Patent Application
20240023744
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a nappy (otherwise known as a diaper) to a baby or young child. The invention has particular application to applying nappies of a commonly used type which have a rear panel region joined to a front panel region, and two side fastenings at each side for attaching the front panel to the rear panel around the waist of the wearer.
Parents or carers of babies and your children are familiar with the need to put a nappy on the baby or child at various times throughout a day, and after washing or bathing. Fitting a nappy is often done using a changing table or other flat surface which is set at about waist height to an adult standing next to the table. The child is placed on their back. Then, holding a new nappy open in one hand, the adult will then lift the child by the feet with their other free hand, and slide the new nappy underneath the child. The fasteners at each side of the nappy then need to be located and then fastened around the waist of the baby. This procedure is often complicated if the child decides to or struggle or resist the efforts of the adult to fit the nappy.
There remains a need for improved techniques to apply nappies to babies and your children.
In a first aspect the present invention provides an applicator for applying a nappy of the type having a rear panel region joined to a front panel region, and two side fastenings at each side for attaching the front panel to the rear panel around the waist of the wearer, the applicator including: a generally planar portion which is provided with retaining means for temporarily retaining the rear panel of the nappy to the applicator.
The planar portion may be generally elongate and the retaining means may be provided at either end of the planar portion.
The retaining means may include regions of a hook fastener material.
The retaining means may include a pair of clips.
The applicator may further include a handle portion. The handle portion may be foldably connected to the planar portion.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
The handle 30 and body 20 are formed in one piece from moulded plastic. The regions of hook material 22, 24 are adhered to the surface of the body.
The applicator is intended for use with the type of disposable nappy shown in an opened configuration in
To use the applicator top change or apply a nappy, the following method steps are carried out:
1. As shown in
2. With the child on the change table, lift the feet of the child to raise their bottom up off the change table surface.
3. Slide the combination of the applicator 10 and the nappy 100 underneath the child to bring the rear waistband portion of the nappy aligned with the child's waist region.
4. Lower the child onto the nappy.
5. Locate the side fastening regions 110, 112 at the ends of the rear waistband portion and pull them around to fasten with the front panel of the nappy. This movement also separates the nappy from engagement with the hook regions of material.
6. Lift child from the change table and retrieve the applicator from underneath the child for subsequent use.
The applicator enables a person to swiftly and accurately position the nappy under the child using one hand. The rear of the nappy is held open, allowing easy grasping of the fastening tabs at the sides of the nappy. The process of applying the nappy is made quicker and more efficient, and improves comfort for the child during a nappy change.
In other embodiments, the applicator may be formed from a wooden material such as bamboo.
In the embodiments described above, the retaining means was provided at either and of the planar portion. In other embodiments it may provided as a continuous region along the planar portion. It may take the form of a single region of hook material.
In some other embodiments, the hook material may be replaced with clips which temporarily hold the rear portion of the nappy to the applicator. In some embodiments a single elongate clip may be used which extends along the planar portion.
In some embodiments the handle of the applicator may be foldably attached to the body to allow for folding of the applicator for compact storage.
Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.
Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022902053 | Jul 2022 | AU | national |
