U.S. patent application number 15/332661 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for contoured diaper changing pad including illumination.
This patent application is currently assigned to Prince Lionheart, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Prince Lionheart, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kelly McConnell, Michael McConnell.
Application Number | 20170112295 15/332661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58558226 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170112295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McConnell; Michael ; et
al. |
April 27, 2017 |
CONTOURED DIAPER CHANGING PAD INCLUDING ILLUMINATION
Abstract
A diaper changing pad having a main body, wherein the main body
includes a head end, a foot end, and marginal side edges. There is
at least one light source coupled to the diaper changing pad. The
light source can be integrated or detachably attached to the diaper
changing pad. Optionally, the diaper changing pad can have toy
mobile and an audio device to keep the baby entertained.
Inventors: |
McConnell; Michael; (Santa
Maria, CA) ; McConnell; Kelly; (Santa Maria,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Prince Lionheart, Inc. |
Santa Maria |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Prince Lionheart, Inc.
Santa Maria
CA
|
Family ID: |
58558226 |
Appl. No.: |
15/332661 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62245187 |
Oct 22, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 5/00 20130101; A47D
15/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 5/00 20060101
A47D005/00; A47D 15/00 20060101 A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A diaper changing pad comprising: a main body having a head end,
a foot end, and marginal side edges; and at least one light source
coupled to the diaper changing pad proximal to the foot end.
2. The pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is
coupled to an approximately 50% lower portion of the marginal side
edges extending to proximally the foot end.
3. The pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is
recessed and coupled to approximately a lower half from the
mid-line position of main body including the foot end.
4. The pad of claim 1, comprising a semi-light transparent,
patterned hood having an edge extended and attached proximal to the
foot end; wherein the semi-light transparent, hood covers a portion
of the at least one light source, redirects light from the at least
one light source positioned approximately two thirds a distance
from a mid-line position of the main body proximal to the foot end,
and projects thorough its outer surface an after dark constellation
scene on a ceiling of a room or a nursery viewable by a user on the
head end.
5. The pad of claim 1, comprising a retractable arm having the at
least one light source that can be positioned along locations
proximate to the foot end.
6. The pad of claim 1, comprising a bendable, hidden, retractable
arm having the at least one light source that can be positioned
along locations proximate to the head end.
7. The pad of claim 1, comprising the at least one light source
includes an extended light bar positioned proximately along the
foot end.
8. The pad of claim 1, comprising a mobile insert toy removably
attached to and dangling approximately two-thirds distance from a
midline position of the main body proximal to the head end; wherein
the at least one light source includes an extended light bar
proximately attached near the foot end.
9. The pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source
includes accent lighting, tasking lighting, ambient lighting, and
directional lighting, and further comprising an electronic audio
device to transmit sound.
10. The pad of claim 1, comprising security straps attached
approximately mid-range along the marginal sides edges side of the
main body and extended over a top side of the main body.
11. A diaper changing pad comprising: a main body having a head
end, a foot end, and marginal side edges; at least one light source
coupled to a lower half of the main body including the foot end;
and a sensor to detect the existence of a baby on the pad.
12. The pad of claim 11, comprising a semi-light transparent,
patterned hood having an edge extended and attached to the foot
end; wherein the semi-light transparent, hood covers a portion of
the at least one light source, redirects light from the at least
one light source positioned approximately two thirds a distance
from a mid-line position of the main body proximal to the foot end,
and projects thorough its outer surface an after dark constellation
scene on a ceiling of a room or a nursery viewable from by a user
on the head end.
13. The pad of claim 11, further comprising an audio device coupled
to the pad adapted to play a sound when the baby is detected.
14. The pad of claim 11, wherein the sensor is a weight sensor or a
proximity sensor.
15. An accessory to a diaper changing pad comprising: a connecting
end adapted to couple to the diaper changing pad; a light source
coupled to the connecting end.
16. The accessory of claim 15, wherein the connecting end is
adapted to couple to a head end, a foot end or a marginal side edge
of the diaper changing pad.
17. The accessory of claim 15, wherein the light source includes
accent lighting, tasking lighting, ambient lighting, and
directional lighting, and wherein the connecting end is a flat base
to slide underneath the diaper changing pad.
18. The accessory of claim 15, further comprising a toy mobile.
19. The accessory of claim 15, further comprising an articulated
extension arm that is bendable and rotatable to a desired
angle.
20. The accessory of claim 19, further comprising an audio device
to play a sound when the baby is detected.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and incorporates by
reference in its entirety provisional application No. 62/245,187
filed on Oct. 22, 2015, by the same inventor(s).
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] One or more portions of this disclosure contain material
which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner makes
no objection to reproduction by anyone of this disclosure as
disclosed in the Patent and Trademark Office files, record, or the
like. Otherwise, the copyright owner reserves any and all copyright
rights whatsoever for this patent disclosure. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The following information may be useful in a better
understanding of this disclosure. Please note that information
contained in this section is not an admission that the information
provided is material or prior art to this disclosure or as
described in claimed disclosure, or that any publication or
document that is specifically, implicitly or otherwise referenced
is prior art.
[0004] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
diaper changing pads and more specifically relates to a novel
diaper changing pad including a light source which can or cannot be
detachable.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Conventional diaper changing pads include pads, straps,
support cushions, changing valets and the like.
[0008] For example, conventional diaper changing technologies
include:
[0009] (1) a baby pad and mattress with a strap disposed in the
middle of the mat, e.g., USD 436281; and an infant support cushion
including a V-shaped mat (or a pad with triangular sides) as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,487;
[0010] (2) a lamp used in diaper changing devices, for example,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,181 and US20060163236 both have lights close to
the head of a baby and may include an aroma diffuser and a music
playing device; and US20140311843 that has a night light on an edge
of a case; and CN203000132U having two lights pointing at a baby's
feet and not hurting a baby's eyes;
[0011] (3) a folding case having a diaper pad and lights disposed
on a side of a case used for entertainment, such as U.S. Pat. No.
8,400,300 B2;
[0012] (4) a forced air dryer as part of a baby's diaper changing
process, such as U.S. Pat. Nob. 6,928,235 B2;
[0013] (5) phototherapy lights including a plurality of blue
lights, such as US20080116401, and CN203777515 U, used for neonatal
jaundice treatment of baby;
[0014] (6) a bottom plate of a baby incubator has a warm light,
such as CN203777515 U;
[0015] (7) a plumber's support pillow including a support cushion
to provide light in front of a person, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,305,728 B2, working under a sink in a cabinet;
[0016] (8) a bottom plate of an incubator, e.g., CN203802728 U, has
a warm light arranged on a base plate of the incubator (in a corner
of the incubator) and can provide illumination when changing
diapers; and
[0017] (9) beds or mattresses are provided with lights such as
night light(s), such as CN202020099U, CN203882566 U, U.S. Pat. No.
4,220,984 A, U.S. Pat. No. 2,290,866, CN203915309U, and
CN2907407Y.
[0018] None of the above disclosures and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the disclosure as
claimed. Thus, a need exists for an improved diaper pad having any
or all the following attributes, e.g., less complexity, e.g., less
parts, improved diaper changing capability, e.g., longer life,
better illumination, and additional features or options, or the
like, e.g., provides entertainment or fun environment, within a
more convenient means and ideally a smaller footprint means, e.g.,
compact sized design, while changing diapers and to reduce or avoid
many of the above-mentioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
diaper changing pads, the present disclosure provides a novel
diaper changing pad including illumination. The general purpose of
the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in
greater detail, is to provide a specially designed diaper changing
pad having illumination near a foot end of the pad.
[0020] In one aspect, a diaper changing pad is disclosed including
a main body having a head end, a foot end, and marginal side edges.
At least one light source is coupled to or integrated within the
diaper changing pad proximal to the foot end.
[0021] In another aspect, a diaper changing pad is disclosed
including a main body having a head end and a foot end and marginal
side edges. At least one light source is coupled to or integrated
within a lower half of the main body including the foot end.
[0022] In another aspect, a diaper changing pad is disclosed
including a main body having a head end and a foot end and marginal
side edges. The marginal side edges can be simply flat or they can
be contoured bolsters to help centering the baby. The at least one
light source can be coupled to or integrated within a lower region
of the main body including the foot end, and/or coupled to or
integrated within the marginal side edges.
[0023] The present disclosure holds significant improvements and
serves as a diaper changing pad having a light source. As described
herein, it is to be understood that not necessarily advantages, and
novel features may be achieved in accordance with any one
particular embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure can
be embodied or carried out in a manner that optimizes or achieves
one or a group thereof of advantages as taught herein without
achieving many or all advantages as may be taught or suggested.
Features of the disclosure which are believed to be novel are
distinctly claimed in the specification. It should be noted that
the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to
precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes
of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top,
bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear,
front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the
accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be
construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The figures which accompany the written portion of this
specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the
present disclosure of a contoured diaper changing pad 100 according
to the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a contoured diaper
changing pad 100 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrates a consumer product 200
using a contoured changing pad 100 with a series of spaced-apart,
recessed LED lights 120 of 50% lower portion of the marginal side
edges 108 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrates a consumer product 300
using a contoured changing pad 100 with series of spaced-apart,
recessed LED lights 120 of 50% lower portion 122 of the marginal
side edges 108 including security straps 110 and buckles 111
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a top view that illustrates a consumer product 400
using a contoured changing pad 100 that includes at least one light
source 118 recessed and integrated into approximately a lower half
128 from a mid-line position 126 of a main body 102 including a
foot end 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top view that illustrates a consumer product 500
using a contoured changing pad 100 with a contoured, semi-light
transparent, patterned hood 130 having an edge 132 extended and
attached proximal to the foot end 106 according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view that illustrates a consumer product
600 for using a contoured changing pad 100 with a contoured,
semi-light transparent, patterned hood 130 having an edge 132
extended and attached proximal to the foot end 106 that redirects
light from the at least one light source 118 positioned
approximately two thirds of a distance 134 from a mid-line position
138 of the main body 102 proximal to the foot end 106, and projects
thorough its outer surface an after dark constellation scene 140 on
a ceiling 142 of a room or a nursery viewable by a user on the head
end 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of
FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a diaper changing pad 100
including spaced apart LED display 149, 153 respectively on a foot
end 106 and a head end 104 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating a diaper changing pad 100
including at least extended light bar 151, 155 respectively on a
foot end 106 and a head end 104 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating a diaper changing pad 100
with a mobile insert toy 150 located proximal to the head end 104
and the at least one light source 118 supported by a bendable,
hidden, retractable arm 146 at the foot end 106 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an embodiment where the light
source is a standalone device.
[0035] FIG. 11 is an illustration where the standalone device of
FIG. 10 has a base that is wedged under the diaper changing
pad.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an embodiment where the light
source is a standalone device.
[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates the standalone device of FIG. 12 being
placed on top of a diaper changing pad.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the relationship of a
light source and a switch within a diaper changing pad.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the relationship of a
light source, an audio device, and a switch within a diaper
changing pad.
[0040] The various embodiments of the present disclosure will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to the field of diaper changing pads and more specifically
relates to a novel diaper changing pad with illumination where the
illumination piece can or cannot be a detachable accessory.
[0042] Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is
shown in FIGS. 1-9, as discussed above, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to diaper changing pads. Generally speaking, a
diaper changing pad is disclosed with illumination at a foot end.
Advantageously, this diaper changing pad provides improved
illumination, e.g., ambient lighting, accent lighting, tasking
lighting, and directional lighting, for users when changing diapers
so that diaper changing can be performed at night, e.g., middle of
the night, without turning on a room light. Advantageously, in some
embodiments, the diaper changing pad provides a strap to hold down
the baby so the baby does not fall or slip when having a diaper
change. In addition, other novel diaper changing pad advantages
include repositionable light source on the foot end, toys being
mounted on the head end, and/or illuminated ceiling displays for a
baby when changing his/her diaper on the novel diaper changing
pad.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a diaper changing
pad 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, a diaper changing pad 100 is
disclosed including a main body 102 having a head end 104 and a
foot end 106 and marginal side edges 108. One or more light
source(s) 118 are integrated within (or coupled to, or detachably
attached to) the diaper changing pad 100 proximal to the foot end
106, e.g., see FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0045] One contemplated novel feature is to have at least one light
source 118 disposed on the top surface of the diaper changing pad
100, wherein the light source 118 faces upward and is preferably
flush with the top surface of the diaper changing pad 100 for ease
of cleaning. In one contemplated embodiment, the light source 118
is not a spot light but an ambient light, so as not to cause
discomfort to the person who is changing diaper on the baby and
also facing the light source 118.
[0046] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the at least one light
source 118 can includes a series of spaced-apart, recessed LED
lights 120 integrated on (or coupled to, or detachably attached to)
an approximately 50% lower portion 122 of the marginal side edges
108 extended proximally the foot end 106. Advantageously, by having
light emitted at sides from marginal side edges 108, when changing
the baby 101, the diaper does not block the light. In some
embodiments, the at least one light source 118 integrated (or
coupled to, or detachably attached to) includes a light source 118
disposed approximately at a lower half 128 from a mid-line position
126 of the main body 102 including the foot end 106.
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated most notably in
FIGS. 3-4, there are various dimensions and locations for the at
least one light source 118, the security straps 110, and the main
body 102.
[0048] Although the above embodiments specifically requires a
series of spaced-apart, recessed LED lights, it should be noted
that any types of known illuminating elements (e.g., incandescent
light bulbs, or other non-LED light) in any shapes or sizes (e.g.,
light strips, single light, light bars) are also contemplated in
the above and below described embodiments.
[0049] As illustrated throughout this disclosure, the at least one
light source 118 may be recessed, flat, cylindrical, spaced apart,
elongated, or the like and may be located on at least one of the
foot end 106, the head end 104, and the marginal side edges 108,
for example, along a 50% lower portion 122, of the main body
10.
[0050] The security straps 110 may be made of nylon, cloth, fabric,
rubber, composite material or the like and may have various
length(s), width(s), and thickness(es), and various fastening
means, e.g., attaching apparatus 147, as necessary to conform to
the main body 102 and so that the baby 101 can be safely and
comfortably secured thereto.
[0051] In some embodiments, as most notably illustrated in FIG. 3,
security straps 110 attach, e.g., using fasteners 111, e.g.,
buckles 111, approximately mid-range 112 along the marginal side
edges 108 of the main body 102 and extend over a top side 116 of
the main body 102, for example, secure the baby 101 during diaper
changing to the diaper changing pad 100. The security straps 110
may be any attaching apparatus 147, for example, a clip, a magnet,
a hook and loop fastener, or the like, for retraction, storage, and
extending capability into an out of the main body 102, and the
attaching apparatus 147 is not limited to the examples provided
herein.
[0052] The main body 102 may be various length(s), width(s), and
height(s) that are necessary for comfort and security of the baby
101, for example, in accordance with room, surrounding, ambient
conditions, size, length, and age of the baby, or the like.
[0053] In one exemplary example: the at least one light source 118
recessed includes a DIA =approximately 139.7 mm diameter and
DEPTH=approximately 31.78 recess depth; the security straps 110 are
SL (strap left)=approximately 444 mm in length and SR (strap
right)=approximately 244 mm in length, and SW=approximately 25.44
mm in width; and the main body 102 include ML=approximately 787 mm
in length and MW=approximately 406 mm in width and MH=approximately
101 mm in height.
[0054] In one example, most notably illustrated in FIG. 4, the
middle portion of the main body 102 is contoured so that an inner
portion where the baby 101 lays is lower than the marginal sides
108. In one embodiment, the middle portion of the main body 102 is
approximately 38 mm in height, the marginal sides 108 are angled
such that it goes from a height of approximately 38 mm (at edge of
middle portion of the main body 102 and beginning of marginal side
edges 108) to an approximate final height of 101 mm (at outer edges
of marginal side edges 108).
[0055] In some embodiments, a contoured, semi-light transparent,
patterned hood 130 is utilized having an edge 132 extended and
attached proximal to the foot end 106.
[0056] As most notably illustrated in FIG. 5, the contoured,
semi-light transparent, pattern hood 130 is, for example, color
blue, and, for example, has different shaped, colored items (that
are light-transparent), e.g., white stars 131, yellow colored
half-moon 133, and the like, arranged on a top of the contoured,
semi-light transparent, patterned, hood 130.
[0057] Advantageously, the contoured, semi-light transparent, hood
130 covers a portion of light emitted from the at least one light
source 118. Advantageously, the contoured, semi-light transparent,
hood 130 redirects light from the at least one light source 118
positioned approximately two thirds a distance 134 from a mid-line
position 138 of the main body 102 proximal to the foot end 106.
[0058] Furthermore, as most notably illustrated in FIG. 6, the
contoured, semi-light transparent hood 130 projects thorough its
outer surface an after dark constellation scene 140 on a ceiling
142, e.g., of a room or a nursery, viewable by a user, e.g., baby,
on the head end 104.
[0059] In yet another embodiment, the semi-light transparent, hood
130 is located near the head end 104 and redirects light from the
at least one light source 118 away from a user that stands near the
foot end 106. There is an additional light source disposed at the
foot end to illuminate the baby's bottom.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the semi-light transparent, hood
130 can be detachably or permanently coupled to the diaper changing
pad 100 at any desired location so to projects thorough its outer
surface an after dark constellation scene 140 on a ceiling 142 of a
room or a nursery at a user's choice.
[0061] In some embodiments, as most notably illustrated in FIGS. 7
and 8, the light source includes at least one light source 152,
154, e.g., spaced-apart recessed LED lights 149, 153, extended
light tube or extended light bar 151, 155, or the like, proximately
attached near the foot end 106 and/or the head end 104.
[0062] In some embodiments, as most notably illustrated in FIG. 9,
a bendable, hidden, retractable arm 146 has at least one light
source 118 capable of being positioned along locations 144
proximate to the foot end 106.
[0063] In some embodiments, as most notably illustrated in FIG. 9,
a mobile insert toy 150 removably attaches to and dangles
approximately two-thirds distance 136 from a midline position 138
of the main body 102 proximal to the head end 104.
[0064] As discussed previously, the at least one light source 118,
152, 154 can include accent lighting, tasking lighting, ambient
lighting, and directional lighting.
[0065] In some embodiments, as most notably illustrated in FIG. 9,
a bendable, hidden, retractable arm 146 has the at least one light
source 118 that can be positioned along locations 144 proximate to
the foot end 106. In some embodiments, a bendable, hidden,
retractable arm 146 has the at least one light source 118 that can
be positioned along locations 144 proximate to the foot end
106.
[0066] In some embodiments, the bendable, hidden, retractable arm
146 including the at least one light source 118, is attached at a
foot end 106 to the pad 100 by any attaching apparatus 147, for
example, a clip, a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, or the like,
for retraction, storage, and extending capability into an out of
the main body 102, and the attaching apparatus 147 is not limited
to the examples provided herein.
[0067] In some embodiments, the bendable, hidden, retractable arm
148 attached at the head end 104 to the pad 100 by any attaching
apparatus 147, for example, a clip, a magnet, a hook and loop
fastener, or the like, for retraction, storage, and extending
capability into an out of the main body 102, and the attaching
apparatus 147 is not limited to the examples provided herein.
[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one light source 152
including an extended light bar 151, spaced part LED display 149,
or a like, and is positioned approximately along the foot end
106.
[0069] For example, the at least one light sources 118, 152, 154
includes accent lighting, tasking lighting, ambient lighting, and
directional lighting.
[0070] In some embodiments, for example, as most notably
illustrated in FIG. 9, a mobile insert toy 150 is removably
attached to and dangling approximately two-thirds distance 136 from
a midline position 138 of the main body 102 proximal to the head
end 104. For example, the at least one light source 152 includes a
directional light, e.g., extended light tube 151, spaced-apart
recessed LED lights 149, or the like, proximately attached near the
foot end 106.
[0071] Another aspect of the invention relates to a detachable
accessory to a diaper changing pad 100. Any of the above described
light sources (i.e., light bar, light bulbs, series of LED lights,
light on a retractable arm, light with a hood illuminating a
constellation) can be a standalone accessory that can be placed on,
inserted into, adhere to, coupled to, or wedged under, any known
diaper changing pad.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 10, a diaper changing pad 102 is
placed on top of a table 5. The standalone light accessory is
placed adjacent to the diaper changing pad on the table 5. The
standalone light accessory is contemplated to have a body portion
246 to which a light source 218 is coupled to. Any of the
above-described light source type can be implemented. Preferably
the body portion 246 is taller than the thickness of the diaper
changing pad 102.
[0073] The body portion 246 can be coupled to a base 255 that
forwardly extends and is capable of wedging (or sliding) under the
diaper changing pad 102 as shown in FIG. 11, thereby stabilizing
itself by the mere weight of the diaper changing pad. Preferably
the base 255 forwardly extends from the body portion 246 by at
least 10 cm, more preferably by at least 15 cm, or most preferably
by at least 20 cm. In this embodiment, the accessory does not
require any clips or clamps to securely attach itself to the diaper
changing pad. The user can freely wedge the base 255 under any side
(i.e., head end side, foot end side, lateral sides) of the diaper
changing pad 102 as he/she pleases to provide the most appropriate
direction of lighting to change a diaper.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a standalone light
accessory having a housing 288 is placed next to a diaper changing
pad 102. The standalone light accessory has a light source 218 and
a hood 218 covering over the light source 218. A user may freely
place this standalone light accessory on the top surface of the
diaper changing pad 102 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0075] In other contemplated embodiments, the hood 218 as shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13 can have similar construction as the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6, where the hood 218 can tilt to reflect the light
toward the baby. In yet another embodiment, the hood 218 as shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13 can also have similar designs as the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, where the hood 218 can have a constellation
of stars or other shapes or characters, so as to project onto the
ceiling to keep the baby interested.
[0076] Any embodiments of the standalone light accessory described
herein can be powered by batteries, a power cord, or have
recharging capabilities.
[0077] In yet another embodiment, the standalone accessory can
having any mobile kit such as toy mobile, and musical mobile, as an
alternative to, or in addition to, having a light source 218.
[0078] Thus far the embodiments of the standalone accessory are
disclosed to be capable of being placed on, or wedged under, the
diaper changing pad. In other embodiments, the standalone accessory
can be detachably attached to the diaper changing pad 102 by any
known methods such as by clips, by VELCRO adhesive tapes, and by
clamps.
[0079] The turning on and off of the light source in any of the
herein disclosed embodiments including the standalone accessories
can be by any known switches 192, and can include proximity
sensors, infrared sensors, or weight sensors. In one embodiment,
when a baby is placed on the diaper changing pad, the weight sensor
detects it and turns on the light source.
[0080] Throughout this specification, a diaper changing pad is
sometimes described as a contoured diaper changing pad. It should
be specifically noted that various shapes of the diaper changing
pad are contemplated, whether with a contour top surface or without
a contour top surface.
[0081] It is especially contemplated that an electronic audio
device 195 can be included in any of the disclosed embodiments.
This audio device 195 can include speakers to transmit sound (white
noise, music, simulated sound from a mother's womb, etc.) to the
baby. The content of the transmission can be made available by any
known methods such as downloading, streaming, recording,
rebroadcasting from an audio source via wireless transmission
(e.g., BLUETOOTH), or a pre-recording embedded by the manufacturer.
The location of the audio device 195 is contemplated to be anywhere
on the diaper changing pad, or anywhere on the standalone
accessory. Preferably, the audio device 195 is located on the top
surface of the diaper changing pad near both sides of the baby's
head.
[0082] Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
user requirements or wishes, design considerations, marketing
preferences, cost(s), structural requirement(s), available
materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use
arrangements such as, for example, orders within above-mentioned
list that are different, eliminated and/or additional steps,
including or eliminating, for example, procedure, process, and/or
maintenance step(s), etc., may be sufficient.
[0083] It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art
that many more modifications besides those already described are
possible without departing from the disclosed concepts herein. The
embodiment, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit
of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context.
[0084] In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should
be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter
as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, and as described herein are expressly contemplated
as being equivalent within the scope of the claims and understood
by those knowledgeable in the art. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements and the
reading of the specification as described herein.
[0085] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what
essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiment. In
addition, where the specification and claims refer to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *