U.S. patent application number 13/489528 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-13 for diaper change kit.
Invention is credited to Peter W. Jackson, II.
Application Number | 20120311788 13/489528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47291882 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120311788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson, II; Peter W. |
December 13, 2012 |
DIAPER CHANGE KIT
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to change/travel kits and systems
for absorbent articles and/or garments. A change kit for single
and/or emergency use includes a change pad with single change
accessories having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an
outer perimeter and a fully folded/rolled condition; a pouch
secured to the outer perimeter of the change pad, the pouch
defining a cavity that is sized to receive the change pad when the
change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch being
invertible to an inverted condition; wherein, when the change pad
is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch is everted from
the inverted condition to completely receive the change pad within
the cavity of the pouch; and an absorbent article retained in the
pouch and that is compressed by hand upon folding/rolling of the
change pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded condition to the fully
rolled/folded condition.
Inventors: |
Jackson, II; Peter W.;
(Studio City, CA) |
Family ID: |
47291882 |
Appl. No.: |
13/489528 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61540018 |
Sep 28, 2011 |
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61495414 |
Jun 10, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 5/006 20130101;
A47D 15/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A change kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising: a
change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an
outer perimeter and a fully folded/rolled condition; a pouch
secured to the outer perimeter of the change pad, the pouch
defining a cavity that is sized to receive the change pad when the
change pad is in the fully folded/rolled condition, the pouch being
invertible to an inverted condition; wherein, when the change pad
is in the fully rolled/folded condition, the pouch is everted from
the inverted condition to completely receive the folded/rolled
change pad within the cavity of the pouch; and an absorbent article
and single change accessories retained in pockets on the change pad
all being compressed by hand upon a folding/rolling of the change
pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded condition to the fully
folded/rolled condition.
2. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad is
rectangular and defines first, second, third and fourth side edges,
wherein the third side edge is opposite the first side edge and the
fourth side edge is opposite the second side edge.
3. The change kit according to claim 2, wherein the pouch is
connected to the fourth side edge of the change pad.
4. The change kit according to claim 3, wherein the change pad is
foldable to a first folded condition wherein the first side edge is
folded toward the third side edge and the third side edge is folded
toward the first side edge resulting in each section having a
substantially equal width.
5. The change kit according to claim 4, wherein the pouch is
centrally located along the fourth side edge and where the
connecting portion is central to and not exceeding the width of one
of the tri-folded sections of the change pad.
6. The change kit according to claim 5, wherein the change pad is
folded from the first folded condition to the fully folded
condition by folding the change pad onto itself by folding the
second side edge toward the fourth side edge.
7. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad
includes one or more accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent
article and optional change accessories are disposed within the at
least one accessory pouch.
8. The change kit according to claim 1, wherein the change pad has
a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to 232.875
in.sup.2, and the change kit has a volume that is less than or
approximately equal to 54.84 in.sup.3.
9. A change kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising: a
change pad having a front side and a back side, the change pad
having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition and a fully
folded/rolled condition, wherein when the change pad is in the
fully unrolled/unfolded condition, the change pad defines an outer
perimeter having a first, second, third and fourth side edge; and
wherein the change pad includes a first folded condition wherein
the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the
third side edge is folded toward the first side edge; a pouch
secured to the fourth side edge of the change pad, the pouch having
a front panel and a back panel secured to one another along at
least a portion of a perimeter thereof, the pouch defining a
cavity, wherein the front panel of the pouch is disposed on a
common side of the change kit as the front side of the change pad;
and wherein the pouch is invertible to an inverted condition; and
wherein, the change pad is receivable in the cavity of the pouch by
folding/rolling the change pad from the first folded condition to
the fully folded/rolled condition by folding/rolling the change pad
onto itself from the second side edge toward the fourth side edge,
and then everting the pouch from the inverted condition to
completely receive the change pad within the cavity of the pouch;
and an absorbent article and optional single change accessories
retained in the pouch and that is compressed by hand upon
folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unfolded condition
to the fully folded/rolled condition.
10. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the pouch is
centrally located along the fourth side edge of the change pad not
exceeding the width of one tri-folded section.
11. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad
includes accessory pouches, and wherein the absorbent article and
other single change accessories are disposed within the at least
one accessory pouch.
12. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad has
a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to 232.875
in.sup.2, and change kit has a volume that is less than or
approximately equal to 54.84 in.sup.3.
13. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad
defines a first fold line extending between the second side edge
and the fourth side edge and a second fold line extending between
the second side edge and the fourth side edge, wherein the change
pad defines at least three panels.
14. The change kit according to claim 13, wherein a width of each
panel is substantially equal to one another.
15. The change kit according to claim 13, wherein a width of a
central panel is greater than a width each side panel, and wherein
a width of each side panel is substantially equal to one
another.
16. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the pouch has a
width that is at least equal to the width of the panel.
17. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the change pad
defines a width that is equal to approximately 17.25 inches and a
length that is equal to approximately 13.5 inches.
18. The change kit according to claim 14, wherein the change pad
has a surface area that is less than or approximately equal to
232.875 in.sup.2 when in the fully unfolded condition, and the
change kit has a volume that is less than or approximately equal to
54.84 in.sup.3 when in the fully folded condition.
19. The change kit according to claim 9, wherein the change pad
includes at least one accessory pouch, wherein the absorbent
article and other single change accessories are disposed within the
at least one accessory pouch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to each of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/540,018, filed
on Sep. 28, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/495,414, filed on Jun. 10, 2011, the entire contents of each of
which being incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates to absorbent article change
systems, and more particularly, to change/travel kits and systems
for absorbent articles and/or garments, including and not limited
to child/adult diapers and the like.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Numerous commercial products are available to a parent for
toting baby care items and accessories (e.g., diaper(s), bottles,
formula, hygienic wipes, baby powder/cream, medications, change
pads, etc.) when venturing out of the home on relatively short
trips and the like. These commercial products include and are not
limited to tote bags, such as, change bags, diaper bags, tote bags,
backpacks, etc. The size of these tote bags and their many bulky
change items/accessories are very cumbersome and inconvenient when
outside of the home and in particular when traveling on short trips
with a baby.
[0006] The commercial products available are also not ideal for use
in an emergency situation where a single absorbent product change
is needed. While relatively smaller "quick" change kits and/or
systems, the size of small purses, are available, such relatively
smaller "quick" change kits and/or systems still tend to be quite
large, tend to be confusing to use, or tend to be sold without the
actual items/accessories necessary for a single use change
situation.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for improved change kits and/or
systems that are more compact, more portable and easier to use over
existing change kits and/or systems.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure relates to change/travel kits and
systems for absorbent articles and/or garments, including and not
limited to child/adult diapers and the like.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a change
kit for single and/or emergency use, comprising a change pad having
a fully unrolled/unfolded condition defining an outer perimeter and
a fully folded/rolled condition; and a pouch secured to the outer
perimeter of the change pad, the pouch defining a cavity that is
sized to receive the change pad when the change pad is in the fully
folded/rolled condition, the pouch being invertible to an inverted
condition. In use, when the change pad is in the fully
rolled/folded condition, the pouch is everted from the inverted
condition to completely receive the folded/rolled change pad within
the cavity of the pouch. The change kit further includes an
absorbent article and single change accessories retained in pockets
on the change pad all being compressed by hand upon a
folding/rolling of the change pad from the fully unrolled/unfolded
condition to the fully folded/rolled condition.
[0010] The change pad may be rectangular and may define first,
second, third and fourth side edges, wherein the third side edge is
opposite the first side edge and the fourth side edge is opposite
the second side edge.
[0011] The pouch may be connected to the fourth side edge of the
change pad.
[0012] The pad may be foldable to a first folded condition wherein
the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the
third side edge is folded toward the first side edge resulting in
each section having a substantially equal width, in the preferred
embodiment, or a wider width center section and equal width side
sections to accommodate wider storage needs of change accessories,
if needed.
[0013] The pouch may be centrally located along the fourth side
edge and where the connecting portion may be central to and not
exceeding the width of the tri-folded section of the change pad
that it is preferably attached to the center section.
[0014] The change pad may be folded from the first folded condition
to the fully folded condition by folding the change pad onto itself
by folding the second side edge toward the fourth side edge.
[0015] The change pad may include one or more accessory pouches,
and wherein the absorbent article and optional change accessories
may be disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
[0016] The change pad may have a surface area that is less than or
approximately equal to from about 209.25 in.sup.2 to about 232.875
in.sup.2, and the change kit may have a volume that is less than or
approximately equal to between about 48.75 in.sup.3 to about 54.84
in.sup.3.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
change kit for single and/or emergency use, is provided and
includes a change pad having a front side and a back side, the
change pad having a fully unrolled/unfolded condition and a fully
folded/rolled condition, wherein when the change pad is in the
fully unrolled/unfolded condition, the change pad defines an outer
perimeter having a first, second, third and fourth side edge; and
wherein the change pad includes a first folded condition wherein
the first side edge is folded toward the third side edge and the
third side edge is folded toward the first side edge.
[0018] The change kit further includes a pouch secured to the
fourth side edge of the change pad, the pouch having a front panel
and a back panel secured to one another along at least a portion of
a perimeter thereof, the pouch defining a cavity, wherein the front
panel of the pouch is disposed on a common side of the change kit
as the front side of the change pad; and wherein the pouch is
invertible to an inverted condition; and wherein, the change pad is
receivable in the cavity of the pouch by folding/rolling the change
pad from the first folded condition to the fully folded/rolled
condition by folding/rolling the change pad onto itself from the
second side edge toward the fourth side edge, and then everting the
pouch from the inverted condition to completely receive the change
pad within the cavity of the pouch.
[0019] The change kit also includes an absorbent article and
optional single change accessories retained in the pouch and that
is compressed by hand upon folding/rolling of the change pad from
the fully unfolded condition to the fully folded/rolled
condition.
[0020] The pouch may be centrally located along the fourth side
edge of the change pad with the connecting portion not exceeding
the width of the tri-folded section it is attached to.
[0021] The change pad may include accessory pouches, and wherein
the absorbent article and other single change accessories may be
disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
[0022] Once again, the change pad may have a surface area that is
less than or approximately equal to between about 209.25 in.sup.2
to about 232.875 in.sup.2, and the change kit may have a volume
that is less than or approximately equal to between about 48.75
in.sup.3 to about 54.84 in.sup.3.
[0023] The change pad may define a first fold line extending
between the second side edge and the fourth side edge and a second
fold line extending between the second side edge and the fourth
side edge, wherein the change pad defines at least three
panels.
[0024] In an embodiment, a width of each panel may be substantially
equal to one another.
[0025] The pouch may have a width that is at least equal to the
width of the panel it is connected to.
[0026] The change pad may define a width that is equal to
approximately between about 13.5 to about 17.25 inches and a length
that is equal to approximately between about 13.5 to about 15.5
inches.
[0027] Again, the change pad may have a surface area that is less
than or approximately equal to between about 209.25 in.sup.2 to
about 232.875 in.sup.2, and the change kit may have a volume that
is less than or approximately equal to between about 48.75 in.sup.3
to about 54.84 in.sup.3.
[0028] The change pad may include at least one accessory pouch,
wherein the absorbent article and other single change accessories
are disposed within the at least one accessory pouch.
[0029] Additional advantages will become apparent from the
description which follows, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The present disclosure will be further described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts in the several views, and wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front, plan view of a change kit in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a fully open
condition thereof;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a front, plan view of the change kit of FIG. 1,
illustrating a placement of accessories in compartments/pockets
thereof;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a rear, plan view of the change kit of FIGS. 1 and
2, shown in a fully open condition;
[0034] FIG. 3A is a rear, plan view of the change kit of FIGS. 1-3
shown in a partially folded condition and with a bag portion
thereof inverted;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the change kit of FIGS.
1-3A, as taken through 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the change kit of FIGS.
1-3A, as taken through 4A-4A of FIG. 3A;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a side, elevation view of the change kit of FIGS.
1-4, shown in a fully folded condition;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a top, plan view of the change kit of FIG. 5,
shown in the fully folded condition;
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a pouch
according to another embodiment of a change kit according to the
present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a front, plan view of a change kit according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a
placement of accessories in compartments/pockets thereof; and
[0041] FIG. 9 is a front, plan view of a change kit according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Embodiments of the presently disclosed change kit will now
be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which
like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding
elements in each of the several views.
[0043] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3A, a change kit in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is
generally designated as 100. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, change kit 100
is shown in a fully unrolled/unfolded and/or open condition. Change
kit 100 includes a change pad or mat 110, and a pouch 130 secured
to or integrally extending from a side edge 110a of change pad
110.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 1-3A, change pad 110 includes a front side
112 and a back side 114. Change pad 110 is substantially
rectangular having a first side edge 110a, a second side edge 110b,
a third side edge 110c and a fourth side edge 110d. Pouch 130 is
substantially centrally disposed along first side edge 110a of
change pad 110.
[0045] Change pad 110 defines a width "W1" and a length "L1."
Change pad 110 includes at least three longitudinally extending
sections or panels 116a, 116b, 116c, each having a respective
substantially uniform width "W2a, W2b, W2c", in a preferred
embodiment. Widths "W2a, W2b, W2c" of each section or panel is
approximately equal to one-third of width "W1" of change pad 110
(i.e., (W1)/3), in the preferred embodiment. Accordingly, each
panel 116a, 116b, 116c has a width "W2" equal to approximately 5.75
inches.
[0046] In some designs, for cost savings and to better accommodate
a size of diapers/change accessories therein, a change pad having a
narrower overall width (e.g., about 15.5 inches) is desirably
contemplated, wherein a width "W2b" of center panel 116b is wider
(e.g., about 5.75 inches) that the width "W2a, W2c" of the side
panels 116a, 116c, wherein the widths "W2a, W2c" of the side panels
116a, 116c are substantially equal to one another (e.g., about
4.875 inches).
[0047] In an embodiment of the disclosure, when in the fully open
or unrolled/un-folded condition, change pad 110 has a width "W1"
equal to approximately 17.25 inches and a length "L1" equal to
approximately 13.5 inches. As so dimensioned, change pad 110
defines a first surface area "S1" of approximately 232.875
in.sup.2.
[0048] In another embodiment of the disclosure, when in the fully
open or unrolled/un-folded condition, change pad 110 has a width
"W1" equal to approximately 13.5 inches and a length "L1" equal to
approximately 15.5 inches. As so dimensioned, change pad 110
defines a first surface area "S1" of approximately 209.25
in.sup.2.
[0049] Change pad 110 includes a backing layer 118, constituting
front side 112, fabricated from a substantially water
repellant/resistant material (e.g., 100% nylon, 100% polyester,
polyethylene, nonwoven/film laminate, repellent-treated or coated
woven or nonwoven, satin, neoprene or polyurethane), having a
preferably repellent or water-resistant woven or nonwoven fabric
top surface layer or liner 120 overlying backing layer 118 and
constituting back side 114. Top surface layer or liner 20 may be
fabricated from, for example, 100% polyester (polyethylene PET),
100% cotton, PET/cotton blend, 100% polypropylene (e.g., SBPP),
viscose/PET blend, nylon/cotton blend, repellent-treated or coated
cotton fabrics, SMS/SMMS polypropylene nonwovens. It is
contemplated that backing layer 118 and top surface layer 120 may
be inter-changeable in regards to which layer constitutes front
side 112 and back side 114. Change pad 110 can also consist of a
heat or adhesive laminated material of like materials as identified
above.
[0050] In an embodiment, it is contemplated that change pad 110 has
a thickness "T1" less than or approximately equal to 0.0625 inches
resulting in change pad 110 having a first volume "V1" less than or
equal to approximately between about 13.078 in.sup.3 to about
14.555 in.sup.3.
[0051] Backing layer 116 and absorbent layer 118 may be secured to
one another by adhering, stitching and the like or may be laminated
together by heat or adhesive.
[0052] Change pad 110 is foldable from the fully un-folded or open
condition (see FIGS. 1-4), to a first folded condition (see FIGS.
3A and 4A), by folding first panel 116a and third panel 116c over
second panel 116b, substantially along first and second
longitudinally extending fold lines or seams 117a, 117b.
[0053] As mentioned above, and with continued reference to FIGS.
1-3A, and FIGS. 4 and 4A, change kit 100 includes a pouch 130
secured to or integrally extending from first side edge 110a of
change pad 110. In particular, pouch 130 extends from first side
edge 110a of second panel 116b of change pad 110.
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 1-4A, pouch 130 includes a front panel 132,
and a back panel 134 secured to front panel 132 along substantially
three side edges 130a, 130b, 130c thereof to define a cavity 130e
(see FIG. 4) therewithin. Front panel 132 and back panel 134 are
separated from or selectively separatable from one another along a
fourth side edge 130d thereof. It is contemplated that pouch 130
may include a closure member 136, in the form of a double pull
zipper (including a pull on the inside of the pouch 130 and a pull
on the outside of the pouch 130), hook-and-loop-type fastener 236
(e.g., VELCRO.RTM., commercially available from Velcro Industries
B.V. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NETHERLANDS ANTIL, see FIGS. 7A and
7B), buttons, snaps, drawstrings and the like, extending across
fourth side edge 130d, between front panel 132 and back panel 134
in order to selectively close pouch 130.
[0055] As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 3A, closure member 136 is
provided in back panel 134 of pouch 130 and extends from side edge
130a to opposite side edge 130c. While closure member 136 is shown
provided in back panel 134 of pouch 130 and extending from side
edge 130a to opposite side edge 130c, it is contemplated and within
the scope of the present disclosure that closure member 136 may be
provided in front panel 132 of pouch 130, extending from side edge
130a to opposite side edge 130c, or extending in any convenient
direction or orientation in front panel 132, back panel 134, or
along any or all of side edges 130a, 130b, 130c.
[0056] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4A, a flap or
extension 131 extends between and interconnects first side edge
110a of change pad 110 with fourth side edge 130d of pouch 130.
Also as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, front panel 132 of pouch 130 is
disposed on a common side of change kit 100 as front side 112 of
change pad 110, when change kit 100 is in the un-folded or fully
open condition. The width of the flap or extension 131 is designed
to be less than or equal the width of the center section of the
tri-folded pad in order for the pouch 130 to properly function. The
spacing or length "L3," as seen in FIG. 2, between the change pad
110 and the pouch 130 should be minimal, such as, for example, from
about 0.0 inches (preferred) to about 1.0 inches. This connecting
section, between the change pad 110 and pouch 130, may be straight
or tapered.
[0057] According to an alternative embodiment of the present
disclosure, in addition to or in lieu of flap or extension 131, it
is contemplated that pouch 130 may be fabricated to have a
substantially rectangular shape and include folded over corners or
ears formed at the intersection of side edges 130a and 130c of
pouch 130 and first side edge 110a of change pad 110. By providing
pouch 130 with folded over corners or ears, when pouch 130 is
inverted and re-everted, pouch 130 is better able to do so as
compared to a pouch that does not have the folded over corners or
ears.
[0058] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, front panel 132 of pouch 130
includes a first surface 132a, and a second surface 132b, opposite
first surface 132a. Back panel 134 of pouch 130 includes a first
surface 134a, and a second surface 134b, opposite first surface
134a.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when pouch 130 is in a normal
condition, first surface 132a of front panel 132 is adjacent first
surface 134a of back panel 134. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, pouch 130 has
a width "W3" between about 6.0 to about 8.75 inches and a maximum
length "L2" of about 4.0 to about 5.0 inches with a preferred width
of about 4.75 inches. Accordingly, the maximum width "W3" of pouch
130 is greater than 1/3 of width "W1" of change pad 110, and is
greater than widths "W2a, W2b, and W2c."
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, pouch 130 includes an inverted
condition wherein second surface 132b of front panel 132 is
adjacent second surface 134b of back panel 134.
[0061] Pouch 130 may be preferably fabricated from a water
repellant/resistant material (e.g., nylon, polyester,
polypropylene) or a substantially water repellent/resistant woven
or nonwoven material as identified above.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen in FIGS.
1 and 2, change kit 100 includes at least one accessory pouch 140
formed or supported on front side 112 of change pad 110. Accessory
pouch 140 is configured and dimensioned to selectively retain an
accessory or item useful for performing a change of a diaper or the
like when in a location remote from home or in an emergency
situation. Accessory pouch 140 may be configured and dimensioned to
retain at least one (1) absorbent, disposable product e.g. a diaper
144 and one or more disposable wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142 of change
kit 100. In particular, the at least one accessory pouch 140
includes a first accessory pouch disposed adjacent third side edge
110c of change pad 110 that is configured and dimensioned to retain
the at least one (1) absorbent, disposable product e.g. a diaper
144; and a second accessory pouch disposed adjacent first side edge
110a of change pad 110 that is configured and dimensioned to retain
the one or more disposable wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142. Other
accessories or items include and are not limited to tissues,
powders, creams, medicaments that are maintained in single use
packets or the like.
[0063] In a further embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, change kit 100
may be configured to include at least one accessory pouch 240
having a first accessory pouch disposed adjacent third side edge
110c of change pad 110 that is configured and dimensioned to retain
the one or more disposable wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142; and a second
accessory pouch disposed adjacent first side edge 110a of change
pad 110 that is configured and dimensioned to retain the at least
one (1) absorbent, disposable product e.g. a diaper 144.
[0064] In either the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, it is contemplated that first
accessory pouch and/or second accessory pouch may be openable from
either a top edge, a bottom edge or a side edge thereof.
[0065] In yet another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, change kit 300
includes a change pad 310 and a pouch 330 secured to or integrally
extending from a third side edge 310c of change pad 310. In
particular, change pad 310 is secured to or extends from a lower or
bottom edge 330b of pouch 330, wherein pouch 330 is illustrated as
being inverted or inside-out in FIG. 9,
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 4, as mentioned above,
change kit 100 includes a fully open condition, wherein change pad
110 is opened to its maximum dimension. In use, as is common,
change pad 110 may be laid on a supporting surface (i.e., table,
bench, ground, change table, seat, etc.) such that fabric surface
layer 120 is facing away from the supporting surface.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 4A, also as mentioned above,
change pad 110 of change kit 100 includes a first folded condition,
wherein first panel 116a of change pad 110 is folded along first
fold line 117a such that first panel 116a overlies second panel
116b (or third panel 116c if third panel 116c was previously folded
over second panel 116b), and wherein third panel 116c of change pad
110 is folded along second fold line 117b such that third panel
116c overlies second panel 116b (or first panel 116a if first panel
116a was previously folded over second panel 116b).
[0068] When change pad 110 is in the first folded condition, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, change pad
110 has a width substantially equal to width "W2b" which is less
than or at least equal to the width "W3" of pouch 130.
[0069] Also with reference to FIGS. 3A and 4A, as mentioned above,
pouch 130 of change kit 100 includes an inverted condition, wherein
pouch 130 is turned inside-out such that second surface 132b of
front panel 132 is adjacent second surface 134b of back panel
134.
[0070] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, change kit 100 includes a
fully folded condition, wherein change pad 110 is folded and/or
rolled into cavity 130e of pouch 130. Change kit 100 is placed in
the fully folded condition by further rolling or folding change pad
110, while already in the first folded condition, onto itself
starting from third side edge 110c and folding/rolling toward
inverted pouch 130. Change pad 110 is rolled/folded until change
pad 110 is in a fully rolled or folded condition and overlies or is
adjacent flap or extension 131. When change pad 110 is so
positioned, inverted pouch 130 is everted such that front panel 132
and back panel 134 extends over and around fully rolled or folded
change pad 110. Following insertion o fully folded change pad 110
into cavity 130e of pouch 130, zipper 136 is slid across fourth
side edge 130d to close pouch 130 and change kit 100 is fully
folded.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, with change kit 100 in the
fully loaded condition, change kit 100 has a width "W3" of between
about 6.5 inches to about 7.0 inches, with a preferred width of
about 6.75 inches; a length "L2" of between about 3.0 inches to
about 3.5 inches, with a preferred width of about 3.25 inches, and
a thickness "T2" of between about 2.25 inches to about 2.50 inches,
with a preferred width of about 2.3125 inches. As so dimensioned,
fully folded change kit 100 has a second volume "V2" preferably
less than or equal to approximately 54.84 in.sup.3.
[0072] In accordance with the present disclosure, change kit 100
defines a compaction ratio of (S1)/(V2) of approximately 4.2, and
preferably 4.3.
[0073] In accordance with the present disclosure, it is
contemplated that a change kit 100, that does not include any
changing accessories (e.g., diaper, wipes/towelettes, etc.), and
that is in a fully rolled/folded condition, may have a width "W3"
(equal to or less than approximately 7.25 inches), a length "L2"
(equal to or less than approximately 4.0 inches), and a thickness
"T2" equal to approximately 0.6875 inches. As so dimensioned, fully
folded change kit 100, with no changing accessories, has a second
volume "V2" less than or equal to approximately 19.94 in.sup.3.
[0074] Also in accordance with the present disclosure, it is
contemplated that pouch 130 of change kit 100, that does not
include any changing accessories (e.g., diaper, wipes/towelettes,
etc.), may have a width "W3" (equal to or less than approximately
7.25 inches), a length "L2" (equal to or less than approximately
4.0 inches), and a thickness equal to approximately 0.0625 inches.
As so dimensioned, pouch 130, with no changing accessories disposed
therein, has a volume that is less than or equal to approximately
1.8125 in.sup.3.
[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, change kit 100
includes at least one diaper 144 disposed within accessory pocket
140, and at least one separate accessory item, such as a
wipe/towelette 142, also disposed within accessory pocket 140, or
in a separate distinct accessory pocket 140. In this manner, as
change pad 110 is folded/rolled to the first folded condition and
then to the fully rolled or folded condition, diaper(s) 144 and/or
wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142 are compressed, by hand, to reduce their
size. By compressing wipe(s)/towelette(s) 142, and especially
diaper(s) 144, at least diaper(s) 144 better retain their absorbing
and recovering properties as compared to similar diapers that have
been compressed by mechanically and/or pneumatically evacuating
(i.e., vacuum-forming) the packages containing the diapers.
[0076] When using a vacuum forming process for packaging, the final
packaged article tends to be relatively stiffer, have reduced
recovering abilities when released from the packaging, and have
reduced absorbent properties. Additionally, the article must be
retained in a costly, air-impermeable bag or the like that is
air-tight sealed to maintain the compressed configuration and that
tend to be difficult to open.
[0077] Change kit 100, in accordance with the present disclosure,
would be the smallest kit available without the use of expensive
vacuum packaging methods, materials and packaging.
[0078] As stated above, change kit 100, in accordance with the
present disclosure, provides an absorbent article (i.e., diaper
144) that is compressed by hand-rolling, while change pad 110 is
folded to the first folded condition and then to the fully rolled
or folded condition.
[0079] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments of the presently disclosed change kit.
[0080] For example, while change pad 110 is shown and described as
having a generally rectangular perimeter when in the fully unfolded
condition, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present
disclosure for change pad 110 to have any desired shape when in the
fully unfolded condition, such as, for example, circular, ovular,
triangular, hexagonal, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0081] It is further contemplated that change kit 100 may be
configured such that change pad 110 may be selectively separable
from pouch 130 in order for the change pad 110 and pouch 130 to be
washed independently of one another, as needed, or replaced as
necessary in the event the change pad 110 or pouch 130 become
stained, damaged or otherwise unusable.
[0082] Also in accordance with the present disclosure, it is
contemplated that change kit 100 may be provided with an attachment
feature (not shown), in the form of a strap, a clip, a band, a
hook, a lanyard, a bungee or the like, for selectively attaching
change kit 100 to a stroller, a bag (e.g. diaper bag, backpack,
duffle bag, hand bag, etc.), a wagon, a cycle, or the like.
[0083] Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the
scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
* * * * *