Diaper Change Kit

Jackson, II; Peter W.

Patent Application Summary

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 Number20120311788 13/489528
Document ID /
Family ID47291882
Filed Date2012-12-13

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

Application Number Filing Date Patent Number
61540018 Sep 28, 2011
61495414 Jun 10, 2011

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.

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