US20060179568A1

US20060179568A1 - Multi-purpose infant care device

Info

Publication number: US20060179568A1
Application number: US11/055,981
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Campbell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-14
Filing date: 2005-02-14
Publication date: 2006-08-17
Also published as: CA2497093A1

Abstract

A multi-purpose infant care device includes a generally oblong container for bathing the infant, a storage member for storing infant accessories, products, and supplies, the storage member disposable within the container. A lid securely engages the container to secure the storage member within the container. The lid defines a recess for supporting the infant and a mattress sized to fit within the recess may be provided. Securing means may be used to secure the infant on top of the lid. A canopy attachable to the lid provides the infant privacy and protection from the elements. The multi-purpose infant care device provides a portable device that provides essential infant care functions and transports a plurality of infant accessories in one convenient container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to infant accessories, and more particularly, it relates to a portable multi-purpose utility device for providing care to an infant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Caring for an infant typically involves a multitude of infant care products and accessories such as diapers, bottles, extra clothing, toys, bibs, formula or baby food, baby wipes, blankets, towels and wash cloths, body wash, shampoo, baby powder, ointments, and other necessities. In addition to such infant care products and accessories, other infant care units and devices such as a portable infant bathtub, bassinet, crib, diaper bag, baby storage/organizer unit, and portable change table add to the plurality of items that a parent needs to properly tend to an infant. In addition to incurring a significant expense to purchase all or substantially all of such infant care products, finding the space to store the multitude of products and devices in the nursery usually means parents are confined to the nursery to provide care to their infant. Packing and transporting such infant care products, accessories, units and devices become even more challenging when travelling anywhere with an infant. A need therefore exists for an “all-in-one” multi-purpose infant care device that is compact and convenient to use such that parents may enjoy mobility at home and when travelling.
There are numerous baby care devices available in the art. For example, applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,990 to Setecka which describes a portable self-draining baby bathinette having an independent water supply and drainage system which permits the use of the unit at locations remote from a source of water, and quick-release drying pad which permits bathing the small baby in clean water with a minimum of handling.
Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,286,467 to Erli for a portable unit for changing clothes to a baby comprising a substantially stiff base body adapted to support the body of a lying baby and a pair of movable wings rotatably engaged on opposite sides of the base body and shiftable between a closed position in which the movable wings are superposed on the base body and an operating open position in which the movable wings are disposed externally of said base body.
Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 2,828,489 to Baker for a combination bathtub and support for infants that include cradle means attached to the sides of an open top vessel, one of such cradle means consisting of a raised portion in the bottom of the vessel to cradle the infant in a position where its head cannot become immersed in the bath water. A cradle-like support closes the open-top of the vessel, one form whereof is adapted to present abed, and the other a panel upon which the child may be laid during dressing and other operations. However, most of the infant care devices and units available in the art perform only one function. Devices that do perform more than one function fail to minimize the inconvenience of transporting a plurality of individual infant care accessories associated with using such devices. Therefore, there is a need to provide a multi-purpose infant care device that is capable of performing more than one infant care function and reduce the number of separate infant care products and accessories required to properly care for an infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The multi-purpose infant care device according to the present invention eliminates the need for a multitude of infant care accessories by providing a single portable lightweight unit capable of fulfilling a plurality of infant care functions. The present invention provides a multi-purpose infant care device that significantly reduces the number of individual infant care accessories otherwise required, which is especially advantageous when space is limited or mobility is desired.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-purpose infant care device comprising a container having an open top and a storage member removably mountable within the container, the storage member defining at least one compartment. A lid closing the open top of the container is detachably engagable with the container, thereby securing the storage member within the container. The lid also provides a platform, which may define a recess, for supporting an infant. Securing means, such as a strap having a releasably securable fastener may be provided to secure the infant positioned on the platform, for example in the recess of the lid. The lid may have a first and a second aperture. The strap may be inserted through the apertures to releasably secure an infant on the platform, over the recess. A mattress configured to be conformably disposed within the recess may be provided for comfort to the infant. The container may include a pair of handles for transporting the infant care device.
The container may be draped to be used as a bathtub for bathing the infant. The storage member may be used to stow a plurality of infant care products and accessories within the container. The lid may be used as a change table. A canopy may be detachably mountable to the lid to provide privacy and some protection from the elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively, top and bottom perspective views of the assembled multi-purpose infant care device of the present invention; and
FIGS. 3 and 4 are respectively exploded top and bottom perspective views of the multi-purpose infant care device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in each view, the multi-purpose infant care device 5 according to the present invention includes a container 10, a storage member 20 which may be removably disposed within container 10, a lid 30 that frictionally engages container 10 to close container 10, and a canopy 40 mountable on lid 30.
In an embodiment of the invention, container 10 defines an enclosure having an open top 12. Surrounding the outer rim of container 10 which defines open top 12 is a flange 14 which may detachably mate with a corresponding groove on lid 30, thereby securely closing open top 12. Container 10 may be shaped as a bassinet, that is, may be concavely shaped with sloping internal side walls such that open top 12 is wider than the bottom of container 10 such that container 10 may be used as a bathtub for bathing an infant. Alternatively, although not shown, container 10 may be generally rectangular having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a bottom, and an open top. In an embodiment of the present invention, container 10 is made of plastic but container 10 may be made of any semi-rigid lightweight material available in the art that is capable of retaining water. Preferably, container 10 includes a pair of handles such that multi-purpose infant care device 5 may be easily transported. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer rim of container 10 defines a pair of handle members 15. In another embodiment, container 10 may be mounted on a detachable base 18 to stabilize and provide additional support to container 10 when bathing the infant. For example, base 18 may be a rigid collar or skirt sized to receive container 10 such that an inner surface of base 18 snugly engages an outer surface of container 10 and flange 14 rests on a top surface of the rigid collar or skirt. Alternatively, skirt 18 may be a flexible, for example, fabric decorative skirt that is removably attached around the external side walls of container 10 such that flexible skirt 18 may substantially conceal container 10. Flexible skirt 18 therefore does not provide any stabilizing function.
Storage member 20 may be a rigid basket defining a cavity or enclosure having an open top. Alternatively, storage member 20 may be a flexible member such as a storage bag.
Storage member 20 has at least one storage compartment 25 for storing and organizing a variety of infant supplies, accessories, and products such as diapers, towels, bottles, and toys. In an embodiment of the present invention, storage member 20 has rigid or resilient walls, baffles, mesh, screens or like partitions defining multiple storage compartments 25. The rigid or resilient partitions may be adjustable or removable to define larger or smaller storage compartments 25. Preferably, storage member 20 is made of the same lightweight sturdy material as container 10. Advantageously, storage member 20 is configured and sized to be disposed or mounted within container 10 such that the variety of infant supplies and accessories may be conveniently transported within and along with device 5. Container 10 is configured to receive storage member 20 through open top 12 such that storage member 20 may be completely disposed and releasably secured within container 10. For example, storage member 20 may rest on the bottom and against the internal side walls of container 10 or storage member 20 may be attached to container 10 by conventional attaching means such as hooks and interlocking tabs. Storage member 20 may also be attached to and suspended within the enclosure defined by container 10. In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer rim of storage member 20 defines at least one recess to provide a convenient means to grip and remove storage member 20 from container 10. In another embodiment of the invention, a cover means such as a lid or a zipper closure may be provided to enclose storage member 20 to secure the contents stored in storage member 20.
Lid 30 closes open top 12, thereby securing the infant supplies stored in storage member 20 within container 10. Lid 30 securely engages container 10 by conventional frictional engagement means. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer rim of lid 30 defines a groove corresponding with flange 14 such that lid 30 may detachably mate with container 10. A perimeter wall 30 a of lid 30 surrounds a rigid lid surface 35 to thereby define a recess on the top of lid 30 sized to receive a mattress 38 laid into the recess. Mattress 38 may be made of foam having a waterproof shell such as vinyl encasing the foam. Alternatively, the foam may be enveloped with a fabric cover that may be removed for convenient washing. After bathing the infant, lid 30 may be mounted onto open top 12 and mattress 38 placed within the recess of lid 30 so that the infant may be laid on mattress 38 for drying and dressing. Alternatively, the infant may be conveniently transferred from container 10 directly onto mattress 38 which is sized so as to be snugly fitted and removably disposed within the recess, without having to secure lid 30 over open top 12. For example, lid 30 may be positioned on any flat surface such as a table which is conveniently close to where the infant is bathed. Preferably, perimeter wall 30 a is sufficiently high so as to inhibit the infant from rolling off lid 30. Although the lower perimeter edge 30 b of lid 30 is decoratively scalloped, lid 30 is stable when placed on a work surface so as to rest on the lower perimeter edge. Surface 35 and mattress 38 may thus be used as a change table for the infant. For example, lid 30 may be placed on a change table typically found in a public parent's room to change the infant, which may be more hygienic than using a public facility.
Lid 30 has a pair of opposed facing apertures 32 for receiving securing means 50. In an embodiment of the invention, flange 14 of container 10 also has a pair of apertures 17 corresponding to apertures 32 for receiving securing means 50. Securing means such as a pair of safety straps 50 may be inserted through apertures 17 from an underside of flange 14 and threaded through apertures 32. Enlarged anchors 50 a on the base ends of straps 50 are larger than apertures 17 so as to anchor strap 50 in aperture 17 and prevent strap 50 from pulling free of flange 14 and container 10. The free ends of straps 50 are releasably fastened together by fastening means 52 such as snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or clasps to releasably hold the infant securely on mattress 38. Aside from securing the infant to mattress 38, straps 50 may also assist in securing lid 30 to container 10 and may serve as a handle for transporting device 5 as an assembled unit. Straps 50 may be removable or permanently attached to container 10. Alternatively, straps 50 may be anchored in apertures 32. Straps 50 may be inserted from behind and through apertures 32 to mount straps 50 to lid 30. Enlarged anchors 50 a on the base ends of the straps are longer than apertures 32 so as to prevent the strap from pulling free of the lid.
Canopy 40 may be mountable on lid 30 to provide privacy and protection from the elements to the infant while the infant is on mattress 38. Canopy 40 may be rigid or it maybe flexible, for example an accordion style canopy which may be retracted up and down while mounted on lid 30, for example by pivoting about pins 54 mounted through canopy 40 and into apertures 56 on lid 30. A loop 58 or a plurality of loops may be attached to canopy 40 such that a variety of toys or a mobile may be detachably attached to loop 58 so as to suspend the toy above the infant resting on mattress 38.
For transportation and storage of the entire assembly, the mattress 38 and skirt 18 may be stored either within bathtub-shaped container 10 or within basket 20, and basket 20 nested within container 10. Canopy 40 may in one embodiment, also be collapsed and stored in container 10. Lid 30 then closes the container so that all the components are conveniently stored in one place, ready for the next use.
In interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. 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.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose infant care device comprising:

a container having an open top and having an upper surface in the shape of a bathtub;

a storage member defining at least one storage compartment, said storage member disposable within said container;

a lid releasably mountable onto said container closing said open top of said container, said lid detachably engagable with said container, wherein the lid has a raised perimeter defining a recess for supporting an infant on said lid; and

a resilient mattress sized for releasable mounting in said recess.

2. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 1 further comprising a securing means for securing said infant disposed within said recess of said lid.

3. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 2 wherein said securing means is a strap having a releasably securable fastener.

4. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 3 wherein said lid defines a first and a second aperture and said container defines a third and a fourth aperture, said first, said second, said third and said fourth apertures configured to receive said securing means.

5. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 4 wherein said securing means is insertable in said first, said second, said third, and said fourth apertures such that said securing means is releasably securable over said lid.

6. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 1 wherein said storage member is a bathtub shaped basket sized to snugly rest within said container, and wherein said container is sized so that when said storage member is nested in said container, said mattress is also mountable into said container for storage and so as to not interfere with said lid closing said container.

7. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 6 wherein said at least one storage compartment is a plurality of rigid-walled compartments for storing a plurality of infant accessories and infant care products.

8. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 7 wherein said mattress is sized so as to be snugly fitted and removably disposable within said recess.

9. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 8 further comprising a canopy attachable to said lid.

10. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 9 wherein said container further comprises a pair of handles for transporting the infant care device.

11. A multi-purpose infant care device comprising:

a container having an open top, said container for bathing an infant;

a storage member defining a plurality of compartments for storing infant accessories and infant care products, said storage member disposable within said container;

a lid closing said open top of said container, said lid detachably securable to said container, said lid defining a recess for supporting said infant; and

a securing means for securing said infant disposed within said recess.

12. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 11 wherein said securing means is a strap having a fastener.

13. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 12 wherein said lid defines a first and a second aperture and said container defines a third and a fourth aperture, said first, said second, said third and said fourth apertures configured to receive said securing means.

14. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 13 wherein said securing means is insertable through said first, said second, said third, and said fourth apertures such that said securing means is releasably securable over said lid.

15. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 14 wherein a resilient mattress is removably disposed within said recess.

16. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 15 further comprising a canopy attachable to said lid.

17. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 16 wherein said container further comprises a pair of handles attached to said container.

18. A multi-purpose infant care device comprising:

a container having an open top, said container for bathing an infant;

a lid closing said open top of said container, said lid detachably securable to said container, said lid defining a recess for receiving a mattress so as to support said infant;

a strap having a fastener, said strap for securing said infant on said mattress;

a canopy attachable to said lid; and

a pair of handles attached to said container.

19. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 18 wherein said lid defines a first and a second aperture and said container defines a third and a fourth aperture, said first, said second, said third, and said fourth apertures configured to receive said securing means.

20. The multi-purpose infant care device of claim 19 wherein said strap is insertable through said first, said second, said third, and said fourth apertures such that said securing means is releasably securable over said lid.