WO2005117521A2

WO2005117521A2 - Carriage-attachable and shoulder-carried foldable diaper changing station and method for use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2005117521A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000536
Authority: WO
Inventors: Doron Rosenblatt; Michal Metzger
Original assignee: Beloved Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-06-03
Filing date: 2005-05-26
Publication date: 2005-12-15
Also published as: WO2005117521A3

Abstract

A foldable baby diaper changing station including: a supporting mechanical arrangement; a diaper changing sheet attached to the supporting mechanical arrangement; and at least one leg disposed at the supporting mechanical arrangement so that when the baby diaper changing station is opened, the leg carries at least some of the weight of the baby diaper changing station, and at least one connector disposed at the supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting the supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting the supporting mechanical arrangement from it. Wherein, the foldable baby diaper changing station can be attached to a baby carriage in a manner that enables normal operation of a baby carriage when the baby diaper changing station is in folded position and enables changing diapers, garments, or medical dressings when the baby diaper changing station is opened.

Description

CARRIAGE-ATTACHABLE AND SHOULDER-CARRIED FOLDABLE DIAPER CHANGING STATION AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a foldable baby diaper changing station and method for use thereof. One can find stationary diaper-changing devices in many places, particularly in private homes, nursery schools, kindergartens, and public facilities. Such devices which are often used for changing diapers of many infants readily pass infections from one infant to another. Various forms of portable diaper changing stations have been proposed, some of which are presently in use. Figure la of the prior art illustrates a child-carrying and diaper changing cart 100. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,992 to Vargas, child-carrying and diaper changing cart 100 cannot be attached to a standard baby carriage, and is bulky. The cart is not fitted with a restraining strap, head support, or a carrying case. Figure lb of the prior art illustrates a portable diaper changing station 200. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,336 to Marteeny, portable diaper changing station 200 cannot be attached to a baby carriage and is large. Using the station requires an available elevated surface, for placing the station thereon. There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a lightweight compact and portable device that enables changing an infant's diapers and garments in various locations. It would be also highly advantageous to have, a portable device that enables changing a convalescent adult's diapers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an infant diaper changing station, and method therefore for changing an infant's diapers, garments, and medical dressings in a wide variety of locations, and excels in the following qualities: Changing of diapers, garments, and medical dressings can be safely and conveniently performed on it. It can be attached to a standard baby carriage. It can be easily folded to a small size and carried by hand, over a shoulder, and in vehicle. It can be adapted to suit the surface on which the changing is taking place, and the height of the person performing the changing. It is hygienic. It is suitable for carrying a bag with various items such as: bottles, disposable and fabric diapers, moist wipes, ointment, a wallet, a cellular phone, and clean changes of clothes. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a diaper changing station that is suitable for changing diapers, garments, and medical dressings for children, adolescents, and adults. As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "diaper changing station" refers to a device that enables changing diapers, garments, and medical dressings, and enables performing the necessary actions for exposing a part of the body. This device can be manufactured in various sizes that are suitable for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a foldable baby diaper changing station including: (a) a diaper changing sheet; (b) a supporting mechanical arrangement carrying the diaper changing sheet; (c) at least one connector disposed at the supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting the supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting the supporting mechanical arrangement from a baby carriage, and (d) at least one leg operatively connected to the supporting mechanical arrangement so that when the foldable baby diaper changing station is in open mode, the leg carries at least some of the weight of the foldable baby diaper changing station, wherein, the foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode. According to a further features in the described preferred embodiments the foldable baby diaper changing station can be attached to a baby carriage in a manner that enables normal operation of the baby carriage when the baby diaper changing station is disposed in folded position and enables changing diapers, garments, or medical dressings when the baby diaper changing station is opened. According to a further feature in the described preferred embodiments the foldable baby diaper changing station further including (e) a diaper bag disposed at the supporting mechanical arrangement, wherein, the diaper bag can be removed or attached by a caregiver. According to a further features in the described preferred embodiments the foldable baby diaper changing station further including: (f) a removable diaper changing mat substantially attached to the diaper changing sheet; (g) a head cushion, and, (h) a restraining strap, to prevent the infant from falling off of the baby diaper changing station, wherein, the removable diaper changing mat and the head cushion can be changed by a caregiver in order to maintain hygiene. According to a further features in the described preferred embodiments the connector includes: (i) a clip, wherein, the connector enables attachment of the baby diaper changing station to a baby carriages of varying dimensions, and wherein the clip enables simple and fast connecting of the baby diaper changing station to a baby carriage, and simple and fast disconnecting. According to further features in the described preferred embodiments the leg includes:

(i) a leg base, and (ii) an adjustable structure attached to the leg base, wherein the adjustable structure enables to adjust the height of the diaper changing sheet and positioning it on an approximately horizontal plane. According to a further feature in the described preferred embodiments the foldable baby diaper changing station further including: (j) a handle, wherein the handle, when pulled in one motion, enables fast opening of the baby diaper changing station. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention provided is a method for enabling a caregiver to change an infant's diapers, garments, and medical dressings, and perform actions requiring exposing a part of the body in various locations and times, the method including the following steps: (a) providing the caregiver with a foldable baby diaper changing station, the foldable baby diaper changing station including: (i) a diaper changing sheet; (ii) a supporting mechanical arrangement carrying the diaper changing platform; (iii) at least one connector disposed at the supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting the supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting the supporting mechanical arrangement from a baby carriage, and (iv) at least one leg operatively connected to the supporting mechanical arrangement so that when the foldable baby diaper changing station is disposed in open mode, the leg carries at least some of the weight of the foldable baby diaper changing station, wherein, the foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode, and (b) connecting the foldable baby diaper changing station to a baby carriage. According to another embodiment of the invention a portable foldable baby diaper changing station including: (a) a diaper changing sheet; (b) a dual-purpose frame and leg structure carrying the diaper changing sheet, and (c) a shoulder strap, wherein, the foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode. According to further features in the described preferred embodiments the portable foldable baby diaper changing station 14 further including: (d) at least one collapsible leg; (e) a diaper bag, and (f) a restraining strap, wherein, thecollapsible leg, the diaper bag, and the restraining strap are operatively connected to the dual-purpose frame and leg structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. la of the prior art illustrates a child-carrying and diaper changing carriage. Fig. lb of the prior art illustrates a portable diaper changing station. Fig. 2a is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position and attached to a baby carriage, according to the present invention. Fig. 2b is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in open position and attached to a baby carriage. Fig. 2c is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position and attached to a baby carriage. Fig. 2d is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in open position and attached to a baby carriage station. Fig. 2e is a schematic illustration of a supporting mechanical arrangement of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position. Fig. 3a is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in open position. Fig. 3b is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in middle position, between folded and open position, and Fig. 3 c is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is a baby diaper changing station. The principles and operation of a baby diaper changing station according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention 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 the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have, the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, dimensions and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Referring now to the drawings, Figure 2a is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station 300 disposed in a folded position and attached to a baby carriage 301, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2b is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station 300 disposed in open position and attached to a baby carriage 301. This schematic illustration also shows a diaper changing sheet 14 and a removable diaper changing mat 11 on which an infant can be placed in order to change his or her diaper, a head cushion 12 serving as support for the infant's head, a restraining strap 13 that prevents the infant from falling, and a diaper bag 15 for carrying various objects, such as bottles, disposable and fabric diapers, moist wipes, ointment, a wallet, a cellular phone, and clean changes of clothes. The removable diaper changing mat 11 and the head cushion 12 can be easily removed for maintaining hygiene of the changing sheet 14 that carries the weight of the infant placed upon it. The changing sheet 14 can be composed of flexible, elastic, or rigid materials, or of a combination of such materials. Figure 2c is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position and attached to a baby carriage, without several parts. Figure 2d is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in open position and attached to a baby carriage, without several parts. This schematic illustration also shows a supporting mechanical arrangement 7 and a handle 8 used for opening and folding the baby diaper changing station. The baby diaper changing station 300 can be equipped with one or more legs, this schematic illustration shows two legs, front leg 5 and rear leg 6. Front leg 5 carries some of the weight of the baby diaper changing station 300 and the weight of the infant, and additional objects placed on it. In this illustration, it is depicted to include a leg base 9 that rests on the ground or floor after the baby diaper changing station 300 is opened for the purpose of changing a diaper, and the adjustable structure 16 that carries the weight load as described and can be adjusted to a convenient height for changing a diaper and positioning the changing sheet 14 on an approximately horizontal plane. The adjustable stucture 16 can have a round or other cross section, and can be composed of known material such as metals and composite or other materials, as long as it meets the requirement of carrying any weight that is likely to be placed on it. It can include several parts, such as two parts in telescopic structure, to enable adjusting it to the necessary height and locking it in that position. The rear leg 6 can have the same structure and qualities. Furthermore, this schematic illustration shows connective means that enable attaching the baby diaper changing station 300 to a baby carriage 301, and easily detaching it. These connective means can be such that they enable connection to various baby carriages of different structures and dimensions. These connective means can be of various kinds, the ones shown in the illustration include pairs of an upper clip 1 and an upper connector 2, and a lower clip 3 and a lower connector 4. Figure 2e is a schematic illustration of a supporting mechanical arrangement 7 and a leg

5 of a preferred embodiment of a foldable baby diaper changing station disposed in folded position. The present invention enables normal operation of baby carriage 301 when the baby diaper changing station 300 is attached to it, disposed in folded mode. As used herein the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term¹ 'normal operation of a baby carriage' and the like refer to a baby carriage that can be operated in substainlly the same manner as a baby carriage 301 without any special restrictions imposed by the baby diaper changing station 300 that is attached to it, disposed in folded mode. Fig. 3 a is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station 400 disposed in open position. This schematic illustration also shows a diaper changing sheet 17 on which an infant can be placed in order to change its diaper, a restraining strap 18 that prevents the infant from falling, a diaper bag 19 which can carry various objects, such as bottles, disposable and fabric diapers, moist wipes, ointment, a wallet, a cellular phone, and clean changes of clothes, two or more dual-purpose frame and leg structures 20, collapsible legs 21, and carrying strap 22. Changing sheet 17 can be composed of a flexible sheet, such as a sheet of fabric. , Fig. 3b is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station 400 disposed in middle position, between folded and open positions. This schematic ilustration shows that the diaper changing sheet 17can be flexible. Fig. 3 c is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a portable foldable baby diaper changing station 400 in folded position. This schematic illustration shows that the dual- purpose frame and leg structure 20 can be an external frame encompassing components of the foldable baby diaper changing station 400, folded in a compact manner that is for carrying on the shoulder and connected with shoulder strap 22. Typical use of the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 includes the following actions: Procurement: The infant's caregivers procure the foldable baby diaper changing station 300, with all of its foldable parts folded as shown in Figure 2e, and sealed in packaging. Assembly: The caregiver removes the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 from its packaging and connects the pair of upper clips 1 to the handle or handles of the baby carriage 301, according to its type, and the pair of lower clips 3 to the vertical axes located above each of the baby carriage's 301 rear wheels, as shown in the illustrations and particularly in Figure 2d. Next, the caregiver attaches the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 to the baby carriage 301 by means of the pair of upper connectors 2 to the upper clips 1, and the pair of lower connectors 4 to the lower clips 3. Afterwards, the caregiver performs primary adjustment of the lengths of the front leg 5 and the rear leg 6 to the height of the baby carriage 301. The caregiver can locks the rear wheel brakes of the baby carriage 301 for this purpose. By pulling the handle 8, the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 is opened and the front leg 5 and the rear leg 6 are lowered to the ground. The handle 8 pulls to full extension of the diaper changing sheet 14 and until a "click" is heard, indicating the mechanical locking of the parts of the supporting mechanical arrangement 7. In this position, the lengths of the front leg 5 and the rear leg 6 are adjusted so that they are both placed vertically on the ground. These lengths are suitable for diaper changing when the baby carriage 301 and the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 attached to it are disposed on a horizontal surface. In other cases, the lengths of the front leg 5 and the rear leg 6 can be separately adapted to the specific terrain conditions. Now, all the remaining parts, such as the diaper bag 15 of the foldable baby diaper changing station 300, can be attached, if they have not yet been attached. Diaper changing, or changing of any other item. This stage can be comprised of any of the following steps: Locking the rear wheel brakes of the baby carriage 301. Opening the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 by pulling the handle 8 to extension of the diaper changing sheet 14 and the "click" sound of the mechanical lock. Laying the infant upon the removable diaper changing mat 11 and the head cushion 12 and securing the infant with the restraining strap 13. Opening the diaper bag 15 and removing objects from it. Changing the infant's diaper. Returning objects into the diaper bag 15 and closing it. Unfastening the restraining strap 13. Returning the infant to the baby carriage. Closing the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 by pushing the handle 8 to locking in folded position. Folding the baby carriage 301: When the baby carriage 301 is of the kind that maintains its original width when folded, the lower connectors 4 should be removed and the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 should be rotated to be positioned above the baby carriage 301 towards the infant seat, without removing the upper connectors, and only then should the baby carriage be folded. When folding baby carriages that do not enable folding as described above, the upper connectors 2 should also be removed. The upper clip 1 includes an axis that is not shown in the illustration, that allows it free angular motion for the purpose of attaching the foldable baby diaper changing station 300 and folding the baby carriage 301. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,

modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A foldable baby diaper changing station comprising: (a) a diaper changing sheet; (b) a supporting mechanical arrangement carrying said diaper changing sheet; (c) at least one connector disposed at said supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting said supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting said supporting mechanical arrangement from a baby carriage, and (d) at least one leg operatively connected to said supporting mechanical arrangement so that when said foldable baby diaper changing station is in open mode, said leg carries at least some of the weight of said foldable baby diaper changing station, wherein, said foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode.

2. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1, wherein, said foldable baby diaper changing station can be attached to a baby carriage in a manner that enables normal operation of said baby carriage when said baby diaper changing station is disposed in folded position and enables changing diapers, garments, or medical dressings when said baby diaper changing station is opened.

3. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1 further comprising: (e) a diaper bag disposed at said supporting mechanical arrangement, wherein, said diaper bag can be removed or attached by a caregiver.

4. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1 further comprising: (f) a removable diaper changing mat substantially attached to said diaper changing sheet; (g) a head cushion, and (h) a restraining strap, to prevent the infant from falling off of said baby diaper changing station, wherein, said removable diaper changing mat and said head cushion can be changed by a caregiver in order to maintain hygiene.

5. The folded baby diaper changing station of claim 1, wherein said connector includes: (i) a clip, wherein, said connector enables attachment of said baby diaper changing station to a baby carriages of varying dimensions, and wherein said clip enables simple and fast connecting of said baby diaper changing station to a baby carriage, and simple and fast disconnecting.

6. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1, wherein said leg includes: (i) a leg base, and (ii) an adjustable structure attached to said leg base, wherein said adjustable structure enables to adjust the height of the diaper changing sheet and positioning it on an approximately horizontal plane.

7. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1 further comprising: (j) a handle, wherein said handle, when pulled in one motion, enables fast opening of said baby diaper changing station.

8. The foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 1, further comprising: (e) at least one connector disposed at said supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting said supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting said supporting mechanical arrangement from it, wherein, said connector enables attachment of said baby diaper changing station to baby carriages of varying dimensions, and wherein said clip enables simple and fast connecting of said baby diaper changing station to a baby carriage, and simple and fast disconnecting, wherein said connector includes a clip; (f) a diaper bag disposed at said supporting mechanical arrangement, wherein, said diaper bag can be removed or attached by a caregiver. (g) a removable diaper changing mat substantially attached to said diaper changing platform, wherein, said removable diaper changing mat can be changed by a caregiver in order to maintain hygiene; (h) a head cushion wherein, said head cushion can be changed by a caregiver in order to maintain hygiene; (i) a restraining strap, to prevent the infant from falling off of said baby diaper changing station; (j) a handle, wherein said handle, when pulled in one motion, enables fast opening of said baby diaper changing station, and wherein, said foldable diaper changing station can be attached to said baby carriage in a manner that enables normal operation of said baby carriage when said baby diaper changing station is in folded mode and enables changing diapers, garments, or medical dressings when the said baby diaper changing station is opened.

9. A method for enabling a caregiver to change an infant's diapers, garments, and medical dressings, and perform actions requiring exposing a part of the body in various locations and times, the method comprising the following steps: (a) providing the caregiver with a foldable baby diaper changing station, said foldable baby diaper changing station including: (i) a diaper changing sheet; (ii) a supporting mechanical arrangement carrying said diaper changing platform; (ii) at least one connector disposed at said supporting mechanical arrangement so as to enable connecting said supporting mechanical arrangement to a baby carriage, and disconnecting said supporting mechanical arrangement from a baby carriage, and (iv) at least one leg operatively connected to said supporting mechanical arrangement so that when said foldable baby diaper changing station is disposed in open mode, said leg carries at least some of the weight of said foldable baby diaper changing station, wherein, said foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode, and (b) connecting said foldable baby diaper changing station to a baby carriage.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the following steps: (c) performing primary adjustment of the height of said leg, or legs when equipped with more than one leg, to the height of said baby carriage; (d) locking the rear wheels of said baby carriage; (e) fast opening of said baby diaper changing station; (f) placing the infant upon said removable diaper changing mat; (g) changing the infant's diaper.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: (h) returning the infant to said baby carriage, and (i) folding said baby diaper changing station.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of: (j) folding said baby carriage when said baby diaper changing station is attached to it in folded mode.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: (k) returning the infant to said baby carriage; (1) removing said baby diaper changing station from said baby carriage, and (m) folding said baby carriage.

14. A portable foldable baby diaper changing station comprising: (a) a diaper changing sheet; (b) a dual-purpose frame and leg structure carrying said diaper changing sheet, and (c) a shoulder strap, wherein, said foldable baby diaper changing station has at least an open mode and a folded mode.

15. The portable foldable baby diaper changing station of claim 14 further comprising: (d) at least one collapsible leg; (e) a diaper bag, and (f) a restraining strap, wherein, said collapsible leg, said diaper bag, and said restraining strap are operatively connected to said dual-puφose frame and leg structure.