurations.
With reference to
Likewise, one having ordinary skill in the art will understand from the figures and descriptions provided herein that multiple structures 615/616 may be employed in a fastening arrangement rather than just one of each. Further, rather than the hook and loop fastening means depicted in
Fastening means may be relatively permanently integrated with the expanse either mechanically, adhesively, or otherwise, or may be relatively separable from the expanse, or may be obtained wholly independently (e.g., a roll of tape, etc.) and used in association with structures, surfaces, perforations, or other features of a bathing apparatus to securely yet detachably retain the bathing apparatus in a deployed configuration. The fastening means employed may be coupled with an inner surface 101 of the expanse, with an outer surface 102, with the material of the expanse intermediate the inner and outer surfaces, or any combination thereof. Therefore, the fastening means specifically listed and/or depicted herein are for illustrative purposes only, and do not in any way limit the scope of fastening means available or conceived for use according to alternative embodiments of the invention.
Indeed, an embodiment of the invention is contemplated wherein once configured for deployment, the weight of a baby placed within the bathing apparatus itself, and/or the inner configuration of a basin within which the bathing apparatus is placed, is sufficient to retain the bathing apparatus in the deployed configuration, even within the need for a fastening apparatus, or with the aid of a minimally robust fastening apparatus.
Likewise, the wedge-like portion 620 can vary greatly in configuration, material, and other aspects in alternative embodiments. As shown in
Alternatively, the wedge-like portion 620 of
In yet another embodiment, an expanse (e.g., sheet) comprising a bathing apparatus may itself comprise a plurality of laterally juxtaposed individual elongate segments sequentially and flexibly coupled one to another. Each segment may be coupled with one or more adjacent segments by a hinge-like structure or arrangement allowing each segment to articulate relative to one or more of the adjacent segments. The plurality of elongate segments may be arranged so as to radiate outward from a relatively central region of the sheet, and by folding portions of the sheet (e.g., one or more segments) so as to overlie other portions, a relatively planar expanse can assume a relatively concave configuration with an inner vertex located approximately at the relatively central region of the sheet.
Elongate segments may comprise natural materials such as bamboo, bundled grasses, or other materials constituting renewable resources, or alternatively can comprise man-made materials (e.g., configured as compressed fibers, rods, slats, etc.). In such embodiments, a bathing apparatus may be relatively rigid from the central region of the expanse outward toward the periphery, resisting collapse of a deployed bathing apparatus upon application of a load such as a baby placed within the apparatus. However, at the same time, due to the inherent flexibility and articulability of the segments relative to one another, the bathing apparatus may be folded numerous times sequentially (e.g., in half, then quarters, then eighths) producing a very compact-sized unit for storage.
Because the individual segments and/or groups of segments may be flexed and/or folded relative to adjacent segments, and caused to overlie adjacent segments, segments of the sheet can function as the gussets and/or the wedge-like portions present in earlier described embodiments. Therefore, these features can be considered integrally included within the sheet although they may not exist as separate and/or structurally differently configured elements. That is, the configuration of an embodiment of a bathing apparatus so configured may appear bilaterally symmetrical relative to any line passing through the center of and bisecting the sheet, yet portions of the sheet may be considered and function as gussets and/or wedge-like portions to configure the sheet into a deployed bathing apparatus.
In another embodiment, an expanse includes a plurality of elongate segments, each aligned relatively in parallel with each adjacent elongate segment. The segments may either be curved, each approximately equally with the others, or may be relatively linear but flexible, such that the segments can assume a curved condition in response to a load placed thereupon. The plurality of segments each have first and second opposing ends. The first ends of the plurality of segments are pivotably coupled together, and the second ends of the plurality of segments are likewise pivotably coupled together, forming a bundle of segments relatively aligned along their long axes. Therefore, a relatively central portion intermediate the first and second ends of each segment can be caused to separate and spread outwardly from adjacent segments, pivoting about the pivotable couplings at each of the first and second ends.
Each segment in the bundle of segments may likewise be operatively coupled with a flexible layer and/or sheet of material (e.g., fabric, mesh, membrane, etc.), wherein each segment, when pivoted at a relatively central portion away from each adjacent segment, can only separate from adjacent segments by a limited distance corresponding to the relative attachment positions of each segment or segment portion with the flexible layer/sheet. Thus, the layer/sheet forms a web, configured either to retain water or to allow water to pass through and drain away, which extends between each segment and each adjacent segment and limits a maximum amount of separation attainable between one segment and each adjacent segment.
Alternatively, rather than a layer/sheet, adjacent segments may be coupled with and by a filamentous and/or other flexible and relatively linear member (e.g., string, rope, cable, tube, strap, etc.). In either case, a baby bathing apparatus so constructed can be expanded to a form hammock-like or canoe-like configuration, but possessing a degree of flexible rigidity along a long axis due to the collective rigidity of the segments.
A baby bathing apparatus so configured likewise forms a relatively concave deployed configuration, particularly when supporting a baby, yet can assume a relatively compact and easily stored configuration when the plurality of segments are pivoted together as a bundle.
As previously presented, the configuration of a periphery of a bathing apparatus, when configured as a relatively planar expanse of material, is quite variable. Typically, the peripheral shape of an expanse may be relatively spade-like as in
As depicted in the exemplary embodiment of
Also typically, a front portion 110/110′ of the bathing apparatus 300, or another portion of the bathing apparatus 300 proximate the front portion 110/110′, will contact a rim portion 322 or another portion of the basin 315 opposite that of the back portion 105. Similarly, the front portion 110/110′ of the bathing apparatus 300 in contact with the rim 322 will also tend to be compressed thereby, helping to retain the bathing apparatus 300 in a relatively stable position within the basin 315. Depending upon the size and configuration of the basin 315, the size and configuration of the bathing apparatus 300, and the position of the bathing apparatus 300 within the basin 315, one or more of the side walls 116/116′ may likewise contact a rim portion 322 or another portion of the basin 315. As can be expected, the combined weight of a baby 325 and/or any water retained within the bathing apparatus 300 will further cause relatively rigid surfaces of the basin 315 to compress the contacted material of the bathing apparatus 300, further securing and retaining the bathing apparatus in place within the basin 315.
A baby 325 will generally be placed within the bathing apparatus as shown in
As previously described, fastening means for securing and retaining a bathing apparatus in a deployed configuration can comprise a relatively elongate fastener with relatively enlarged ends and a central portion with a cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than that of either of the ends.
As shown in
In general, a fastener inner end 845 will also be configured without features that could poke, scratch, or snag, or otherwise potentially injure a baby 325 or a user of a bathing apparatus 300. This may include providing a relatively flattened inner end 845 as in
A fastener retention flange 801 is also present in an embodiment, to retain a fastener 800 in position extended through a perforation during use. For example, the inner end 845 of the fastener 800 is retained proximate to, and typically in contact with, an inner surface 101 of an expanse 400, and the retention flange 801 is retained proximate to, and typically in contact with, an outer surface 102 of the expanse 400. Thus, the fastener 800 is held in position such that the thickness of the expanse 400 of material is retained between the inner end 845 and the retention flange 801.
Turning again to the illustrative example of
In general, an outer end 846 is configured to serve two primary purposes. The first is to securely yet detachably retain a bathing apparatus in a deployed configuration, typically be retaining a plurality of thicknesses of material of the bathing apparatus in close proximity to one another. To achieve this purpose, the outer end 846 is configured to resist being pulled into and/or though a perforation 141 in a bathing apparatus 300 due to either elastic contraction forces applied by the fastener 800 itself, or due to forces applied during normal handling or use of a bathing apparatus 300.
As shown in
As shown in
As previously mentioned, an elongate fastener typically comprises an elastomeric material capable of elongate expansion and contraction in response to the increasing or decreasing tensile forces applied, for example, by a user when fastening a bathing apparatus 300 into a deployed configuration. Alternatively, an elongate fastener 800 may alternatively be formed of a relatively inelastic material, wherein a compressive force useful for holding the fastener 800 in position in a deployed bathing apparatus 300 is derived from the relatively pliable material of the bath itself, wherein the material of the expanse 400 is compressed by the user when positioning the fastener 800, and expands relatively forcefully against the opposing inner and outer ends 845/846 of the fastener 800 thereafter.
In an embodiment, one or more of the relatively enlarged end portions of a fastener may be slidably (or otherwise movably) arranged along a relatively elongate central portion of a fastener, such as beads slidable along a rod-like member, or washers (e.g., flattened circular band of a relatively rigid material) slidable along a filamentous member, although the embodiments are not so limited. The conceived embodiments likewise include numerous similar assemblies each including a relatively elongate member and two or more enlarged end portions operatively coupled with the elongate member to retain a bathing apparatus in a deployed configuration.
The relatively elongate central portion may extend through an opening provided through each end portion, and the one or more end portions may be either retained on the central portion, or may be removable therefrom. Therefore, in an embodiment, the relatively elongate central portion of a fastener may be inserted through aligned corresponding perforations in an expanse configured for deployment, and the one or more of the end portions can then be assembled to the central portion to securely yet detachably retain the bathing apparatus in a deployed configuration.
Referring to
A recess 1005 typically possesses a depth formed into and measured relative to a surface of the expanse, the depth approximately corresponding to a thickness of a magnet 1020 (or magnets) to be placed therein, and a diameter (or other dimension approximately perpendicular to the depth) approximately corresponding to a diameter (or other non-thickness dimension) of the magnet(s) 1020. A recess 1005 diameter can also be somewhat smaller than a diameter of the magnet 1020. In this later situation, placing a magnet 1020 into the recess 1005 compresses the EVA material (for example) immediately surrounding the recess 1005, and the EVA exerts a reciprocal force upon the magnet 1020, helping to retain the magnet 1020 within the recess 1005.
An exemplary recess 1005 embodiment possesses a flattened cylindrical internal configuration, configured to receive and retain relatively securely a ‘donut-shaped’ magnet 1020 (e.g., formed as a circular ring about a central void), although the embodiments also encompass alternative corresponding magnet and recess configurations. A recess 1005 can further include a perforation 1010 formed through the material expanse, the perforation 1010 extending from the inner ‘floor’ of the recess 1005 to the opposing surface of the material expanse. A magnet 1020 having a central void formed therethrough, when positioned within the recess 1005, may encircle an aperture of the perforation 1010 presented within the recess 1005. Therefore, a portion of a retaining structure can be passed through the central void of the magnet 1020 and through the perforation 1010 in the recess 1005, to retain the magnet 1020 relatively securely within the recess 1005. A magnet is retained and/or affixed relatively securely when it typically does not pull out of (e.g., separate from) the material expanse upon application of forces reasonably expected to be applied during deployment, use, and/or stowage of a bathing apparatus described in the embodiments.
A retaining structure 1041 can include, for example, a ratcheting action rivet (rivet) 1041 such as those available from MICRO PLASTICS, INC., having two reciprocal portions configured to couple one with the other (e.g., item numbers 27QB400375N etc.). Each reciprocal rivet portion generally includes a relatively broad head portion 1043/1044 and one or more shaft portions 1047 extending relatively perpendicularly from each head portion 1043/1044. The head portion(s) 1043/1044 are relatively flat on a side proximate the shaft portion(s) 1047, and relatively rounded on a side opposite the shaft portions. The head portion(s) 1043/1044 are also larger in diameter than the perforation 1010 formed through the material expanse at the recess 1005, thus preventing the rivet 1041 portion(s) from being pulled through the perforation 1010 in response to an applied force during reasonably expected use conditions. A shaft portion 1047 of one rivet 1041 portion is configured to engage one or more of the shaft portions of the reciprocal rivet portion, and couple the rivet portions relatively securely together in any of one or more conditions of increasing proximity (and increasing resistance against separation one from another).
As will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, ratcheting action rivets are configured to securely engage with materials having a predefined range of thicknesses. Examples of predefined material thickness ranges, accommodated by the design and size of the ratcheting action rivet 1041 portions, include 0.235-0.297 inches, 0.346-0.500 inches, and 0.500-0.780 inches, although the embodiments are not so limited. In embodiments, coupling a magnet 1020 with a material expanse 1000 by a retaining structure will compress the material expanse between and/or immediately surrounding the retaining structure, although other embodiments avoid such compression without affecting performance.
The shaft of a first rivet portion can be passed through the perforation 1010 such that the relatively flat surface of the head 1044 is proximate a surface of the material expanse opposite the recess 1005, and the one or more shaft portions 1047 extends through the perforation 1010 and is exposed within the recess 1005. The shaft 1047 of a reciprocal second rivet portion can be placed in position to relatively co-axially engage the shaft(s) of the first rivet portion, and by applying a force so orientated to bring the relatively parallel-planar flat surfaces of the first and second rivet portion heads 1043-1044 into closer proximity, the shaft portion(s) of the first rivet portion can be caused to engage shaft portion(s) of the second rivet portion.
Although the engaging portions are referred to herein as shaft portions, such description is for exemplary purposes only, and it will be understood that alternative embodiments can include alternatively configured engaging portions. Likewise, alternative retaining structures other than the exemplary ratcheting action rivets, such as any of those discussed above relative to
In an embodiment, a relatively strong magnet 1020 (for example, N35 strength) formed at least partially of rare-earth materials (e.g., neodymium) is used, and is typically coated with a corrosion resistant material such as nickel, gold, etc. Such magnets possess substantially stronger holding power than ferritic or ceramic magnets of comparable size, and avoid the electroshock risks of electromagnets in an application including exposure to water.
In embodiments, such as that shown in
The respective magnetic fields of the magnetic fastening means 1045 interact one with the other, drawing the magnetic fastening means 1045 into coupling engagement. When so coupled, the adjacent surface portions of the material expanse are likewise drawn together into a confronting arrangement, presenting and securing the material expanse in a deployed (e.g., cupped) configuration substantially as shown in
Generally, one magnet 1020 having a thickness of approximately 0.6 millimeters (mm.), a diameter of approximately 1.8 mm., and a grade of approximately N35 (or a plurality of magnets collectively providing a comparable magnetic field strength), positioned on each side of a thinned portion 1025/1025′ of the expanse to form a magnet pair (e.g., 1045-1045 or 1045′-1045′) as shown in
In alternative embodiments, a plurality of magnet pairs similarly configured can also be employed along each thinned portion 1025/1025′, particularly when one or more magnets 1020 having a lower magnetic field strength are utilized (e.g., ferritic or ceramic magnets, or weaker rare-earth magnets, etc.). Likewise, rather than a pair of magnets, a magnetic fastening means pair can include a relatively stronger magnet 1020 (e.g., stronger than that described in the exemplary embodiment above) in a magnetic fastening means 1045 disposed at one side of a thinned portion 1025/1025′, and a magnetically-attractive material (e.g., comprising iron, tin, etc.) coupled with the material expanse and disposed at an opposing side of the thinned portion in a location complementary to the magnet 1020. Whether a magnetically-attractive material or a complementary magnet is used, such can be considered a ‘magnetically-responsive’ material and/or fastening means, responsive to a first magnetic fastening means.
In alternative embodiments including one or more magnetic fastening means 1045, the magnets 1020 may be coupled with and/or retained in position relative to the material expanse by retaining structures configured to form a magnet-enclosing space between reciprocal portions of the retaining structure, even when the magnet 1020 does not have a void formed therethrough. Therefore, it will be understood that a magnet 1020 can be configured other than ‘donut-shaped’ in a magnetic fastening means 1045. Alternatively, a retaining structure may adhesively retain a magnet 1020, or be configured to grip a magnet 1020 by a compressive force or by one or more projecting and/or recessed features (e.g., ridges, teeth, detents, grooves, etc.), wherein a magnet 1020 can also include reciprocal features configured to engage and be retained by the projecting and/or recessed features of the retaining structure.
Alternatively, a slot may be cut into the material expanse, and a magnet 1020 inserted into the slot, with the slot then being secured (e.g., glued shut, clipped, etc.), retaining the magnet 1020 within the slot. Although numerous, the descriptions provided herein are for exemplary purposes only, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. However, coupled with the expanse, a magnetic fastening means 1045 can be considered to be relatively securely affixed whether coupled utilizing a detachable or relatively permanent retaining structure and/or method. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize from the descriptions provided herein that nearly any method, compound, or structure than can be used to retain a magnet in a location integral with the material expanse is likewise contemplated within the scope of this invention as reasonable equivalents thereof.
Although numerous configurations, materials, and arrangements of fasteners are described herein, the provided descriptions are for illustrative purposes related to only a small portion of the conceived embodiments within the broader scope of the invention, as would be recognized by one having skill in the art in light of the description, figures, and claims provided herein.
Additionally, although an exemplary embodiment is described herein having four thinned portions enabling conformability of a relatively planar expanse into deployed configuration as a baby bathing apparatus, alternative embodiments are also contemplated which include more numerous thinned portions, as well as fewer or none at all. Likewise, although the thinned portions of the exemplary embodiment of, for example
The contemplated embodiments likewise include an arrangement and/or assembly of a plurality of individual bathing apparatus elements, mechanically and/or adhesively coupled with a membrane, sheet, layer, or other similar expanse of material to form a relatively planar expanse configurable for deployment as a baby bathing apparatus. The elements so configured may collectively comprise similar and/or identical materials, configurations, dimensions, and properties, or any one or combination thereof, or an element may differ from at least one other element in any one or combination thereof.
In light of the drawings and descriptions provided herein, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invented bathing apparatus provides numerous benefits not present in the art.
For example, embodiments of the bathing apparatus are easy to transport and store as a relatively planar expanse (sheet), rather than consisting of a large, rigid, permanently formed bathtub as currently dominates the art. In fact, embodiments of a bathing apparatus described herein typically, but not exclusively, include no rigid structural elements.
Embodiments of the bathing apparatus comprise a suitably pliable, cushioning, slip-resistant, thermally insulating material, providing a comfortable and safe surrounding structure for a baby during bathing. Materials such as those described herein (e.g., EVA) possess all or a substantial portion of the beneficial properties listed here. However, the materials that may be used according to embodiments are not so limited, and may include nearly any materials providing all or some portion of such beneficial properties. For example, embodiments are described herein which use natural materials (e.g., bamboo, bundled grasses, etc.), enabling use of an embodiment of the invented bathing apparatus where such material are plentiful and economically obtainable, and where perhaps an embodiment formed of EVA or a substantially similar material functionally may not be easily available, or may not meet a user's environmental preferences.
The configuration of embodiments of the bathing apparatus fit easily yet securely within a basin, and retain a baby in a safe, relatively upright reclining position. Typically, embodiments of the invented bathing apparatus hold a baby sufficiently securely that a care giver can typically use both hands to bath a baby, rather than requiring one hand to hold the baby in position.
Embodiments of the invention can be configured to retain varying amounts of water during bathing, or provide for no water retention at all. Likewise, the embodiments generally are water resistant, easy to clean, quick to dry, and may include anti-pathogen, anti-fungal, and/or other features to help maintain a baby's good health.
Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, application or use described and illustrated herein. Indeed, any suitable variation of fabrication, use, or application is contemplated as an alternative embodiment, and thus is within the spirit and scope, of the invention.
It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, configuration, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material, which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet would be understood by one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments of the invented apparatus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The present application claims benefit of priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/004,904 entitled BABY BATH SINK INSERT filed 21 Dec. 2007 and subject to common ownership herewith by Benjamin Todd Richardson and Kathryn A. Richardson, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12004904 | Dec 2007 | US |
| Child | 12229827 | US |
