US20050172411A1

US20050172411A1 - Infant changing pad system

Info

Publication number: US20050172411A1
Application number: US11/036,476
Authority: US
Inventors: Kristen Snedeker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Kiddopotamus and Co
Priority date: 2004-01-16
Filing date: 2005-01-14
Publication date: 2005-08-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and more particularly a changing pad system that includes an activity member held in contact with a changing pad. Optionally, the activity member is held in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/537,459, which was filed on Jan. 16, 2004.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and, more particularly, a changing pad system that includes an activity member held in contact with a changing pad.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Convenience and safety are two important components when it comes to the use of infant products. It is known that infants require special attention during the early stages of life. For example, diapers are changed numerous times each day, an activity that is typically a stressful, unpleasant experience for both the caregiver and the infant. The infant does not understand the benefits of cooperating with caregiver during the diaper changing, the infant only understands that the caregiver's attention has been diverted away from entertaining, which leaves nothing to engage the infant's interest. This causes the infant to fuss, wriggle, and struggle to roll over during the diaper changing process. Since the infant has nothing to engage his or her interest or hands he or she will attempt to engage the caregiver by inserting his or her hands in the way when the diaper is being changed, this limits the caregiver's ability to perform the function of changing the diaper. Because both of the caregiver's hands are busy changing the diaper, the caregiver is limited in the entertainment he or she can provide. It is possible for a caregiver to provide the infant with a toy to hold during the changing of the diaper, but usually the infant will throw the toy on the floor. This provides the caregiver with a dilemma: obtain the discarded toy, which increases the risk of the infant falling off the changing pad; or continue to change the infant who will struggle because no means of entertainment is provided. Struggling prolongs the diaper changing process and typically creates an unsanitary mess by further soiling both the infant and caregiver with the contents of the diaper. Therefore, it is desirous to have an infant changing system that aids the caregiver in lessening the infant's stress by diverting the infant's attention away from the diaper changing process.
Currently, changing pads or mats do not include means for entertaining an infant during diaper changing. Typically, changing pads or mats are composed of a planar cushion. The typical dimensions of the changing pad allow for an infant to be laid on the changing pad, and comfortably change the infant's diaper. The narrow width of the changing pad allows for it to be used in numerous locations including a table, a floor, a changing table, or a dresser top. A caregiver will typically use a changing pad because it provides a soft stable surface that is covered in a waterproof material, making cleanup easy, and often provides a means of strapping or restricting the infant for safety and stability. It is problematic that during diaper changing the infant is required to lie on his or her back and stare at the ceiling. No means of entertainment is provided for engaging the infant to help divert his or her attention or hands away from the diaper changing. Therefore, it is desired to have a changing system that engages the interest of the infant and diverts his or her attention away from the diaper changing process.
Changing stations are of a variety of different construction and designs to aid in changing an infant. Typically, the changing station is an elevated apparatus, such as a table or dresser that possesses a flat surface that receives and holds the changing pad. A secure fit between the changing pad and apparatus is formed, so that the pad rests securely on the surface, assuring the infant is safe. Similar to the changing pad, the changing station lacks means for entertaining or engaging the infant.
Mobiles or activity members are well known in the industry for engaging, entertaining, and soothing an infant. Current mobiles include an arm attached through hardware, such as a clamp or other attachment mechanism to a crib, bassinet, swing, car seat, or carrier. The attachment mechanism causes the mobile to become a semi-permanent feature of the device to which it is attached. Most mobiles are stationary objects attached to a crib or wall through the use of brackets or semi-permanent clamps. Fixed attachments such as this limit the availability of the mobile for use with devices other than the specific structure.
There are some mobiles designed to be used with changing pads and tables. One such design includes a clamp mechanism, which allows it to be attached to the changing table to form a semi-permanent attachment. This limits the mobile to only being used with the changing table. The clamp mechanism cannot be used on a dresser changing station since there is no lip or edge to attach the clamp. Since the majority of caregivers typically employ a dresser or floor as a changing station a clampable mobile or infant engaging arch cannot be used. Another current changing pad mobile found in the industry is designed to be mounted to a wall. The wall mount requires specific hardware, tools, and creating a hole in the wall, such as drilling or hammering a nail, to use the mobile with a changing pad. Thus, the wall mounted mobiles and clampable mobiles are not easily transportable. The caregiver is further inconvenienced by having to take the infant to the changing table where the mobile is located rather than changing the infant where they are currently located.
Numerous play mat products are currently on the market that are designed for entertaining an infant. Typically, these large play mats are designed to be used on the floor for entertaining the infant while the infant is lying on his or her back. The play mat will include an activity arch that suspends toys above the reclined infant, to thereby engage the infant's attention. The oversized design of the play mats inhibits its use for any purpose other than entertaining an infant when on the floor. The oversized shape of the play mat inhibits the play mats use on a changing station, such a table or dresser. In addition, the current play mats are constructed of non-waterproof fabric material, which increases the inconvenience to the caregiver when the play mat requires cleaning.
It is therefore desired to have an infant changing pad system that includes the following features: 1) incorporates a changing pad or can be used with a changing pad; 2) includes an activity arch or mobile with visual and/or auditory stimulating objects to engage the infant; 3) fits on a changing station, such as a changing table or dresser; 4) can be easily transported for use in various situations, such as on the floor, on a changing table, on a dresser, or on a table; 5) includes a rotating arm and/or a pivoting hinge to allow movement of the activity arch or mobile; and, 6) includes an adaptive base that allows it to be used with numerous changing pad designs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for placing an activity member proximal to a changing pad. The changing pad and activity member are designed to ensure that during the changing of an infant the activity member engages the interest of the infant.
The infant changing pad system includes an activity member configured for engaging the interest of the infant during, for example, diaper changing. The activity member can be of a variety of constructions, so long as toys or objects are suspended above the infant during changing at a distance whereby the infant can see and/or touch the toys. A preferred activity member has an arch member, which is any member, which suspends toys and is located proximal to at least one side of the changing pad. Available constructions include curved, u-shaped, an arch, a half arch, and combinations thereof. The activity member is preferably of a rigid or semi-rigid construction.
The infant changing pad system further includes a changing pad. The changing pad is configured as a standard changing pad currently used in the market that can optionally be used on a changing table or dresser. Typically, the changing pad will be constructed of a pliable material, such as foam or fiberfill that is configured with a flat or concave top surface for placing the infant. The pliable material is preferably covered with a waterproof material for easy cleanup.
The infant changing pad system is configured with the activity member held in contact with a changing pad. Contact of the activity member with the changing pad is defined as removable attachment or fixed attachment. In an optional configuration the activity member is held in a position proximal to the changing pad, without contacting the changing pad, but still ensuring a close proximal position. Contact between the activity member and changing pad is facilitated through the use of an attachment member. The attachment member is designed to connect the activity member to the changing pad. Available members include snaps, hood and loop attachment, zippers, buckles, buttons, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotating member, and combinations thereof.
The activity member may also be held in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member. The base member is configured to attach to the activity member and provide a means through which contact with a changing pad will occur. The base member can be any device configured to support the activity member and contact the changing pad, such as a flat planar member, a stand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.
The present invention of an infant changing pad system incorporates the use of a changing pad and activity member to assist a parent in changing the diaper of an infant, by engaging the interest of an infant. Because the changing pad system can include an adaptive base the system can be used with numerous changing pads currently on the market. Further, the invention allows the infant changing pad system to be easily transported and used in various situations including on changing stations, the floor, a changing table, a dresser, or a table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the infant changing pad system with the base member configured as a flat member for contacting a changing pad;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with a telescoping activity member with dual stand members (feet);
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are perspective views of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with the base member configured as a changing pad;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view demonstrating the rotating action of the attachment member of the changing pad;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with a single stand base member and two attachment members to connect the base member to the activity arch;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing system with a single base member and a single attachment member to connect the base member to the activity arch;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with a two stand base members;
FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with the activity member attached to strip members;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with a stand-alone activity member configured for contact with a changing pad;
FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of the infant changing system with a bassinet enclosure; and,
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the infant changing pad system with the base member configured as a foldable changing pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system that includes an activity member configured to be held in contact with a changing pad. This invention eases the stress of an infant during diaper changes by engaging the infant's interest. The activity member entertains an infant, thus diverting the infant's attention and hands away from the diaper changing process. Such a diversion decreases the degree of difficulty typically associated with diaper changing. The invention includes an activity member designed to entertain an infant, held in contact with a changing pad. Optionally, the activity member is held in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member.
Referring now to the specific elements of the infant changing pad system, drawing FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus 20 of the invention. The apparatus 20 includes an activity member 22, which includes at least one arch member 24. Any activity member known in the industry that engages the interest of an infant can be used. The activity member can be of a variety of constructions, so long as toys or objects are suspended above the infant during changing at a distance whereby the infant can contact the toys, such as seeing or touching. A suitable arch member is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15. The arch member or members 24 are configured to engage the infant's attention and allow the infant to contact or grab the objects attached to the arch member 24. The arch member 24 is a rigid or semi-rigid member configured with opposed ends. Preferably, the arch member 24 is constructed of any material known in the industry, such as wire, plastic, metal, wood, cloth, and combinations thereof.
The arch member can be configured in any shape known in the industry, such as a curved or u-shape construction, an arch, a half arch, and combinations thereof. Further, in one embodiment (FIG. 1) the changing pad system will include two or more arch members 24. Optionally, the two or more arch members 24 will be removeably attached to each other to form the activity member 22.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the activity member 22 is configured to be expandable. Optionally, the activity member 22 can be configured to be expandable in any embodiment discussed herein. The expandable configuration allows the activity member 22 to expand either horizontally or vertically. The expandable arch member 60 configuration allows the activity member 22 to telescope, thus increasing or decreasing the length of the activity member 22. The expandable feature allows the activity member 22 to be adjusted for use with varying sized changing pads and changing stations. The expandable configuration allows the activity member 22 to fit over the width of the changing pad 25. By expanding horizontal the activity member 22 can be used with varying sized changing pads, whereby ensuring the activity member 22 is held in contact with the changing pad 25.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, the arch member 24 is configured as a rigid stand-alone member that is designed to rest in a position proximal to the opposing sides of a changing pad, with the arch member 24 oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface and changing pad. The rigid stand-alone member is a freestanding arch member that preferably includes two or more arch members 24. The rigid stand-alone member is configured with opposing ends that preferably include a skid resistant material 48, whereby increasing the structural integrity of the arch member when it is engaged with a surface to create the arch perpendicular to the changing pad.
Optionally, a cover member 30 covers the arch member 24, and provides a protective covering for the arch member 24. The cover member 30 is constructed of any material known in the industry, such as fabric, cloth material, nylon, leather, plastic, foam, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the cover member 30 is constructed of a waterproof material, such as plastic, vinyl, rubber, nylon, and combinations thereof.
The activity member 22 contains visual and/or auditory stimulation objects (typically infant toys) that engage the attention of an infant. The objects 28 provide entertainment for the infant, and will increase an infant's interest by engaging his or her attention, while diverting the infant's attention away from the caregiver changing a diaper. Available objects 28 include, but are not limited to, shatterproof mirrors, material pieces, colorful fabrics, balls, toys, musical figures, bells, rattles, squeak toys, teethers, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the objects 28 are removeably attached by any means known in the art, such as hook and loop attachment, zippers, snaps, buckles, clips, hooks, magnets, and combinations thereof. The removability of the objects 28 allow numerous different combinations of objects 28 to be used on the activity member 22. Optionally, the objects 28 are fixedly attached to the activity member 22, whereby eliminating the infant's ability to separate the objects 28 from the activity member 22.
A further element of the infant changing pad system is a changing pad 25. The changing pad 25 is configured as a standard changing pad that is used to hold an infant and assist in changing the infant's diaper. A standard changing pad is defined as any changing pad currently used by a caregiver to assist in changing an infant. For example, measurements for standard changing pads currently on the market range in size from 16 to 18 inches in width and 32 to 34 inches in length. The dimensions of a standard changing pad allows the changing pad to be used on changing tables and dresser tops. The changing tables and dresser tops are configured with a top surface that is at least one (1) inch wider than a standard changing pad. The changing pad is typically composed of a single cushion member 34 with a concave top surface configured for placement of the infant during diaper changes. Optionally, the single cushion member 34 can be configured with a flat top cushioned surface.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, the cushion member 34 can be composed of first and second foldable portions. Intermediate the first and second foldable portion is a connection member used to connect the first and second portion. Preferably, the connection member is a piece of material or plastic, which enables folding of the cushion member 34 for convenient storage and transportation. In a further embodiment, the foldable portions of the cushion member 34 are pivotally secured together by any hinge member known in the art.
The preferred single cushion member 34 is a flat planar member configured with a concave top surface. The concave configuration will aid in positioning the infant on his or her back and will limit the infant's ability to roll over during changing. Optionally, the cushion member 34 is a flat planar member that further includes side bolsters 36. The side bolsters 36 are configured to be removeably attached to the cushion member 34. The side bolsters 36 extend perpendicular away from the top surface of the cushion member 34 and aid in positioning the infant on his or her back while limiting the infant's ability to roll over during changing.
The cushion member 34 and side bolsters 36 are constructed of any pliable material known in the art, such as foam, sponge, plastic, fabric material, fiberfill, or combinations thereof. Preferably covering the pliable material is an outer layer constructed of any suitable material known in the art, such as vinyl, cloth, rubber, leather, nylon, plastic, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the covering material will be constructed of a waterproof material, such as vinyl, rubber, nylon, plastic, and combinations thereof.
The cushion member 34 further includes an optional “memory foam” pillow 38. The “memory foam” pillow 38 supports the infant's head and neck, and reduces the likelihood of plagiocephaly, “flat-head syndrome” associated with infants. “Flat-head syndrome” occurs because of the soft nature of the infant's skull and the increased amount of time an infant spends on his or her back while sleeping. The weight of the infant's head, over time, flattens the rear portion of the skull. To lessen the likelihood of “flat-head syndrome” a “memory foam” pillow is used, which is composed of a soft cushioned pillow that is configured for placement of the infant's head, it provides support, but is not too rigid so as to cause “flat-head syndrome.” Preferably, the “memory foam” pillow 38 is removeably attached to the cushion member 34 by any means known in the art, such as snaps, hook and loop attachments, zippers, snap-hooks, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the “memory foam” pillow 38 can be integrally attached to the cushion member 34. Preferably, the “memory foam” pillow 38 is configured with an outer covering of soft material, such as cloth, vinyl, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinations thereof. Enclosed within the outer covering is a soft cushion material, such as foam or fiberfill. Optionally, the outer covering will be constructed of a waterproof material, such as vinyl, rubber, plastic, nylon, and combinations thereof.
Optionally, the cushion member 34 may include a handle member 40. The handle member 40 is configured for use in transporting the changing system. The handle member can be either fixedly or removeably attached to the base member 26 or changing pad 25.
In an optional embodiment the changing pad can include restraining devices, such as straps of material for use in limiting the infant's mobility during diaper changes.
The infant changing pad system is configured to place the activity member 22 in contact with the changing pad 25. Contact of the activity member 22 with the changing pad 25 include the arch member being removeably attached to the changing pad, fixedly attached to the changing pad, in a proximal position to the changing pad, and combinations thereof. To facilitate the contact between the activity member 22 and the changing pad 25, the changing pad system can optionally include a base member 26. The base member 26 provides a means for supporting the activity member 22 and for facilitating a proximal relationship or contact between the activity member 22 and the changing pad 25, whereby allowing the changing system to be used on a changing station, dresser top, the floor, or any place an infant's diaper is changed.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 the arch member 24 and changing pad 25 are held in contact so that the arch is substantially perpendicular to the base member. Preferably, the arch member 24 is configured to contact the changing pad through the use of an attachment member 44. The attachment members 44 will be any means known in the art for securing attachment, such as hooks, snaps, buttons, clips, buckles, hook and loop attachment, zippers, safety pins, material loops, ties, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the arch member 24 is removeably attached to the changing pad. For example, the arch member can be hooked to the changing pad.
Optionally, the arch member 24 is fixedly attached to the changing pad 25, with the fixed attachment preferably including means by which the arch can be rotated between a position perpendicular to the changing pad and parallel with the changing pad. The arch member 24 is configured to rise above the changing pad in a perpendicular orientation, and similarly above the infant who has been laid on the changing pad. Therefore, the arch member 24 with stimulating objects 28 is oriented in such a position to engage the attention of the infant while the diaper is changed.
In the one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the base member 26 is a stand-alone flat member 32 that is substantially planar with a defined outer edge. The changing pad 25 engages the flat member 32 and activity member 22 by contacting the base member with the changing pad 25 so that the changing pad rests on the flat member 32, with the activity member 22 substantially perpendicular to the changing pad 25. Preferably, the flat member 32 will include attachment members 44 for attaching to the activity member 22. The flat member 32 is configured with dimensions similar to or slightly larger than a changing pad, which allows the flat member 32 to lie under the changing pad while the activity member 22 is attached to the flat member 32. The material can be rigid or flexible dependent upon the arch and attachment. The flat member 32 is configured to engage a changing pad by forming a base on which the changing pad will rest. Optionally, the flat member 32 will have dimensions that include a width the same as or slightly larger than a standard changing pad's width. The flat member 32 configuration allows the changing system to fit on a typical changing station, such as a changing table or dresser. The flat member 32 will be configured in the shape of a rectangle, square, circle, spherical, oblong, or any shape known in the art that allows it to be used with a changing pad. Optionally, the flat member 32 will include material that is raised to form an outer raised edge on the outer edge of the flat member 32. The flat member 32 is composed of any material known in the art, such as fabric, cloth material, nylon, vinyl, leather, plastic, metal, rubber, wire, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the material is a waterproof material. The composition of the flat member 32 optionally allows it to easily be collapsed/folded. This in conjunction with the collapsibility of the other elements of the infant changing pad system, increases the ease of storage or transportation of the embodiment.
The arch member can be configured as a solitary arch with the base and arch engaged such that the arch is suspended in the upright position by the base. Conversely, in an optional embodiment, the arch members may be used whereby the arches are attached at the base to support one another. Such a configuration does not require the base to support the arch in the upright position only that the base and arches be received by one another.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 the base member 26 can be configured as a material strip or strips 82, such as webbing straps. The strips 82 are configured to contact the activity member 22 whereby forming the base member. The strips provide a means of placing the activity member 22 in contact with the changing pad 25. In the preferred embodiment the strips are configured as two pairs of parallel strips attached to each other to form a rectangular base, illustrated in FIG. 11. In an optional embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the base member 26 is configured with at least two strips that are configured in a crisscross design, whereby attaching to the activity members 22. Optionally, the strips 82 can be any design that allows the strips to form the base member 26 and connect to the activity member 22. Preferably, the strips are constructed of any material known in the art, such as fabric, cloth material, rubber, plastic, wire, nylon, vinyl, leather, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the base member 26 will be configured as an expandable flat member. The expandable flat member is substantially planar with a defined outer edge that includes numerous attachment members to allow the activity member 22 or other current activity members on the market to be attached to the expandable flat member. The expandable flat member is configured to provide a means of attaching the expandable flat member to current activity arches on the market to create either an infant changing pad system or an infant entertainment area. Dependent on where the activity member 22 is attached to the expandable flat member the area of use by the infant will vary. Use of the expandable flat member allows the area to be increased or decreased dependent on the infant's activity.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 the base member 26 is composed of at least one stand member 42. The stand member 42 is configured as a base which provides a means to support the activity member 22 and is a means for placing the activity member 22 in contact with the changing pad 25. The stand member 42 can be composed of any rigid material known in the industry, such as metal, hard plastic, wood, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base member 26 will be a single stand member 42 configured with at least two attachment members 44 to connect the activity member 22 to the single stand member 42. Optionally, the single stand member 42 will be configured with a single attachment member 44 for supporting the activity member 22. The stand member is configured to be placed in contact with the changing pad 25. Preferably, the stand member 42 includes an outside surface configured to engage an opposing surface. The engaging member 48 is configured to stabilize the changing pad system and reduce the likelihood that the stand member 42 will slip or slide when placed on a surface. The engaging member 48 is composed of any material known in the industry that reduces slippage, such as suction cups, rubber, reusable tape, foam, leather, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9, the changing pad system will include two stand members 50. The two stand members 50 are configured as two “feet” members for supporting the activity member 22. The feet members are configured to allow the activity member 22 to be used with a changing pad while the changing pad is resting on a dresser or changing table. The two stand members 50 will engage the opposite ends of the activity member 22 to create the support means required for the infant changing pad system. Additionally, the stand members 50 are configured as a means of creating contact between the changing pad 25 and the activity arch 22. The stand member 50 is designed to contact the side of a changing pad, further allowing the changing pad system to be used in conjunction with a changing pad on a changing table, dresser, table, floor, or any changing surface. In an optional configuration, the stand member 50 is designed to be placed in a position proximal to the changing pad 25.
The base member 26 further includes attachment members 44. The attachment members 44 are a means for securely fastening the activity member 22 to the base member 26 or stand member. The attachment members 44 will optionally include receiving members to allow attachment of the activity member 22 to the base member 26. The attachment members 44 are located on the base member 26, the activity member 22, or both. Preferably, the attachment members 44 are any method known in the art, such as snaps, buckles, hooks, brackets, clips, hook and loop attachment, zippers, safety pins, material loops, material slits, ties, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the base member 44 will include four (4) attachment members 44. In optional embodiments the base member 26 will include at least one attachment member 44.
In another embodiment the base member 26 will be configured to include slits or opening holes in the material. Preferably, the slits will be substantially located at the four corners of the base member 26. The slits engage the activity member 22 by receiving the ends of the activity member 22. Optionally, the activity member 22 will include attachment members 44 for engaging the slits. In an optional embodiment the base member 26 will be configured as a single member with built in attachment members.
Optionally, the attachment member 44 further includes at least one pivoting hinge 52. The pivoting hinge 52 allows movement of the activity member 22 relative to the base member 26, such as an upright/perpendicular position from the base member 26, a down/parallel position from the base member 26, or any positional degree from perpendicular to parallel. The movement of the activity member 22 facilitates the use of numerous activities associated with the activity member, which include, but are not limited to, while the infant is being changed (activity member 22 in the upright position) or when the infant is participating in “tummy-time” (activity member 22 in the down position). Also, the pivotal action of the attachment member 44 allows the activity member 22 to be lowered to a parallel position to aid in placing the infant on the base member 26 (changing pad) and then raised to a perpendicular position to help distract the infant during changing. The pivoting action of the attachment member 44 increases the overall usefulness of the activity member 22 by allowing it to be positioned in various positional degrees to aid in engaging the infant, and assist in storage and transportation. The infant receives benefits from being engaged by the activity member 22, which include, but are not limited to, distracting the infant during diaper changes, and aiding the infant's development of motor skills. By using the activity member 22 along the pivotal continuum, the infant's motor skills including strength and coordination, along with his or her hand and eye coordination develop through the infant's attempts at grabbing the entertainment objects. Additionally, the adjustable action through the use of the pivoting hinge 52 assists transportation and storage by lowering the activity member 22 to a parallel plane in relationship to the base member 26.
Optionally, the attachment member 44 includes a rotating member 54. The rotating member 54 allows movement of the arch member 22 in a clockwise or counter clockwise rotation about the axis of the arch member. Typically, the rotating member will be incorporated into the attachment member 44, which will allow the activity member to be rotated to a desired position.
In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 the infant changing pad system includes an infant bassinet 70. The bassinet is configured with a bassinet base member 72 and a plurality of side members 74. Preferably, the plurality of side members includes side members 74, 76, 78, and 80 perpendicular to the bassinet base member 72. The bassinet base member 72 can be configured in any shape but is typically a rectangular configuration. Optionally, the bassinet base member 72 can be configured in an oval shape with a single perpendicular oval-shaped side member 82. Preferably, the side members are integrally attached to each other, and are attached integrally in a perpendicular orientation to the outside edge of the bassinet base member 72, whereby extend sufficiently high to prevent an infant from rolling out of the bassinet 70. The resultant configuration is a box structure with a bassinet base member 72 and side member. The configuration of the bassinet base member 72 and side members creates a secure environment for the infant. The bassinet base member 72 and side members can be made of any material known in the art, of sufficient strength to prevent an infant from rolling out of the bassinet, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, rubber, wicker, hard foam, wood, and combinations thereof. The bassinet base member 72 and side members are composed of material that provides a secure environment while the infant is within the apparatus 20. The bassinet is further designed to engage the changing pad 25 and activity member 22, by allowing the changing pad to rest within the bassinet 70. When the changing pad is placed within the bassinet 70 the side members of the bassinet 70 extend perpendicular away from the surface of the changing pad, whereby creating a secure environment for the infant.
The bassinet 70 further includes optional handles 84. The handles 84 are integrally attached to the bassinet side members. Optionally, the handles 84 are removably attached by any means known in the art, such as snap attachment, hook and loop, zippers, buttons, and combinations thereof. The handles 84 are typically configured to assist in the transportation of the apparatus. Optionally, transportation of the bassinet through use of the handles 84 can occur while the infant is in the bassinet 70.
The bassinet 70 further includes pockets for optional storage space. The pockets are integrally attached to the bassinet base member 72 and bassinet side members. Optionally, the storage pockets are located on the exterior sides of the bassinet base member 72 and bassinet side members. The pockets are typically composed, but not limited to, the same material as the soft cushioned coating, such as fabric, rubber, nylon, plastic, leather, cloth, and combinations thereof. The pockets function for holding and making readily available for use the infant's personal belongings, such as bottles, diapers, clothes, toys, and combinations thereof.
The bassinet 70 further includes straps 86, for attaching the apparatus to a support, such as a piece of furniture. Preferably, the straps 86 are located on the bassinet side members. A further embodiment of bassinet 70 includes straps removably attached to the bassinet base member 72 and straps 86 removably attached to the bassinet side members. Preferably, the straps are removably attached by any means known in the art, such as hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons, zippers, buckles, and combinations thereof, so that the straps can be removed from the bassinet during transportation or storage. The straps are typically configured to be adjustable, so the bassinet 70 can be secured to a piece of furniture, such as a chair. The bassinet 70 securely attaches to the chair by wrapping the straps around the seat and/or back of the chair and then securely tightening the straps until the apparatus has formed a secure connection with the chair. The secure attachment of the bassinet to the chair provides a safe environment for the infant.
Optionally, the bassinet 70 may be attached to a stand mechanism that is designed to elevate the bassinet off the floor. Preferably, the bassinet is removeably attached to the stand mechanism, but may be optionally configured to be fixedly attached. The stand is constructed of material known in the art, such as plastic, wood, metal, wire, and combinations thereof.
Thus, there has been shown and described a changing system that fulfills all objects and advantages sought therefore. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. It is apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, variations, modifications, other uses, and applications to the changing system are possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications, other uses, and applications which do not depart from the sprit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. An infant changing system comprising:

(a) a changing pad; and,

(b) at least one activity member held in contact with the changing pad.

2. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the changing pad and the activity member are held in contact with one another by an attachment member.

3. The changing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment member is selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop attachment, zipper, buckle, button, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotating members, and combinations thereof.

4. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the contact of the activity member with the changing pad are selected from the group consisting of removeably attached, fixedly attached, in a position proximal to the changing pad, and combinations thereof.

5. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the activity member is configured in the shape selected from the group consisting of an arch, a half arch, a curved or u-shaped member, and combinations thereof.

6. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the activity member is composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wire, wood, and combinations thereof.

7. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the changing pad is a cushion member with a top surface that is concave in shape.

8. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the activity member and changing pad are held in contact through the means of a base member.

9. The changing system of claim 1, wherein the base member is selected from the group consisting of a flat planar member, a stand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.

10. An infant changing system comprising:

(a) a base member; and,

(b) at least one activity member attached to the base member.

11. The changing system of claim 10, wherein the base member and activity member are attached by an attachment member.

12. The changing system of claim 11, wherein the attachment member is selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop attachment, zipper, buckle, button, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotating members, and combinations thereof.

13. The changing system of claim 10, wherein the base member and activity member are held in contact with a changing pad.

14. The changing system of claim 11, wherein contact between the base member and activity member with the changing pad is fixedly attached, removeably attached, in a position proximal, and combinations thereof.

15. The changing system of claim 10, wherein the activity member is composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wire, wood, and combinations thereof.

16. The changing system of claim 10, wherein the base member is selected from the group consisting of a flat planar member, a stand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.

17. An infant changing system comprising:

(a) a changing pad;

(b) a base member; and

(c) at least one activity member held in contact with the changing pad.

18. The changing system of claim 17, further including an attachment member for attaching the base member to the activity member.

19. The changing system of claim 18, wherein the attachment member is selected from the group consisting of snap, hook and loop attachment, zipper, buckle, button, material loops, pivoting hinges, rotating members, and combinations thereof.

20. The changing system of claim 17, wherein the base member and activity member are attached to one another and held in contact with the changing pad.

21. The changing system of claim 17, wherein the contact between the base member and activity member with the changing pad is selected from the group consisting of actual contact, in a position proximal, and combinations thereof.

22. The changing system of claim 17, wherein the activity member is composed of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wire, wood, and combinations thereof.

23. The changing system of claim 17, wherein the base member is selected from the group consisting of a flat planar member, a stand member, feet members, straps, and combinations thereof.