Abstract:
A changing table cover is made from a material that forms a pocket, closed around a portion of its periphery and open around enough of the remaining periphery to accept one of any typical target changing tables. Part of the open peripheral edges optionally have disengageable fasteners. When the changing table cover is placed over a changing table, the inside surfaces of the pocket contacts the changing table while one of the outside surfaces contacts the child. When removed from the changing table, the inside surface remains contained and does not contact the outside surfaces, thereby reducing contamination from any undesirable material that was transmitted to the inside surfaces from the changing table. Preferably, the changing table cover folds into a pouch for ease of transportation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 61/497,443, titled “Booty Roo,” which was filed on Jun. 15, 2011, inventor Jennifer Pary, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of child-care devices and more particularly to a system for protecting a baby from the cold, hard and germ-ridden surface of public changing tables. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many public facilities provide changing tables to facilitate changing of a diaper of an infant or small child. Such changing tables are often located in restroom facilities such as public restrooms. Even if changing tables were not typically located in restroom facilities, the surfaces of the changing tables are typically hard, cold, and include a plethora of germs and viruses on their surfaces, especially when the surfaces are textured as often is the case. The entire system is further impacted by babies or toddlers who further add to the germ and virus collection, especially as they squirm and fidget because of the uncomfortable feeling of the hard and cold surface, leaving behind their own germs, viruses and fecal matter for the next user of the changing table. After several uses, the typical changing table is a virtual cesspool of germs, viruses, and fecal matter. 
         [0004]    To combat some of the issues, several devices of the prior art have been used with limited success. For one, a disposable paper-like sheet is sometimes provided to shield the baby/toddler from the surface of the changing table. Unfortunately, because of the cold and hard surface of the changing table, the baby/toddler often squirms and displaces this sheet, transferring germs/viruses/fecal matter to and from the surfaces of the changing table. Often such covers do not completely cover the changing table, can rip or tear, and, because of their construction, make a crinkly noise, attracting the child to play with or even ingest these covers. One such cover is shown in U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0078419 to Bredfeldt. In this, a stretchable material is provided to cover the changing table surface, for example, in a roll that is perforated at lengths that match the changing table width. This system is to be provided by the operators of the facility and, when provided, has to be maintained to make sure sufficient product is available when needed without running out. This system, being that it is provided at some changing table sites, doesn&#39;t solve the basic problems cited above, unless this system is provided at every changing table site, which would be difficult to attain. Therefore, it is desired that each parent has a device that protects them and their child from the issues stated above and that device is portable for situations where there are no provisions at a given changing table. 
         [0005]    Various other solutions have been proposed in the prior art, all of which having issues. 
         [0006]    One example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,761,944 to Skophammer, for a device that unfolds to cover a changing table and then folds back up into its own carrying case. This device is not ideal, in that, as it is folded into the duffel mode, sides that have contacted the changing table come into contact with the sides on which the child rests, thereby contaminating the sides on which the child rests with whatever was on the changing table. When later placed in a diaper bag, the sides that contacted the changing table are free to contact other items in the diaper bag such as pacifiers, nipples, bottles, etc. Furthermore, a contaminated side of Skophammer&#39;s changing table cover (that which contacts the changing table), when folded into the duffel configuration, becomes an outside surface of the duffel, passing whatever germs/viruses/fecal matter that was on the changing table to whoever comes into contact with the outer surface of the duffel. 
         [0007]    Other examples as disclosed in the prior art do not fold into a convenient pouch that serves to protect users from contact with a soiled surface of the changing table cover, either that which contacted the changing table and/or that which the child was changed (e.g. may have been soiled during the changing process). Furthermore, the examples disclosed in the prior art also promote contact of the side which contacted the changing table with the side that contacts the child, thereby allowing transfer of germs, viruses, and/or fecal matter from the soiled side to the child side on which the child will rest during the next changing. Therefore, germs, viruses, and/or, fecal matter that was on a changing table the first time these covers were used have the potential of affecting the child on subsequent uses of the covers of the prior art. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a device that will insulate the child from the cold changing table, provide improved comfort to the child, and reduce contamination from the changing table. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The following describes and claims a changing table cover that is made from sheets of material that are partially closed around a portion of the periphery of the materials forming a pocket, and optionally has removable or disengageable fasteners around another portion of the periphery. Another portion of the periphery is left open for clearance around the area where the changing table is attached to a wall. When the changing table cover is placed over a changing table, the inside surfaces of the pocket contacts the changing table while one of the outside surfaces contacts the child. When removed from the changing table, the inside surfaces remain contained and do not contact the outside surfaces, thereby reducing transmission of any contamination that was picked up on the inside surfaces of the cover from the changing table. Preferably, the changing table cover folds into a pouch for ease of transportation. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a changing table cover is disclosed including an upper sheet of material sized and shaped to cover a target changing table surface and a lower sheet of material having a substantially similar size and shape as the upper sheet of material. The upper sheet of material is joined to the lower sheet of material around a first portion of the peripheral edges (e.g. by stitching, adhesive, snaps, continuous material folded over, etc.) forming a pocket. A second portion of the periphery optionally has removable or disengageable fasteners. Another portion of the periphery is left open for clearance around the area where the changing table is attached to a wall. When the changing table cover is placed over a changing table, the inside surfaces of the pocket contacts the changing table while one of the outside surfaces contacts the child. When removed from the changing table, the inside surfaces remain contained and do not contact the outside surfaces, thereby reducing transmission of any contamination that was picked up on the inside surfaces of the cover from the changing table. Preferably, the changing table cover folds into a pouch for ease of transportation. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a changing table cover system is disclosed including an upper sheet of material being of substantially rectangular shape and sized to cover a typical changing table surface and a lower sheet of material being of substantially rectangular shape and substantially similar size as the upper sheet of material. The upper sheet of material is joined (e.g. stitched or folded over) to the lower sheet of material at two adjacent edges forming a pocket, wherein a first edge of the two adjacent edges is longer than a second edge of the two adjacent edges. A carrying device is interfaced to the first edge. The carrying device has a pouch that is sized to accept the upper sheet of material and the lower sheet of material after the upper sheet of material and the lower sheet of material are folded. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a changing table cover system is disclosed including an upper sheet of material being of substantially rectangular shape and sized to cover a typical changing table surface and a lower sheet of material being of substantially rectangular shape and substantially similar size as the upper sheet of material. The upper sheet of material is joined to the lower sheet of material at two adjacent edges forming a pocket, wherein a first edge of the two adjacent edges is longer than a second edge of the two adjacent edges. A carrying device is interfaced to the first edge. The carrying device has a pouch, the pouch is sized to accept the upper sheet of material and the lower sheet of material after the upper sheet of material and the lower sheet of material are folded. There is at least one temporary fastener (e.g. hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, etc.) situated on another edge of the pocket (the third edge of the pocket is the edge located opposite of the second edge of the pocket). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of the changing table cover completely folded and stored within the pouch. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of the changing table cover completely folded and stored within the pouch. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates the changing table cover unfolded and ready to be positioned over the changing table. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates the changing table cover unfolded and installed over the changing table. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a rear view of the changing table cover deployed from the pouch. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the changing table cover deployed from the pouch. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a bottom view of the changing table cover deployed from the pouch. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates the changing table cover being folded into thirds. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates the changing table cover after having been folded into thirds, now being folded in half. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates the changing table cover after having been folded in half. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates the changing table cover being tucked into the pouch. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates another style of the changing table cover unfolded and ready to be positioned over another style of the changing table. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates another style of the changing table cover unfolded and installed over another style of the changing table. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. Throughout this description, two primary surfaces of the changing table cover will be referenced as the outer surface and the inner surface. Throughout this description, a “child” is described with respect to the changing table cover for brevity purposes and it is anticipated that any baby, infant, toddler, child, etc., use the disclosed changing table cover. The child typically contacts the outer surface and, when used on a changing table, the inner surface makes contact with the changing table. Note that it is anticipated that there are many times that the changing table cover is used absent of the changing tables such as spread out on the floor. One aspect of the changing table cover is that, during both use and storage, the outer surface and the inner surface do not come into contact with each other. This is desirable because the inner surface will be subjected to germs, viruses, and potentially fecal matter and/or other undesirable materials when it contacts the changing table. Therefore, if the outer surface was allowed to contact the inner surface, it is possible that any germs, viruses, and potentially fecal matter and/or other undesirable materials will transfer to the outer surface. This is not desirable due to the fact that these germs, viruses, and potentially fecal matter and/or other undesirable materials, will then be present on the outer surface during the next use of the changing table cover, having the potential of contact with the child during changing. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , the changing table cover completely folded and stored within the pouch  20  will be described. As shown, the changing table cover  10  (see  FIGS. 2-9 ) is completely folded and stored within a pouch  20 . The pouch  20  is, or is part of a carrying device  22  that has, optionally, a handle  24  and/or a secondary pouch  26  for carrying items such as diapers, wipes, etc. Note that because the changing table cover  10  is substantially contained within the pouch  20 , there is little chance for a contaminated portion of the changing table cover  10  to come into contact with the person transporting the carrying device  22 . Additionally, this is advantageous because the carrying device is a familiar object and older children often crawl to the carrying device  22  and make contact with such. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the changing table cover  10 , ready to be deployed onto a typical changing table  5  will be described. In this view, the changing table cover  10  has been removed from the pouch  20  and is positioned to be placed over a typical changing table  5 , as found in many restrooms. The outer surface  12  of the changing table cover  10  is preferably made of a soft material that is washable, providing for comfort to the child and enabling cleaning for reuse. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  15 / 16  are part of the same material. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  15 / 16  are surfaces of another sheet of the same material or a sheet of a different material, as long as the inner surfaces  15 / 16  are also flexible for folding. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  15 / 16  are fabricated from a higher friction material such as a soft rubber, etc. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  15 / 16  include sections or strips of a higher friction material such as rubber. 
         [0030]    The changing table cover  10  is preferably rectangular in shape and sized to cover the largest expected changing table  5 . The changing table cover  10  is open at two edges and closed along a forward edge  14  and a side edge  19 . The changing table cover  10  is positioned to be placed over the changing table  5  with the closed edge  14  away from the changing table  5  so that the closed edge  14  will cover the forward edge of the changing table  5  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0031]    It is anticipated that the closed edges  14 / 19  be fabricated in the closed mode in any way known in the industry. As an example, but not limited to, stitching, adhesives, fasteners, rivets, etc. It is also anticipated that either closed edge  14 / 19  be formed by folding a continuous sheet similar to one closed edge of a pillow case. Although the left edge is shown open and the right edge  19  closed, an opposite configuration is also anticipated. 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 2 , the left side edge is shown folded open, showing the inner surfaces  15 / 16 . The top inner surface  15  contacts the top surface of the changing table  5  while the bottom inside surface  16  contacts the bottom of the changing table  5 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, removable fasteners  17 / 18  are positioned at the open edges of the changing table cover  10  to help maintain stability while the changing table cover  10  is covering the changing table  5 , being that the changing tables  5  are typically made from a hard plastic that provides little friction to a cloth changing table cover  10 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, optional strap portals  11  are provided for straps  6  from the changing table  5  to be passed when the child needs to be strapped to prevent falling. 
         [0035]    Note that inside surfaces  15 / 16  of the changing table cover  10  substantially surrounds the changing table  5  when deployed. In this way, after the changing table cover  10  is removed from the changing table  5 , the bottom inside surface  16  abuts the top inside surface  15 , thereby sealing any germs, viruses, and/or fecal matter that was transferred from the changing table&#39;s  5  surfaces  8  to the inside surface  15 / 16  of the changing table cover  10 . This feature reduces exposure and/or transfer of germs, viruses, and/or fecal matter from the inside surfaces  15 / 16  of the changing table cover  10  to the outside surfaces  12  of the changing table cover  10 , in particular the outside surface  12  on which the child will rest when subsequent changing is required before the changing table cover  10  is laundered. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the changing table cover  10  installed over a typical changing table  5  will be described. In this view, the changing table cover  10  is positioned over a typical changing table  5 . The outer surface (child side)  12  of the changing table cover  10  is preferably made of a soft material that is washable, providing for comfort to the child and enabling cleaning for reuse. The changing table cover  10  is preferably rectangular in shape and sized to cover the largest expected changing table  5 . The changing table cover  10  is open at two sides and closed along a forward edge  14  and a side edge  19 . The changing table cover  10  is placed over the changing table  5  with the closed edge  14  at the front edge of the changing table  5  so that the closed edge  14  will cover the front edge of the changing table  5  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    In this view, the changing table straps  6  have been fed through the optional strap portals  11  and are ready to be secured around the child. Also, the carrying device  22  extends from the changing table cover  10 , exposing the optional secondary pouch  26  for quick removal of contents such as diapers and/or wipes. It is anticipated that the carrying device  22  is formed as a continuation of the material from which the changing table cover  10  is made or that the carrying device  22  is affixed to the changing table cover  10  (e.g. sewn or attached with fasteners). In some embodiments, the carrying device  22  is separate from the changing table cover  10 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C, various views of the changing table cover  10  deployed from the pouch  20  will be described. Although any material is anticipated, a soft cloth is preferred. In some embodiments, one layer of cloth is used and the inside surfaces  15 / 16  are one side of the layer of cloth while the outside surfaces  12  are the other side of the layer of cloth. 
         [0039]    In other embodiments, multiple layers of material are anticipated with or without fillers (e.g. stuffing as in pillows). In such, a soft material, preferably cloth, is anticipated for the outside surfaces (e.g. child side)  12 . One such material is cotton or a cotton blend, but other suitable materials will work equally as well. In this embodiment, it is anticipated that the inside surfaces  14 / 15  are made of the same material or a different material. Since the inside surfaces  14 / 15  are not intended to come into contact with the child, it is anticipated that the material used to fabricate the inside surfaces is any foldable material and, in some embodiments, is the same material (e.g. cotton) as the material used to fabricate the outer surfaces  12 . In some embodiments, the material used to fabricate the inner surfaces  14 / 15 , or at least the top inner surface  15  is a non-skid material such as rubber, which will reduce slippage and movement of the changing table cover  10  with respect to the changing table  5 . 
         [0040]    It is anticipated that any color and/or pattern be present on the materials used to fabricate the changing table cover  10  and the carrying device  22 . In one embodiment, the color and/or pattern of the inside surface  15 / 16  is different from the color and/or pattern of the outside surface  12  to provide a visual contrast. 
         [0041]    Note that the carrying device  22  is a continuation and/or is affixed to the edge  14  of the outer surface  12  and, thereby, hangs from the edge  14  when the changing table cover  10  is positioned over a changing table  5 . In this way, in embodiments in which there is a secondary pouch  26 , the secondary pouch  26  is in a position for dispensing contents such as diapers, wipes, etc. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , various views of the changing table cover  10  deployed from the pouch are shown. These views show the closed edges  14 / 19  and the bottom of the changing table cover  10  that is not visible in other views. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the changing table cover  10  is shown being folded into the pouch  20 . The method of folding and stowing the changing table cover  10  into the pouch  20  is an example of such and it is anticipated that other methods and folding patterns be incorporated to provide similar results. 
         [0044]    After removing the changing table cover  10  from the changing table  5  (also removing the straps  6  from the optional strap portals  11 ), the changing table cover is held by its corners with the carrying device  22  positioned towards the ground, then, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the changing table cover  10  is folded into thirds. Next, the top half  32  of the changing table cover  10  if folded over the bottom half  33  of the changing table cover, in half, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Now, the changing table cover  10  is folded into the pouch  20  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Note that, when within the pouch  20 , the inner surfaces  15 / 16  are not visible or accessible, thereby reducing any exposure to one handling the carrying device  22  to any germs, viruses and/or other matter that has transferred onto the inner surfaces  15 / 16 . Only a small section of the outer surface  12  is exposed. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the changing table cover  110 , ready to be deployed onto an oval shaped changing table  105  will be described. In this example, the changing table cover  110  is shaped similar to the changing table  105 , which is substantially oval (with flattened hinge side). In  FIG. 9 , the changing table cover  110  has been removed from the pouch  120  and is positioned to be placed over a changing table such as an oval changing table  105 . In this example, the changing table cover  110  is shaped to conform to the shape of the changing table  105 , being substantially oval, although any shape of changing table cover  110  is anticipated to cover any shape of changing table  5 / 105 . For example, the rectangular shaped changing table cover  5  is perfectly suitable for covering a range of shapes of changing tables, including the oval shaped changing table  105 . It is anticipated that the changing table cover  10 / 110  be of a different shape than that of some or all anticipated changing tables  5 / 105  (e.g., some overlap is acceptable), though the size of the changing table cover  10 / 100  is preferably larger than the largest anticipated changing table  5 / 105 . 
         [0046]    The outer surface  112  of the changing table cover  110  is preferably made of a soft material that is washable, providing for comfort to the child and enabling cleaning for reuse. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  115 / 116  are part of the same material. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  115 / 116  are surfaces of another sheet of the same material or a sheet of a different material, as long as the inner surfaces  115 / 116  are also flexible for folding. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  115 / 116  are fabricated from a higher friction material such as a soft rubber, etc. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces  115 / 116  include sections or strips of a higher friction material such as rubber. 
         [0047]    The changing table cover  110  is preferably shaped and sized to cover the largest expected changing table  105 . The changing table cover  110  is open around one portion of a peripheral edge and closed along another peripheral edge  114 / 119  where a pocket is formed. The changing table cover  110  is shown positioned to be placed over the changing table  105  with the closed edges  114 / 119  (pocket) away from where the changing table  105  mounts to a wall so that the closed edges  114 / 119  will cover the forward edge of the changing table  105  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0048]    It is anticipated that the closed edges  114 / 119  be fabricated in the closed mode in any way known in the industry to form the pocket. As an example, but not limited to, stitching, adhesives, fasteners, rivets, etc. It is also anticipated that closed edges  114 / 119  be formed by folding a continuous sheet. Although specific edges are shown open and specific edge  114 / 119  are shown closed, an opposite configuration is also anticipated. It is anticipated that any percentage of the edges  114 / 119  be closed as long as the changing table cover  110  is capable of being installed over at least one target changing table  5 / 105 . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 9 , the left side edge is shown open, exposing the inner surfaces  115 / 116 . The top inner surface  115  contacts the top surface of the changing table  105  while the bottom inside surface  116  contacts the bottom of the changing table  105 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, removable fasteners  117 / 118  are positioned at the open edges of the changing table cover  110  to help maintain stability while the changing table cover  110  is covering the changing table  105 , being that the changing tables  105  are typically made from a hard plastic that provides little friction to a cloth changing table cover  110 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, optional strap portals  111  are provided for straps  106  from the changing table  105  to be passed when the child needs to be strapped to reduce risk of falling. 
         [0052]    Note that inside surfaces  115 / 116  of the changing table cover  110  substantially surrounds the changing table  105  when deployed. In this way, after the changing table cover  110  is removed from the changing table  105 , the bottom inside surface  116  abuts the top inside surface  115 , thereby sealing any germs, viruses, and/or fecal matter that was transferred from the changing table&#39;s  105  surfaces  108  to the inside surface  115 / 116  of the changing table cover  110 . This feature reduces exposure and/or transfer of germs, viruses, and/or fecal matter from the inside surfaces  115 / 116  of the changing table cover  110  to the outside surfaces  112  of the changing table cover  110 , in particular the outside surface  112  on which the child will rest when subsequent changing is required before the changing table cover  110  is laundered. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the changing table cover  110  installed over a shaped changing table  105  will be described. In this view, the changing table cover  110  is positioned over a typical changing table  105 . The outer surface (child side)  112  of the changing table cover  110  is preferably made of a soft material that is washable, providing for comfort to the child and enabling cleaning for reuse. The changing table cover  110  is optionally shaped and sized to cover the largest expected changing table  105 . In this example, the changing table cover  110  is shaped and sized to cover a subset of all possible expected changing table  105  sizes/shapes, for example a substantially oval changing table  105 . 
         [0054]    The changing table cover  110  is open at along part of the periphery and closed along another part of the periphery  114 / 119 . The changing table cover  110  is placed over the changing table  105  with the closed edge  114  at the front edge of the changing table  105  so that the closed edge  114  will cover the front edge of the changing table  105  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0055]    In this view, the changing table straps  106  have been fed through the optional strap portals  111  and are ready to be secured around the child. Also, the carrying device  122  extends from the changing table cover  110 , exposing the optional secondary pouch  126  for quick removal of contents such as diapers and/or wipes. It is anticipated that the carrying device  122  is formed as a continuation of the material from which the changing table cover  110  is made or that the carrying device  122  is affixed to the changing table cover  110  (e.g. sewn or attached with fasteners). In some embodiments, the carrying device  122  is separate from the changing table cover  110 . 
         [0056]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0057]    It is believed that the system and method and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.