Abstract:
A combination changing pad/textile warmer apparatus that provides a warmed changing surface for changing a baby while also providing a means to warm pajamas, slippers, baby blankets, or the like.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,390 filed on Jan. 24, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to heating products.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     There is a need for a product that can be used to provide a warmed changing surface for changing a baby while also providing a means to warm pajamas, slippers, baby blankets or the like, in order to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling associated with wearing or using these items in their colder state.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention meets the above-described need by providing an electrically-operated heating device that is capable of providing a warmed changing surface while heating items such as pajamas, slippers or the like. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a combined changing pad and blanket warming apparatus as shown in an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the feature control unit of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0008]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  generally, and initially to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  of the present invention may be provided with a heating pad  13  which may contain a heating element which may be molded into a high density polyethylene with, by way of non-limiting example, a maximum temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating pad  13  may be covered or enveloped by a removable liner  16  which may be washable if it should become soiled. The removable liner  16  may also enclose side guards  19  which may aid in preventing a baby or objects from rolling off of the apparatus  10 .  
         [0009]     The apparatus  10  may also contain a heating bag  22  which may be thermostatically controlled to warm pajamas, clothing, diapers, dry towels, or other objects. An interior of the heating bag  22  may be accessed by through a pocket opening  25 .  
         [0010]     The temperature of the apparatus  10  is controlled by utilizing a feature control unit  28  which may have an auto on and off timer regulated by the user. The feature control unit  28  may have built-in circuitry to automatically shut it off if the temperature sensor fails to provide a correct value (i.e. is disconnected or breaks). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the feature control unit  28  may be provided with a heating pad adjustment button  34  capable of adjusting the temperature of the heating pad  13  between various settings which may be displayed on the heating pad indicator LEDs  37 . Similarly, the feature control unit  28  may be provided with a heating bag  22  adjustment button  40  capable of adjusting the temperature of the heating bag  22  between various settings which may be displayed on the heating bag indicator LEDs  43 .  
         [0011]     In alternative embodiments of the invention, the feature control unit  28  may also include an aroma diffuser, a music playing device or a light.  
         [0012]     In use, the apparatus  10  may be placed on a typical changing surface  31 . Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may be placed on, by way of non-limiting example, a table, shelf or the ground.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus  10  may be powered by a standard electrical outlet by means of a cord, or by batteries.  
         [0014]     As another alternative, the present invention may be used to provide a warmed liner for a car seat, infant seat, or baby swing. Also, the present invention can be used on the ground in a larger version as a play area for a child.  
         [0015]     While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.