U.S. patent application number 11/669823 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for diaper changing accessory organizer.
Invention is credited to Lisa A. Landay.
Application Number | 20070122066 11/669823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37446907 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070122066 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landay; Lisa A. |
May 31, 2007 |
Diaper Changing Accessory Organizer
Abstract
A portable diaper changing accessory organizer including an
elongated bag body having a plurality of pivotally connected or
hinged sections, a capturing element, and a carrying strap such
that a user may organize and store personal articles along with
diaper changing provisions including an optional changing mat in
the storage sections and then fold and capture the sections
together and transport the organizer along with the packed articles
in a relatively thin profile pack that may be opened flat to expose
each of the storage sections for quick access to the articles
necessary to change an infant.
Inventors: |
Landay; Lisa A.; (San
Clemente, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTAGE IP LAW FIRM
3020 OLD RANCH PARKWAY
SUITE 340
SEAL BEACH
CA
90740
US
|
Family ID: |
37446907 |
Appl. No.: |
11/669823 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11134962 |
May 23, 2005 |
7171707 |
|
|
11669823 |
Jan 31, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/16 ; 383/39;
383/4; 5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/26 20130101;
A47G 9/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/016 ;
383/039; 383/004; 005/655 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 33/00 20060101 B65D033/00 |
Claims
1. A diaper changing accessory organizer comprising: an elongated
bag body subdivided into a first storage section, a second storage
section, and a common central section, said bag body including an
interior surface with at least one storage pocket in each of said
sections; a first pivotal connection between said first storage
section and one side of said central section and constructed to
enable said first storage section to be folded over onto a first
portion of said central section to form a first overlapping region;
a second pivotal connection disposed between said second storage
section and an opposing side of said central section and
constructed to enable said second storage section to be folded over
onto a second portion of said central section to form a second
overlapping region; an intermediate pivotal connection,
substantially parallel to said first and second pivotal
connections, disposed within said central section and constructed
to fall between said first and second overlapping regions when
formed, said intermediate pivotal connection constructed to enable
said first and second overlapping regions to fold into at least a
partially abutting relationship; a capturing element on one of said
overlapping regions operable to releasably capture an opposing
overlapping region when said overlapping regions are brought
together in said abutting relationship; and at least one carrying
strap secured to said bag body whereby a user may fold said first
and second storage sections onto said central section to form said
first and second overlapping regions and then fold and releasably
capture said regions together with said capturing element to
transport said bag body in a folded configuration with said
carrying strap.
2. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
her including: a first fastener element located in at least one of
said sections on said interior surface of said bag body; a changing
mat having a second fastener element complementary to said first
fastener element and releasably secured to said bag body in a
covering relationship with at least a portion of two underlying
sections and at least one pocket in each of said underlying
sections.
3. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 2
wherein: said first fastener element is positioned on and aligned
with one of said pivotal connections; and said changing mat, when
releasably secured to said first fastener element, may be flipped
back and forth to expose at least one pocket in each of said
underlying sections.
4. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
further including: a central anchor coupled to said intermediate
pivotal connection; a first retention element on said first storage
section proximate a distal end of said first storage section; and a
second retention element on said second storage section proximate a
distal end of said second storage section, said retention elements
being constructed to releasably fasten to said central anchor to
inhibit said overlapping regions from unfolding during
transport.
5. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
further including: at least one stroller strap on an exterior
surface of said bag body operable to form an enclosed loop; and an
intermediate rigid spine member spanning a height of said bag body
within a region including said intermediate pivotal connection and
coupled to said stroller strap, said spine being constructed to
resist sagging along a top edge of said bag body when suspended in
a folded configuration.
6. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said bag body includes a first edge and a second edge and
a plurality of pockets substantially spanning an entire length of
said bag body between said edges with at least one of said pockets
including a transparent surface defining viewing window.
7. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: at least one of said pockets includes a closure
device.
8. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said interior surface includes a pair of oversized pockets
with closures, a quick retrieval section with a set of pockets
having an elastic band closure, and a pair of pockets vertically
stacked above one another.
9. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 8
wherein: said pockets in side quick retrieval section include a
mesh outer wall.
10. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said carrying strap is constructed of a webbed material,
is adjustable in length, and includes an adjustable shoulder
pad.
11. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said bag body is constructed to lay substantially flat
when unfolded and empty.
12. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said interior surface of said bag body and said pockets
are constructed of a non-absorbent material.
13. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
further including: said capturing element is an elastic restraining
band secured to one of said storage sections and operable to expand
over and capture an opposing overlapping region when said regions
are in an abutting relationship.
14. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said capturing element includes opposing releasable
fastening elements on each side of said overlapping regions.
15. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim
14 wherein: said capturing element projects outwardly from opposing
long sides of said bag body.
16. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said bag body includes an exterior surface with at least
one pocket exposed when said overlapping regions are in an abutting
relationship.
17. The diaper changing accessory organizer as set forth in claim 1
wherein: said bag body is flexible throughout its length.
18. A diaper changing accessory organizer comprising: an elongated,
rectangular, bag body subdivided into first and second outer
storage sections with a common central section with each section
being pivotally connected to an adjacent section and said central
section having an intermediate hinge, said outer storage sections
being operable to fold over onto substantially complementary
portions of said central section to form two overlapping regions
and said central section being operable to fold about said hinge to
bring said overlapping regions together in an abutting
relationship; at least one pocket in each of said sections on an
interior surface of said bag body; a first fastener element
disposed on said interior surface of said bag body; a mat with a
complementary second fastener element operable to releasably attach
said mat to said bag body with said mat aligned to one side of said
hinge; a first retainer located proximate a distal end of said
first outer storage section; a second retainer located proximate a
distal end of said second outer storage section; a stiffening
element in said central section operable to resist sagging of said
bag body when suspended from above, an anchoring element connected
to said stiffening element and operable to releasably attach to
said first and second retainers when said outer sections are folded
onto said central section; a capturing element on said bag body and
operable to releasably capture said overlapping regions together
when said overlapping regions are brought together in said abutting
relationship; and at least one carrying strap secured to said bag
body whereby a user may fold said first and second storage sections
onto said central section to form said first and second overlapping
regions and then fold said overlapping regions about said hinge and
releasably capture said regions together with said capturing
element to transport said bag body in a folded configuration with
said carrying strap.
19. A method of preparing a diaper changing accessory organizer for
transportation comprising the steps of: providing an elongated bag
body subdivided into a first storage section, a second storage
section, and a common central section by a pair of spaced apart,
pivotal connections, said bag body further including an
intermediate hinge element substantially parallel to said pivotal
connections and further subdividing said central section, a
capturing element, and a carrying strap; folding said first storage
section over onto a first portion of said central section about one
of said pivotal connections to form a first overlapping region;
folding said second storage section over onto a second portion of
said central section about the other of said pivotal connections to
form a second overlapping region with said hinge disposed between
an interior edge of each of said overlapping regions; folding said
overlapping regions together about said hinge into a partially
abutting relationship; and capturing said overlapping regions
together with said capturing element to expose said carrying strap
on an exterior surface of said folded up bag body.
20. The method of preparing a diaper changing accessory organizer
for transportation as set forth in claim 19 further comprising the
steps of: prior to said folding steps, providing a first fastener
element on an interior surface of said bag body; providing a mat
having a second fastener element complementary to said first
fastener element; fastening said mat to said interior surface of
said bag body with said mat positioned between a distal end of one
said storage sections and said hinge; and folding any portion of
said mat onto itself that extends beyond a boundary defined by said
bag body.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of, U.S. Ser. No. 11/134,962,
filed on May 23, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,707, entitled
Portable Rollup Pack, and which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for
transporting personal articles and more specifically to portable
packs for organizing, storing, and transporting substantially
flattened or compressible articles alone or along with rolled up,
folded, or flattened cushioning articles such as sleeping gear,
exercise and seating mats, personal towels, diaper changing mats or
pads, beach towels, blankets, and other similar articles.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Adults as well as children often engage in overnight camping
trips as well as slumber parties. For such extended stays, the
overnighter generally must pack both a sleeping bag and a personal
carrying pack. Typically, any personal items are stored in a
carrying pack such as a school backpack or knapsack that is
transported on the individual's back or hand-carried. The sleeping
bag is also generally rolled up into a bulky cylindrical package
and lugged under one arm or otherwise carried by a handle. Thus,
even with the carrying pack worn on the back, this transportation
method occupies at least one arm and takes up a significant amount
of space. While the size of some backpacks allows the user to
compress the sleeping bag into the bottom of the pack, this is not
practical for many of the larger, less compressible sleeping bags
commonly used on overnight trips. In addition, the sleeping bag is
typically stored at the bottom of the pack and is not readily
accessible without removing the entire contents of the pack.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,072 to Hsu an integrated knapsack and
sleeping bag combination is described in an attempt to reduce some
of this transportation concern. However, the sleeping bag in this
combination is connected to the lining of the knapsack and thus
does not facilitate cleaning the sleeping bag or replacing the
sleeping bag once it is outgrown or degrades so as to be no longer
useful.
[0007] Another solution for carrying personal items is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,300 to Robinson. This patent describes a roll
pack for transporting articles to the beach or a picnic area. The
roll pack described in this patent describes a set of pockets along
one edge for storing articles including a pillow and a set of
pockets along the opposite edge for storing a set of tie wraps so
as to prevent the hook and loop fasteners from becoming fouled with
dirt or other contaminants. The majority of the roll pack is taken
up by a large intermediate section made up of an absorbent material
such as terry cloth. This central enlarged section is provided for
use as a towel so that the user does not need to bring a separate
towel. By providing such a large towel section, this roll pack
configuration wastes a considerable amount of useable storage
space. Moreover, it would be impractical to store articles up
against the wet towel section as such articles could absorb the
towel moisture and become damaged.
[0008] In addition to focusing on various overnight travel needs,
other travel accessories are geared more specifically to address
diaper changing needs for day traveling and/or extended overnight
stays. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,336 to Marteeny discloses a
portable diaper changing station for changing a baby on a
protruding support surface such as a bathroom sink. The changing
station includes a non-bendable rigid central section with a handle
and supporting a cushioning pad. A nonporous wipeable carrying case
is releasably attached to the upper surface of the central section
in the form of a pair of opposing flaps that may cover the
cushioning pad. Thus, each flap may be removed from the central
section. One of the flaps includes a series of pockets with
openings running parallel to a long edge of the cushioning pad for
storing spare diapers. The other flap does not include any pockets
and instead provides a cushioning surface to protect the baby from
protruding objects such as a sink faucet. The flaps are closed
together over the cushioning pad with opposing sets of
complementary hook and loop fasteners. In use, the rigid central
section is placed over a sink opening. The rigidity of the central
section prevents the changing station from sagging into the sink
under the weight of the baby. The flaps are released from one
another with the cushioning flap being propped up against the sink
faucet and the other flap being lowered to hang over the outer edge
of the sink. The baby is placed on the cushioning pad of the
central section with the baby positioned perpendicularly to the
diaper changing person and changed conventionally. While this
changing station is useful for changing a baby on a surface such as
a sink because of its rigid section, such rigidity throughout the
central section is also limiting. For instance, the rigid section
must be large enough to accommodate most sink openings. This
renders this changing station rather bulky or requires the user to
carry multiple changing stations of different sizes. The narrow
cushioning pad includes an outwardly bowed surface and is also
raised significantly off the surrounding surface and, if the
provided restraining straps are not used, the baby may easily roll
off the narrow pad toward the sink edge and be injured. Also, there
is a significant amount of wasted storage space as both the central
section and cushioning flap have no storage capacity. As there are
no closed pockets, personal items may easily be lost as the
changing station is carried and jostled throughout the day. Thus,
the user would still be required to carry and secure personal items
in a separate bag such as a purse, wallet, or other handbag.
[0009] Another product called the Changing Station has been
described as a lightweight changing station that comes with straps
so that it may be attached to another backpack, diaper bag, or
stroller, or as a carry alone. Like the Marteeny changing station
disclosed above, the Changing Station has a central diaper mat
section disposed between a storage section and a cover flap. The
storage section includes two spaced apart pockets to either side of
a daisy chain strap. The pocket openings are next to the diaper
changing pad and are oriented parallel to the long edges of the
diaper mat. Due to this parallel arrangement, when the baby is on
the integrated changing pad, the baby's body inhibits the user from
easily withdrawing articles from the pockets. Also, the left side
openings are not ergonomically proper for right handed people, the
majority of the population. In addition, since the two pockets are
presumably loaded with baby changing supplies such as a diaper and
wipes, the Changing Station lacks considerably as a standalone
product. A purse or another pack would be a necessity. Furthermore,
the diaper changing pad is integrated into the body of the Changing
Station and thus is not replaceable due to wear and tear or easily
removed for cleaning. This configuration also omits the entire
section beneath the pad as a potential storage space. The flap
section provides no storage capability and provides another wasted
storage space. Similarly, the external surface of the Changing
Station when closed up fails to utilize the exterior space for any
storage capacity.
[0010] A similar construction can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
4,886,150 to Fitzsimmons. However, the Fitzsimmons baby accessory
carrier includes a detachable diaper changing pad overlying a
central section with both outer sections containing pockets having
openings facing the center section. The carrier is constructed of a
soft quilted material. To assume a purse-like configuration, this
carrier also requires a folding order that requires three steps as
first one side is folded over the central section about a first
transverse axis and then the second side is folded about a second
spaced apart transverse axis over onto the first side. Then the
entire elongated package is folded in half about a longitudinal
axis to bring a pair of opposing handles together. The package is
then tied together using tie strips to provide the purse-like
configuration.
[0011] While the changing pad of the Fitzsimmons carrier can be
removed, there is no storage space beneath the pad. In addition, as
with the Changing Station, the pocket openings face the center
section and thus removal of the articles therein is inhibited when
the infant is on the pad. Also, the pockets must be subdivided in
half to accommodate the folding process and thus limit the article
size that can be placed therein. Moreover, the reduced size of the
pad to fit within the confines of the central section limits the
usefulness of the pad as a changing surface as the pad size may be
too restrictive in some instances by limiting the infant's
placement. Finally, the soft quilted body of the carrier will
likely sag under a significant weight load and not retain its
purse-like shape very well when folded into that configuration.
[0012] Other exemplary diaper bags can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,743,649 to Gonzalez and U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,130 to Coates. The
Gonzalez diaper bag is in the form of a horizontally elongated,
substantially rectangular bag body having opposing handles at
either end. Pockets located in the outer regions of the bag are
closed off using a flap. The entire bag is then folded in half to
bring the handles together to form a rather unwieldy, elongated,
purse-like configuration. There is no attachment for a diaper
changing pad and thus such pad, if used, must be crammed into one
of the pockets. In use, the changing pad would have to be retrieved
from a pocket first and then laid out on a flat surface in order to
perform the changing. Since many diaper changing activities involve
at least a modicum of speed, this arrangement detracts from that
purpose. In addition, the soft corduroy or flannel material will
typically sag under a significant weight load and not retain its
purse-like shape when being carried. According to the patent, the
interior pockets are opaque thus concealing the contents. This adds
to the search time for articles therein and is unnecessary since
the pockets are concealed when the bag is folded up.
[0013] The Coates patent discloses a carrying bag for diaper
accessories in the form of a vertically elongated, substantially
rectangular bag body with a handle at the top. The bag body has
three vertically aligned sections, each with a pocket having an
opening at the top of the respective section. The center section
may include a removable waterproof pouch for containing soiled
diapers. A fastener such as a zipper runs down the sides of the bag
body. To convert to a carrier, the two end sections are folded
inwardly, one over the other, onto the middle section. This folding
process requires that specific order to form the final
configuration. The sections are then sealed together with end snap
fasteners and zipped up along the sides and can be carried by hand
or as a backpack. Alternatively, the bag folds in half like the
Gonzalez carrier above to pair up opposing handles. According to
the patent, when the bag body is laid out, the infant may be
changed directly on top of the pockets. However, there is no
intervening pad which means the entire bag would have to be cleaned
or a pad would have to be retrieved from another pocket adding to
the changing time. Also, due to its compact size and narrow
profile, the changing surface area is unlikely to be
sufficient.
[0014] Thus, there exists a need for an easy to use, portable
travel pack that maximizes storage space reducing the need for
extra baggage and provides superior organizational features while
being capable of transporting a diaper changing pad and related
accessories along with personal items, providing a changing
station, and freeing the user's hands during transportation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a portable diaper changing accessory organizer is
provided in the form of an elongated bag body having pivotal
connections between first and second storage sections and a common
central section with the bag body having an interior surface with
at least one storage pocket in each of the sections and a third
pivotal connection substantially parallel with the first two
connections along with a capturing element and a carrying strap
whereby a user may fold the first and second storage sections onto
the central section about their respective pivotal connections to
form first and second overlapping regions and then fold and
releasably capture these regions together with the capturing
element to transport the bag body in a folded configuration with
the carrying strap.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, a diaper
changing mat or pad may be releasably fastened to the interior
surface of the diaper bag body and folded up along with the storage
sections prior to transport.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention involves the
incorporation of rigidity and/or retention features such as a rigid
spine to prevent sagging during transportation or suspension of the
folded bag body from a stroller handle and outer section retaining
elements for releasably securing portions of the overlapping
regions to a central anchor to further prevent sagging and/or
inadvertent unfolding.
[0018] The present invention may also include a series of pockets
substantially spanning the length and height of the bag body that
may provide waterproof compartments along with viewing windows to
assist in the quick retrieval of the packed accessories.
[0019] A method of preparing a diaper changing accessory organizer
for transport is also disclosed herein both with and without a
removable diaper changing mat.
[0020] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent
with further reference to the following drawings and
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an interior surface of a
rollup pack in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a reverse elevational view of an exterior surface
of the rollup pack of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 a top view of an unrolled, partially open,
conventional sleeping bag for use with the rollup pack of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an elevational view illustrating various articles
being stored within the pockets of the rollup pack of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5C is a set of perspective views illustrating the
packing of the sleeping bag and rollup pack of FIG. 1 to prepare
for their transport as an integrated unit;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an interior surface of
another embodiment of the portable rollup pack in the form of a
diaper changing accessory organizer with diaper changing mat in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
diaper changing accessory organizer of FIG. 6 without the diaper
changing mat;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a rear surface of an
exemplary diaper changing mat for use with the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIGS. 6-7;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 6 with the diaper changing
mat of FIG. 8 attached and opened up for use or in a pre-folding
configuration;
[0030] FIGS. 10-13 depict similar views to FIG. 9 and illustrate
the subsequent steps of folding the diaper changing mat and diaper
changing accessory organizer as an integrated unit;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer in a travel configuration;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIG. 14 in a travel configuration;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a right hand end view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIG. 14 with the stroller straps in an open
configuration and the shoulder strap in a relaxed state;
[0034] FIG. 17 is an elevational view of an interior surface of a
third embodiment of a portable rollup pack in the form of a diaper
changing accessory organizer in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 18 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
diaper changing accessory organizer of FIG. 17;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a similar view to FIG. 17 with an exemplary
diaper changing mat attached and partially folded onto itself;
[0037] FIGS. 20-21 depict a similar view to FIG. 17 with the diaper
changing accessory organizer in a partially folded up
configurations;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIG. 17 in a travel configuration;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a rear elevational view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIG. 22 in a travel configuration; and
[0040] FIG. 24 is a right hand end view of the diaper changing
accessory organizer of FIG. 22 with the stroller straps in an open
configuration and the shoulder strap in a relaxed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 illustrating interior and
exterior views of an exemplary portable rollup pack in accordance
with the present invention and generally designated 10, the rollup
pack is provided for organizing, storing, and transporting personal
articles, items, or objects including a rolled up sleeping bag for
extended stays. An exemplary sleeping bag, generally designated 12,
is illustrated in FIG. 3. When laid flat as in FIGS. 1-2, the
rollup pack 10 generally includes a substantially rectangular bag
body 14 that may be divided generally into a medial carrying
section 16 interposed between a left lateral wing wrap 18 and a
right lateral wing wrap 20. The bag body is constructed of an outer
layer of fabric 22 sewn to a similarly dimensioned inner layer of
fabric 24 forming an exterior bag body surface 26 and interior bag
body surface 28, respectively. The top edge 21, bottom edge 23,
left hand edge 25, and right hand edge 27 of the bag body are then
finished off with conventional 1/4 inch filled piping 30
circumscribing the perimeter of the bag body. In this exemplary
embodiment, the overall height of the bag body measured from the
top edge 21 to the bottom edge 23 is approximately 12.5 inches and
the overall length is approximately 45 inches measured from the
left hand edge 25 to the right hand edge 27 as viewed in FIG.
1.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the interior surface 28
of the bag body 14 may be divided into a number of pockets for
organizing, storing, and transporting personal articles. In this
exemplary embodiment, the bag body includes six pockets arranged
across substantially the entire length and height of the bag body
as viewed in FIG. 1. The leftmost upper pocket 31 and lower pocket
32 are vertically stacked and span the entire height of the bag
body. In this exemplary embodiment, these dual pockets subdivide
the height of the bag body equally. These dual pockets include a
common bottom edge 34 that corresponds with the leftmost edge 25 of
the bag body as viewed in FIG. 1. The dual pockets also share a
common sidewall 35. Each pocket 31, 32 includes a vertically
projecting top edge 36, 38, respectively, forming an opening into
the respective pocket. The openings face the right hand end 27 of
the bag away from the left hand edge 25. The top edges of the
pockets 31, 32 may be lined with a conventional hook and loop type
closure as indicated by strips 37, 39, respectively, to seal off
the contents of the pocket. A convenient pull tab 40, 42 is
provided on each pocket 31, 32, respectively, to facilitate
separating the hook section from the loop section to gain access to
the pocket.
[0043] These dual pockets 31 and 32 are typically dimensioned to
accommodate smaller personal articles. In this exemplary
embodiment, these pockets measure approximately 7.5 inches in depth
from the bottom edge 34 of each pocket to the top opening edge 36
or 38, respectively. Depth is generally defined as the distance
from the bottom edge of a pocket to a top open edge of a pocket. To
the immediate right of the dual pockets 31 and 32, a first enlarged
pocket 44 is provided. The bottom edge 46 of this pocket is located
proximate the openings of the dual pockets 31 and 32. This enlarged
pocket 44 spans the entire height of the bag body 14 and measures
approximately 14 inches in depth. As with the dual pockets, the
first enlarged pocket is provided with a top edge 48 providing an
opening facing the right hand end 27 of the bag body 14. A closure
device in the form of a nylon zipper 50 may be used to seal off
this pocket.
[0044] With continued reference to FIG. 1, spaced to the right of
the first enlarged pocket 44 is a pair of intermediate pockets 52
and 54. These pockets are constructed identically and each measure
about 4.75 inches in depth and span the entire height of the bag
body 14. The bottom edge 56 of the first intermediate pocket 52 is
conjoined with the top edge of the zipper closure 50. The top edge
58 of the first intermediate pocket faces the right hand end 27 of
the bag body. The second intermediate pocket 54 includes a bottom
edge 60 spaced to the right of the top edge of the first
intermediate pocket and an opening 62 that faces the right hand
edge of the bag body as well. In this example, each of the
intermediate pockets 52, 54 incorporate hook and loop closures as
indicated by strips 53, 55, respectively, to seal off their
respective contents. As with the dual pockets 31, 32, each
intermediate pocket includes a pull tab 63, 65 respectively to
assist in separating the hook and loop closures lining the opening
of the intermediate pockets.
[0045] Still referring to FIG. 1, the rightmost pocket 64 is a
second enlarged pocket and includes a bottom edge 66 corresponding
with the right hand edge 27 of the bag body 14. Unlike the other
pockets, the top opening 68 of this pocket faces to the left hand
side 25 of the bag body, as viewed in FIG. 1. The second enlarged
pocket includes a zipper closure 70 for controlling access to the
pocket compartment. The second enlarged pocket 64 also spans the
entire height of the bag body and measure approximately 11 inches
in depth in this exemplary pocket configuration.
[0046] The pockets 31, 32, 44, 52, 54, and 64 may be formed by
sewing, adhering, welding or using other suitable joining
techniques to join the three sides of a substantially rectangular
plastic sheet or sheets to the interior surface 28 of the bag body
14. As described above, a fourth edge of the plastic sheet forms an
opening into the respective pocket compartments that may be closed
using conventional closure devices such as plastic or metal
zippers, hook and loop closures, buttons, snaps, and other suitable
closure device. It is not necessary to use a closure device
however. It is preferable to use clear plastic sheets to form a
viewing window, such as exemplified by reference numeral 72 (FIG.
4), so that the contents of the pocket may be easily ascertained
without having to open the pocket and remove the contents one at a
time until the desired article is retrieved. Other suitable
materials may be used as well and the viewing window may comprise
the entire pocket wall or a portion thereof. To maximize the
storage capacity of the bag body, it is also preferable to provide
pockets across the entire width and height of the bag body 14.
However, other pocket configurations will occur to one of ordinary
skill in the art. In this example, all of the pocket openings are
configured substantially parallel to the left and right hand edges
25, 27, respectively, of the bag body.
[0047] The pockets may be spaced apart from one another to
accommodate folding of the bag body 14 as well. For instance, there
are three folding wells in this exemplary bag body 14 as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The first or leftmost folding well 74 is
spaced between the top edges 36, 38 of the dual pockets 31, 32,
respectively, and the bottom edge 46 of the first enlarged pocket
44. An intermediate folding well 76 is interposed between the top
edge 58 of the first intermediate pocket 52 and the bottom edge 60
of the second intermediate pocket 54. The rightmost or third
folding well 78 is positioned between the opening 62 of the second
intermediate pocket 54 and the zipper closure 70 of the second
enlarged pocket 64. In this example, these wells span the entire
height of the bag body and measure about 1.5 inches across. These
wells provide fold lines that accommodate folding the bag body even
when the individual pockets are relatively full and may resist
folding themselves.
[0048] It is also preferable to construct the bag body 14 from
waterproof materials or at least highly water resistant materials
such as nylon, polyester, or other suitable material. As an
alternative, the materials or fabrics used to construct the bag
body may be treated with a waterproofing substance. This prevents
personal articles that may leak from spreading to the remainder of
the bag body or sleeping bag 12 when the rollup pack is in contact
with the bag. In addition, a wet towel may be placed in one the
pockets without concern of dampening the other articles or sleeping
bag. By providing a waterproof exterior surface 26, the items in
the pockets and sleeping bag are further protected from exterior
moisture. In addition, if the contents of the bag body 14 are
removed or there is no concern if they are compressed, the rollup
pack may be used as a mat underneath the sleeping bag 12 when
unrolled further protecting the sleeping bag and providing an
insulating surface beneath the sleeping bag.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, on the exterior surface 26 of the
bag body 14 includes a pair of carrying handles 80 and 82. The ends
of each carrying handle are sewn to the top edge 21 and bottom edge
23 of the bag body 14. These carrying handles are approximately 22
inches in length to provide ample length for use as shoulder straps
in addition to be used as carrying handles. In this exemplary
embodiment, the shoulder straps 80 and 82 are spaced approximately
8.75 inches from the respective left end 25 and right end 27 of the
bag body 14. The handles may be adjustable using a conventional
shoulder strap adjustment construction. The shoulder straps are
preferably constructed of a webbed strapping and may be padded. In
general, the shoulder straps divide the intermediate carrying
section 16 from the lateral wings 18 and 20, respectively. However,
this division is for ease of description and not meant to be
limiting in any manner.
[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a first pair of pack
fasteners 84, 86 is sewn into the exterior surface 26 of the bag
body 14. The pack fasteners 84 and 86 include a length of webbed
strapping 85, 87, respectively, measuring approximately 10.75
inches in length from an interior end fastened to the exterior
surface 26 within the intermediate carrying section 16 to the left
hand edge 25 of the bag body 14. Each fastener 84, 86 projects
approximately 1-2 inches beyond the left most edge 25 of the bag
body and terminates in a plastic clip 88, 90, respectively, of the
dual bayonet variety. The fasteners 84 and 86 are spaced apart
approximately 6.5 inches along the height of the bag body. The
strap portions 85 and 87 of the fasteners are constructed from a
similar webbed strapping material as the shoulder straps 80 and
82.
[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 2, on the right hand side
of the bag body 14 is a second pair of pack fasteners 92, 94
constructed in a similar manner to the first pair of pack fasteners
84, 86 with a strap section 93, 95, respectively, sewn into the
exterior surface 26 of the bag body. The ends of the pack fasteners
92, 94 project approximately 1-2 inches beyond the right hand edge
27 of the bag body and terminate in a plastic buckle 96, 98,
respectively, for fastening to the clips 88, 90 of the first pair
of pack fasteners when the wings 18 and 20 are brought together. As
viewed in FIG. 2, upper first fastener 84 is aligned with upper
second fastener 92 along the height of the bag body when the bag
body is rolled out flat. Lower first fastener 86 is aligned with
lower second fastener 94 in a similar configuration. These fastener
pairs may be adjustable as well to accommodate a variety of
sleeping bag dimensions. This exemplary embodiment describes a two
pair of pack fasteners in the form of a clip and buckle. It will be
appreciated that other suitable releasable fastening devices may be
used as well including hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons,
rings, clamps, hooks and grommets, or loose tie ends.
[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, in use, the rollup pack 10
is laid out flat on a bed or other convenient flat surface. The
user may then grasp the tabs 40, 42, 63, 65 of the desired pocket
31, 32, 52, and 54, respectively, to separate the hook and loops
and closures or unzip the zipper closures 50, 70, of the enlarged
pockets 44, 64, respectively, to open the desired pocket 30, 32,
44, 52, 54, and 64 insert extended stay articles such as clothing,
footwear, toiletries, snacks, reading materials, and other suitable
items to be taken on an overnight trip in a manner of organization
as befitting the user. Exemplary articles such as a toothpaste tube
104a, toothbrush 104b, pajamas 104c, hairclips 104d, socks 104e,
brush 104f, comb 104g, and sandals 104h are illustrated in FIG. 4.
When the desired overnight articles have been inserted into the
pockets, the opening of the pockets are closed by mating the hook
and loop closures or zipping the zipper closures where
appropriate.
[0053] Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5C, the user may then roll up the
sleeping bag 12 into a cylindrical configuration such as
illustrated in FIG. 5A and place the rolled up sleeping bag on top
of the interior surface 28 of the bag body 14 of the rollup pack 10
about the middle of the bag body. The flat ends of the sleeping bag
are generally aligned with the top edge 21 and bottom edge 23 of
the bag body but may extend beyond or fall short of the edges as
determined by the relationship of the rolled up sleeping bag height
in relation to the rollup pack height. The user may then grasp the
left wing 18 by the left hand end 25 and fold it on top of the
sleeping bag to partially wrap the wing about the circumference of
the sleeping bag. Even with the pockets being filled to capacity
and possibly resistant to bending, the left wing will fold about
the well 74 onto to the sleeping bag and generally follow the
curvature of the sleeping bag. Then, the user may grasp the right
hand edge 27 of the bag body and bring the right wing 20 and its
buckles 96, 98 proximate their respective counterpart clips 88, 90
of the first pair of pack fasteners 84, 86, respectively. Clip 88
is then inserted into buckle 96 and clip 90 is inserted into buckle
98. This action secures the left wing 18 to the right wing 20 and
secures the sleeping bag 12 within the rollup pack 10 to from an
integral unit, generally designated 100, for transportation as
illustrated in FIG. 5C. The right wing may be inserted above or
below the left wing about the sleeping bag as long as the fasteners
are exposed and may be coupled together. Preferably, the wings
overlap when the ends of the rollup pack are fastened together so
that there are no gaps around the circumference of the sleeping bag
(FIG. 5C). This is facilitated by attaching the fastener straps at
their extreme inner ends (X-patterns in FIG. 2) to the exterior
surface 26 of the rollup pack 10 while leaving the remainder of
each strap length unattached to the rollup pack. The fastener
straps may be adjusted as necessary to tighten the rollup pack 10
about the sleeping bag 12. Given the adjustability of the straps,
it is not necessary to roll up the sleeping bag the same way every
time and a variety of sleeping bags may be accommodated. The user
may then don the rollup pack unit 100 as one would a backpack by
slipping left and right arms through the corresponding shoulder
straps 80 and 82 and carry the integrated unit 100 on the user's
back. Alternatively, the user may grasp both straps with one hand
and carry as a piece of luggage.
[0054] Once the integrated unit 100 has been transported to the
desired destination, the user may set the unit on a relatively
elongated flat surface and separate clip 88 from buckle 96 and
separate 90 from buckle 98. The user may then peel back the right
wing 20 from the left wing 18 exposing the sleeping bag 12 and
laying the rollup pack 10 flat. The sleeping bag may then be moved
off to a side and the contents of the rollup pack 10 accessed as
desired. The viewing windows 72 of each pocket facilitate the
removal of the desired articles 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f,
104g, 104h in an organized manner.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the interior facing pockets 30,
32, 44, 52, 54, and 64 and sleeping bag 12 cooperate to cushion the
articles stored in the rollup pack during transportation. In
addition, the vertical and inwardly facing openings of each pocket
reduce the likelihood of any articles falling out of a pocket
during transport. The interior facing pockets also reduce the
likelihood of theft of important articles during transport. In
addition, in this exemplary embodiment, the rollup pack is
described as being flexible throughout its length. However, the
medial section may include a rigid insert 102 (FIG. 2) or be formed
of a formed foam or other cushioning material to conform to the
user's back and the curved sleeping bag with the wing wraps
remaining flexible to wrap about the substantially cylindrical
object being transported.
[0056] Instead of a sleeping bag 12, a beach towel, rolled up
cushion, mat or other similar cushioning article may be rolled up
into a substantially cylindrical configuration, folded up, or
otherwise flattened and the portable pack secured around the
article for transport to the beach, gym, or other location. The
portable pack may also be used simply as a standalone organizer
pack with or without any cushioning article. Moreover, the flexible
wing wraps of the portable pack easily accommodate cushioning
articles arranged in a folded up configuration as well. The wing
wraps of the portable pack may be folded over the article and
locked together to secure the article in place and present a
smaller profile portable pack. In packing the portable pack, the
cushioning article may be pre-folded and placed on one of the
storage sections of the laid out pack prior to folding the wing
wraps or the article may be simply be placed over the laid out pack
and folded along with the pack itself.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6-16, a second embodiment of the
portable rollup pack adapted for use as a diaper changing accessory
organizer, generally designated 210, is illustrated. Like the
previously described embodiments of the portable rollup pack 10,
the diaper changing accessory organizer provides a convenient
portable travel pack for organizing, storing, and transporting
personal articles. In addition, the portable diaper changing
accessory organizer is constructed to be particularly useful for
transporting personal articles along with those items required for
changing a baby. Moreover, this exemplary portable organizer 210 is
constructed to releasably secure and transport rolled up,
flattened, or folded objects such as a diaper changing mat or pad,
generally designated 212 (FIG. 8), on which a baby may be changed,
and thus provides a convenient diaper changing station as well. As
noted above, this exemplary portable organizer 210 shares many of
the same features with previously discussed embodiments of the
rollup pack and like components are like numbered.
[0058] Before continuing further with the description of the
portable diaper changing accessory organizer 210, attention is
directed to FIGS. 6 and 8 wherein the exemplary two-sided diaper
changing mat is illustrated. More particularly, the diaper changing
mat is generally rectangular with rounded corners and includes a
top edge 241, a bottom edge 243, a left hand edge 245 (as viewed in
FIG. 6), and a right hand edge 247. The outer edges of the mat are
finished with a stitched piping 229 around the periphery of the
mat. When unfolded, the top edge 241 of the mat generally coincides
with the baby's head while the bottom edge 243 coincides with the
baby's feet but this is only for reference purposes and not meant
to be restrictive. Regarding placement of the infant, it will be
appreciated that the oversized mat, with dimensions approaching a
square shape, allows the user to place the infant on the mat in any
suitable way convenient for the user including vertically,
horizontally, or diagonally in either direction with respect to the
underlying organizer bag body 214, something a more narrow
elongated mat restricted to a particular orientation would be
lacking.
[0059] The changing mat 212 includes a changing surface 215 (FIGS.
6 and 9) and an opposing attachment surface 217 (FIG. 8). On the
attachment surface 217, an elongated, rectangular anchor strip 219a
is positioned halfway between the left and right hand edges 245,
247, respectively, of the diaper changing mat with the outer end of
the strip being positioned approximately an inch from the top edge
241 of the mat. The length of the strip is approximately 4-6
inches. In this exemplary embodiment, the diaper changing mat 212
measures approximately 21 inches long from the top edge 241 to the
inner edge 243 and approximately 23 inches wide from the left hand
edge 245 to the right hand edge 247. The length of the diaper
changing mat 212 preferably coincides with the distance between the
outer edge 225 of the diaper bag body 214 and the nearer edge of an
intermediate fold well 276a described below. The width of the mat
is almost double the width of the bag body (12.5 inches) so that
the mat may be opened out to almost twice the width of the bag body
and only require each side being folded once to fit within the
confines of the bag body. Other suitable mat dimensions will occur
to one of ordinary skill in the art including a diaper mat that
fits within the confines of the diaper bag body without being
folded. While an infant may be changed directly on top of the
portable organizer or other underlying surface, the inclusion of
the mat provides a preferred changing surface and transforms the
diaper changing accessory organizer into a more suitable changing
station.
[0060] Returning to the description of the portable diaper changing
accessory organizer 210, when unfolded and laid flat in a
pre-packing or changing station configuration as in FIGS. 6-7, the
portable diaper organizer 210 generally includes a substantially
rectangular bag body 214 that may be divided generally into a
common central section 216 interposed between a left lateral
storage section 218 (as viewed in FIG. 6) and a right lateral
storage section 220 that provide storage and organizational
features as described below. The bag body is constructed of an
outer layer of fabric 222 sewn or welded to a similarly dimensioned
inner layer of fabric 224 defining an exterior bag body surface 226
and interior bag body surface 228, respectively. The top edge 221,
bottom edge 223, left hand edge 225, and right hand edge 227 of the
bag body are then finished off with conventional 1/4 inch filled
piping 230 circumscribing the perimeter of the bag body. In this
exemplary embodiment, the overall length and width dimensions of
the rectangular organizer bag body 214 are similar to the previous
pack embodiment 10 discussed above.
[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the interior surface 228
of the organizer bag body 214 may be conveniently divided into a
number of pockets for organizing, storing, and transporting both
personal articles and diaper changing accessories. In this
exemplary embodiment, the organizer bag body includes seven pockets
arranged across substantially the entire length and height of the
diaper bag body. As viewed in FIG. 6, the left storage section 218
includes an upper pocket 231 and a lower pocket 232. These leftmost
pockets are vertically stacked and together span the entire height
of the diaper bag body. In this exemplary embodiment, these dual
pockets also subdivide the height of the diaper bag body equally.
These dual pockets include a common bottom edge 234 that
corresponds with the leftmost edge 225 of the bag body as viewed in
FIG. 6 and a common sidewall 235. Each pocket 231, 232 also
includes a vertically projecting top edge 236, 238, respectively,
forming an opening into the respective pocket. The openings face
the right hand end 227 of the bag body. The top edges of the
pockets 231, 232 may be lined with a conventional hook and loop
type closure as indicated by strips 237, 239, respectively, to seal
off the contents of the pocket. A convenient pull tab 240, 242 is
provided on each pocket 231, 232, respectively, to facilitate
separating the hook section from the loop section to gain access to
the pocket. These dual pockets 231 and 232 are typically
dimensioned to accommodate smaller personal articles such as baby
shoes and socks. In this exemplary embodiment, these dual pockets
measure approximately 7.5 inches in depth from the bottom edge 234
of each pocket to the top opening edge 236 or 238,
respectively.
[0062] The common sidewall 235 of the dual pockets 231, 232 bears a
second anchor strip 219b complementing the changing mat anchor
strip 219a. The anchor strips 219a, 219b of the bag body 214 and
the changing mat 212 are preferably conventional hook and loop
fasteners for releasably securing the changing mat 212 to the
diaper bag body 214 and are interchangeable. The common sidewall
235 of the dual pockets forms a slight depression in the middle of
the organizer bag body within the leftmost storage section 218 that
becomes more pronounced when articles are stored in the dual
pockets. Such depression may be located beneath the child's head
when in use and thus may assist in keeping the child centered on
the mat.
[0063] Still referencing FIG. 6, to the immediate right of the dual
pockets 231 and 232, a first enlarged pocket 244 is provided on the
left hand side of the common central section-216. The bottom edge
246 of this pocket is located proximate the openings of the dual
pockets 231 and 232. This enlarged pocket 244 spans the entire
height of the bag body 214 and measures approximately 14 inches in
depth. As with the dual pockets 231, 232, the first enlarged pocket
is provided with a reinforced top edge 248 providing an opening
facing the right hand end 227 of the bag body 214. A closure device
in the form of a nylon zipper 250 is used to seal off this
pocket.
[0064] Positioned to the right of the first enlarged pocket 244 on
the right hand side of the common central section 216 as viewed in
FIG. 6 is an intermediate quick retrieval pocket section 252. The
quick retrieval pocket section is formed by sewing three sides of
an expandable mesh retainer 253 into the interior surface 224 of
the organizer bag body 214 and leaving the edge facing the top edge
221 of the organizer bag body free to form a top opening pocket.
The mesh retainer is also sewn at two intermediate points to the
interior surface 224 to further subdivide the mesh retainer into
three expandable pockets 254a, 254b, and 254c. An expandable,
elastic band 258 extends horizontally across the bag body 214
within the pocket section 252 parallel to the top and bottom edges
221, 223 of the diaper bag body and provides common top edge for
all three expandable pockets. This top opening edge is recessed
below the upper edge of the diaper bag body. In this example, the
top edge band 258 is positioned closer to the top edge 221 of the
organizer bag body 214. The bottom edge 256 of the mesh pockets
254a-c is aligned with the bottom edge 223 of the organizer bag
body 214. These mesh pockets measure approximately 4.75 inches deep
and span the entire width of the bag body 214 between the first
enlarged pocket 244 and the rightmost enlarged pocket 264 described
below.
[0065] While the tension of the band 258 assists in securing
articles within these pockets 254a-c, articles stored in the mesh
pockets may be quickly withdrawn without having to unfasten a
closure device once the pack is laid flat. Thus this quick
retrieval pocket section 252 is useful for storing items such as
clean diapers, wipes, and bottles that may have to be accessed
quickly. The see-through mesh also enables the user to quickly
identify the contents of these pockets.
[0066] Still referring to FIG. 6, the rightmost pocket 264 is a
second enlarged pocket similar in construction to the first
enlarged pocket 244. The rightmost pocket includes a bottom edge
266 corresponding with the right hand edge 227 of the bag body 214.
Unlike the other pockets (231, 232, 244), the top opening 268 of
this pocket faces the left hand side 225 of the bag body, as viewed
in FIG. 6. The second enlarged pocket includes a zipper closure 270
for controlling access to the pocket compartment through the top
opening 268. The second enlarged pocket 264 also spans the entire
height of the bag body and measure approximately 11 inches in depth
in this exemplary pocket configuration.
[0067] The sections 216, 218, and 220 of the organizer bag body 214
may be spaced apart from one another and joined together by a
pivotal or hinged connection to accommodate folding of the bag body
214. For instance, there are three fold wells or pivotal
connections in this exemplary bag body 214 as illustrated in FIG.
6. The first or leftmost pivotal connection 274 is spaced between
the top edges 236, 238 of the dual pockets 231, 232, respectively,
and the bottom edge 246 of the first enlarged pocket 244. An
intermediate pivotal connection 276a, 276b is interposed between
the top edge 248 of the first intermediate pocket 244 and the left
hand end 260 of the mesh pocket section 252 at two locations to
either side of the zipper closure 250. The rightmost or third
pivotal connection 278a, 278b is positioned between the right hand
end 262 of the mesh pocket section 252 and the top edge 268 of the
second enlarged pocket 264 and occurs at two locations to either
side of the zipper closure 270. In this example, these pivotal
connections span the entire height of the organizer bag body and
measure about 1.5 inches across. These pivotal connections provide
gaps between the pockets that accommodate folding the bag body even
when the individual pockets are relatively full and may resist
folding themselves. Thus, the fold wells provide a pivotal or
hinged connection between adjacent sections (216, 218 and 216, 220)
or within a section 216 itself. The fold wells may be a narrow
crease or region, depression, fold line, or a more broadened region
on the organizer bag body positioned between adjacent pockets to
allow the sections of the organizer bag body to be bent, pivoted,
or folded about the folding area.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7, the exterior surface 226 of the bag
body 214 includes a two-piece shoulder strap 284a, 284b for use in
carrying the organizer 210 when in a folded configuration as
discussed below. The first section 284a of the shoulder strap
includes a first end sewn into the bottom edge 223 of the diaper
bag body and a distal end that terminates in a bayonet clip 285a.
The second section 284b of the shoulder strap includes a first end
sewn into the top edge 221 of the diaper bag body and a distal end
that terminates in a complementary buckle 285b for receiving the
bayonet clip. When clipped together, the shoulder strap is
approximately 22 inches long. However, the strap includes an
adjuster 286. The adjuster is a conventional retaining slide to
adjust the length of a shoulder strap and its use and construction
will be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art. The shoulder
strap is preferably constructed of a webbed strapping and may be
padded. In general, the shoulder strap is located at the center of
the organizer bag body and coincides with the central pivotal
connection 276a, 276b.
[0069] With continued reference to FIG. 7, to the left of the
shoulder strap 284a, 284b, a pair of stroller retention straps
280a, 280b are sewn by their respective midsections into the
exterior surface 226 of the bag body 214. The stroller straps
include a length of webbed strapping similar to that used for the
shoulder strap. Each stroller strap measures approximately one-half
inch wide and 5-6 inches in length and includes opposing free ends
with complementary fasteners that may fastened to one another to
form a loop as shown in FIGS. 7, 14, and 15. A view of the stroller
straps in an unfastened configuration is illustrated in FIG. 16. In
this exemplary embodiment, the fasteners are snaps but other
suitable fasteners may be used. The stroller straps are spaced
apart approximately 6-8 inches between the top and bottom edges
221, 223 of the diaper bag body. Such stroller straps provide a
convenient loops for fasteners over a conventional stroller handle
(not shown) to retain the diaper bag thereon.
[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 7, an elastic retaining
band 294 is provided. The elastic band is approximately a 1/4 inch
in diameter and has an overall length of 13 and 3/8 inches. As
shown in FIG. 6 in phantom lines, the retaining band is positioned
to the right of the leftmost fold well or pivotal connection 274
and to the left of the intermediate pivotal connection 276a, 276b.
Each end of the band is sewn into the top and bottom edges 221,
223, respectively, of the organizer bag body 214. The band is used
to capture an opposing folded section of the organizer bag body to
maintain the organizer bag body in a folded configuration as will
be described below.
[0071] Still referring to FIG. 7, positioned between the shoulder
strap 284a, 284b and the retaining band 294 is an external security
pocket 288 for storing items such as keys, credit cards, cell
phones, and other items commonly stored in a carrying purse. The
bottom edge of the security pocket 289 is located approximately one
inch from the retaining band 294. The side edges of the security
pocket are recessed from the top and bottom edges 221, 223 of the
organizer bag body 214. Recessed from the top edge 295 of the
security pocket is a zipper closure 293 for sealing off the
security pocket. The security pocket is further conveniently
divided into a cell phone pocket 290 and a credit pocket 292 as
shown in phantom lines in FIG. 14 lining the inside surface of the
security pocket providing further organizational capabilities. The
security pocket is positioned on the exterior 226 of the organizer
bag body to face outwardly when the organizer 210 is folded as will
be described below. The security pocket may lay flat against the
organizer bag body for carrying substantially flat items or may be
expandable to accommodate larger articles.
[0072] In use, assuming the diaper changing accessory organizer 210
is initially empty and its pockets closed, a user may initially lay
the diaper bag organizer and changing station 210 on a flat surface
with the primary storage pockets 231, 232, 244, 254a-c, 264 facing
up as in FIG. 6. Each of the zippered pockets 244, 264 may be
opened by grasping the zipper tabs of the respective zippers 250,
270 and pulled in the open direction. The pull tabs 240, 242 of the
dual pockets may be pulled away from the organizer bag body 214 to
open the dual pockets 231, 232, respectively. Articles such as
diapers, wipes, spare clothes, powder, ointments, medicines, baby
toys, bottles, and other typical baby changing or comfort articles
may be inserted into any of the open pockets as befits the user.
Some of these exemplary articles 291a-e are illustrated in pockets
254a, 254b and 264. It will be appreciated that most of these
articles lay relatively flat. For example, one suitable arrangement
is to place softer good such as clothes and the like in the pockets
231, 232, and 244 that will underlie the changing mat 212 so that
the baby can lay on this area when being changed without
discomfort. Conveniently, items needed for changing the baby such
as diapers, wipes, and bottles may be located in pockets 254a-c in
the quick retrieval section 252. Other items needed during the
changing process may be stored in the rightmost pocket 264 as both
the quick retrieval pockets 254a-c and the rightmost pocket 264 are
typically uncovered during the changing process. In addition, one
or more of the pockets may be left empty to receive and keep
separate soiled or dirty clothes. Other suitable packing
arrangements will occur to the user.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, once the diaper
changing bag 210 is packed with the accessories and the respective
closures are fastened, the top edge 241 of the diaper changing pad
212 may be aligned with the left hand end of the organizer bag body
214 so that the main surface 215 of the changing pad covers the
pockets 231, 232, and 244 of the left storage section 218 and a
significant portion of the common central section 216,
respectively, while leaving the quick retrieval pockets 254a-c of
the other portion of the common central section and pocket 264 of
the right storage section 220 exposed. This placement of the
changing pad will also closely align inner edge 243 of the changing
pad with the zipper closure 250 (FIG. 6) of the first enlarged
pocket 244 without interfering with the intermediate pivotal
connection 276a, 276b. By centering the pad vertically on the bag
body, the complementary hook and loop fasteners 219a, 219b of the
changing mat and organizer bag body will also be aligned. The
changing pad may then be pressed onto the organizer bag body to
mesh the complementary hook and loop fasteners and releasably
retain the changing pad to the organizer bag body.
[0074] With the changing pad 212 secured to the organizer bag body
214, the lower edge 245 of the diaper changing pad 212 may be
folded upwardly onto itself so that the lower edge 245 of the
diaper changing pad as viewed in FIG. 10 falls onto the proximate
center of the diaper changing pad. In this manner, the lower folded
edge of the diaper changing pad coincides with the bottom edge 223
of the diaper bag body (FIG. 10). In a similar manner, the upper
edge 247 of the diaper changing pad as viewed in FIG. 11 may be
folded downwardly to bring the upper edge proximate the folded
lower edge 245 and near the center of the diaper changing pad as
shown in FIG. 11. The upper folded edge of the diaper changing pad
will now coincide with the top edge 221 of the diaper bag body. As
shown in FIG. 11, the opposing edges 245 and 247 of the changing
mat 212 may be slightly spaced apart but this may vary depending on
the dimensions of the changing mat.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 12, the user may grasp the outer edge
225 of the organizer bag body 214 and fold, bend, or pivot the left
storage section 218 upwardly from the underlying surface and to the
right about a vertical axis passing through the length of the left
pivotal connection 274 and onto the interior surface of the left
portion of the common central section 216 (FIG. 6). In this
exemplary embodiment, fully pivoting the left storage section 218
onto the common central section forms a first overlapping region
298a also referred to as a folded or bent wing with the elbow of
the wing being the outermost edge of the folded region. In this
configuration, the folded outer edge 225 of the diaper bag body
will be spaced a few inches to the left of the central fold well
276a, 276b. It will be appreciated that the flexible diaper
changing mat 212 is folded along with the organizer bag body. If a
diaper changing mat is not used, then the interior surface of the
left storage section 218 will abut the interior surface of the left
portion of common central section 216 when fully folded again
resulting in a first overlapping region.
[0076] In a similar manner, the user may grasp the right hand outer
edge 227 of the organizer bag body 214 and pivot the right storage
section 220 upwardly and to the left about a vertical axis passing
through the length of the rightmost pivotal connection 278a, 278b
and onto the right hand portion of the common central section 216
to form a second overlapping region 298b (FIG. 13) such that the
interior surface 224 of the right storage section is brought into
contact with a right hand portion of the interior surface 224 of
the common central section. In addition, the right hand edge 227 of
the bag body is brought to rest to the right of the central pivotal
connection 276a, 276b and spaced apart from the folded left hand
edge 225. As shown in FIG. 13, the exterior surface 226 of the left
and right overlapping regions 298a, 298b, respectively, and a
reduced portion of the interior surface 224 of the common central
section 216 are facing the user. Alternatively, the outer storage
sections 218 and 220 may be folded onto the common central section
216 to form the overlapping regions at the same time or in reverse
order as well. In addition, while it is preferred that the ends
225, 227 of the organizer bag body are spaced at least slightly
apart when the outer storage sections 218, 220 are folded onto the
common central section 216 to accommodate the subsequent folding
step, a minor amount overlap may occur without detracting from the
use of the bag due to the flexible construction of the bag
body.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, the user may then fold the
common central section 216 along a vertical axis that is parallel
to the axes of the outer pivotal connections and passes through the
length of the central fold well 276a, 276b to bring the opposing
overlapping regions 298a and 298b and their respective folded
storage sections 218 and 220 together with the exterior surface 226
of the left storage section 218 abutting at least a portion of the
exterior surface 226 of the right storage section 220 to form a
relatively thin profile transportable organizer (FIGS. 14-16). To
capture and maintain the opposing overlapping regions together, the
user may grasp the elastic restraining band 294 and pull it
downwardly from the overlapping region 298a and loop the band
around the opposing overlapping region 298b and then release the
band to secure the overlapping regions 298a and 298b together as
shown in FIG. 16. The tension of the capturing band maintains the
overlapping regions in an abutting relationship and readies the
organizer bag body 214 for transportation. It will also be
appreciated that the diaper changing accessories and diaper
changing mat 212 are secured inside the folds of the bag and will
not fall out.
[0078] With the bag in a fully folded or transportation
configuration as in FIGS. 14-16, the user may open the zipper
closure 293 of the exterior security pocket 288 and load the
security pocket and internal cell phone pocket 290 and credit card
pocket 292 with the appropriate items. The zipper closure may be
closed when finished loading the external pocket 288. For example,
various items such as credit cards, identification, passports,
keys, and the like may be inserted into the exterior pockets. If
not already secured together, the bayonet clip 285a may be inserted
into the buckle 285b to couple the shoulder strap sections 284a,
284b together. The combined diaper changing organizer and changing
station 210 may then be worn on the user's shoulder as with a
conventional shoulder bag with the security pocket facing outwardly
from the user's body. Alternatively, the user could flip the bag
around so that the security pocket is against the user's body to
dissuade thievery even further. The shoulder strap may be adjusted
using the adjuster 286 by the user if necessary using conventional
methods. Alternatively, if a stroller is to be used, the user may
open the stroller straps 280a, 280b by unfastening their respective
fasteners. The free ends of each stroller strap may be looped over
the handle bar of the stroller and refastened around the handle
bar. The diaper changing organizer and changing station 210 may
then be suspended from the stroller handle bar in this manner.
[0079] Once the diaper bag organizer and changing station 210 has
been transported to the desired destination, the user may slip the
organizer off the user's shoulder or unfasten the organizer from
the stroller and place the organizer bag body 214 on a relatively
elongated flat surface on one side. The restraining band is pulled
off the captured folded section 298b and returned to its original
position. The user may then unfold the organizer and the diaper
changing mat 212 by simply reversing the folding steps above until
the configuration in FIG. 9 is reached.
[0080] With continued reference to FIG. 9, it will be appreciated
that the organizer is unfolded with just a few quick movements to
expose the changing mat. The mat itself only requires a couple of
quick flips to unfold completely. It will further be appreciated
that every accessory needed to change the baby is exposed in the
quick retrieval mesh pockets 254a-c and second enlarged pocket 264
during the unfolding process. The user may lay the infant down on
the diaper changing mat 212 with the infant's head placed
substantially over the anchoring strips 219a, 219b, which is the
approximate midpoint between the left hand and right hand edges
245, 247 of the changing mat. This will also center the infant's
head over the depressed area formed by the common sidewall 235 of
the dual pockets 231, 232 and help to maintain the infant in a
centered position on the mat. As the changing mat 212 is secured to
the diaper bag body 214, no relative slippage will occur. The user
may then perform a routine diaper changing using accessories from
the quick retrieval pockets 254a-c. Other accessories as needed may
be retrieved from the second enlarged pocket 264. The viewing
windows 272 of each pocket facilitate the removal of the desired
articles in an organized manner. In addition, prior to placing the
infant on the changing mat, the user may elect to remove the
changing mat from the diaper bag body 214 by separating the anchor
strips 219a, 219b to access the pockets 231, 232, and 244 beneath
the mat, if necessary. The mat may then be replaced and the infant
changed as before.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 17-24, a more secure and rigid
embodiment of the diaper changing accessory organizer, generally
designated 310, is illustrated, as in some instances a more rigid
bag configuration is preferred, particularly when the combined
weight of the diaper changing accessories is significant. This
exemplary diaper bag organizer is constructed alike and shares many
of the same features with the previously discussed embodiments and
like components are like numbered. The primary differences between
the prior organizer embodiment 210 and the presently described
organizer 310 involve the pocket arrangements, anchor strip
location, and some added stiffness and security features that will
now be described.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 19, the changing mat 312 of the second
organizer embodiment 310 is constructed similarly to the changing
mat 212 and like features are numbered alike. The dimensions of the
two mats are the same. The only difference is that the length of
the elongated, rectangular anchor strip 319a on the diaper changing
mat 312 is approximately the same as the overall height of the
organizer bag body 314 from the top edge 321 to the bottom edge 323
thus provided an elongated anchoring surface over the previously
described changing mat for a more secure attachment.
[0083] When laid flat as in FIG. 17, the bag body 314 of the
organizer 310 may be divided generally into left storage section
318 and a right storage section 320 with a common central section
316 therebetween. In this exemplary embodiment, the overall length
and width dimensions of the rectangular diaper bag body 314 are
similar to the previous pack embodiments 14, 214 discussed
above.
[0084] Extending from the leftmost edge 325 of the left storage
section 318 is a set of left hand retention flaps 349a, 349b as
viewed in FIG. 17. The retention flaps are spaced several inches
apart along the leftmost edge 325 of the bag body 314. Each flap
includes a fastener element 351a, 351b. Similarly, a set of spaced
apart right hand retention flaps 353a, 353b extend outwardly from
the rightmost edge 327 of the bag body with each flap including a
fastener element 355a, 355b. These retention flaps are used to
secure the respective folding wings to bag body when folded as will
be described in more detail below.
[0085] With continued reference to FIG. 17, the diaper bag body 314
includes seven pockets 331, 332, 344, 354a-c, and 364 arranged
across substantially the entire length and height of the diaper bag
body. These pockets are similar in construction to the previous
embodiment but laid out in a different configuration to illustrate
the versatility of the diaper bag organizer. More specifically, the
pocket configurations of the left hand and right hand storage
sections 318, 320, respectively, have been swapped in this example
with the dual pockets openings facing one another instead of
sharing a common sidewall. More specifically, the left storage
section 318 includes the first enlarged pocket 344 instead of the
dual pocket arrangement of the previous embodiment. The bottom edge
346 of this pocket is located proximate the first or leftmost
pivotal connection 374. This enlarged pocket 344 spans the entire
height of the bag body 314 and measures approximately 14 inches in
depth. The first enlarged pocket is provided with a reinforced top
edge 348 providing an opening facing the left hand end 325 of the
bag body 314. A closure device in the form of a nylon zipper 350 is
used to seal off this pocket.
[0086] Still referring to FIG. 17, to the immediate right of the
first enlarged pocket is a second enlarged pocket 364 similar in
construction to the first enlarged pocket 344. The rightmost pocket
includes a bottom edge 366 corresponding with the leftmost pivotal
connection 374. The top opening 368 of this pocket faces to the
right hand side 327 of the bag body, as viewed in FIG. 17. The
second enlarged pocket includes a zipper closure 370 for
controlling access to the pocket compartment through the top
opening 368. The second enlarged pocket 364 also spans the entire
height of the bag body and measure approximately 11 inches in depth
in this exemplary pocket configuration. The second enlarged pocket
is located within the common central section 316 of the bag body
314. In this exemplary embodiment, the first enlarged pocket 344
includes a viewing window 372. The viewing window 372 of each
pocket facilitates the removal of the desired articles in an
organized manner. To the immediate right of this pocket 364 is an
intermediate quick retrieval pocket section 352 and pockets 354a-c
constructed in the same manner as the prior organizer embodiment
210 and located on the right hand side of the common central
section.
[0087] Located within the right storage section 320 and to the
immediate right of the quick retrieval pocket section 352 are an
upper pocket 331 and a lower pocket 332. These rightmost pockets
are vertically stacked and together subdivide the height of the
diaper bag body equally. Each pocket 331, 332 includes a vertically
projecting top edge 336, 338, respectively, forming an opening into
the respective pocket. In this exemplary embodiment, the top edges
336, 338 of the pockets 331, 332, respectively, face one another
and are disposed proximate the mid-line of the bag body 314. The
top edges of the pockets 331, 332 may be lined with a conventional
hook and loop type closure as indicated by strips 337, 339,
respectively, to seal off the contents of the pocket. A convenient
pull tab 340, 342 is provided on each pocket 331, 332,
respectively, to facilitate separating the hook section from the
loop section to gain access to the pocket. The depth and width
dimensions are reversed from the previously described organizer
embodiment.
[0088] As with the prior embodiment, this exemplary bag body 314
includes three pivotal connections with some modifications. The
first pivotal connection 374 is a 1.5 inch wide strip spaced
between the bottom edges 346, 366 of the first and second enlarged
pockets 344, 364, respectively. This pivotal connection or fold
well also bears the elongated second anchor strip 319b along its
length complementing the changing mat anchor strip 319a. As with
the prior embodiment 210, this pivotal connection forms a slight
depression when the adjacent pockets are full and thus may assist
in keeping the child centered on the changing mat 312 when in use.
Conveniently, the left and right sides of the changing mat 312 may
be pivoted on the anchor strips 319a, 319b when the mat is
releasably secured to the bag body 314 like the pages of a book to
expose a corresponding underlying pocket 344, 364. In this manner,
the user may access the pocket openings 348, 368 below as
illustrated for example in FIG. 19 for the first enlarged
pocket.
[0089] An intermediate pivotal or hinged connection with spaced
apart edges 376a, 376b is interposed between the top edge 368 of
the second enlarged pocket 364 and the left hand end 360 of the
mesh pocket section 352. Unlike the earlier embodiments, this
pivotal connection includes an optional 2-3 inch wide rigid insert
or spine 373 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 17. This insert is
located between the outer and inner sheets of the bag body and
provides extra rigidity to the upper surface of the bag body 314 to
prevent sagging when in a folded configuration and hung from a
user's shoulder or the stroller. The rigid spine also ensures the
bag body folds about the fold lines 376a, 376b to either side of
the spine. Projecting through the spine is a set of vertically
spaced apart rivets 375a, 375b as viewed in FIG. 17. These rivets
secure the spine insert to the bag body between the outer and inner
layers of fabric 322, 324 and further secure the stroller straps
380a, 380b to the exterior surface 326 of the bag body. Located
between the rivets are pair of spaced apart wing anchors 377a,
377b. Each wing anchor includes a fastener constructed to receive
the complementary fasteners of the corresponding storage section
(or wing) retention flaps 349a, 349b, 353a, 353b. In this exemplary
embodiment, the fasteners on the anchors and retention flaps are of
the hook and loop variety. The anchors 377a, 377b are dimensioned
to be approximately twice the width of an individual retention flap
fastener 351a, 351b, 355a, or 355b to receive two opposing
retention flap fasteners thereon. The top anchor 377a is vertically
aligned on the bag body 314 with opposing retention flaps 349a and
353a as viewed in FIG. 17. Likewise, the bottom anchor 377b is
vertically aligned with opposing retention flaps 349b and 353b.
[0090] Still referring to FIG. 17, the rightmost or third pivotal
connection 378 is positioned between the right hand end 362 of the
mesh pocket section 352 and the bottom common interior edge 335 of
the dual pockets 331, 332. This fold well is approximately one-half
inch in width and as with each of the pivotal connections, spans
the entire height of the bag body 314.
[0091] When the diaper changing mat 312 is secured to the diaper
bag body 314 by the corresponding anchor strips 319a, 319b, the
length of the diaper changing mat 312 coincides with the distance
between the outer edge 325 of the diaper bag body 314 and
approximately the left intermediate fold well 376a. The width of
the mat is almost double the width of the bag body (12.5 inches) so
that the mat may be opened out to almost twice the width of the bag
body and only require each side being folded once to fit within the
confines of the bag body.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 18, the exterior surface 326 of the
bag body 314 includes similar features as the organizer 210 such as
an external security pocket 388 with internal cell phone pocket 390
and credit pocket 392 (FIG. 22), shoulder strap 384, and stroller
straps 380a, 380b. However, in this exemplary embodiment, the
shoulder strap 384 is a one-piece strap with a first end sewn into
the bottom edge 323 of the bag body and an opposing end sewn into
the top edge 321 of the diaper bag body. The shoulder strap
includes a similar adjuster 386 as before and also includes an
integral shoulder pad 385 that may be conveniently slid along the
length of the shoulder strap. In general, the shoulder strap is
located at the center of the diaper bag body and coincides with the
central spine 373.
[0093] With continued reference to FIG. 18, between the shoulder
strap 384 connections, a pair of stroller straps 380a, 380b are
held in place by their respective midsections on the exterior
surface 326 of the bag body 314 by rivets 375a, 375b, respectively.
Each stroller strap 380a, 380b is constructed similarly to that
used for the previously described stroller straps 280a, 280b except
that each end of these stroller straps terminate in either a buckle
382a, 382b or an opposing bayonet clip 383a, 383b that may fastened
to one another to form a loop as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The
dimensions and operations of the stroller straps 380a, 380b are the
same as above.
[0094] With reference to both FIGS. 17 and 18, the elastic
retaining band 294 of the prior embodiment has been replaced with a
set of a folded section retainers 361a, 363a and 361b, 363b. Each
retainer includes a length of strap webbing sewn into the upper or
lower edge 321, 323, of the bag body that extends outwardly from
the bag body 314. The ends of retainers 361a, 361b terminate in a
buckle 365a, 365b, respectively, while the ends of retainers 363a,
363b terminate in a complementary bayonet clip 367a, 367b. The
retainers are used to capture opposing folded sections 398a, 398b
of the diaper bag body 314 to maintain the diaper bag body in a
folded configuration as will be described below.
[0095] In use, the packing, folding and unfolding steps of this
diaper changing accessory organizer 310 are essentially the same as
that described above for the organizer embodiment 210 with the
following exceptions. As viewed in FIGS. 17 and 19, once the diaper
changing bag 310 is packed with the accessories (not shown) and the
respective closures are fastened, the anchor strip 319a of the
changing mat 312 may be aligned with the anchor strip 319b of the
diaper bag body 314 such that the bottom edge 343 of the changing
mat coincides with the left intermediate fold well 376a. This will
in turn position the top edge 341 of the changing pad with the left
edge 325 of the bag body 314. The left and right edges 345, 347 of
the mat extend beyond the underlying bag body as shown in FIG. 19
and would resemble the placement as in FIG. 9 of the embodiment
above. The changing pad is pressed onto the diaper bag body to mesh
the complementary hook and loop fasteners of the anchor strips
319a, 319b and releasably retain the changing pad to the diaper bag
body. The changing pad also covers pockets 344 and 364 of the left
storage section 318 and a significant portion of the common central
section 316, respectively, while leaving pockets 354a-c of the
other portion of the common central section and dual pockets 331,
332 of the right storage section 320 exposed. It will be
appreciated that the anchor strips 319a, 319b act as a hinge for
the flexible changing pad in that the user can grasp the top or
bottom edges 341, 343 of the changing pad and flip the respective
half over like turning the page of book to expose the underlying
pocket 344, 364 as mentioned above.
[0096] With the changing pad 312 secured to the diaper bag body
314, the pad is folded onto itself as with the pad 212 described
above (FIGS. 10 and 11). Referring now to FIG. 20, the outer edge
325 of the diaper bag body may be grasped and the left storage
section 318 pivoted about the vertical axis projecting through the
first pivotal connection 374 and onto the left hand portion of the
common central section 316 as with the above described embodiment
210. The left hand storage section retention flaps 349a, 349b are
aligned with the left half of their corresponding wing anchors
377a, 377b and pressed thereon to mesh together the respective
complementary fasteners (351a, 351 b with 377a, 377b) and
releasably retain the left storage section or wing to the spine
373. The flexible diaper changing mat 312 is folded right along
with the folded left storage wing. The diaper pad may be left out
if not needed by the user. In such case, the diaper mat attachment
and folding steps may be omitted. In either arrangement, a first
overlapping region or folded section 398a in the form of a bent or
folded wing will be configured.
[0097] In a similar manner, the right hand outer edge 327 of the
diaper bag is folded inwardly pivoting about an axis projecting
along the length of the rightmost pivotal connection 378 to align
the right hand storage section retention flaps 353a, 353b onto
their corresponding spine anchors 377a, 377b (FIG. 21). The flaps
are pressed onto the right half of the corresponding anchors to
mesh together the complementary fasteners as well (355a, 355b with
377a, 377b). Thus, a second overlapping region or folded section
398b is configured. As shown in FIG. 21, the exterior surface 326
of the left hand and right hand storage sections 318, 320,
respectively, and the spine 373 of the common central section 316
are facing the user.
[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 21-24, the user may then fold the
common central section 316 along the central pivotal connection
376a, 376b to either side of the spine 373 bringing the opposing
folded sections 398a and 398b and their respective folded storage
sections 318 and 320 together to form a substantially organizer
pack as shown in FIGS. 22-24. In this configuration, the exterior
surface 326 of the left hand storage section and the exterior
surface of the right hand storage section are brought together in
an abutting relationship to form a relatively thin profile carrying
pack. To capture and maintain the opposing overlapping regions
398a, 398b together, the user may buckle the restraining buckles
and clips together (365a with 367a and 365b with 367b) to
releasably secure the overlapping regions 398a and 398b together as
shown in FIG. 24. This is the transport configuration and the
organizer 310 is ready for travel. The buckle restraints and
retention flaps are preferred over the retention band for heavier
pocket loads to prevent the diaper bag body from sagging when in a
folded configuration and worn on the shoulder.
[0099] With the bag in a folded condition as in FIGS. 22-24, the
user may store articles in the exterior security pocket 388, adjust
the strap 384, and attach the stroller straps 380a, 380b as
described above the organizer embodiment 210. In addition, the
shoulder pad 385 may be slid by the user along the strap 384 for a
comfortable adjustment.
[0100] The diaper changing accessory organizer 310 may be unfolded
by unbuckling the external fastener restraints 361a, 363a, and
361b, 363b from one another, separating or unfolding the
overlapping regions 398a, 398b from one another, and separating the
wing restraints 349a, 349b and 353a, 353b from their respective
spine anchors 377a, 377b. The remainder of the unfolding steps may
be accomplished by simply reversing the above-described folding
steps to expose the pockets on the interior surface 324 of the bag
body and the mat 312.
[0101] Regarding both diaper changing accessory organizers 210,
310, to maximize the storage capacity it is preferable to provide
pockets across substantially the entire width and height of the
diaper bag body 214, 314 with fold well or pivotal connections at
intermediate locations to facilitate folding of the bag body even
when the pockets are full. In addition, the pockets openings are
generally configured parallel to the outer edges of the rectangular
bag body. In addition, the vertical and inwardly facing openings of
each pocket reduce the likelihood of any articles falling out of a
pocket during transport even if the closures are left open. The
interior facing pockets also reduce the likelihood of theft of
important articles during transport. It will further be appreciated
that the interior facing pockets and changing pads cooperate to
cushion the articles stored in the organizer 210, 310 during
transportation. While two such exemplary embodiments 210, 310 have
been described above, other suitable pocket, pocket openings, and
fold well configurations may be used. For example, while the diaper
changing accessory organizer embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-16
and 17-24 are arranged with the changing pad on the left side of
the bag body and quick retrieval pockets on the right side of the
bag body to accommodate the majority of population, i.e.,
right-handers, the pockets and pad configurations can easily be
reversed for left-handers or other user preferences.
[0102] The pockets of the respective embodiments 210, 310 may be
formed in the same manner and with the same materials as for the
portable pack 10 and, as with that prior embodiment, it is
preferable to use clear plastic sheets in constructing the pockets
to form a viewing window such as exemplified by reference numeral
272 (FIG. 6) or 372 (FIG. 17), so that the contents of the pocket
may be easily ascertained without having to open the pocket and
remove the contents one at a time until the desired article is
retrieved. Along these lines, it will be appreciated that the
convenient quick release of the restraining band or buckles, quick
and easy unfolding and folding process, and transparent pocket
viewing windows accommodate a more rapid screening process when
passing through airport security.
[0103] It is also preferable to construct the diaper bag body 214,
314 from waterproof materials or at least highly water resistant
materials such as nylon, polyester, or other suitable material. As
an alternative, the materials or fabrics used to construct the bag
body may be treated with a waterproofing substance. This prevents
personal articles that may leak from spreading to the remainder of
the bag body or diaper changing pad 212, 312 when the diaper pad is
in contact with the bag. In addition, a wet towel, soiled clothing,
or used diaper may be placed in one the sealed pockets without
concern of dampening or contaminating the other articles or the
changing pad 312. By providing a waterproof exterior surface 226,
326, the items in the pockets and diaper changing pad are further
protected from exterior moisture. In addition, if the contents of
the bag body 214, 314 are removed or there is no concern if they
are compressed, the diaper changing bag 210, 310 may be used as a
mat underneath the changing pad 212, 312 when unrolled and
providing an insulating and cushioning surface beneath the changing
pad.
[0104] The changing surfaces 215, 315 of the respective changing
mats 212, 312 are preferably manufactured of a waterproof, wipe
clean, non-porous material such as a plastic based material.
Alternatively, either changing mat could be constructed of a
washable fabric or a combination of wipe clean and fabric surfaces.
With either construction, the diaper changing mat is a flexible mat
that may be folded into a reduced configuration or unfolded to
expand and provide a sufficient changing area surface for changing
a baby. Extra changing surface space is preferably provided to
prevent the baby from contacting any underlying surface supporting
the diaper changing bag when the baby is being changed.
[0105] While certain fasteners, retainers, or closure devices such
as hooks and loop type fasteners, buckles and bayonet clips,
zippers, and elastic restraining bands have been described herein,
it will be appreciated that snaps, buttons, magnets, releasable
adhesives or other suitable complementary fasteners may be used in
place of or in combination with those fasteners. Also where a sewn
article is indicated, adhesion, welding, and other suitable joining
techniques including those mentioned herein may be used. Also, the
dimensions discussed herein are not meant to be limiting in any
manner or other suitable dimensions will occur to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0106] While the present invention has been described herein in
terms of a number of preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated
that various changes, uses, and improvements may also be made to
the invention without departing from the scope and spirit
thereof
* * * * *