U.S. patent application number 11/063902 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for diaper changing article.
Invention is credited to Welch, Grace M..
Application Number | 20050278856 11/063902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42831544 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050278856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Welch, Grace M. |
December 22, 2005 |
Diaper changing article
Abstract
A diaper changing article comprising a flat circular body
preferably having a pluaality of fold lines therein, wherein the
body is adapted to be folded about the fold lines to open and close
the changing article; preferably, a storage area radially arranged
about a center of the circular body, wherein at least one pocket in
the storage area has an opening proximal to the center of the
circular body; and at least one handle coupled to the outer edge,
wherein a handle is adapted to carry the body is exposed in the
closed state and a second handle is adapted to maintain the body in
the closed state. In one embodiment, the handle is adjustable in
length. In one embodiment, the article is wearable by the user and
is expandable to hold additional items. A detachable fabric
container is disclosed, whereby the container preferably holds
wipes or such. The diaper changing article preferably has a
polygonal shape, such as a square, when folded closed.
Inventors: |
Welch, Grace M.; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLIESLER MEYER, LLP
FOUR EMBARCADERO CENTER
SUITE 400
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Family ID: |
42831544 |
Appl. No.: |
11/063902 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11063902 |
Feb 23, 2005 |
|
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10872801 |
Jun 21, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ;
5/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/003 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 ;
005/420 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A diaper changing article comprising: a substantially circular
body having a plurality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is
adapted to be folded about the fold lines to selectively close the
body in a folded state, wherein the body is substantially square in
the folded state.
2. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a
carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be
coupled to the changing article and having at least one pocket.
3. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a
foldable carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to
be coupled to the changing article and having at least one
pocket.
4. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a
pocket radially arranged about a center of the body and having an
opening proximal to the center of the circular body.
5. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of handles attached on the body, wherein at least one
handle is adjustable in length.
6. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising: a. a
first handle is configured to maintain the body in the folded
state; and b. a second handle capable of being exposed in the
folded state, the second handle adapted to carry the body.
7. The diaper changing article of claim 1 wherein the body includes
elastic material along the fold lines.
8. The diaper changing article of claim 1 further comprising at
least one strap coupled to the body, wherein the body is wearable
in the folded state.
9. A diaper changing article comprising: a. a substantially flat
circular body adapted to be folded between an open state and a
closed state; and b. a plurality of handles extending from the
body, at least one handle configured to secure the body closed in
the closed state.
10. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to be
removably coupled to the changing article and having at least one
pocket.
11. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
foldable carrying case made of fabric, the carrying case adapted to
be removably coupled to the changing article and having at least
one pocket.
12. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
pocket radially arranged about a center of the body and having an
opening proximal to the center of the circular body.
13. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
plurality of handles attached to the body, wherein at least handle
is adjustable in length.
14. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
first handle configured to secure the body in the closed state.
15. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
first handle capable of being exposed in the closed state, the
first handle adapted to carry the folded body.
16. The diaper changing article of claim 9 further comprising a
pocket disposed on an outer surface of the article in the closed
state.
17. A diaper changing article comprising: a. a substantially flat
circular body configured to be folded into a substantially square
body in a folded state; and b. a carrying case made of fabric, the
carrying case adapted to be coupled to the body and having at least
one pocket.
18. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a
plurality of handles attached to the body, wherein a first handle
is adapted to secure the square body in the folded state and a
second handle is adapted to carry the square body.
19. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a
pocket radially arranged about a center of the circular body and
having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body.
20. The diaper changing article of claim 17 further comprising a
pocket radially arranged about a center of the circular body and
having an opening proximal to the center of the circular body,
wherein the carrying case is capable of being stored in the pocket.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/872,801, filed Jun.
21, 2004, entitled "Diaper Changing Article" (Attorney Docket No.
GRCE-01000US0), which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a diaper changing
article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Diaper changing pads as well as diaper changing stations are
widely used to change a child's diaper on the go. However,
conventional diaper changing pads are rectangular in shape and are
cumbersome for the parent. The conventional changing pads are
disadvantageous, because the rectangular shape of the pad requires
the child to be aligned on the pad properly to ensure complete
coverage from the supporting surface. This maybe quite difficult if
the child does not lay still or likes to roll over while being
changed.
[0004] What is needed is a diaper-changing article which is
convenient for the parent to change the child's diaper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the baby changing article in accordance with the present
invention.
[0006] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the baby
changing article in accordance with the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a baby changing
article having adjustable straps in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a baby changing
article having a outer pocket in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a foldable
compartment in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the foldable
compartment in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate one folding procedure of one
embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the
present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate different folding procedures of
embodiments of the baby changing article in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] One aspect of the invention is directed to a diaper changing
article which comprises a flat body that has a circular outer edge
and a plurality of fold lines therein, wherein the body is adapted
to be folded about the fold lines to selectively open and close the
changing article. The article, when folded, is substantially flat
so that the folded article is able to be easily stored in a small
enclosed space (e.g. purse, diaper bag).
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the baby changing article in accordance with the present invention.
The baby changing article 100 is preferably utilized to change the
child's (e.g. infant, toddler) diaper. However, the article 100 can
also be used for other purposes (e.g. playmat, sleepmat, blanket).
As shown in FIG. 1A, the baby changing article 100 has a circular
or substantially circular body 101. For instance, the changing
article 100 can have several (e.g. twenty) discreet sides on its
outer edge, but still have an overall substantially circular body
101. Existing changing pads are rectangular in shape which requires
the parent or user to perfectly align the child onto the
rectangular changing pad to change the child's diaper. Once the
child is placed on the rectangular changing pad, the child may not
lie still and may begin to roll, flip or move onto the area
surrounding the article 100. It is, of course, an annoyance for the
parent to try to align and place the child on the rectangular
changing pad. It is a further annoyance for the parent to keep the
child from moving onto the area (e.g. bathroom floor, grass)
surrounding the rectangular changing pad. The circular changing
article 100 of the present invention allows the parent to change
the child's diaper without these types of worries and annoyances.
In particular, the parent can lay down the child onto the article
100 without needing to orient the child in any specific direction
due to the circular shape of the article 100. In addition, the
circular shape of the changing article 100 provides ample room such
that the child does not come into contact with the surrounding
area.
[0015] In one embodiment, the changing article 100 is padded to
provide a cushion for the child while laying on the changing
article 100, although it is not necessary. The changing article
preferably has four handles 112 attached to the outer edge of the
body 101. Alternatively, the article 100 has any number of handles
112. In another embodiment, the changing article 100 does not
include handles 112. The handles 112 are preferably located 90
degrees from each other with respect to the center of the body 101.
In another embodiment, the handles 112 are located at any other
angle from each other with respect to the center of the body 101.
The handles 112 are preferably attached to the body 101 at the
locations where the fold lines 104, 106 meet the outer edge of the
body 1 0 1. The handles 112 are positioned such that at least one
handle 112 is exposed when the article 100 is folded irrespective
of the order in which the article 100 is folded. In addition the
handles 112 are advantageously located, such that the article 100
can be opened or closed in any order with only one hand. The
exposed handle 112 allows the user to carry the article 100. The
handles 112 are also formed to be a loop that is long enough to
secure the folded body 101 in a closed position, as will be
discussed below. In one embodiment, the handles 112 are of a fixed
length. In another embodiment, one or more handles 112 are
adjustable in length, so that the parent is able to use the exposed
handle (see below) as a shoulder strap.
[0016] The changing article 100 preferably includes several fold
lines 104, 106 in the body 101 which allow the changing article 100
to be easily folded for storage. In particular, as shown in FIGS.
3-10, the article 100 is foldable about the fold lines 104, 106 in
any order such that the parent is able to fold the article with one
hand. The ability of the changing article 100 to be easily folded
is advantageous to the parent, especially if the parent is holding
the child with his or her other hand. In addition, the article 100,
when folded, is substantially flat so that the folded article 100
is able to be easily placed in a small enclosed space (e.g. purse,
diaper bag). Referring to FIG. 3, the changing article 100
preferably has two spaced-apart fold lines 104 as well as another
two spaced-apart fold lines 106 oriented perpendicularly to the
fold lines 104. The fold lines 104 and 106 are preferably spaced
apart an equal distance and intersect to preferably form a neat,
compact, polygonal-shaped center area 116 (e.g. a square). The
polygonal-shaped center area 116 forms the polygonal folded article
100 when the article 100 is folded in the closed position, as shown
in FIG. 10. It should be noted that any other shape is contemplated
for the center area 116 and is not limited to a square. The
compact, folded article 100, when folded, allows the article 100 is
able to be easily placed in the small enclosed space. In one
embodiment, the fold lines 104,106 are formed in the changing
article body 101 by thread lines stitched into the body 101. In
another embodiment, the fold lines 104, 106 are formed in the body
101 by any other method or means. In yet another embodiment, no
thread lines are stitched into the body 101 at the fold lines 104,
106.
[0017] In one embodiment, the body 101 is configured to have an
elastic strip of material at the fold lines 104, 106. In some
cases, the user, upon placing several items or thick items in the
storage areas 110 (FIG. 1B) can cause the overall thickness of the
article to substantially increase when the article 100 is folded.
The elastic material therefore accommodates the increased thickness
by expanding at the fold lines 104, 106 to allow the article to be
easily foldable. As indicated herein, the handles can also be made
of elastic material or be adjustable.
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the baby
changing article in accordance with the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 1B, the changing article 100 includes a circular storage
area 110 radially disposed along the body 101. The storage area 110
is useful for holding objects and supplies (e.g. diapers, powder,
toys). In particular, a toy 102 is shown attached to the body 101
within the storage area 110 for easy storage when not is use. The
storage area 110 is preferably formed by an additional layer of
material attached to the outer edge of the body 101. In one
embodiment, the storage area 110 is made of the same material as
the article 100. In another embodiment, the storage area 110 is
made of an elastic mesh material. In yet another embodiment, the
storage area 110 is made of any other appropriate material.
[0019] The storage area 110 is concentrically positioned with
respect to the center of the body 101 and preferably has the
opening along an inner edge 114 of the storage area 110 as shown in
FIG. 1B. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the opening
of the storage area 110 is located at the outer edge of body 101,
whereby the storage area 110 is attached to the body 101 at the
inner edge 114. In one embodiment, the opening of the storage area
110 is lined with a closing feature (e.g. an elastic material,
Velcro.RTM., zipper) such that objects are prevented from falling
out of the storage area 110, although not necessarily. In one
embodiment, the storage area 110 is partitioned into separate
individual pockets such that objects can be stored in the separate
discreet pockets of the storage area 110. In another embodiment,
the storage area 110 is not partitioned into separate pockets and
is a continuous storage area. It is contemplated that the article
100 includes a second storage area disposed on top of the storage
area 110, whereby additional items can be placed therein for
additional storage. In one embodiment, the second storage area can
contain items which are attached to the inner surface of the second
storage area, whereby the items can easily be pulled out and
inserted back into the storage. For instance, a mirror can be
attached to the inner surface of the second storage area (or
alternatively the primary storage area 110), whereby the mirror is
simply pulled out, but remains attached to the article 100. As
shown in FIG. 1 A, the article 100 alternatively does not include
the storage area.
[0020] In one embodiment, the changing article 100 has a 30 inch
diameter, whereby the fold lines 104 are spaced apart from each
other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 10 inches.
In addition, the fold lines 106 are spaced apart from each other as
well as the outer edge of the body 101 by 10 inches. The fold lines
104 and 106 intersect near the center of the body 101 to form the
square center portion 116 being 10 inches in length and 10 inches
in width. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 extends inward
from the edge 108 toward the center 116 by 5 inches.
[0021] In another embodiment, the changing article 100 has a 24
inch diameter, whereby the fold lines 104 are spaced apart from
each other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 8
inches. In addition, the fold lines 106 are spaced apart from each
other as well as the outer edge 108 of the body 101 by 8 inches.
The fold lines 104 and 106 intersect near the center of the body
101 to form a square center portion 116 being 8 inches in length
and 8 inches in width. In one embodiment, the changing article 100
includes a concentric storage area 110, whereby the storage area
110 extends inward toward the center 116 from the outer edge 108 by
4 inches. Alternatively, the storage area 110 extends inward by any
other appropriate distance. It should be noted that the changing
article 100 alternatively has any other dimensions and is not
limited to the dimensions discussed. It is preferred that the fold
lines 104, 106 are equally spaced in the body 101, however it is
not necessary.
[0022] The changing article 100 is preferably made of vinyl,
although plastic-covered cloth is also contemplated. In other
embodiments, the changing article 100 is made of other materials,
including but not limited to, nylon, cotton, fleece, Terri-cloth,
or canvas. It is apparent that any other appropriate material is
contemplated. The material of the changing article 100 should be
such that the material can be easily wiped clean. Alternatively,
the changing article 101 can be manufactured to be disposable,
whereby the material of the changing article 100 can be made of
paper or other readily disposable material. In one embodiment, the
article 100 is made of one material and includes a circular insert
(e.g. vinyl) made of another material (e.g. Terri-cloth), whereby
the insert would be placed on the center 116. The insert can be
easily detachable from the body 101 so that the insert can be
separately washed if soiled. It is also contemplated that the
insert can be made of a paper based material such that the insert
is disposable. The insert can be attached to the body 101 by any
appropriate method (e.g. Velcro, zipper) and can remain attached
when the article 100 is folded closed. Alternatively, the insert is
not attachable to the body 101 and is able to be merely placed on
the body 101 when used. The insert can be of any size with relation
to the article 100.
[0023] The changing article 100 is preferably constructed by
forming two pieces of cloth or other material to have the same
circular design. The two circular pieces are then preferably sewed
to one another along the circular outer edge 108 to form the body
101, whereby preferably a folded braid 208 (FIG. 1B) is sewed to
the outer edge. In one embodiment, a padding material (e.g. foam)
is placed in between the two circular pieces, although not
necessary. Alternatively, only one piece of cloth is utilized to
form the body 101. Following, fold lines 104, 106 are formed into
the body 101 in the arrangement described above, whereby the fold
lines 104, 106 are preferably sewed into the body 101.
[0024] The handles 112 are also preferably attached to the outer
edge 108 of the circular body 101, whereby the handles 112 are
positioned ninety degrees from each other with respect to the
center of the body 101. In one embodiment, the storage area 110 is
attached to the body 101 by sewing the outer edge of the storage
area 110 to the outer edge 108 of the circular body 101, such that
the opening of the storage area 110 faces inward toward the center
of the body 101. In addition, it is contemplated in the one
embodiment to form individual pockets of the storage area 110.
Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner edge of the storage
area 110 is attached to the body 101 to form the opening to be at
the outer edge of the body 101 (e.g. folded braid). The handles 112
are preferably made of a cloth material. In one embodiment, the
handles 112 are made of a material which is elastic to easily
secure any of the handles 112 around the square shape folded body
108. It should be noted that the handles 112 are preferably of a
length which does not pose a hazard to the child.
[0025] As stated above, the article 100 can alternatively include
toys or different textured surfaces on or attached to the body 101.
For instance, different textured and/or colored tags can be
attached to anywhere on the body 101 so that the child can touch
and explore the tags. In another embodiment, the different
textured, shaped and/or colored pieces of fabric can be removably
attached to the body 101 so that the child can touch and explore
the pieces of fabric. In one embodiment, one or more lights (e.g.
LEDs) can be attached on the body 101 (e.g. near the outside edge)
whereby the lights automatically illuminate when the article 100 is
unfolded. Alternatively, the article 100 includes a pressure sensor
placed within the body 101, whereby the lights automatically
illuminate when the child is placed on the article 100.
Alternatively, or additionally, the article 100 includes a small
speaker and circuit which plays music or sounds when the article
100 is unfolded or when the child is placed on the body 101. In
another embodiment, the article 100 is configured to make a
squeaking noise when the child is placed on or moves around the
body 101. In another embodiment, a clear plastic mat having a
gel-like substance and objects within which move in the gel can be
removably attached to the body 101 of the article 100. Such a mat
can provide entertainment to the child who can poke and move the
objects around in the gel by pushing on the outside of the clear
plastic mat. In yet another embodiment, the article 100 can include
a retractable hood which can cover some or all of the article 100
to protect the child from the outside elements while being changed.
In one embodiment, the hood is removably attachable to the article
100 such that the hood can be used whenever needed. In another
embodiment, the hood is fixedly attached to the article 100.
[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the diaper
changing article in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the article 300 includes the
handles 312 having adjusting tabs 304 thereon. It should be noted
that any type of adjusting mechanism can be used in the present
invention. The adjustable handle 312 allow the user more
flexibility in utilizing the article 300. For instance, the handle
312A can be adjusted to firmly secure the article 300 shut when the
the article is expanded due to items being placed in the pockets
210 (FIG. 1B). Additionally, the handle 312B can be lengthened so
that the article 300 can be carried around the user's shoulder.
Additionally, or alternatively, the article 300 in FIG. 2A includes
one or more shoulder straps 302 attached thereto and located on the
outside surface of the center portion 306 so that the user can
carry the article 300 as a backpack. It is contemplated that the
shoulder strap 302 can be configured in any other appropriate
manner to allow the article to be worn by the user. In one
embodiment, the shoulder straps 302 include an adjusting tab 304.
In another embodiment, the shoulder straps 302 do not include an
adjusting tab 304, and are instead elastic.
[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the changing
article in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the article 400 includes a pocket 402 on the
outer surface of one or more folding flaps 404. In one embodiment,
the pocket 402 is made of the same fabric as that of the article
body 301. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pocket
402 is made of an elastic mesh net. The pocket 402 allows the user
to store items which are to be easily accessible. As shown in FIG.
2B, the pocket 402 can be used to fit a flat milk bottle 406, such
that the bottle 406 does not add to the thickness of the article
400 in the closed position. In one embodiment, the pocket 402 is
stitched to the article 400. In another embodiment, the pocket 402
is easily removable from the article 400 by hook and loop
(Velcro.RTM.), buttons or other mechanism. Alternatively, or
additionally, the pocket 402 is located on the inside surface of
the article 400.
[0028] FIG. 2C illustrates a detachable carrying case which is
preferably utilized with any of the changing articles described
herein. As shown in FIG. 2C, the carrying case 500 includes a body
502 preferably having a fold line 504 in the middle, whereby the
body 502 is foldable into halves about the fold line 504. As shown
in FIG. 2C, the carrying case 500 preferably includes two
individual pockets 506 and 508, each being in the half portions of
the case 500. In one embodiment, the openings 510 of each pocket
506, 508 are near the fold line 504 as indicated in FIG. 2B. The
pockets 506, 508 can be used to hold cleaning wipes, tissues,
diaper disposing bags or other desired items. In one embodiment,
half-moon shaped wipes or tissues can be placed inside each of the
pockets 506, 508. In another embodiment, conventional rectangular
wipes or tissues can be held by both pockets 506, 508 of the
case.
[0029] The carrying case 500 can be substantially circular, oval,
elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other appropriate shape.
The carrying case 500 preferably fits within one of the interior
pockets 210 of the article 200 (FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the
curved outer shape of the case 500 contours the curved outer edge
108 of the changing article when the case 500 is placed within one
of the interior storage pockets 210. In another embodiment, the
carrying case 500 is attached to the inside or outside surface of
the changing article utilizing hook and loop (Velcro(.RTM.),
buttons or any other mechanism.
[0030] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate one folding procedure of one
embodiment of the baby changing article in accordance with the
present invention. It should be noted that any other folding
technique is contemplated within the skill in the art. The changing
article 100 is shown laid substantially flat on a surface in FIG.
3. To close the changing article 100 into a closed position, the
user folds the flap 114 inward toward the center of the body 101
about the fold line 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The user then folds the
opposite flap 116 inward toward the center of the body 101 about
the fold line 104, as shown in FIG. 5. The user then folds flap 118
inward toward the center of the body 101 about the fold line 106,
as shown in FIG. 6. The user then folds flap 120 inward toward the
center of the body 101 over the folded flap 118 about the fold line
106, as shown in FIG. 7, to completely fold the changing article
into the folded position, as shown in FIG. 8. This forms a square
shaped folded body, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0031] As stated above and shown in FIG. 8, the handles 112 are
preferably positioned such that one handle 112B is able to secure
the article 100 in the closed position, and another handle 112A is
exposed to allow the user to carry the article 100 in the closed,
folded position. The handle 112B secures the article 100 closed, by
being secured around the square center portion of the folded body
101 as shown in FIG. 9. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the
handle 112B traverses from a first side of the square folded body
to the opposite side of the square folded body, as shown in FIG. 9.
Once the article 100 is in its folded closed carrier position, the
user is able to carry the article 100 using the other exposed
handle 112A, as shown in FIG. 10. The remaining two handles 112 are
preferably hidden within the folded article 100. It is contemplated
that the article 100 is opened by reversing the order by which the
article 100 is closed.
[0032] Alternatively, the article 100 is secured in its closed,
carrier position by any other means (e.g. Velcro.RTM., button). It
should also be noted that the steps described above for folding the
article 100 is only one method of closing the article, and any
other appropriate method of opening and closing the article 100 is
contemplated. For example only, the article 100 is closed by first
folding the flap 114 about fold line 104; then folding the adjacent
flap 118 about fold line 106; folding the following flap 116 about
fold line 104; and then folding flap 120 about the fold line 106.
Thus, the article 100 is able to be opened or closed securely and
also able to be easily carried with one hand, irrespective of the
order in which the article 100 is folded. In addition, the article
100 when folded is substantially flat so that the folded article
100 is able to be easily placed in a small enclosed space (e.g.
purse, diaper bag).
[0033] Although the fold lines shown and described in the Figures
above are preferred, the article is folded in any other alternative
manner. For instance, FIGS. 11A-14 illustrate different embodiments
of the present changing article having various folding features.
For instance, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the article 300 has folding
lines 302, 304 perpendicular to one another through the center of
the article 300, whereby the article 300 is foldable into a quarter
section 306, as shown in FIG. 11B. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
article 400 includes one folding line 402 disposed vertically and
two folding lines 404 disposed horizontally above and below the
center. The circular article 400 is able to be folded about fold
lines 402 and 404 into the rectangular folded position, as shown in
FIG. 12B. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the article 500 includes several
fold lines 502 disposed parallel to one another. The article 500 is
able to be folded into the rectangular folded position, as in FIG.
13B, by folding the article about lines 502. In another embodiment,
the article 500 is able to be rolled into a rolled-up position, as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0034] The foregoing description of preferred and alternative
embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. The embodiments were
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others
skilled in the art to understand the invention for various
embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the claims and their equivalence.
* * * * *