FOLDABLE PERFORATED CHANGING PAD

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TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to changing pads, and more particularly, to a foldable perforated changing pad portion.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Changing pads have historically been flat such that excretory fluids, such as urine, typically disperses over or throughout (if absorbent) the pad or a pad layer and thereby increased the likelihood of the fluid contacting the baby, its clothing, or both. This often resulted in discomfort for the baby due to the wetness, and increased work for the one changing the baby, having to one or more of manage an uncomfortable baby, wet clothing, a second change of clothing, and the like. Absorptive layers, while drawing wetness away from the baby, were typically inadequate at ensuring a desired level of dryness.

It is well known that babies have demonstrated a susceptibility to cold diuresis during diaper changes. Cold-induced diuresis, or cold diuresis, can occur in humans after exposure to a mild hypothermic environment, such as a diaper being removed from a baby where the baby's skin comes into a contact with fluid, such as urine. It is understood to be caused by the redirection of blood from the baby's extremities to the baby's core due to peripheral vasoconstriction, which can increase the fluid volume in the baby's core. Overall, acute exposure to cold is thought to induce a diuretic response due to an increased mean arterial pressure. The arterial cells of the kidneys sense the increase in blood pressure and signal the kidneys to excrete superfluous fluid in an attempt to stabilize the pressure. The kidneys increase urine production and fill the bladder; when the bladder fills, the baby may then feel the urge to urinate.

Another problem that has typically been associated with traditional diaper changing pads is the lack of sterilization. When washing a pad with water, it has been suggested by the Food and Drug Administration that anything below 110 degrees Fahrenheit is not hot enough to ensure the water can properly clean organic matter. Changing pads not conducive to being washed in a washing machine often did not obtain water temperature to reliably reach a point of sterilization. Further, changing pads have historically included material, such as cotton threading that often became stained from urination or defecation over time, could not easily fit into a dishwasher, were unable to stand up to repeated dishwasher or washing machine cleanings, or were inadequately sterilized due to the lower water temperature of washing machines, which is typically 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

A further problem with traditional changing pads is the absence of a combination of resulting relatively flat folded configuration with a high degree of comfort-inducing thickness. Pads typically either lacked a foldable design, leaving them in a less than flattened or relatively flattened configuration, or included folds by way of sacrificing thickness, even including sewing cotton thread through the product to indicate its fold line. This latter process often resulted in introducing a break in thickness to allow for folding. This break in thickness was typically substantial enough to compromise comfort.

Yet another disadvantage to current approaches involves the use of one or more thin, non-perforated, hinge-like portions extending across the entirety of the changing pad. In addition to reducing comfort, these thin extended elements, lacking perforation, permeability, or both, tended to retain and disperse fluid, at least across the length of the hinge like portion, and sometimes to other portions of the changing pad, the supporting surface, or both.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments a foldable perforated changing pad is placed on and in direct contact with the top surface of a liquid collecting layer such that the baby remains distal to and separated from fluids, such as urine, alleviating, at least in part, problems associated with cold diuresis induced urination during diaper changes.

In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad is made of a durable, flexible material, such as, for example, silicone, which can allow for improved sterilization, such as through repeated cleanings in a dishwasher. In some instances, the silicone has a combined shore hardness and thickness providing both comfort to the baby while also supporting the baby at a height sufficient to maintain separation from liquids.

In some implementations, the folding of the changing pad, such as the folding of one panel over another panel, is facilitated, at least in part, but pivot points. Pivot points can include a pivot element combined with one or more pivot connectors connecting the pivot element to at least two panels. In some instances. In some instances, the pivot points differ in one or more of size, shape, and thickness from other elements and connectors of the perforated foldable perforated changing pad.

In some embodiments, the perforated foldable perforated changing pad is placed between a baby and a liquid-separating layer, such as an absorptive pad during the changing of the baby's diaper. This can reduce or prevent the baby coming in contact with fluids, such as urine, as it is dispersed on the liquid-separating layer.

In some instances, the perforated foldable perforated changing pad is made of a material or materials that can withstand water temperatures over 110 degrees, such as, for example, where the water temperature is in excess of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, thus providing for improved. sterilization.

Keeping the baby dry can, at least in part, alleviate problems associated with baby uncontrolled peeing, such as cold diuresis.

In some instances, the combination of silicone of selected shore hardness and thicknesses, permeable gaps, and pivot points, a changing pad is obtained that provides for one or more of durability, convenient flexibility and foldability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. foldability while also maintaining overall comfort for the baby.

In some instances, permeable gaps are of a size that both allow for unobstructed flow of urine through to the lower liquid-separating layer while also facilitating overall material pad strength surrounding the permeable gaps.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includes multiple panels connected by pivot points that include a pivot element and pivot connector elements, which can provide for one or more of foldability for travel and portability. while maintaining overall comfort and functionality. The pivot points can allow the outer panels to easily fold inward over the middle panel. The pivot points are designed to facilitate ease of foldability while maintaining pad thickness conducive to urine separation and baby comfort. In some instances, urine flow through the permeable gaps associated with the pivot points can be achieved.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad has supporting element and connecting elements with rounded edges, arcuate tops, or both, to facilitate urine being directed through the permeable gaps.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includes support elements and connecting elements that form a reticulated herringbone arrangement that can provide for aesthetics, comfort, permeable gaps of sufficient size to facilitate urine flow to the liquid-separating layer.

In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad includes connector elements providing one or more of strength and structure between the other elements and borders, while also providing for sufficient gaps to facilitate urine flow through to the liquid-separating layer.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad has a flat bottom surface providing sufficient surface grip while retaining sufficient permeable gaps to facilitate urine flow through to the liquid-separating layer. The foldable perforated changing pad's flat bottom can be a portion of the foldable perforated changing pad's bottom surface, or the entire foldable perforated changing pad's bottom surface.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad obtains a degree of flexibility allowing it to curve with or fit into changing pad tables. This flexibility further allows for ease of fit in the dishwasher, or into a backpack for portability. In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad is made completely or primarily of silicone or a material with similar flexibility, waterproof, heat resistant, and strength characteristics.

In some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad includes an exterior panel border, and interior panel border, or both, allowing for attachments for hanging the foldable perforated changing pad, adding closures for when folded if desired, or the like. The border can be of the same material as the rest of the pad, with similar dimensions as the pieces of the herringbone arrangement, other than the length, which will instead run the length and width of the foldable perforated changing pad.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad including: a first panel; a second panel; a support element; and a pivot element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad further including a connector element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the first panel includes a plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein at least one of the first panel, the second panel, the support element, or the pivot element includes silicone. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a first panel. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a second panel. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a support element. The foldable perforated changing pad may include a pivot element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the pivot element is domed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the support element is arcuate.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the first panel includes a flat bottom surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein a support element height is equal to or greater than a connector element height.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad including: a first panel; a plurality of support elements; a plurality of support connectors; a plurality of pivot elements; a first plurality of pivot connectors; and a second panel coupled to the first panel by the first plurality of pivot connectors.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements and plurality of support connectors, in combination, include a first reticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein at least a portion of the first reticulated structure includes a herringbone arrangement.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the first reticulated structure includes a first plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements, the first plurality of pivot connectors, and plurality of pivot elements, in combination, include a second reticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the second reticulated structure includes a second plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad further including, a third panel coupled to the first panel by a second plurality of pivot connectors.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the plurality of support elements, the second plurality of pivot connectors, and the plurality of pivot elements, in combination, include a third reticulated structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the third reticulated structure includes a herringbone arrangement.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein the third reticulated structure includes a first plurality of permeable gaps.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein at least one of the plurality of pivot elements is domed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a foldable perforated changing pad wherein at least one of the plurality of support elements is arcuate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a foldable perforated changing pad.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a baby contacting the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1, that foldable perforated changing pad engaged with a liquid-separating layer.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a first panel, a second panel, and connecting pivot points of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a first panel, a second panel, and connecting pivot points of the foldable perforated changing pad portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partially folded side view of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another partially folded side view of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a fully folded side view of the foldable perforated changing pad of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used in the specification is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.”

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” “approximately,” “nearly,” or the like, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, some embodiments of the foldable perforated changing pad 100 include one or more permeable perforated panels 105, 110, 115. In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad 100 is rectangular. In other embodiments the shape is other than rectangular, such as oval, polygonal, and the like, where the desired size and shape are such that the foldable perforated changing pad 100 can support at least a portion of the baby in relation to a liquid-separating layer. In some embodiments, the width and length of the foldable perforated changing pad is such that it can effectively engage liquid-separating layers, such as absorbent pads. In some instances, the width of the foldable perforated changing pad is between 12 cm and 50 cm and the length is between 30 cm and 89 cm.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad 100 is deployed between a baby 410 and a liquid-separating layer 405 such that the baby 410 is supported on a plurality of supporting elements 125, the supporting elements 125 maintain a gap between the liquid-separating layer 405 and the baby 410 such that the baby 410 does not come in contact with fluids received by and held in the liquid-separating layer 405. In some embodiments, the foldable perforated changing pad 100 is configured to engage accessories, such as, for example, retention straps 415.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in some embodiments, support elements 520, support connector elements 525, pivot elements 530, pivot connector elements 535 and panel borders 505, 510, 515 form a permeable reticulated structure. Support elements 520 are integrally coupled to one or more support connector elements 525 which support connecter elements are then further integrally coupled to other support elements 520 or panel borders 515, 510, 515. Connector elements can be between 1 mm wide 5 mm wide, and between 2 mm long and 20 mm long. Support elements can be between 1 mm thick and 10 mm thick. In some implementations, connector elements are separated from one another by a distance between 2 mm and 20 mm.

In some instances, one or more of the support elements 520, support connector elements 525, pivot connector elements 535 and panel borders 505, 510, 515 have an arcuate upper surface and a flat bottom surface. In some embodiments, the pivot elements 530 have a domed upper surface. Pivot element diameter can be between 5 mm and 15 mm. In some instances, pivot point thickness is between 3 mm and 10 mm.

The reticulated structure can include permeable gaps of varying sizes 540, 545. In some instances, permeable gaps are of a size that both allow for unobstructed flow of urine through to the lower liquid-separating layer while also facilitating overall material pad strength surrounding the permeable gaps. In some instances, these gaps are approximately 2 mm wide and 4 mm long. In other instances, they are 15 mm wide and 20 mm long. In other instances, they are between 2 mm wide and 14.9 mm wide, and between 4 mm long and 20 mm long. in some instances, the foldable perforated changing pad is between 3 mm thick and 10 mm thick.

In some embodiments, the exterior panel borders 505, 510 are positioned along a line that continues from one end of the foldable perforated changing pad 130 to the other end of the foldable perforated changing pad 135. Borders can be between 3 mm wide 15 mm wide. The border can be between 3 mm thick 10 mm thick. In some instances, the border has rounded edges, arcuate tops, or both. In some embodiments, the interior panel border 515 continues a pattern, such as a herringbone arrangement. In some embodiments, the herringbone sections are between 3 mm wide and 20 mm wide and between 8 mm long and 70 mm long. In some instances, the herringbone sections are between 3 mm thick and 10 mm thick. Each herringbone section can include rounded edges, arcuate tops, or both. In some instances, each supporting element of the reticulated herringbone arrangement is separated from one another by a distance between 2 mm and 20 mm.

Interior borders can be integrally coupled to one or more pivot element via one or more pivot connector elements. In some instances, permeable gaps are formed by the configuration of the interior border 515, the pivot elements, 530 and the pivot connector elements 535 such that the pivot area between the interior borders 515 of two panels facilitates the flow of liquid away from the baby and towards the liquid-separating layer.

In some implementations, the connector elements 525, 535 are one or more of a lesser height, lesser width, and lesser length as compared to the support elements, the pivot elements, or both.

Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, some embodiments of the foldable perforated changing pad 700 include two distal panels 110, 115, and one internal panel, 105. The two distal panels 110, 115, are pivotably connected to the inside panel 105 via one or more pivot points 120 such that the panels can fold in various configurations and arrangements. For example, in some instances, a first distal panel 115 can pivot in relation the inside panel 105 such that the upper surface of the distal panel 115 contacts the uppers surface of at least a portion of the upper surface of the inside panel 105. Further, the other distal panel 110 can pivot in relation to the inside panel 105 such that the upper surface of the other distal panel 110 contacts the bottom surface of the previously pivoted distal panel 115.

In certain implementations, additional folded configurations can occur, such as a folded z-shaped configuration, where the other distal panel 110 pivots in relation to the inside panel 105 such that the bottom surface of the other distal panel 110 contacts the bottom surface of the inside panel 105.

Clause 1. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a support element; and a pivot element.

Clause 2. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 further comprising a connector element.

Clause 3. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein the first panel comprises a plurality of permeable gaps.

Clause 4. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein at least one of the first panel, the second panel, the support element, or the pivot element comprises silicone.

Clause 5. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein the pivot element is domed.

Clause 6. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein the support element is arcuate.

Clause 7. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 1 wherein the first panel comprises a flat bottom surface.

Clause 8. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 2 wherein a support element height is equal to or greater than a connector element height.

Clause 9. A foldable perforated changing pad comprising: a first panel; a plurality of support elements; a plurality of support connectors; a plurality of pivot elements; a first plurality of pivot connectors; and a second panel coupled to the first panel by the first plurality of pivot connectors.

Clause 10. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 wherein the plurality of support elements and plurality of support connectors, in combination, comprise a first reticulated structure.

Clause 11. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 10 wherein at least a portion of the first reticulated structure comprises a herringbone arrangement.

Clause 12. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 10 wherein the first reticulated structure comprises a first plurality of permeable gaps.

Clause 13. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 wherein the plurality of support elements, the first plurality of pivot connectors, and plurality of pivot elements, in combination, comprise a second reticulated structure.

Clause 14. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 13 wherein the second reticulated structure comprises a second plurality of permeable gaps.

Clause 15. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 9 further comprising, a third panel coupled to the first panel by a second plurality of pivot connectors.

Clause 16. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein the plurality of support elements, the second plurality of pivot connectors, and the plurality of pivot elements, in combination, comprise a third reticulated structure.

Clause 17. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 16 wherein the third reticulated structure comprises a herringbone arrangement.

Clause 18. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 16 wherein the third reticulated structure comprises a first plurality of permeable gaps.

Clause 19. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein at least one of the plurality of pivot elements is domed.

Clause 20. The foldable perforated changing pad of clause 15 wherein at least one of the plurality of support elements is arcuate.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the device and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the device and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of a foldable perforated changing pad, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other foldable perforated changing pads. It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific structures disclosed herein, as virtually any structure consistent with the intended operation of a foldable perforated changing pad may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular pivot point structures and herringbone defined perforations may be disclosed, such structures and perforations may comprise other shapes, sizes, styles, types, grades, measurements, materials, weights, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a foldable perforated changing pad.

The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

FOLDABLE PERFORATED CHANGING PAD

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)