Support for baby

A support for a baby is disclosed having a flap portion, a seat portion, and a handle portion. The flap portion has at least one pocket. A pair of cushion blocks is removably attached to the seat portion, one on each side of the baby. The seat portion has a central area between the cushion blocks, composed of a non-slip material. Straps are included for securing the baby in a shopping cart or other seat. A handle is preferably attached to the handle portion for carrying the support. The cushion blocks support a baby too young to sit up alone in a seated position. Since the cushion blocks are removably attached on two surfaces, the support can also be laid flat for use as a changing pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to changing pads, and to seats with strapping
 devices for infants.
 2. Description of the Related Art
 Many caregivers of infants find it convenient to carry very young infants
 in a semi-reclining position in a carry seat. Such a seat provides
 excellent support for an infant who cannot yet sit up alone. However, as
 the infant grows heavier, carrying the infant in this manner quickly
 becomes difficult and awkward. The seats for children provided in typical
 strollers, high chairs, shopping carts, and the like are designed for
 older babies and toddlers and do not provide sufficient support for an
 infant who cannot sit up alone.
 The child seats of shopping carts have other problems. Babies often find
 them uncomfortable. Safety for the child is a well-known problem with
 shopping carts. While some stores provide safety belts to surround the
 child's waist, many others do not. Even if a waist belt is provided, a
 very small or active child may be able to slip through it, since the
 surface of a typical seat in a shopping cart has a slippery surface.
 Strapping devices are known for securing babies in shopping carts; however,
 such devices are often bulky and take up space in a diaper bag. Further
 space in a diaper bag is taken up by the need for carrying a separate
 changing pad.
 U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,194 to Hoover discloses a diaper changer bag. The bag
 has a rectangular cushioned pad with zippers on the sides and handles on
 the ends. Cushioning is provided by polyurethane foam, which can be
 removed for washing. Unfolded flat, the pad provides a diapering station.
 Folded, the pad forms a compact unit like a brief case. A separate inside
 pouch with compartments for bottles, soiled diapers, and other items fits
 inside the foldable pad.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,130 to Coates teaches a diapering station which can
 also be used as a carrying bag for infant accessories. The station has a
 middle section, two end sections which fold over the middle section, and a
 handle for carrying. A removable pouch stores dirty diapers and provides a
 waterproof changing surface. Diapers are used for cushioning. A pocket in
 one of the end sections stores clean diapers, bottles, and other infant
 accessories.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,862 to Mairs discloses a combination bassinet, baby
 carrier, and diaper bag which includes a shell, a resilient pad, and a
 padded liner. The shell is collapsible and can be used alone as a tote bag
 for carrying baby items, or with the pad and liner as a padded bassinet.
 The shell may have pockets for storage. The liner can be used alone as a
 front or back carrier for carrying a baby strapped to an adult's torso.
 Straps hold the baby in a vertical position when used as a carrier. The
 liner can also be used as a car seat cover.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,300 to Aranow teaches a convertible tote bag. Zipped
 open and unfolded flat, the bag can be used for diapering and includes an
 absorbent pad under the baby. The bag has a carrying handle at each end
 and exterior pockets. A flap with Velcro (trademark) fasteners holds the
 bag shut.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,150 to Fitzsimmons discloses a baby changing device and
 diaper bag. The device includes a rectangular panel with a central change
 area, bordered by a pair of end panels containing pockets. For carrying,
 the ends are folded over the change area to form a compact, purse-like
 article. Handles are provided at each end of the change area. A changing
 pad is attached to the change area with Velcro (trademark) strips.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,505 to Bullard et al. discloses a rectangular pad with
 an outer liquid-impervious layer and an inner cushioning layer of plastic
 foam. Unfolded, the pad serves for diaper changing. The pad can be folded
 to form a bag, or into a U-shaped configuration for use as a sun visor on
 a stroller or other carrier. Fastening strips allow the pad to be fastened
 to the carrier or secured closed. The pad includes a pocket for insect
 netting.
 U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,508 to Koutsis, Jr. teaches a convertible sack which in
 various embodiments functions as a tote, blanket, diaper bag, changing
 pad, seat, tent, etc. The sack is converted from a flat surface to a sack
 by pulling a cord through access openings.
 U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,829 to Celestina-Krevh discloses an adjustable and
 removable head support for an infant or toddler, for use in a car seat.
 The support has an upper body portion with two flanking pillow sections, a
 pair of harness belt apertures, a central portion, and a lower portion
 with a pair of flanking leg pillow sections. The upper pillow sections are
 attached by flexible securing straps so the lateral separation can be
 adjusted. A soft foam material serves as padding.
 U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,835 to Rogers et al. teaches a convertible shopping
 cart seat liner and diaper bag. The seat liner has a flexible container
 with a bottom and front, rear, and side walls attached to the four edges
 of the bottom. The container is sized and shaped to flexibly position
 within a shopping cart seat. An attached handle allows for carrying. The
 seat liner may include pockets for child-related items. A detachable
 infant pad may be used to extend over the leg openings in the front wall
 when the liner is used as a diaper bag. The pad may also be used to line
 the bottom of the liner, allowing a very small infant to lie down,
 surrounded by the front, rear, and side walls. A securing strap may be
 included for securing the liner to a shopping cart, as well as a child
 restraining strap to secure the child. An auxiliary bag may be snapped to
 the liner for more storage space for diaper items, toys, etc.
 U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,412 to Smith et al. teaches a shopping cart seat
 cushion and diaper bag. The cushion has a rectangular seat panel and
 foldable front, back, and side panels attached to the seat panel. A top
 panel depends from the back panel and may fold over a shopping cart seat
 backrest. A separate diaper changing cushion may be removably attached to
 the upper surface of the seat panel to provide additional comfort for the
 child. The panels fold up into a rectangular diaper bag and are secured
 with Velcro (trademark) attachments. The side panels have storage pockets
 for diapers and the like. The top panel also has an accessory panel with
 storage compartments.
 United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2 061 712 teaches a bag with a
 detachable absorbent sheet for changing an infant. The sheet may be
 attached with Velcro, and is secured in its store position with zips.
 U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,336 to King discloses a tote bag having a central
 U-shaped compartment and two side storage panels; the bag converts to a
 seat cover for use on chairs and the like. British Patent No. 722,867 to
 Bornstein discloses a mattress which can be folded to convert it to a
 container. British Patent No. 943,965 to Askaroff discloses a resilient
 mat for changing a baby, having compartments for toilet requisites.
 British Patent No. 1,264,919 to Hudson teaches a cushion which can be
 folded to form a carrier bag. European Patent 0 233 097 to Achour shows a
 sack which can be zipped open to form a flat surface.
 None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in
 combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a
 support for a baby solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention is a support for a baby having a flap portion, a seat
 portion, and a handle portion. The flap portion has at least one pocket. A
 pair of cushion blocks is removably attached to the seat portion, one on
 each side of the baby. The seat portion has a central area between the
 cushion blocks, composed of a non-slip material. Straps are included for
 securing the baby in a shopping cart or other seat. A handle is preferably
 attached to the handle portion for carrying the support. The cushion
 blocks support a baby too young to sit up alone in a seated position.
 Since the cushion blocks are removably attached on two surfaces, the
 support can also be laid flat for use as a changing pad.
 Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a support
 for a baby which provides support in various types of seats for a baby too
 young to sit alone.
 It is another object of the invention to provide a support which secures a
 baby in a seat and prevents the baby from slipping out of the seat.
 It is a further object of the invention to provide a support which can be
 used as a changing pad.
 Still another object of the invention is to provide a support which can be
 easily washed.
 It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and
 arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive,
 dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
 These and other objects of the present invention will become readily
 apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently
 throughout the attached drawings.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 The present invention is a support 10 for a baby 12 having a pad assembly
 13. The pad assembly includes a flap portion 14, a seat portion 16, a
 handle portion 18, an upper surface 15, and a lower surface 17. Each of a
 pair of cushion blocks 20 is removably attached to the seat portion 16.
 The support 10 includes strap means for releasably securing the baby, and
 handle means for carrying.
 Preferably the pad assembly, the flap portion, the handle portion, and the
 seat portion are each generally rectangular in shape. The long axis of the
 pad assembly 13 is perpendicular to the long axes of the flap portion 14,
 the seat portion 16, and the handle portion 18. The pad assembly is
 preferably about 36 inches (91 cm) long and 18 inches (46 cm) wide. The
 flap portion, handle portion, and seat portion are separated by seams or
 fold lines.
 The flap portion 14 is preferably constructed of first and second layers of
 fabric 22 and 24, separated by a padding layer 26. See FIG. 4. The flap
 portion 14 has a distal edge 23, a proximal edge 25, and first and second
 side edges 27 and 29. See FIG. 2.
 The fabric may be any comfortable, machine washable material, such as
 cotton or a cotton/synthetic blend. The padding layer may be polyester
 quilt batting or the like.
 The flap portion contains at least one pocket, which may take any of a wide
 variety of forms. One preferred arrangement is a layer of pocket fabric 28
 extending adjacent to and parallel to the first fabric layer 22. The
 pocket fabric is attached to the distal edge 23 of the flap portion. See
 FIG. 4. The pocket preferably extends substantially the full length of the
 flap portion 14, parallel to the distal edge.
 The pocket ideally is divided by stitching into at least two compartments
 39. At least three compartments 39 are preferred, as shown in FIG. 2. The
 size of each compartment may be adjusted if desired to the size of
 specific baby items intended to be contained, such as bottles. This pocket
 arrangement is easily manufactured, holds baby items securely when the
 support is carried, and keeps the items out of the way when the support is
 in use. The pocket compartments are suitable for carrying diapers, wipes,
 bottles, toys, and baby food, as well as shopping lists and the like.
 The pocket may include a cover flap 43, as shown in FIG. 4. The cover flap
 43 preferably has a securing means to releasably hold the pocket closed.
 The securing means may be a hook and loop fastener 45, as in FIG. 4.
 The seat portion 16 has a central area 30 and first and second side edges
 32 and 34. The seat portion also has a distal edge 33 and an opposite
 proximal edge 35. The central area has a proximal edge 37. The central
 area 30 is composed of a non-slip material 31. The non-slip material has a
 first non-slip surface 36 and a second non-slip surface 38 opposite the
 first non-slip surface. See FIG. 4. The first non-slip surface 36 is in
 contact with the baby's bottom when the support is used to cover a seat,
 such as a shopping cart seat. The second non-slip surface 38 is in contact
 with the seat itself. See FIG. 1. The central area 30 is preferably about
 9 inches (23 cm) by 91/2 inches (24 cm).
 While the remainder of the pad assembly is preferably composed of at least
 two and ideally three layers, the central area 30 is preferably composed
 of a single layer of non-slip material 31. This assures that the two
 surfaces 36 and 38 cannot slide past each other. However, two non-slip
 layers may be used if the layers are securely stitched or otherwise
 secured together.
 The central area 30 of the seat portion preferably is U-shaped or generally
 U-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The notch 47 is adjacent to the
 distal edge 33. The seats of strollers, high chairs, shopping carts, and
 the like often have a central strap or member such as the central member
 49 shown for the shopping cart 51 of FIG. 1. The central strap or member
 fits between the baby's legs. The notch 47 is adapted to allow the seat
 portion 16 to more easily fit seats with a central strap or member, while
 maintaining maximum contact between the baby's legs and the non-slip
 material of the central area 30.
 The non-slip material 31 is preferably composed of non-slip rug cushion
 material The rug cushion material may be polyester scrim coated with PVC.
 Suitable rug cushion material is available under the trademark Mighty
 Gripper. The non-slip material may also be fabric studded or covered with
 a pattern of PVC or other high-friction materials, similar to non-slip
 socks and gloves.
 The central area 30 of the seat portion 16 is preferably surrounded on each
 side by a peripheral area 40. See FIG. 2. The peripheral area preferably
 is U-shaped and surrounds the central area 30 on three sides, as shown in
 FIGS. 1 and 2. The base of the U includes the proximal edge 35, while the
 two arms of the U include the first and second side edges 32 and 34
 respectively. Alternatively, the peripheral area 40 may consist of a pair
 of strips flanking the central area 30, and the proximal edge 37 of the
 central area may coincide with the proximal edge 35 of the seat portion.
 The peripheral area is preferably composed of two layers of fabric 42 and
 44 separated by a padding layer 46. See FIG. 5. The fold line 41 may
 extend from the proximal edge 37 of the central area 30 across the
 peripheral area 40.
 The handle portion 18 preferably has a first fabric layer 48 and a second
 fabric layer 50 opposite the first fabric layer. Preferably a padding
 layer 52 is located between the first and second fabric layers 48 and 50.
 The handle portion 18 also has a flap edge 54, a seat edge 56 opposite the
 flap edge 54, and a first side edge 58. The second side edge 60 is
 opposite the first side edge 58. The flap edge 54 is attached to the
 proximal edge 25 of the flap portion 14. The seat edge 56 is attached to
 the proximal edge 35 of the seat portion 16. See FIGS. 2 and 4.
 The seat and flap edges 56 and 54 are preferably parallel to the proximal
 and distal edges 25, 23, 33, and 35 of the flap portion and the seat
 portion respectively. The seat and flap edges 56 and 54 are also
 preferably parallel to the fold line 41 of the seat portion 16 and the
 proximal edge 37 of the central area 30. The first and second side edges
 32 and 34, 27 and 29, and 58 and 60 of the seat portion, the flap portion
 and the handle portion respectively are preferably continuous and
 perpendicular to the seat and flap edges 56 and 54 and to the proximal and
 distal edges 25, 23, 33, and 35.
 The support 10 has a pair of cushion blocks 20. Each cushion block 20 has a
 front surface 62, a rear surface 64, a top surface 66, a bottom surface
 68, and first and second side surfaces 70 and 72. See FIGS. 2, 4, and 5.
 Each of the bottom and the rear surfaces 68 and 64 of each cushion block
 20 is removably attached to the seat portion 16 near one of the side edges
 32 or 34 of the seat portion 16. Preferably the cushion blocks 20 are
 attached to the peripheral area 40 of the seat portion. The cushion blocks
 are preferably about 4 inches (11 cm) high, 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide, and 5
 inches (12 cm) long.
 The cushion blocks 20 may be of any suitable material for cushioning and
 supporting a baby. Preferably each of the cushion blocks 20 includes an
 inner cushion 76 and an outer cover 78. The outer cover 78 is preferably
 composed of the same fabric as the fabric layers 22, 24, 42, 44, 48, and
 50. The outer cover 78 ideally has a securing means to releasably secure
 the inner cushion 76 within the outer cover. This allows the inner cushion
 to be removed for washing. For example, FIG. 5 shows the outer cover
 secured by hook and loop fastener 80. The inner cushion may be of
 polyurethane foam or other suitable synthetic foam.
 Each cushion block 20 is preferably removably attached to the seat portion
 by one or more connecting hook and loop fasteners. Each of the connecting
 hook and loop fasteners has a hook portion 82 and a loop portion 84.
 Preferably the loop portion 84 of each of the connecting hook and loop
 fasteners is attached to the seat portion 16. The hook portion 82 of each
 of the connecting hook and loop fasteners is attached to one of the
 cushion blocks 20. This arrangement assures that the baby will not be
 scratched by the hooks when the cushion blocks are removed. The loops are
 softer to the touch than the hooks.
 The hook and loop portions 82 and 84 of the connecting hook and loop
 fasteners are preferably wide enough to allow the width between the
 cushion blocks to be adjusted. This helps to fit the cushion blocks to the
 size of the baby. As the baby grows older and is able to sit without
 support, the cushion blocks can be removed entirely. The support continues
 to provide a secure, non-slip attachment to many types of seats, as well
 as serving as a changing pad and diaper bag.
 The hook and loop portions 82 and 84 preferably extend the entire length of
 the bottom and rear surfaces 68 and 64 of each cushion block. This
 maintains a secure attachment between the cushion blocks and the seat
 portion when the baby is in a seat.
 The support 10 includes strap means for releasably securing the baby.
 Preferably the pad assembly 13 has first and second slits 86 and 88. See
 FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably the slits 86 and 88 are located near the seat
 edge 56 of the handle portion. This location helps to hold the baby
 securely without causing the pad assembly to bunch up.
 The strap means preferably includes a first strap 90 having a central
 portion 92 and first and second ends 94 and 96. See FIG. 3. The strap is
 preferably nylon. The central portion 92 of the first strap 90 is located
 near the lower surface 17 of the pad assembly. The first and second ends
 94 and 96 of the first strap extend through the first and second slits 86
 and 88 respectively. The first and second ends 94 and 96 of the first
 strap are releasably secured to each other by a first clip 98 to form a
 loop. The first clip 98 is preferably a parachute clip or similar
 fastener.
 The strap means preferably also includes a second strap 100 and a third
 strap 102. See FIG. 3. Each of the second and third straps 100 and 102 has
 a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. Each proximal end 104 is attached
 to the central portion 92 of the first strap 90. The distal ends 106 of
 the second and third straps 100 and 102 are releasably secured to each
 other by a second clip 108. The second clip 108 is preferably a parachute
 clip identical to the first clip 98.
 The second clip 108 allows the support to be easily attached to a seat. For
 example, the second clip may be fastened around one or more bars of a
 shopping cart seat behind the baby, while the first strap is secured
 around the baby. This arrangement holds the baby firmly in place, without
 requiring that the first strap be threaded through the slits 86 and 88
 each time the support is used. The baby cannot climb out of the seat or
 fall.
 The support 10 includes handle means for carrying the support. The handle
 means preferably includes a handle 110 attached to the upper surface 15 of
 the handle portion 18 of the pad assembly. Ideally the widths of the flap
 portion, the handle portion, and the seat portion are approximately equal.
 The handle preferably is attached approximately half-way between the flap
 edge 54 and the seat edge 56 of the handle portion 18. This location
 provides for good balance, making the support easier to carry. The weight
 of the cushion blocks 20, the non-slip material 31, and the straps 90, 100
 and 102 is roughly balanced by the weight of diapers and other baby
 supplies carried in the pocket compartments 39.
 The support keeps a baby who cannot yet sit up alone upright and supported.
 The non-slip material prevents the baby from sliding around, while the
 cushion blocks support him on either side. This combination works to
 prevent the baby from slumping into an uncomfortable position, without
 requiring that the cushion blocks fit tightly against the baby on both
 sides. The support makes the seats of standard strollers, high chairs,
 shopping carts, and the like more comfortable and secure for infants.
 In a shopping area or restaurant the support can be simply folded over a
 shopping cart or high chair, making sure the seat is flat and the cushion
 blocks are in line with the seat. The flap portion is folded over the back
 of the seat, as in FIG. 1. The baby is then placed in the seat and
 fastened in, and the second clip is fastened to the seat. Very little time
 is required.
 When the baby needs changing, the pad assembly is easily unfolded by
 separating the hook portion 82 of the rear surface 64 of each cushion
 block from its corresponding loop portion 84. See FIGS. 4 and 2. The hook
 portion 82 of the bottom surface 68 can remain in place while the baby is
 changed. The cushion blocks help to prevent the baby from rolling off a
 changing table. The padding layers and the non-slip material cushion the
 baby during the changing process. The pocket compartments 39 keep the
 necessary supplies exactly where they are needed. A separate changing pad
 and diaper bag do not have to be carried.
 The support is easily cleaned. Once the inner cushions of the cushion
 blocks are removed, the remainder of the support can be easily machine
 washed.
 It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the
 embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments
 within the scope of the following claims.