Abstract:
The portable diaper changing station of the present invention comprises a composite, nonporous shaped body member which is contoured to provide a secure changing surface. A carry handle may be integrated into the body member along with at least one storage compartment for the storage of changing supplies such as diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station is generally rectangular in shape, rigid and includes a nonporous contoured changing surface with a shaped contoured pad running a substantial length of the contoured changing surface. A shaped nonporous head rest is contoured and formed therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates in general to infant care devices, and more particularly, to a portable diaper changing station and method of using same. 
         [0002]    Changing an infant or young child&#39;s diaper can be a somewhat difficult task, even when the changing location is within a home where abundant water and waste facilities are present to accomplish the task. Generally, diaper changing stations and tables designed as furniture items and are kept in the nursery or other bedroom and are not easily moved from one location to another. Changing an infant in the home typically requires the caretaker to carry the baby to the location in the house where the changing table and related changing accessories, such as diaper wipes, diapers and baby lotions, are kept. This involves multiple trips to the changing location every day until the need for diapers no longer exists. In homes with multiple levels, climbing up and down the stairs can be quite exhausting for the caretaker. 
         [0003]    In today&#39;s mobile society, infants travel quite frequently with their parents and caretakers. Many families with infants and small children tend to consume a greater number of meals at restaurants and other public venues, instead of dining at home most of the time. Infants spend more time travelling in cars, trains, airplanes and other forms of transport with their parents and caretakers. Although some public places such as airports and restaurants may have a changing station located in a restroom or other accommodation to visitors, they may become unsanitary due to repeated use without regular cleaning. Likewise they may be positioned in such an area as to make changing a diaper inconvenient and embarrassing. Lugging around a heavy changing station to provide a secure and clean changing surface for the infant, in addition to carrying a diaper bag to store the other accoutrements of child care and diaper changes, makes changing a diaper in a public venue all the more difficult and taxing. Moreover, locating a safe, flat and clean surface on which to change an infant&#39;s diaper are relatively few in public venues. 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a need for a device which provides a portable, safe, comfortable and secure surface on which a diaper change can be accomplished. There is also a need for a device which is lightweight and can be easily transported and put away for storage when not in use. There is also a need for a portable changing station which can also provide storage and interchangeable tubs for infant care related accessories such as diapers, wipes and other infant related goods. 
         [0005]    Therefore, in view of the above it is one object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, portable diaper changing station which can be easily cleaned and sanitized. 
         [0006]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a diaper changing station that will provide a soft, clean and comfortable surface on which to place the infant or young child, and which will substantially secure the infant or young child during the diaper change process. 
         [0007]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable diaper changing station that includes storage capacity for related cleaning items, such as tubs, wipes, lotions and clean diapers which can be stored, exchanged and carried in the changing station. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for a portable diaper changing station is disclosed herein. The diaper changing station of the present invention includes a composite, shaped and contoured one piece body member including an integrated handle with a grip. One or multiple, storage compartments with lids may be formed into the body member for storing changing supplies such as tubs, diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station is generally rectangular in shape, semi-rigid and comprises a nonporous contoured changing surface. A shaped, contoured nonporous head rest may also be formed into the body member. 
         [0009]    Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. While specific advantages and embodiments have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is top view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a right side view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and, 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a back view of the portable changing station apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide some overview as to the way in which the invention disclosed herein operates. The following information may be viewed as a basis from which the present invention may by properly explained. Such information is offered for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not be construed to limit the broad scope of the present invention and its potential applications. 
         [0019]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , changing station  10  is shown in a perspective view. In the depicted embodiment, changing station  10  is a one piece, formed body which is generally shaped in a rectangular fashion as shown. In one embodiment, changing station  10  is manufactured by a plastic mold injection process which produces a station body  12  that is nonporous, rigid or semi-rigid as preferred by the user. In one embodiment, station body  12  is constructed of a one piece, non-porous, semi-rigid polyurethane foam with a density of 55 and a durometer hardness of 35. A plastic “skin” is created on the surface of the molded foam station body  12  and changing surface  14  during the manufacturing process of station  10  to resist absorption and staining and which is easily cleaned and sanitized after use. Such material may be easily manufactured with a wide degree of color, texture, shapes and designs integrated therewith. 
         [0020]    In alternative embodiments, changing station  10  may be constructed from various plastics, foams, metal, metal alloys, wood or other suitable materials as known in the art. Station body  12 , changing surface  14  and headrest  16  may also include antimicrobial additives in the polyurethane resin to resist and deter microbial growth and odor. In other contemplated embodiments, changing station  10  may consist of two or more members comprising components of the station body  12 , changing surface  14  or headrest  16 . Changing surface  14  is contoured in shape to provide a secure and easily sanitized surface on which to lay and secure the infant or child being changed. Head support  16  is contoured and shaped accordingly to provide a secure and comfortable depression in which to place the child&#39;s head while changing the child&#39;s diaper. 
         [0021]    Handle  18  is formed into the station body  12  for purposes of easily carrying and manipulating the changing station  10 . Handle  18  includes a formed grip which provides a safe and secure grip for the user to easily transport and manipulated the changing station  10 . The grip may consist of the same material as that of station body  12  or may be other materials such as rubber, notched rubber, metal, or other gripping material as known in the art. In one embodiment, handle is substantially formed and located in proximity to the center of gravity of changing station  10  to provide substantial balance while station  10  is being carried. 
         [0022]    Various configurable and removable dispenser and storage tubs or compartments may be formed into the changing station  10  for a variety of purposes. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser  20  is a compartment designed to accept sanitary wipes and includes a snap closure lid that includes a slot for the dispensation of wipes, tissues or other dispensable items. In one embodiment, the dispensing tub includes a cap with a lanyard attachment point to secure the dispensing tub cap to the tub cover. Storage compartment  22  is shown with a snap closure lid which provides a secure compartment in which to store associated items such as lotions, gels, pacifiers, toys and/or additional diapers. In alternative embodiments, dispenser  20  and storage compartment  22  may be switched, moved or removed in relative location on or about the station body  12  or away completely detached from the station  10  for purposes of cleaning or restocking wipes and other related supplies. In other embodiments, dispenser  20  and storage compartment  22  include lids with various known means of detachably securing the lid including snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners among others. In one embodiment, dispenser  20  or storage compartment  22  are sized dimensionally to accept common tubs which hold wipes or other items to allow a user to remove the tub from the dispenser  20  or compartment  22 , discard the spent tub (e.g. after all the wipes have been used) and replace into dispenser  20  or compartment  22  a new tub of wipes or other supplies as needed. 
         [0023]    In the depicted embodiment, safety belt attachment points  24  are preformed slots in station body  12  of sufficient dimension to accept a safety belt which may be draped across the body of a child who has been placed on changing surface  14  for purposes of substantially securing the child to the changing station. In other embodiments, safety belt attachment points  24  may comprise loops, rings, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps or other commonly know means for securing a belt or harness to changing station  10 . Additional safety device retention systems or attachment points may be integrated on station boyd  12  as desired. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. Station body  12  is shown with safety belt attachment point  24 . Storage lid  30  and dispenser lid  34  are shown detachably secured to station body  12  with hinges  32 , 36 . In one embodiment, lids  30 , 34  are molded with a “living” hinge feature or other known safety hinge design to eliminate potential pinch points. Lids  30 ,  34  may also be detachably secured to station body  12  via spring hinges, torque hinges, snaps, hook and loop fasteners or attachment means as known in the art. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser lid  34  includes a slot for dispensing wipes or any other material or object designed to be easily withdrawn without the need for opening the entire lid. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , lids  30 , 34  are shown with tabs  40  integrated therewith. Tabs  40  allow the user to easily lift and open lids  30 , 34  with their fingers or hands. Instead of tabs  40 , other pulls or knobs may be utilized according to the preference of the user. 
         [0026]    Turning to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , left and right side views of the changing station  10  are shown. The substantial contour of changing surface  14  is shown and, as previously described, acts to substantially secure a child placed thereon to keep the child from “rolling” out of the changing station  10 . The contour of changing surface  14  also acts to contain any spills or other materials and substantially prevent the spills or other materials from leaking on to other surfaces in proximity of the changing station  10 . Lids  30 , 34  are shown in a “closed” position. Tabs  40  are shown as configured in the closed position of lids  30 , 34 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the changing station  10  in one embodiment disclosed herein. Station body  12  is shown with contoured changing surface  14  and headrest  16 . Headrest  16  is preformed into station body  12  and is of sufficient size and dimension to provide a comfortable and secure head rest for a child placed on to the changing surface  14 . In the depicted embodiment, headrest  16  is a contoured, generally oval depression which is formed into the station body  12  and changing surface  14 . In other embodiments, headrest  16  may consist of various geometric shapes and forms, as well as be raised above the horizontal plane of changing surface  14 . Indeed, it is contemplated, that various dimensional configurations for station body  12 , changing surface  14  and headrest  16  may be designed and utilized for infants and children of various ages, sizes and needs. 
         [0028]    Compartments  20  and  22  are shown in a closed position. It is also recognized that compartments  20  and  22  may be designed and utilized for various specific requirements. In the embodiment shown, compartment  20  is a wipe dispenser and compartment  22  is designed to contain various items such as baby lotion, medications or other objects. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may not incorporate one or any storage compartment. In still other possible embodiments, multiple compartments may be integrated into station body  12  at any location and as desired. Likewise, safety belt attachment points  24  may or may not be formed into station body  12  as desired by the user. Handle  18  or another suitable transport attachment may or may not be formed as required or desired by the user. It is contemplated that end users could design and customize the size, shape, color, and storage features to the changing station  10  to suit their individual preferences and needs. In alternative embodiments, various lugs, pulls, straps or other handling means may be incorporated or formed into station body  12  and utilized for transport of the changing station as desired by the user. Likewise, various storage solutions may or may not be incorporated as desired. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a back view of the changing station  10  apparatus disclosed herein. In one embodiment, station rests  50  and cleats  52  are formed as convex and protruding up and away from the horizontal plane of station body  12 . In the depicted embodiment, station rests  50  are substantially larger in diameter than cleats  52 . Station rests  50  act to provide a stable support for the changing station when the changing station is placed on a surface. In an alternative embodiment, rests  50  are formed or cut into station body  12  to prevent station body from creating suction with, sticking to or substantially clinging to any surface upon which the changing station  10  is placed for use in changing a diaper or during storage. Cleats  52  act to provide a friction and/or restriction mechanism when cleats  52  come into contact with any surface or objects resting on a surface on which the changing station  10  is placed. Cleats  52  also act to reduce the surface area of station body  12  which comes into contact with the support surface, thereby making it easier to lift the changing station  10  off and away from the supporting surface. If changing station  10  is placed on an uneven or substantially contoured surface, station rests  50  and cleats  52  will act to provide stability to the changing station. Station rests  50  and cleats  52  may consist of or be covered with non-slip or rubberized materials to reduce slipping of the station and to prevent the marring of the surface on which the station rests. In one embodiment, station rests  50  and cleats  52  are formed as concave dimples into the station body  12  and may act as suction cups to secure the changing station  10  to a flat surface or may be fashioned and constructed to reduce the suction between the station and the surface upon which the station is placed. In still other embodiments, rests  50  and cleats  52  may be formed in mixed concave and convex shapes as desired to provide support, suction, anti-suction or other function as desired to assist in supporting the station  10  and detachably securing it to a variety support surfaces with various topographic environments. 
         [0030]    A method of changing a child&#39;s diaper using the portable changing station  10  is as follows. The changing station  10  is placed on a surface which can properly support the station  10  and the child placed thereon. The child is then placed on the station body  12  resting substantially on changing surface  14  which provides a soft and secure area for the child while the child&#39;s diaper is being changed. A belt or other retention device may be looped over the child&#39;s torso to further releasably secure or restrict the child from gross movement during the changing process. The soiled diaper is removed and discarded into an appropriate receptacle. Wipes may be dispensed from the wipe dispenser  20  to clean the child and any portion of the station  10  which may have become soiled during the changing process. Topical medication or lotions may be withdrawn from storage compartment  22  and replaced after use. In one embodiment, the user may withdraw a tub of wipes from the dispenser  20  and place them in a more convenient area while changing the diaper. After the change is complete, the user may replace the tub into dispenser  20  for transport and later use. 
         [0031]    The advantages of the portable changing station  10  are readily apparent. Station  10  is a lightweight and can be easily transported. Station  10  provides a secure and sanitary surface on which to safely and quickly change a diaper. Station  10  is easily cleaned and sanitized after each use or as necessitated and provides a storage capability for items which are required or facilitate the changing of a diaper. Due to the contoured shape of the changing surface  14  and headrest  16 , changing a diaper can be carried out relatively safely because the potential for the child to fall or roll off the station  10  is minimized. Station  10  is easily customized to suit the preferences of the user including functionality (right handed vs. left handed users) and personal taste (e.g. color or artwork imprints). 
         [0032]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.