Patent Grant
10492622
The present disclosure relates to infant and toddler care, and more particularly to assisting caregivers in providing privacy, convenience, and protection when changing the diaper of an infant or toddler in a public setting.
In today's society, infant and toddler caregivers are frequently on-the-go, away from the comforts of home. Regardless of location, however, an infant or toddler's diaper must be changed soon after the child has urinated and/or defecated in order to avoid unsanitary conditions, which may possibly give rise to skin rashes or even infections. Changing a soiled diaper additionally helps relieve the child from potential discomfort from the soiled diaper.
Caregivers are often in a public locale at a time when the child's diaper must be changed, far from adequate diaper-changing facilities. In many public venues, such as airports, parks, restaurants, businesses, etc., it is at the very least embarrassing, and perhaps even socially unacceptable, for the caregiver to change the child's diaper in view of bystanders.
While diaper “changing stations” and similar accommodations are more commonplace today than ever before, there are still many instances when the caregiver may not be near a public restroom having such amenities, or the restroom to which the caregiver has access may not have a changing station. For example, many public men's and unisex restrooms still do not have changing stations available for use.
Additionally, the caregiver may simply wish to avoid using a public restroom for changing the child's diaper due to the inconvenient location of the public restroom, or due to a perceived or actual lack of cleanliness of the public facility. Furthermore, caregivers may not be comfortable changing a child's diaper in a public restroom or other facility that does not match the child's gender, such as changing a female toddler in a men's restroom, etc.
Advances in technology such as smart phones and the like, make it much easier for persons to exploit photos and infringe on privacy. Providing a diaper changing product that involves an enclosed changing area provides privacy for infants.
The primary caregiver role has changed over time. More men are becoming “hands-on” in the diaper changing process and child-caring duties overall. Men need the convenience to change their children's diapers as well as do women. Recent efforts have been made to try to establish changing stations in men's bathrooms in public buildings; one example of this is the “Babies Act” mandating changing stations in men's rooms in all federal government buildings. Also, the organization operating the “Change.org” website is reaching out to major retailers requesting that such retailers provide such changing stations in men's room at their establishments.
Accordingly, there is a need among caregivers for a convenient device facilitating privacy while changing a child's diaper “on the fly” in a public setting such as park, a shopping mall, a public swimming pool, an airport, a hotel lobby, an amusement park, an automobile parking lot, a community picnic, and the like.
Prior art patents and patent publications known to Applicant are U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,897, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0131801 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,220.
The portable collapsible infant changing pad canopy in one of its aspects includes a portable pop-up tent-like structure for providing a convenient changing pad station for caregivers who lead an active lifestyle. The portable collapsible infant changing pad canopy of the invention easily unfolds to form a small tent or “canopy” providing privacy for the infant changing procedure. The tent or canopy springs to an erect state from a flattened state. When desired to collapse the tent or canopy back to the flattened state, three simple actions move the canopy back into a collapsed state for storage and transport.
The interior bottom of the portable collapsible infant changing pad canopy preferably contains a removable changing pad for diaper changing protection and easy cleaning. The portable collapsible infant changing pad canopy of the invention collapses into a small portable state such that the changing pad canopy can fit into most standard diaper bags.
When constructed in such size and dimensions, the changing pad canopy, when in its erect condition, accommodates both infants and toddlers. The changing pad canopy preferably is constructed of lightweight, washable, flame-retardant materials, making the changing pad canopy highly portable and presumably relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, a mesh trim is included around the base of the unit to provide added ventilation and modest two-way visibility.
In one of its aspects, this invention provides a bag having attached straps for hand or shoulder carriage of the bag. The bag includes a collapsible canopy for concealing a baby during diaper change with a canopy having one end secured to the bag. The canopy when collapsed is storable within a pocket portion of the bag. The canopy includes a waterproof changing pad for supporting a baby during diaper change. The canopy further includes a tunnel-like portion, into which the changing pad (desirably folded and stored when not in use, in a sealed pocket portion of the bag) preferably having plural layers of fabric overlying one another and preferably including a collapsible spring for maintaining a tunnel-like portion in position above the changing pad during baby diaper change. The spring lies between two of the fabric layers and is secured to an inner one of the layers of fabric between which the spring is positioned. The spring is secured to the fabric preferably by sewing. The spring, when it expands, has an arch-like shape and serves to support the tunnel-like portion.
The pocket portion of the bag is closable by a flap when the canopy is within the pocket portion in the canopy collapsed disposition. The flap of the bag has a preferably curved edge releasably connecting with the remaining portion of the bag to close the pocket portion of the bag, when the flap curved edge is connected to the remainder portion of the bag with the curved edge of the flap defining a curved portion of the pocket having curvature larger than curvature of the tunnel portion of the canopy. Other configurations for the pocket such as square, rectangular, etc. are within the scope of the invention. The shape of the flat and the flap edge portion would change as different pocket shapes are employed. Desirably the spring is a coil spring and further desirably, the bag has a flat bottom and the flap has a preferably straight edge flexibly connected to an edge of the bottom of the bag.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plurals unless the context clearly indicated otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.”
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Canopy 10 further comprises a bottom section 18 preferably having respective rounded corners 20 on opposing sides thereof. Bottom section 18 may comprise an integrated or removable diaper changing pad 21 for added protection and comfort for the child. The diaper changing pad 21 may be formed of any appropriate cushioning material, such as foam, rubber, etc. Diaper changing pad 21 preferably has an absorbent upper portion so as to absorb urine, feces, water, and saliva and preferably has a liquid, e.g. urine, feces, water, and saliva, impenetrable bottom portion to prevent the flow through of urine, feces, water, and saliva while the changing pad canopy is in use. The diaper changing pad may be affixed to the bottom section 18 via any appropriate fastener(s), such as hook-and-loop Velcro-type fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc. Alternatively, the diaper changing pad 21 may be configured to lie atop bottom section 18, without the use of any means of fastening.
Canopy 10 further comprises a pair of preferably mesh upstanding sidewall portions between respective curved sidewalls 12 and a bottom section 18. Mesh sidewall portions 16 extend substantially vertically adjacent to and adjoin curved sidewalls 12, extending vertically a certain amount (e.g., about 3 inches) to provide added ventilation and limited visibility into and out of canopy 10, while still maintaining privacy within canopy 10. Mesh sidewalls 16 may extend higher or lower with respect to curved sidewalls 12, or may be omitted altogether. The “mesh” character of sidewalls 16 has not been illustrated in
Additional mesh portions may be present as a part of canopy 10 to provide greater ventilation and visibility for the caregiver and child. Also as shown in
Referring now to
Coupling front portion 15 and rear portion 17 are a plurality of horizontal members 34. A first end of each horizontal member 34 is pivotally coupled to a respective bottom portion 24 via a pivot joint 30, while a pair of pivot joints 32 located approximately at the midpoint between front portion 15 and rear portion 17 couple second ends of horizontal members 34.
Pivot joints 26, 28 are configured to allow front portion 15 and rear portion 17 to fold along a vertical axis, while pivot joints 30, 32 are configured to allow horizontal members 34 to fold along respective horizontal axes. Such an arrangement allows for canopy 10 to be folded into an undeployed configuration thereby allowing canopy 10 to be easily stowed when not in use. However, at least one of joints 30 is preferably biased by a spring or similar internal structure to gently urge front portion 15, rear portion 17, and horizontal members 34 into a normally open, unfolded position, thereby holding canopy 10 in a deployed configuration when desired. Furthermore, while pivot joints 26, 28, 32 may be unbiased, they, like at least one of joints 30, may be spring-biased so as to aid in urging canopy 10 to deploy.
Canopy 10, when in an open, deployed configuration, is sized to provide adequate privacy and protection for children of various ages during diaper changes and the like. In one preferable embodiment, canopy 10 may be 32 inches deep, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches tall when deployed. These dimensions may vary. Preferably, canopy 10 is sized such that at least a majority of an infant's body fits therein when the infant is laid on bottom section 18 in a head-first manner. A toddler's body, on the other hand, may fit only from the waist up, depending on the child's height. In either instance, canopy 10 provides both privacy and protection for the child as the caretaker changes the soiled diaper. Furthermore, canopy 10 provides a visual and physical barrier between the child and the surrounding environment, reducing the potential embarrassment felt by the caregiver and others nearby. When the caregiver has completed changing the child's diaper, canopy 10 may be easily folded into a compact, undeployed configuration for storage in a conventional diaper bag or similar compartment, for example beneath a stroller.
Referring to
Canopy 40 desirably comprises an open front end 50 and a closed rear end 51. Open front end 50 provides access for the caregiver to place the child at least partially within canopy 40, while closed rear end 51 provides additional privacy and protection for the child. Rear end 51 may alternatively be open, similarly to front end 50.
Top surface 42, the pair of side surfaces 44, and a bottom surface 48 of canopy 40 may be formed of any appropriate, lightweight, air-permeable material, such as polyester, cotton, perforated vinyl, etc., and may be formed of different materials as a composite. The material (or materials) is also preferably washable and flame-retardant, and is preferably removable from the frame structure. Bottom surface 48 may further comprise an integrated or removable diaper changing pad 54 for added protection and comfort for the child. The diaper changing pad 54, best shown in
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Connecting front portion 60 and rear portion 61 are a plurality of horizontal members 67. A first end each horizontal member 67 is pivotally coupled to respective vertical members 62 via a second end of pivot joint 65, while a pair of pivot joints 66 located approximately at the midpoint of the distance between front portion 60 and rear portion 61 couples second ends of horizontal members 67.
Pivot joints 64 are configured to allow front portion 60 and rear portion 61 to be folded along a vertical axis, while pivotable joints 65, 66 are configured to allow horizontal members 67 to be folded along respective horizontal axes. This arrangement allows for canopy 40 to be put into a folded, or undeployed, configuration thereby allowing canopy 40 to be compactly stowed when not in use. However, at least one of spring-biased joints 65 is biased to urge front portion 60 and rear portion 61 into an open, unfolded position, thereby holding canopy 40 in a deployed configuration.
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The frame parts such as the rod-like members 62, 67, pivot joint 64, 66, corner brackets 49, 65, etc., illustrated in
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The changing pad canopy in the embodiments illustrated in
The embodiments illustrated in
The mesh illustrated along the base of the canopy in
In one preferable embodiment of the invention, as shown in
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The collapsible infant changing pad canopy 80 portion of the combined diaper bag/backpack preferably adheres and most preferable is secured to the side of the diaper bag to provide a convenient pull-out changing station. The dimensions of the combined diaper bag/backpack collapsible infant changing pad canopy 80 in the expanded state are designed to accommodate infants on up to toddlers based on the torso and height of the infant or toddler. While the combined diaper bag/backpack collapsible infant changing pad canopy 80 can accommodate toddlers, the main use will be that for infants since infants are less mobile than toddlers when requiring a change of diapers.
The backside of the combined diaper bag/backpack collapsible infant changing pad canopy 80 has a side pocket, not shown in the drawings, to enhance drawing clarity, to store the changing pad. The user can simply remove the changing pad from the pocket and place the pad beneath the canopy for protection of the infant during the diaper change procedure. The changing pad is needed to provide protection from urine or feces. Since the changing pad is removable from the canopy when the canopy is in its expanded operable position, the changing pad is easily washed and cleaned.
Desirably, as illustrated in the drawing, there is breathable mesh included along a portion of the length of the base of the canopy for added ventilation for the infant. The mesh not only provides ventilation, but serves to keep the product weight down thereby making the product highly portable, wipe able, washable, and flame retardant, all of which are important aspects when giving caregivers a product for a presumably desirable diaper changing experience.
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Canopy first material portion 96 is preferably made of a flexible, opaque, washable, lightweight, non-flammable material such as polyester so as to provide coverage for the lower half of the child's body, while second material portion 98 may preferably be a mesh or similar material to provide added ventilation and modest visibility for both the child and the caregiver. It is to be understood first material portion 96 and second material portion 98 may also optionally be the same material. Most desirably both first and second material portions 96 and 98 are multiple layers of fabric, with the layer or effectively a sheet of fabric layers lying over each other in facing disposition.
The placement of the mesh or similar material may also vary. For example, second mesh material 98 may only be located along a bottom trim portion of canopy 90, similar to that shown in
Most desirably, canopy 90 and particularly first and second material portions 96, 98 are fabricated with some elastic threads being present therein to provide stretchability and return properties when stretched. This allows the collapsible canopy 90 to elastically contract and return to its folded position once the diaper change procedure has been completed. Moreover, the presence of elastic threads in first and second material portions 96, 98 also provides a degree of resistance when the caregiver seeks to open collapsible canopy 90. The slight degree of resistance to opening, which is easily manually overcome, facilitates single-handed operation and opening of the canopy 90. A clip 202, which may be as simple as a paper clip or binder clip, can be used to maintain canopy 90 in the open position if first and second material portions 96, 98 are elastic in nature, by securing front fabric portion 96 to rib 200. Simply releasing the clip 202 allows canopy 90 to retract and collapse without further interference or operation by the caregiver.
When a caregiver wishes to use collapsible canopy 90, the user simply opens canopy storage pocket 86, deploys the canopy 90, and, if separate from rest of canopy 90, places the changing pad on a bottom portion of canopy 90. The canopy 90 may be held open by any appropriate structure, such as a plurality of plastic arched ribs such as rib 200.
Collapsible canopy 90 further preferably includes a bottom surface similar to surface 48 as described above with respect to the embodiment of the changing canopy illustrated in
Both first and second material portions 96, 98 are preferably two layers of fabric or other flexible material, with the spring structure resident between the layers and secured to the layers by several sewn loops positioned slidably and loosely around the spring structure while being secured to the fabric cloth. Most desirably the loops are secured to the inner layer of fabric to prevent sagging when the canopy is deployed. One such loop 120 is depicted schematically in
When finished utilizing the canopy 90, the caregiver need only remove the changing pad 94 (if separate), press the canopy 90 into the canopy storage pocket 86, and close the canopy storage pocket 86 using closure mechanism 88. In this way, the combined diaper bag/collapsible infant changing pad canopy 80 shown and described with respect to
The features and functions described above, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.
From the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that the principles and particularly the structures disclosed herein and the methods of use thereof can be used for applications other than those specifically mentioned.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and the appropriate and lawful range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.
As used in the claims herein, the term “comprising” means “including,” while the term “consisting of” means “including so much and no more,” and the term “consisting essentially of” means including the recited elements and those minor accessories required and known to be used in the art to facilitate the invention as claimed. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the range of equivalency of the claims are to be considered to be embraced within their scope.
This patent application claims the priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/395,585 filed 16 Sep. 2016 in the name of Jenna Danielle Rhen for an invention entitled “Portable Collapsible Diaper Changing Canopy”; the priority of the '585 application is claimed under 35 USC 119 and 120.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4796734 | Distasio | Jan 1989 | A |
| 20080163430 | Mayes | Jul 2008 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180078049 A1 | Mar 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62395585 | Sep 2016 | US |
