U.S. patent application number 14/041684 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for baby changing pad.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Jason Clark, Stefano Giuliani, Lisa Piccirillo, Patrick Thrailkill.
Application Number | 20140090175 14/041684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50383842 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140090175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thrailkill; Patrick ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
BABY CHANGING PAD
Abstract
In another embodiment the invention provides a changing pad
including a first panel including a first surface. The first panel
defines a perimeter and includes a first edge and a second edge
opposite the first edge. The changing pad further includes a first
side panel coupled to the first panel at the first edge and a
second side panel coupled to the first panel at the second edge.
The changing pad includes a first configuration in which the first
side panel and the second side panel are folded over the first
panel and a second configuration in which the first side panel is
folded to form a first barrier positioned adjacent to the first
panel and the second side panel is folded to form a second barrier
positioned adjacent to the first panel opposite the first
barrier.
Inventors: |
Thrailkill; Patrick;
(Newton, MA) ; Clark; Jason; (Brighton, MA)
; Giuliani; Stefano; (Rocky Point, NY) ;
Piccirillo; Lisa; (Islip, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Dyersville |
IA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Dyersville
IA
|
Family ID: |
50383842 |
Appl. No.: |
14/041684 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61707544 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/008 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 5/00 20060101
A47D005/00 |
Claims
1. A changing pad comprising: a first panel including a first
surface, the first panel defining a perimeter and including a first
edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; a first side panel
coupled to the first panel at the first edge; a second side panel
coupled to the first panel at the second edge; a first
configuration in which the first side panel and the second side
panel are folded over the first panel; and a second configuration
in which the first side panel is folded to form a first barrier
positioned adjacent to the first panel and the second side panel is
folded to form a second barrier positioned adjacent to the first
panel opposite the first barrier.
2. The changing pad of claim 1 wherein, each of the first side
panel and the second side panel includes a first sub-panel, a
second sub-panel coupled to the first sub-panel, and a third
sub-panel coupled to the second sub-panel, the first sub-panel of
the first side panel coupled to the first edge and the first
sub-panel of the second side panel coupled to the second edge.
3. The changing pad of claim 2 wherein when in the second
configuration, the third sub-panel is positioned between the first
sub-panel and the second sub-panel.
4. The changing pad of claim 2 wherein when in the second
configuration, the third sub-panel is secured to the first
panel.
5. The changing pad of claim 1 further comprising a fastening strap
configured to secure the pad in the first configuration.
6. The changing page of claim 5 further comprising a third side
panel coupled to a third edge of the perimeter and including a
fastener, the third side panel configured to overlie one of the
first side panel and the second side panel when the pad is in the
first configuration and further configured to be an extension of
the first surface in the second configuration.
7. The changing pad of claim 6 wherein the fastener mates with the
fastening strap to secure the fastening strap when the pad is in
the second configuration.
8. The changing pad of claim 1 further comprising a pocket coupled
to a fourth edge of the perimeter, the pocket configured to be
secured relative to the first panel, first side panel, and second
side panel when the pad is in the second configuration.
9. The changing pad of claim 1 further comprising a handle.
10. A changing pad comprising: a first panel; a first side panel
coupled to a first side of the first panel, the first side panel
being foldable such that at least a portion of the first side panel
is elevated relative to the first panel; a second side panel
coupled to a second side of the first panel, the second side panel
being foldable such that at least a portion of the second side
panel is elevated relative to the first panel; a third side panel
coupled to a third side of the first panel; and a fastening strap
coupled to the first panel; wherein the first side panel, the
second side panel, and the third side panel are foldable relative
to one another and the first panel such that the fastening strap
secures the first side panel, the second side panel, and the third
side panel to the first panel during transport of the changing
pad.
11. The changing pad of claim 10 wherein each of the first side
panel and the second side panel includes a first sub-panel, a
second sub-panel coupled to the first sub-panel, and a third
sub-panel coupled to the second sub-panel, the first sub-panel of
the first side panel coupled to the first side and the first
sub-panel of the second side panel coupled to the second side.
12. The changing pad of claim 11 wherein to elevate the first side
panel and the second side panel each of the third sub-panels is
positioned between the respective first sub-panel and the second
sub-panel.
13. The changing pad of claim 12 wherein each of the third
sub-panels is secured to the first panel.
14. The changing pad of claim 10 further comprising a fastener
configured to mate with the fastening strap.
15. The changing pad of claim 10 further comprising a pocket
coupled to a fourth side of the first panel, the pocket configured
to be secured relative to the first panel, the first side panel,
the second side panel, and the third side panel by the fastening
strap.
16. The changing pad of claim 10 further comprising a handle.
17. The changing pad of claim 10 wherein at least the first panel
is sanitizeable.
18. A method for using a changing pad, the changing pad including a
first panel including a first surface and defining a perimeter, the
first panel including a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge, a first side panel coupled to the first panel at the
first edge, and a second side panel coupled to the first panel at
the second edge, the method comprising: unfolding the first side
panel and the second side panel from a first configuration in which
the first side panel and the second side panel overlie and are
secured relative to the first panel to a second configuration in
which the first side panel and the second side panel extend from
the perimeter of the first panel; elevating at least a portion of
the first side panel relative to the first panel; and elevating at
least a portion of the second side panel relative to the first
panel.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: flattening the
elevated portion of the first side panel; flattening the elevated
portion of the second side panel; and folding the first side panel
and the second side panel from the second configuration to the
first configuration.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising securing the portions
of the first and second side in the elevated position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Many public establishments have installed baby changing
areas in restrooms that parents can utilize for changing their
baby's diaper and/or clothes. The baby changing areas are typically
pull-out platforms from a housing secured to a wall in the restroom
or a dedicated horizontal surface in the restroom. Some of the
pull-out platforms are flat and some are contoured. Sometimes a
strap is coupled to the platform and can be applied across the
baby's torso so the baby will not roll off the platform. Many times
the straps are not present or are extremely dirty and likely
germ-laden. As a result, many times the straps are not used and the
baby is at risk of rolling off the platform.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to portable baby changing
surfaces or pads. Baby changing pads are useful for protecting a
baby from germs on an underlying surface of the baby changing area
when the baby needs a diaper change or clothing change. The baby
changing pad of the present invention includes a bumper on each
side of the pad that is elevated to provide a barrier if the baby
tries to roll over. The bumpers are incorporated with a generally
planar surface and together have a unique folding arrangement that
provides for portability.
[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides a portable baby
changing pad. The changing pad includes a central panel coupled to
opposite first and second side panels. The changing pad also
includes a third panel (head support panel) and a pocket connected
to the central panel. The changing pad includes an upper section
and a lower section with a partition extending therebetween. Each
of the first and second side panels includes three sub-panels also
divided into upper and lower sections. The portable changing pad
includes a first, closed state and a second, open state. When in
the closed state the changing pad is transportable by a handle.
When in the open state, the first and second side panels can create
a three-dimensional side panel by folding the sub-panels in a
particular manner such that the bottom surface of the outermost
sub-panel couples to the bottom surface of the central panel.
[0004] In another embodiment the invention provides a changing pad
including a first panel including a first surface. The first panel
defines a perimeter and includes a first edge and a second edge
opposite the first edge. The changing pad further includes a first
side panel coupled to the first panel at the first edge and a
second side panel coupled to the first panel at the second edge.
The changing pad includes a first configuration in which the first
side panel and the second side panel are folded over the first
panel and a second configuration in which the first side panel is
folded to form a first barrier positioned adjacent to the first
panel and the second side panel is folded to form a second barrier
positioned adjacent to the first panel opposite the first
barrier.
[0005] In another embodiment the invention provides a changing pad
including a first panel, a first side panel, and a second side
panel. The first side panel is coupled to a first side of the first
panel and is foldable such that at least a portion of the first
side panel is elevated relative to the first panel. The second side
panel coupled to a second side of the first panel and is foldable
such that at least a portion of the second side panel is elevated
relative to the first panel. The changing pad also includes a third
side panel coupled to a third side of the first panel.
Additionally, a fastening strap coupled to the first panel. The
first side panel, the second side panel, and the third side panel
are foldable relative to one another and the first panel such that
the fastening strap secures the first side panel, the second side
panel, and the third side panel to the first panel during transport
of the changing pad.
[0006] In another embodiment the invention provides a method for
using a changing pad that includes a first panel with a first
surface and that defines a perimeter. The first panel includes a
first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. A first side
panel coupled to the first panel at the first edge, and a second
side panel coupled to the first panel at the second edge. The
method includes unfolding the first side panel and the second side
panel from a first configuration in which the first side panel and
the second side panel overlie and are secured relative to the first
panel to a second configuration in which the first side panel and
the second side panel extend from the perimeter of the first panel.
The method also includes elevating at least a portion of the first
side panel relative to the first panel, and elevating at least a
portion of the second side panel relative to the first panel.
[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baby changing pad
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the baby changing pad of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is another plan view of the baby changing pad of FIG.
1 identifying sections and corresponding materials therein.
[0011] FIGS. 3a-3h are schematic views of the sections and
corresponding materials used in the baby changing pad illustrated
in FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the baby changing pad of FIG. 1
illustrating the location of fasteners.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of unfolding or
reconfiguring the baby changing pad of FIG. 1 for use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0015] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a portable baby changing pad 10
according to one embodiment of the invention. The changing pad 10
includes a top side 12 and a bottom side 14, and the changing pad
10 is generally divided into a plurality of upper sections 16 and a
plurality of lower sections 18. A partition 20 extends between the
upper and lower sections 16, 18. The changing pad 10 further
includes a central panel 22, a first side panel 28, and a second
side panel 30. The central panel 22 is generally defined by a
perimeter having a first edge 24, a second edge 26, a third edge
25, and a fourth edge 27. The first side panel 28 is stitched or
otherwise suitably connected to the first edge 24 of the central
panel 22, and the second side panel 30 is stitched or otherwise
suitably connected to the second edge 26 such that the first and
second side panels 28, 30 are disposed on opposite sides of the
central panel 22. A third panel 32 is stitched or otherwise
suitably connected to the third edge 25 of the central panel 22,
and a pocket 34 is stitched or otherwise suitably connected to the
fourth edge 27 of the central panel 22.
[0016] Further with respect to FIGS. 2-4, the first and second side
panels 28, 30 are divided into additional sub-panels. In the
embodiment illustrated, the first and second side panels 28, 30 are
each divided into three sub-panels. Each of the first and second
side panels 28, 30 include a first sub-panel 36, a second sub-panel
40, and a third sub-panel 38. The first sub-panel 36 is stitched or
otherwise suitably connected to the central panel 22 at respective
first edge 24 or second edge 26. The second sub-panel 40 is
stitched or otherwise suitably connected to the first sub-panel 36
at an edge of the second sub-panel opposite the first edge 24 or
second edge 26. The third sub-panel 38 is stitched or otherwise
suitably connected to the second sub-panel 40. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5, the first and second side panels 28, 30 and the central
panel 22 are depicted as having the above-described sub-panels.
Further embodiments may include sub-panels having any suitable
construction and configuration (i.e., number of sub-panels, size
and shape of the sub-panels, relationship among sub-panels,
etc.).
[0017] With further reference to FIGS. 2-4, the central panel 22
and the side panels 28, 30 are further divided into sections. Each
of the central panel 22, the first side panel 28, and the second
side panel 30 includes an upper section 16 and a lower section 18.
As described above, each of the upper sections 16 is separated from
its respective lower section 18 by the partition 20.
[0018] Each of the upper and lower sections 16, 18 of the baby
changing pad 10 can have a different construction, e.g., fabric or
material configuration. FIGS. 3 and 3a-3h illustrate the variety of
possible constructions that each section may include. Additionally,
in the illustrated embodiment, the sub-panels 36, 38, 40 on the
first and second side panels 28, 30 are constructed to be mirror
images of one another. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,
the upper and lower sections 16, 18 of the first sub-panel 36 of
each of the first and second side panels 28, 30 (i.e., illustrated
in FIG. 3a) as well as the upper section 16 of the central panel 22
have been designated with a reference "A." In the illustrated
embodiment, these sections therefore include a soft padding and a
rigid insert disposed between a plastic or vinyl material on the
first side 12 and plain polymer material on the second side 14. In
a similar fashion the sections of the exemplary changing pad 10 are
designated with the references "B-H" (i.e., FIG. 3b-3h), which
indicate possible constructions of various sections of the changing
pad 10. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 34
includes a mesh material and a polymer material surrounding a
polymer material and a rigid insert (i.e., FIG. 3b). Further, the
lower section 18 of the central panel 22 includes a soft padding
between a vinyl material on the first side 12 and a polymer
material on the second side 14 (i.e., FIG. 3c).
[0019] The partition 20 is comprised of materials illustrated in
FIGS. 3d and 3g, which indicate, respectively, a material
construction of vinyl on one side and a polymer on another side
without any material therebetween. FIG. 3e illustrates the first
and second sides 12, 14 of the sections designated with the
reference "E" of the changing pad 10 are constructed from a polymer
material with a foam layered on top of a rigid insert therebetween.
The rigid insert can be a polypropylene sheet that has some
flexibility. Similarly, FIG. 3f illustrates the first and second
sides 12, 14 of the sections designated with the reference "F" of
the changing pad 10 are constructed from a polymer material with
soft padding therebetween. The third panel 32, illustrated in FIG.
3h, may be constructed from vinyl and polymer surrounding a soft
padding.
[0020] Further with respect to FIG. 3, the sub-panels 36, 38, 40
are created by heat sealing the top and bottom sides 12, 14,
although alternative constructions may include sections that are
created by any suitable process. The constructions of the
sub-panels illustrated and described herein are merely exemplary.
Further embodiments may include sub-panels having any suitable
material construction. The top and the bottom sides 12, 14 of the
changing pad 10 are coupled to one another by a polymer binding
stitched over heat sealed seams. Additionally, with reference to
FIG. 4, the bottom side 14 of the changing pad 10 includes hook and
loop material 50 (i.e., Velcro) for assembling the changing pad 10
for use or for securing the changing pad 10 in a compact or closed
state. Further embodiments may include any suitable type of
fastener. The bottom side 14 of the changing pad 10 is also
equipped with a fastening strip 52 that also includes a hook and
loop fastener 50. The third panel 32 includes a handle 54 and a
hook and loop fastener 50 on the second side 14 of the changing pad
10. The fastening strip 52 and the handle 54 are constructed from
webbing or threaded material. It is important to note that the
plastic and vinyl materials that make up the first and second sides
12, 14 are both substantially water proof and can be freely washed
or sanitized.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates that the changing pad 10 is convertible
between a first, closed state 60 and a second, open state 62. In
the closed state 60, the changing pad 10 is easily transportable by
the handle 54, and in the open state 62 the changing pad 10 is used
as a barrier between an infant or small child and a changing
environment such that the child is protected against germs and
bacteria that inevitably plague public surfaces. In the closed
state 60, the first and second side panels 28, 30 are manipulated
by the user and folded such that the top side 12 of the first side
panel 28 (or the second side panel 30) contacts the top side 12 of
the central panel 22. The second side panel 30 (or the first side
panel 28) is folded onto the first side panel 28. The pocket 34 is
then laid against one of the first or second side panels 28, 30
(i.e., whichever side panel is on top). At this point the central
panel 22, the first and second side panels 28, 30, the pocket 34,
and the cushion 32 are aligned. The lower section 18 of the
changing pad 10 is folded against the upper section 16 of the
changing pad 10 such that the pocket 34 is tucked therebetween. The
partition 20 having a defined length between the upper and lower
sections 16, 18 allows the folding of the lower section 18 onto the
upper section 16 for a compact configuration. The third panel 32
folds over the lower section 18 such that the fastening strap 52
and the fastener 50 on the second side 14 of the third panel 32
secure the changing pad 10 in a closed state 60 indicated as "carry
mode" in FIG. 5. The pocket 34 is designed to receive contents,
such as a container (e.g., wipes, diaper rash cream, washcloths,
etc.), that may also be secured between the upper and lower
sections 16, 18 when the changing pad 10 is in the closed state 60.
Therefore, the partition 20 allows extra room for auxiliary
contents to be contained therein.
[0022] The process described above to achieve the closed state 60
of the changing pad 10 is essentially reversed to achieve the open
state 62 of the changing pad 10. That is, the fastening strap 52 is
released from the third panel 32 such that the upper and lower
sections 16, 18 may be unfolded from one another. Subsequently, the
pocket 34 may be unfolded from its placement atop one of the first
or second side panels 28, 30. The first and second side panels 28,
30 are then unfolded from the central panel 22 such that all three
panels 22, 28, 30 may lay flat against the changing surface. At
this point, a changing pad with three-dimensional side panels may
be created by manipulating and folding the first and second side
panels 28, 30 in a particular way. Each of the first and second
side panels 28, 30 is folded such that fasteners 50 on the bottom
side 14 of the third sub-panel 38 are matingly coupled to fasteners
50 on the second side 14 of the central panel 22. This folding
action allows the first sub-panel 36 and the second sub-panel 40 to
become elevated relative to the changing surface. Further, the
third sub-panel 38 of each of the first and second side panels 28,
30 reinforce the first sub-panel 36 and second sub-panel 40 such
that they remain fixed relative to the central panel 22. An angle
.alpha., which is created between the central panel 22 and the
first sub-panel 36 of each of the first and second side panels 28,
30, and an angle .beta., is created between the first sub-panel 36
and the second sub-panel 40 of the first and second side panels 28,
30. The angles .alpha. and .beta. may have any suitable measurement
to provide the three-dimensional contour of the side panels 28, 30.
For example, with renewed reference to FIGS. 1-3, the third
sub-panel 38 has a greater width than either of the second
sub-panel 40 or first sub-panel 36; the widths of the sub-panels
determine angles .alpha. and .beta. as well as a height of the
three-dimensional side panels.
[0023] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a foldable
changing pad that includes a closed state for transporting the
changing pad and an open state that creates a changing surface for
an infant or small child. The open state further includes an
enclosure having elevated peripheral panels.
* * * * *