Abstract:
An accessory organizer for childcare accessories. Configured to function as a changing pad, a wristlet diaper bag, and a crib organizer Multiple pockets with elastic openings keep infant and child care products secure. At least one pocket may include a window or hole through which the accessory can be accessed. Different pocket sizes accommodate multiple accessories. Multiple fastening systems allow the organizer to be folded into different configurations. When laid flat, organizer is a changing pad. Folding the bottom and top together, then folding over and securing with a horizontal fastening strap creates the wristlet configuration. Folding the bottom so the back touches the back of the top allows the organizer to be secured to a crib, change table, stroller, etc. via at least one vertical fastening strap. Some fasteners are breakaway for infant safety. Allows a caregiver to pack, carry, and store a single set of childcare accessories.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Caring for an infant requires the caretaker to have ready access to a number of items in a number of different scenarios. Caretakers, such as parents, are often loaded down with a changing pad, a diaper bag, wipes, diapers, lotions, etc. The bags and paraphernalia are often bulky and cumbersome. Moreover, the different environments to which babies may be integrated require either multiple redundancies, such as baby wipes in the home, the diaper bag, and in each of the vehicles, or require a parent to pack and unpack their items multiple times throughout the day. These are just some of the problems that are overcome by the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care. 
         [0004]    In some embodiments, the multi-use diaper pad is, essentially, an organizer for baby care accessories. In some embodiments, the organizer, may be comprised of: an upper panel; a middle panel; and a lower panel, the lower panel including at least: a first pocket, the first pocket opening upward and including an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket, the second pocket opening upward; and a third pocket, the third pocket opening upward. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: a front side, wherein the first, second, and third pockets may be disposed on the front side of the lower panel; and a rear side. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer In some embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the front side of the organizer may be disposed substantially vertically. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the first and second fastener straps may be disposed on the front side of the organizer, wherein the first and second fastener straps may be disposed substantially vertically, and wherein the first and second fastener straps may be coupled with the organizer approximately where the middle panel joins the lower panel. In some embodiments, the first fastener strap may be disposed at approximately one-third the width of the organizer, and the second fastener strap may be disposed at approximately two-thirds the width of the organizer In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer In some embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer may be disposed substantially horizontally. In further embodiments, the at least one fastener strap disposed on the rear side of the organizer may be coupled with the organizer approximately where the upper panel joins the middle panel. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third pockets opening upward include an elastic opening. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the organizer, may be comprised of: a front side and a rear side; an upper panel; a middle panel coupled with the upper panel, wherein the joint between the upper panel and the middle panel includes at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap; and a lower panel coupled with the middle panel, wherein the joint between the middle panel and the lower panel includes at least one substantially vertical fastener strap, and wherein the lower panel further includes: a plurality of pockets disposed on the front side, each pocket opening upward. In some embodiments, the plurality of pockets further comprise: a first pocket, the first pocket further including: an elastic upward opening; and an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket, the second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap further comprises: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed on one side of the organizer; and a second portion of the fastener system disposed on a side of the organizer opposite the first portion. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed at a first end of the strap; and a second portion of the fastener disposed at a second end of the strap. In some embodiments, the fastener system may be a quick-release system. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap further comprises: a first fastener strap and a second fastener strap, wherein the fastener straps may be disposed substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the organizer may be further comprised of: a fastener system, the fastener system including: a first portion of the fastener system disposed on the front side of the upper panel; and a second portion of the fastener system disposed on the rear side of the organizer where the middle panel may be coupled with the lower panel. In some embodiments, folding the organizer such that the rear side of the lower panel touches the rear side of the middle panel isolates the at least one substantially vertical fastener strap. In some embodiments, the at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap includes a loop. 
         [0006]    An organizer, may be comprised of: a front side and a rear side; an upper panel; a middle panel coupled with the upper panel, wherein the joint between the upper panel and the middle panel includes at least one substantially horizontal fastener strap; and a lower panel coupled with the middle panel, wherein the joint between the middle panel and the lower panel includes at least one substantially vertical fastener strap, and wherein the lower panel further includes: a first pocket including an outward-facing cutout; a second pocket including an elastic upward opening; and a third pocket, the third pocket including an elastic upward opening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the accessory organizer. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of one application of the accessory organizer. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of one embodiment of the accessory organizer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    This invention relates generally to accessory organizers, and, more specifically, to multi-use accessory organizers for child care. 
         [0012]    Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in  FIGS. 1-3  to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment. 
         [0013]    Importantly, a grouping of inventive aspects in any particular “embodiment” within this detailed description, and/or a grouping of limitations in the claims presented herein, is not intended to be a limiting disclosure of those particular aspects and/or limitations to that particular embodiment and/or claim. The inventive entity presenting this disclosure fully intends that any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation ever presented relative to the instant disclosure and/or any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application (e.g. continuation, continuation-in-part, and/or divisional applications) may be practiced with any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation. Claimed combinations which draw from different embodiments and/or originally-presented claims are fully within the possession of the inventive entity at the time the instant disclosure is being filed. Any future claim comprising any combination of limitations, each such limitation being herein disclosed and therefore having support in the original claims or in the specification as originally filed (or that of any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application), is possessed by the inventive entity at present irrespective of whether such combination is described in the instant specification because all such combinations are viewed by the inventive entity as currently operable without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein and therefore that any such future claim would not represent new matter. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is one exemplary embodiment of the baby organizer  100 . Organizer  100  is comprised essentially of a piece of flexible material designed to fold into a number of different configurations. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, organizer  100  may include a front side and a rear side. In some embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be comprised of a fabric or other flexible material. In other embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be comprised of a semi-flexible material, such as a soft or semi-rigid plastic. In still other embodiments, only some portions of organizer  100  may be rigid or semi-rigid while other portions remain flexible. In still other embodiments, organizer  100  may be comprised of layers of materials, such as, in one non-limiting example, two layers of fabric between which is disposed a more rigid material. In some embodiments, at least one of the front side or rear side may be liquid resistant or repellant. In some embodiments, at least one internal layer may be liquid resistant. These materials properties apply to each of panels  101 ,  103 , and  106 , as described herein. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, organizer  100  may include an upper panel  101 . In some embodiments, upper panel  101  may include a fastener  102 . Fastener  102  may be any type of removable fastener, such as hook and loop, snap, clip, buckle, etc. without altering the function of the fastener. Fastener  102  will, in some embodiments, join with fastener  105 . This will be discussed more in other portions of the specification. Fastener  102  may be disposed on either the front or the rear of organizer  100 . Fastener  105  may, in some embodiments, be disposed on the front or rear of organizer  100  in opposite relation to fastener  102 . In other embodiments, fasteners  102  and  105  may be disposed on the same side of organizer  100 . 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, upper panel  101  may be coupled with a middle panel  103  at joint  104 . In some embodiments, joint  104  may be a permanent joint, such as a seam or weld. In other embodiments, joint  104  may be a removable joint, such as another fastener system like hook and loop or a zipper. Joint  104  may include any number of methods of joining flexible materials. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, middle panel  103  may be coupled with lower panel  106  at joint  107 . As with joint  104 , joint  107  may be a permanent or removable joint without altering the function of the joint. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, lower panel  106  may include a first pocket  108 . In some embodiments, first pocket  108  may open upwards, and the opening may include an elastic strip  109  in order to keep items disposed in the pocket secure. In some embodiments, pocket  108  may include a cutout  110  to allow easy access to the contents of the pocket. This would be useful for items such as, in one non-limiting example, baby wipes or tissues. It should be understood that the contents of pocket  108  have no bearing on the scope of the invention, and that cutout  110  is an option to allow access to any number of contents. It should also be noted that, while pocket  108  is shown on the left side of the front of the invention, it could well be disposed on the right side or in the middle of lower panel  106 . In some embodiments, cutout  110  may include a rim  111 . Rim  111  may, in some embodiments, be a slightly more rigid material than that which comprises pocket  108 . One purpose of rim  111  might be aesthetic, so that the edge of the material is covered. Another purpose of rim  111  may be to provide structure to cutout  110 , preventing the contents of pocket  108  from coming lose altogether. In one non-limiting example, a caregiver might store baby wipes in pocket  108 , accessing the tub or packet through cutout  110 . In such an example, rim  111  would serve to prevent the entire tub or packet of wipes from being pulled through cutout  110  when the caregiver pulls a single wipe from the package. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, lower panel  106  may include a second pocket  112 . While shown here in the middle of lower panel  106 , it should be understood that pocket  112  may alternatively be on the right or left side of the panel without altering the function of the pocket. In some embodiments, pocket  112  my open upward. In a further embodiment, pocket  112  may include an elastic strip  109  in the upward opening, in order to keep items disposed in the pocket secure. In some embodiments, pocket  112  may include a seam  113 . Seam  113  may, in such embodiments, be used to alter the depth of pocket  112 , keeping items from falling so low as to be unretrievable. In some embodiments, seam  113  may be permanent, setting a fixed depth for pocket  112 . In other embodiments, seam  113  may be configurable, allowing a caregiver to set the depth of pocket  112  to their unique needs. In such an embodiment, seam  113  may be created with fasteners, zippers, or inserts. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, lower panel  106  may include a third pocket  114 . While shown here on the left side of lower panel  106 , it should be understood that pocket  114  may alternatively be disposed on the left side or in the middle the panel. In some embodiments, pocket  114  may open upwards. In further embodiments, pocket  114  may include elastic strip  109  in said opening in order to keep items secure. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, organizer  100  may include at least one horizontal fastener strap  201 . In a further embodiment, horizontal fastener strap  201  may be coupled with organizer  100  at seam  104 , where upper panel  101  meets middle panel  103 . In some embodiments, horizontal fastener strap  201  may be disposed on the front of organizer  100 . In other embodiments, it may be disposed on the rear of organizer  100 . Horizontal fastener strap  201  may, in some embodiments, include fastener element  202  and fastener element  203 , which join together. It should be understood that, while fastener elements  202  and  203  are shown for illustrative purposes as male and female, respectively, portions of a buckle, any number of temporary fastening systems, such as snaps or hook and loop, may be used here without altering the function of fastener strap  201 . In some embodiments, fastener strap  201  may include a loop  204 . In some embodiments, loop  204  may be permanent, formed by at least one seam joining the end of fastener strap  201  with a middle portion of the same strap. In other embodiments, loop  204  may be formed by a user coupling a fastener system, one portion of which is disposed on the end of strap  201  and the other portion of which is disposed somewhere in the middle of the strap. 
         [0023]    In one exemplary method of use, a care giver might pack necessary items in pockets  108 ,  112 , and  114 , then fold lower panel  106  to meet middle panel  103  such that the pockets are between the two panels. The caregiver may then join fastener  102  to fastener  105  by folding upper panel  101  over lower panel  106 . Joining fastener  102  to fastener  105  would serve to keep the folded panels in place, whereas they may otherwise spring apart due to the materials properties of organizer  100 . Then, a caregiver may choose to fold organizer  100  in half, such that fastener element  203  can be coupled with fastener element  202 . In such a method of use, loop  204  would allow a caregiver to carry the entire organizer on his or her wrist or dispose of it on a hook or rod, such as in a car or on a stroller or pram. It should be noted that this is exemplary only, and a user may choose to use some, all, or none of these steps in any particular order without altering the function of the invention disclosed herein. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, organizer  100  may include at least one vertical fastener strap  206 . In such embodiments, vertical fastener strap  206  may be coupled with organizer  100  approximately where middle panel  103  joins with lower panel  106 . In a further embodiment, the joint between fastener strap  206  and organizer  100  may be permanent, such as a seam or weld, or may be more temporary, such as a fastener system like hook and loop or snaps. In a preferred embodiment, strap  206  will be permanently joined with organizer  100  by a fairly strong seam  209 , such as a felled seam, for purposes which will become clear herein. In some embodiments, vertical fastener strap  206  may include a fastener system. In such an embodiment, a first fastener element  207  may be disposed at or near the end of strap  206  away from seam  209 , and a second fastener element  208  may be disposed at or near the end of the strap close to the seam. In a preferred embodiment, the precise location of fastener element  207  will be variable, allowing a user to adjust the total length of the loop formed when fastener element  207  is joined with fastener element  208 . As with other fastening systems disclosed herein, any number of fastening systems may be suitable for the fasteners disposed on strap  206 . In a preferred embodiment, fastener elements  207  and  208  will be the male and female, respectively, portions of a quick-release fastener system, such as a quick release buckle. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, organizer  100  may include at least one vertical fastener strap  210 . In such embodiments, vertical fastener strap  210  may be coupled with organizer  100  approximately where middle panel  103  joins with lower panel  106 . In a further embodiment, the joint between fastener strap  210  and organizer  100  may be permanent, such as a seam or weld, or may be more temporary, such as a fastener system like hook and loop or snaps. In a preferred embodiment, strap  210  will be permanently joined with organizer  100  by a fairly strong seam  213 , such as a felled seam, for purposes which will become clear herein. In some embodiments, vertical fastener strap  210  may include a fastener system. In such an embodiment, a first fastener element  211  may be disposed at or near the end of strap  210  away from seam  213 , and a second fastener element  212  may be disposed at or near the end of the strap close to the seam. In a preferred embodiment, the precise location of fastener element  211  will be variable, allowing a user to adjust the total length of the loop formed when fastener element  211  is joined with fastener element  212 . As with other fastening systems disclosed herein, any number of fastening systems may be suitable for the fasteners disposed on strap  210 . In a preferred embodiment, fastener elements  211  and  212  will be the male and female, respectively, portions of a quick-release fastener system, such as a quick release buckle. When organizer  100  includes both vertical fastener straps  206  and  210 , they will generally be disposed at approximately one-third and two-thirds of the distance from left edge to right edge of the organizer. However, it should be noted that both or either one of vertical fastener straps  206  and  210  could be closer to or further from an edge of organizer  100  without altering the function of the straps. In a preferred embodiment, fastener straps  206  and  210  will be disposed on the front of organizer  100 . 
         [0026]    In one exemplary method of use, disclosed in  FIG. 2 , allows the organizer  100  to be hung from a crib. In such a method, lower panel  106  may be folded over middle panel  103  such that pockets  108 ,  112 , and  114  are exposed. This also isolates and exposes vertical fastener straps  206  and  210 . When the fastener systems of each of strap  206  and  210  are joined, each strap creates a loop. This loop can be hung over a stroller handle or, in preferred methods, a horizontal bar of a crib or change table. When used in such a manner, a caregiver can simply unclip the fastener systems of straps  206  and  210 , lay the organizer  100  flat, and then fold in the method of use disclosed above to create a portable diaper bag. In reverse, a caregiver can take the folded portable diaper bag of the method disclosed above, unfold the organizer  100  such that it lays flat as shown in  FIG. 1 , and then engage the fastener systems of straps  206  and  210  to hang the organizer over a horizontal bar of a crib or change table. This allows a caregiver to use one tool to go from home to a vehicle. Moreover, when laid flat, the upper panel  101  and middle panel  103  of organizer  100  can be used as a change pad. Instead of one tool to organize accessories at home, a different tool to port accessories when traveling, and a third tool on which to change an infant, the invention disclosed herein allows a single tool to fit multiple needs of caregivers. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of organizer  100 . In particular, it shows how fastener strap  102  may, in some embodiments, be disposed on upper panel  101 . It also shows how horizontal fastener strap  201  may, in some embodiments, be coupled with organizer  100  over seam  104 .  FIG. 3  also shows how lower panel  106  may, in some embodiments, be joined with middle panel  103  at seam  107 . Finally,  FIG. 3  better illustrates the alignment of fasteners  102  and  105 , allowing them to be coupled to fold organizer  100  as demonstrated in the first method of use above. 
         [0028]    While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 
         [0029]    While preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.