Abstract:
A disposable cover for use with a public diaper changing station provides a sanitary barrier between the child and the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the diaper changing station. Three edges of the disposable cover include an elastic band for securing the cover around the horizontal surface of the diaper changing station. Another edge has two tabs permanently affixed to the cover. The tabs are double sided adhesive for attaching to the vertical surface of the diaper changing station and for securing the cover tightly to itself after use for sanitary disposal. The cover safeguards both the horizontal surface and the vertical surface of the diaper changing station to insulate the child and parent from possible contact with these surfaces during use. After use, the cover folds up on itself containing any contaminants and curtailing the spread of bacteria.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/291,933, entitled “Disposable Cover for Diaper Changing Station and Method of Use” filed on Nov. 14, 2008 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/988,361, entitled “Protective Cover for Diaper Changing Station” filed on Nov. 15, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to disposable covers. In particular, the invention relates to a disposable cover that is removably securable to a diaper changing station and used to protect a child from unsanitary public surfaces during the process of changing the child&#39;s diaper. The disposable cover also provides a salubrious means of disposing of the used cover and the soiled diaper. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Diaper changing stations located in public restrooms assist parents by providing a flat, horizontal, sturdy surface on which to place a child and change a diaper. These public diaper changing stations typically are mounted to a wall. When in the stored position, the flat surface is generally parallel to the wall. When in use, the pivotally connected flat surface rotates down to a horizontal position and becomes perpendicular to a now exposed vertical surface. Often, after use, the previous user has not properly cleaned the surfaces after changing a child&#39;s soiled diaper. This can result in viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants being left on the surfaces. These contaminants give rise to the possibility of infecting subsequent users. The leftover contaminants also promote the spread of common colds as well as infectious diseases to not only the child but also to the parent and other restroom users. Some parents resort to using paper towels, toilet paper, or changing pads to insulate their child from the horizontal surface during the diaper changing process. These items typically do not cover the entire horizontal surface and also may be difficult to keep in place under a wiggling or floundering child. Often the vertical surface is left uncovered and exposed to contamination. Both surfaces of the diaper changing station may also be contaminated if the parent does not properly secure the contents of the diaper or the used diaper itself for proper disposal. 
         [0004]    Typical of the prior art is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0256244 to Ashley. Ashley discloses a disposable diaper changing cover for use with a diaper changing table that is commonly found in public restrooms. The cover can be stretched over the flat surface of the table. An elastic band around the edges of the cover is used to removably secure the cover to the table. The elastic band can extend around all four edges of the cover or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the cover contains two adhesive sections that are used to help secure the cover to the table. The adhesive sections contact the protruding horizontal surface of the table. However, the vertical surface of the table is left exposed and the diaper itself is left to be disposed of independently. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0240261 to Yazarlo-Stahl et al. discloses a disposable cover for seat cushions, mattresses, and changing tables. The cover is comprised of a liquid-receiving layer, an absorption body, and a backing layer. The cover further contains a securing flap that is used to securely close the rolled up cover after use. The first end of the securing flap is permanently affixed to the cover. The second end of the securing flap contains an adhesive. When the cover is in use, the second end of the securing flap is releasably adhered to a portion of the pad to a specialized surface that resists bonding with the adhesive. Once the cover is rolled, the second end of the securing flap is then removed from the specialized surface. To secure the cover closed, the second end of the securing flap is secured to a portion of the cover that does not contain a specialized surface and therefore bonds with the adhesive. However, when used for a diaper changing station, the vertical surface remains exposed and the pad itself is bulky and space consuming. Further, the play allowed by the second end of the securing flap requires the effectiveness of the attachment of the flap to the cover. 
         [0006]    Therefore a need exists for a disposable cover for a diaper changing station that covers both surfaces of the changing station, is easily affixed to the changing station, stays in place during use and provides a convenient means to properly secure and dispose of the used diaper after removal from the child. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0007]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a disposable cover for a diaper changing station commonly found in public restrooms. The invention provides a one-piece sanitary covering for both the flat horizontal surface that supports the child and the vertical surface exposed when the changing station is in use. The cover is flexible enough and compactable enough to be easily stored in a typical bag or purse. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a generally rectangular shaped thin, flexible material of sufficient size to cover both exposed surfaces of a typical diaper changing station. Three of the four edges of the cover contain elastic material. The fourth edge includes two double sided adhesive tabs extending perpendicular from the edge. A portion of each tab is permanently affixed to the cover. The remainder of each tab contains an adhesive coating on both sides. The adhesive coating on both sides of each tab are covered by a removable strip. 
         [0009]    An alternate preferred embodiment is made up of three different sized rectangular sections. A one by two ratio section connected by a small rectangular region to a larger two by four ratio section. The two by four section has three edges that include elastic and the one by two section includes two double-sided adhesive tabs extending perpendicular from an edge. The adhesive coating on both sides of each tab are covered by a removable strip. 
         [0010]    In use, the cover is placed on the changing station with the edge containing the tabs aligned with the vertical surface of the changing station. The cover is secured to the changing station by first wrapping the elastic edges around the changing station&#39;s protruding horizontal surface. The removable strips on each of the tabs adjacent the changing station&#39;s vertical surface are removed. Once the adhesive portions of the tabs are exposed, the tabs are pressed against the changing station&#39;s vertical surface. 
         [0011]    To remove the cover from the changing station, the adhesive tabs are removed from the vertical surface of the changing station. The elastic edges are then unwrapped from the changing station&#39;s horizontal surface. The cover is wrapped inward to contain contaminants from the diaper changing process within the cover and isolate them from contact with external surfaces. The removable strips that cover the remaining adhesive portion of the tabs are removed. The newly exposed adhesive portions of the tabs are used to keep the cover securely closed. Additionally, the used diaper can be wrapped up in the cover as well for sanitary disposal. The cover and the diaper are disposed of in a receptacle located in the restroom. 
         [0012]    Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a disposable cover of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in place on a diaper changing station. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a disposable cover of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a partial cut away view of a tab of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a disposable cover of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show disposable cover  100 . The preferred embodiment of disposable cover  100  is generally rectangular in shape. Alternate embodiments could be square shaped or oval shaped. The criticality of the size and shape being that it is large enough and shaped appropriately to completely cover a typical diaper changing station as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the preferred embodiment, disposable cover  100  is a thin, lightweight plastic sheet. Disposable cover  100  in a preferred embodiment is transparent. In an alternate embodiment, the disposable cover is made of durable, lightweight paper having a wax or plastic surface adhered to at least one side. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a non-volatile disinfectant on one or both sides that is capable of sterilizing the changing table. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a chemical with a pleasant smelling scent. 
         [0020]    In still a further embodiment, the cover may be an opaque white plastic impregnated with a temperature sensitive pigment. Examples of heat sensitive pigments are shown in  Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paints  by Tianshu Liu and John P. Sullivan (Springer 2004), incorporated herein by referenced. In this preferred embodiment the temperature of the child can be ascertained after changing by observing the cover where the child was in contact with it. The cover may include printed legend  101  correlating the colors to an appropriate range of temperatures. If an elevated temperature is indicated, appropriate health care can be administered to the child. The disposable cover is easily compacted and before unfolding for use, is easily transportable in a typical purse, bag, or pocket. As the cover is disposable, several disposable covers can easily be carried at one time. 
         [0021]    Disposable cover  100  has top side  126  and bottom side  128 . Disposable cover  100  further includes diametrically opposed edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . Edges  112 ,  114 , and  116  contain elastic  134  along their peripheries. In the preferred embodiment, elastic  134  is a ribbon of elastic material sewn into disposable cover  100  at the edges. In the preferred embodiment, the entire length of edge  114  and approximately half the lengths of edges  112  and  116  include elastic  134 . In alternate embodiments, elastic  134  can extend through the entire length of all edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  or just the entire length of edges  112 ,  114 , and  116 . Edge  110  further includes tabs  130  and  132 . Tabs  130  and  132  extend approximately perpendicularly from and overlap edge  110 . Tabs  130  and  132  are permanently affixed to disposable cover  100 . The lateral location of tabs  130  and  132  is generally equidistant between both tabs and edges  112  and  116 . 
         [0022]    Diaper changing station  102  is comprised of housing  108  and table  106 . Housing  108  is generally configured as a three sided box and is commonly attached to a vertical surface such as wall  104 . Table  106  is pivotally attached to housing  108  at pivot point  118 . When in a stored position, table  106  is rotated upwards to where it&#39;s generally parallel with wall  104  and is fully contained in housing  108 . When in use, table  106  is rotated downward so that table  106  extends perpendicular from wall  104 . Table  106  includes horizontal surface  122 . When table  106  is rotated downward and extends perpendicularly from wall  104 , vertical surface  120  of housing  108  is exposed. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows the layers of tab  130 . Tab  132  is structurally identical to tab  130 . Tab  130  includes base layer  314  having ends  320  and  322 . Tab  130  is permanently affixed to top side  126  of disposable cover  100  at end  322 . Adhesive layer  312  is adjacent one side of base layer  314  at end  320 . Adhesive layer  310  is adjacent the opposite side of base layer  314  at end  320 . Adhesive layers  310  and  312  have a releasable tack strength capable of securing disposable cover  100  to diaper changing station  102  but also easily removable without leaving a residue. Removable strip  308  is adjacent adhesive layer  312  and completely covers adhesive layer  312 . Removable strip  306  is adjacent adhesive layer  310  and completely covers adhesive layer  310 . Removable strips  306  and  308  can be easily removed from adhesive layers  310  and  312  respectively without removing the adhesives from base layer  314 . 
         [0024]    In use, disposable cover  100  completely covers both horizontal surface  122  and vertical surface  120  of diaper changing station  102  to provide a clean, sanitary surface on which to change the diaper of a child. Table  106  is rotated downward from a stored position within housing  108  until table  106  is generally parallel with the floor. Disposable cover  100  is secured to diaper changing station  102  by first wrapping edge  114  over the leading edge of table  106 . Edges  112  and  116  of disposable cover  100  are wrapped around the lateral edges of table  106 . Elastic  134  contained in edges  112 ,  114 , and  116  keeps disposable cover  100  from slipping off horizontal surface  122 . Disposable cover  100  is pulled taut so that bottom side  128  is adjacent horizontal surface  122  and also adjacent vertical surface  120 . Removable strip  306  is peeled away from both tabs  130  and  132  exposing adhesive layer  310 . Tabs  130  and  132  are secured to vertical surface  120  by pressing the now exposed adhesive layers on each tab onto vertical surface  120 . Adhesive layer  310  on each tab keeps disposable cover  100  from slipping off vertical surface  120 . 
         [0025]    After completing the diaper change and moving the child off the diaper changing station, disposable cover  100  is removed from diaper changing station  102  by first untucking edges  112 ,  114 , and  116  from underneath table  106 . Edges  112 ,  114 , and  116  are folded upward and inward and disposable cover  100  is rolled up into a tube or ball shape towards edge  110 . Tabs  130  and  132  are peeled from vertical surface  120 . Removable strip  308  is peeled away from both tabs  130  and  132  exposing adhesive layer  312 . Edge  110  is folded over the tube or ball and adhesive layer  312  on both tabs  130  and  132  is used to prevent disposable cover  100  from unfolding and keep disposable cover  100  rolled up. Additionally, the soiled diaper may also be rolled up in disposable cover  100 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows an alternate preferred embodiment of the disposable cover. Disposable cover  400  has upper face  426  and lower face  428 . Disposable cover  400  consists of section  402  connected to section  404  by section  436 . Each section  402 ,  404 , and  436  are generally rectangular in shape. Section  402  has over twice the surface area of section  404 . In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of section  402  are approximately four feet by two feet, the dimensions of section  404  are approximately 2 feet by 1 foot, and the dimensions of section  436  are approximately 1½ feet by 4 inches. The actual measurements of the sections are not as important as the aspect ratio of each defined by the approximate widths and lengths stated. The importance of the size and shape is that the disposable cover is large enough and shaped appropriately to completely cover a typical diaper changing station. 
         [0027]    Section  404  has four diametrically opposed edges  450 ,  452 ,  454 , and  456 . Edge  450  is opposite edge  454 . Edge  456  is opposite edge  452  and is broken up by section  436 . Edge  452  further includes tabs  430  and  432 . Tabs  430  and  432  extend approximately perpendicularly from and overlap edge  452 . Tabs  430  and  432  are permanently affixed to disposable cover  400 . The lateral location of tabs  430  and  432  is generally equidistant between both tabs and edges  450  and  454 . Section  404  is connected to section  402  by section  436 . Flanking section  436  and in-between sections  402  and  404  are gaps  440  and  442 . In an alternate embodiment, gaps  440  and  442  may be semicircular in shape. 
         [0028]    Section  402  includes diametrically opposed edges  410 ,  412 ,  414 , and  416 . Section  402  further includes slits  444  and  446  situated equidistant between edges  412  and  416 . Slits  444  are a plurality of cuts through the disposable cover and are located proximate and parallel to section  436  while slits  446  are also a plurality of cuts through the disposable cover and are located proximate and parallel to edge  414 . Each opening of slits  444  and  446  is large enough to fit a safety belt that is commonly present on diaper changing stations through. 
         [0029]    Edges  412 ,  414 , and  416  contain elastic  434  along their peripheries. Edge  412  is opposite edge  416 . Edge  410  is opposite of edge  414  and broken up by section  436 . The entire length of edges  412 ,  414 , and  416  include elastic  434 . In alternate preferred embodiments, elastic  434  may extend only partially the length of edges  412  and  416 . In an additional alternate preferred embodiment, the disposable cover is made of durable, lightweight paper having a wax or plastic surface adhered to at least one side. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a non-volatile disinfectant on one or both sides that is capable of sterilizing the changing table. In another preferred embodiment, the cover can be impregnated with or covered in a chemical with a pleasant smelling scent. In still a further embodiment, the cover may be an opaque white plastic impregnated with a temperature sensitive pigment that changes colors according to its temperature. The cover may also include a printed temperature scale correlating the colors to an appropriate range of temperatures. 
         [0030]    In use, section  402  of disposable cover  400  covers the horizontal surface of a diaper changing station often found in public restrooms. Elastic  434  secures section  402  around the base of the diaper changing station and prevents the disposable cover from sliding off during use. Section  404  is attached to the horizontal surface of the diaper changing station by use of tabs  430  and  432 . Gaps  440  and  442  are positioned at the hinges of the diaper changing station to allow the diaper changing station to move between the open and closed position unhindered by the disposable cover. After completing the diaper change and moving the child off the diaper changing station, disposable cover  400  is removed in the manner previously described regarding disposable cover  100 . 
         [0031]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.