Abstract:
A barrier member for diapering a child is disclosed that is made from planar elements made from flexible and foldable materials that are folded back upon each other a number of instances to form a fan shaped or cellular structure. The barrier device is arranged to define a create a central passage and extends in a vertical direction from the passage that create a barrier between an upper section and lower sections of the torso of a child.

Description:
[0001]    The applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Application No. 62/286,538 filed Jan. 25, 2016. The present invention relates generally to the field of diaper changing and more specifically to child restraining systems which are used for diapering activities. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    When changing the diaper of an infant or toddler, a child may reach below the waist, potentially soiling his or her hands and generally interfering with process of cleaning up the diaper region and fitting a new diaper in position. The same problems also apply to applying medication in the diaper area. Since the caregiver&#39;s hands are typically occupied with cleaning the child or applying the medication, and may be dirty themselves, it difficult for the caregiver to prevent the child from reaching below the waist during the procedure. 
         [0003]    There are a number of alternative barrier or restraining devices designed to address this problem that have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,669 Diaper-changing Aid discloses a four-point restraint system for securing the infant by itself or in conjunction with a diaper-changing table and includes a bottom portion, a top portion and a mechanism for fastening the top portion to the bottom portion. U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,343 Infant Diaper Changing Shield discloses a device for protection from being urinated upon using a device that is a resilient foam band, which is “C” or horseshoe shaped. U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,874 Diaper Changing Restraint System also generally discloses a four-point restraint system for securing the infant by itself or in conjunction with a diaper-changing table. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,142 Diaper Changing Station that includes which includes a table with a pad on top, two rods with stirrups and a foot pedal that raises the rods. U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,814 Infant Restraining Apparatus and Soil Barrier is directed to a protective barrier for the changing surface and/or diaper changer. U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,877 Diaper Changing Restraint System that restricts movement of an infant during diapering activities. U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,698 Diaper Changing System that includes a vest with a rear hook and loop fastener for the infant which is then laid on a changing pad. Other devices include, U.S. Pat. No. 8,338,658 Diaper Changing Systems; U.S. Pat. No. 8,695,137, Portable Diaper-Changing Restraint System; U.S. D124,296 Design for a Pillow; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,254, Plastic Foam Safety Cone and Method. In addition to the patents listed above, there are commercially available products such as the Snoofybee Changing Pad (http://snoofybee.com), which also discloses a barrier device. The Snoofybee product forms a cone around the child&#39;s upper body to restrict movement and works in a manner similar to the cones that are used for pets to prevent them from interfering with sutures or skin conditions. 
         [0005]    There remains a need to provide alternative, inexpensive, portable, lightweight, convenient and effective barriers to keep a child&#39;s hands above their waist and out of the child&#39;s soiled diaper region. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a portable barrier is that is designed to impair or prevent an infant&#39;s, child&#39;s or toddler&#39;s hands from reaching below the waist during a diaper-changing procedure. A first embodiment of the device includes a structure that generally resembles a conventional folding fan element that is attached together at a central location to form an arcuate barrier structure that also defines a central passage to receive the torso of the child or infant. In an embodiment, the material that is used for the barrier is semi-rigid and has a soft cover so it is no uncomfortable on the baby&#39;s skin. For example, in embodiments the barrier is made from a polymer foam such as an open cell foam, thermoplastic resin, or foam sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the barrier is made from a cardboard or fiberboard stock. In yet further embodiments, the device is made from thermoplastic resins sheets such as nylon, polyethylene, HDPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene. In embodiments, the resin or cardboard sheets which provide rigidity are covered with fabric. In an embodiment, a barrier is creased and folded repeatedly to provide rigidity as well as to allow for extension around the child while in use and will fold up compactly when not in use. 
         [0007]    In further embodiments, the barrier may be comprised of a series of pieces of cardboard or plastic or some other rigid material connected together or encased in fabric so they will fold compactly, rather than of one solid piece of material. In yet a further embodiment the barrier may comprise an inflatable part. 
         [0008]    In yet embodiments, the barrier may have a plastic or other rigid bottom to facilitate folding. In a further embodiment, the device may also have an elastic loop attached to hold the device in a closed position when folded. The device may have another loop attached so it can be hung from a stroller/backpack or carried on the wrist. In yet a further embodiment, the device includes attachment elements such as loops or snaps along the top edge that are adapted to holding toys that the child can view or manipulate. In embodiments, the barrier is made from a material that is impervious to liquid. In further embodiments, the device may be designed for a single use and can be disposable, recyclable or both. 
         [0009]    In yet further embodiments, the device is attached to a changing pad that can be folded up or wrapped around the device. Alternately, the barrier device is integrated with a conventional changing pad. In yet further embodiments, the barrier element of the device is made from a material than has a surface that can be wiped clean. In yet further embodiments, the barrier element of the device is made from a material that has a surface that can be machine washed, including devices that use both cloth and thermoplastic resin elements. For example, a plurality of flexible sections may be covered with cloth. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view in elevation of a first embodiment of the barrier element according to the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side view in elevation of the barrier element depicted in  FIG. 1  wherein the top edges are joined together at a medial position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the barrier device depicted in  FIG. 1  shown in use with a child. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of an embodiment of the barrier depicting a series of parallel living hinges. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternative embodiment, partially folded wherein the device also is provided with a living hinge, perpendicular to the parallel hinges. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts an alternative embodiment that allows the device to be folded at its mid-position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a front view in elevation of the invention showing the opposition ends of the barrier attached together at location  705 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a front plan view of a barrier device in an unfolded position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative embodiment that that uses a series of living hinges ( 2 ) between the segments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts a further embodiment that also includes a living hinge  1050  that runs in a direction perpendicular to the living hinges  1020  and  1021  that divide the device into segments such as  1010 ,  10111 , and  1012 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  depicts a view in elevation of an embodiment of the device in a folded position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  depicts a further embodiment of the invention in perspective that includes a barrier device that extends from one side of a based member to the other. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  depicts device of  FIG. 13  in perspective as used with a child. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a front five in elevation of an embodiment of invention wherein the barrier is made using a cellular structure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring-biased clamp fasteners to fasten a distal end of a barrier to a base member. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper fastener to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses an anchor weight to secure a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snap fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses button and loop fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a magnet fastener to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member. 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together. 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses button and loop fasteners to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together. 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together. 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener to fasten opposite ends of the barrier together. 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper to fasten opposite ends of the barrier together. 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a perspective end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is to view of the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention that is folded like an accordion. 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to attach opposite sides of the barrier device. 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased claims to attach opposite sides of the barrier device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]    Now referring to  FIG. 1 , in a first embodiment device  101  is depicted in a folded position and which is defined by a plurality of segments  105 ,  106 ,  107  and  108  and which is shown folded in a fan style arrangement wherein a bottom first segment  105  is folded at the rear and attached to a second segment  106  that extends to the front which is in turn connected to a third segment that extended rearward, and so on. The folding technique is similar to that found on a conventional paper fan. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the barrier structure  101  can be compressed at a central location  185  and the end  120  drawn toward opposite end  129  and connect along a medial line  150 . The surface is connected along medial line  150  until it separates to form a central passage  175 . The structure  101  is designed to extend vertically from the surface on which it rests. 
         [0044]    Now referring to  FIG. 3 , the barrier device  101  is depicted in engagement with a child wherein the head and arms are separated from the pelvic area by barrier  101 . The barrier has dimension to prevent the child from reaching around the barrier thereby restricting the child&#39;s access to the diaper region. As best seen in  FIG. 3  the child is positioned on the device such that his lower back or waist rests upon the medial position of the device  101 . The excess material from the barrier device  101  on each side of the child is pulled up and over the child&#39;s stomach or waist and fastened together at a central location  305  with a fastening mechanism which may include hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, a clip. Accordingly, a fanlike body is positioned around the child&#39;s torso, reducing the child&#39;s ability to reach below the waist while the caregiver is tending to the child&#39;s diaper area. 
         [0045]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , the manner in which the barrier device  101  is folded is shown when the barrier is in a folded position.  FIG. 5  depicts the device  101  partially unfolded wherein each segment is connected to one about by living hinges  505 .  FIG. 6  depicted the device when it is completely unfolded and flat position.  FIG. 7  depicts the device wherein portion of the device at opposite are folded tighter and meet one another along line  705 . The device can be made with a variable number of segment and folds. 
         [0046]    Now referring to  FIG. 8 , the device  1  is depicted and includes an elastic loop  706  which can be used to retained the side  707  to the opposite side  702  of the barrier device by engagement of a bar  702 . The loop can also be used to hold the barrier in a folded position. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative embodiment that that uses a series of living hinges  2  between the segments. The device can also be folded in half along line  5 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  depicts a further embodiment that also includes a living hinge  1050  that runs in a direction perpendicular to the living hinges  1020  and  1021  that divide the device into segments such as  1010 ,  10111 , and  1012 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  depicts a view in elevation of an embodiment of the device in a folded position. 
         [0050]      FIG. 12  depicts a further embodiment of the invention in perspective that includes a barrier device  1301  that extends from one side of a based member  1360  to the other. The barrier member  1301  and the base member  1360  define a central passage  1320 . As best seen in  FIG. 13 , a child  1309  is placed within the passage and his or her arms such arm  1315  is restricted from interfering with the diaper  1317  by the barrier  1301 . The child&#39;s legs  1316  extend on the opposite side of the barrier as the upper torso and arms  1315 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 14  is a front five in elevation of a further embodiment of invention  1500  wherein the barrier  1502  is made using a cellular structure. The device has a series of cellular sections attached together. One section is defined by front panel section  1507  and rear panel section  1506  that define a central capacity  1505 . Adjacent sections are attached along seams such as seam  1520   1525  and  1530 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fasteners  1625  to fasten a distal end  1620  of the barrier to a base member  1605  at location  1630 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring-biased clamp fasteners  1725  to opposite tabs  1730  fasten a distal end  1720  of a barrier  1702  to a base member  1805  near the end of the member. 
         [0054]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper fastener with side  1830  on the folded barrier member  1802  and opposed side  1825  on the end of base member  1805  to fasten a distal end of the barrier  1802  to base member  1805 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses an anchor weight  1925  to secure a distal end of the barrier  1902  to base member  1905  at location  1950 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snap fasteners  1925  and  1930  to fasten a distal end of the barrier  2002  to a base member  2005 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses buttons  2125  and loop fasteners  2130  to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member  2105 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a magnet  2225  and steel part  2230  to fasten distal end  2207  of the barrier  2220  to a base member  2205 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snaps  2330  and  2331  to fasten opposite ends  2315  and  2316  of a barrier  2305  together. 
         [0060]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment  2402  of the invention that uses a button and loop fasteners elements  2331  and  2430  and  2433   2432  to fasten opposite ends of a barrier  2402  together. 
         [0061]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps  2530  to fasten opposite ends of barrier  2505  together. 
         [0062]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment  2605  of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener elements  2630  and  2631  to fasten opposite ends of the barrier  2660  together. 
         [0063]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper elements  2708  and  2709  to fasten opposite ends of the barrier  2705  together.  FIG. 28  is a perspective top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  including zipper elements  2709   2708 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 27  is perspective end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  including zipper elements  2709  and  2708 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 29  is a front view of a barrier  5100  according to an embodiment of the invention that is folded like an accordion and can be folded at midpoint  5 . In this embodiment, the segments that are folded defined by open cell tubular sections. The cellular sections such as section  5160  are attached to adjacent sections at the corners. 
         [0066]      FIG. 30  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to attach opposite sides of the barrier device  3101 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 31  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener elements  3110  to attach opposite sides of the barrier device  3102 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 32  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper  3108  to attach opposite sides of the barrier device  3103 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 33  is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps  3106  to attach opposite sides of the barrier device  3104 . 
         [0070]    One technique of folding the series of segments uses “mountain fold” followed by V folds or valley folds. Viewed from the side the peak of the mountain will be at the top, opposite to the downwards “V” or Valley fold. Other folding techniques may also be used such as accordion folding that create hollow cell structures. 
         [0071]    It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the embodiment have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiment, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.