Background to the Invention Babies and young children frequently attempt to touch their lower body and nappy, also known as a diaper, whilst being changed. This causes hygiene problems and makes it difficult to perform the task of changing.

Devices to overcome these problems are often complex, making them difficult to use, difficult to keep hygienically clean and difficult to manufacture cost effectively. They also often cause distress to the infant, for example by the inclusion of straps, which restrain the infant too severely, leading to panic and violent reactions. Most devices are not sufficiently adjustable to allow them to be used for an infant during the whole of the period of development during which a nappy would normally be worn or with infants of different shapes and sizes.

Therefore there is a problem with prior art devices which attempt to aid nappy changing in that such devices are often complex and have a high manufacturing cost. Such devices are also difficult to maintain in a hygienic state. Prior art devices for the aiding of nappy changing are also known to cause considerable discomfort and distress to the infant and do not allow for sufficient adjustment to accommodate the growth of the infant.

Summary of the Invention The inventor has provided a device to keep an infant's hands and arms away from its lower body and nappy whilst being changed, that distracts the infant from the act of nappy changing, that is easy, quick and safe to use with infants of different shapes and sizes, without causing distress, that is easy to keep clean, that is easily portable, and that is simple and cost effective to manufacture.

The inventor has also realised that by the inclusion of one or more hinges, the present invention can be folded into a substantially flattened configuration suitable for packing away and/or for transport.

The inventor has developed a device consisting of two flat, flexible panels, which lie horizontally one over the other beneath a lying infant's head and shoulders. Vertical extensions of these panels rise on either side of the infant's chest keeping the upper arms at approximately 90° to it. The horizontal panels can move over each other in order to adjust the gap between the vertical extensions. The vertical extensions have angled inner edges that lie down the infant's sides to help keep the device in place and stop the edges digging into the chest. A single flat panel is attached to the vertical extensions, directly above the infant's chest, bridging the gap between them and preventing the infant's hands and arms being manoeuvred downward. The intersections between the inner edges of the vertical extensions and the vertical extensions, and between the vertical extensions and the horizontal panels can be hinged so as to allow the whole device to be folded flat for easy transportation and storage.

Preferably the device is made of a plastics material. This provides a wipe clean surface making it easy to keep clean.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device to aid nappy changing that keeps an infant's hands and arms away from it's nappy and lower body, characterised by comprising: two first panels (1) configured to be placed beneath a lying infant's head and shoulders ; wherein each first panel (1) further comprises at least one second panel portion (4) extending transversely from said first panel (1) and configured to extend on either side of the infant's chest (9) thereby keeping the infant's arms substantially transverse to the infant's body; and a third panel portion (10) configured for attachment to, and extension between, said second panel portions (4) above said infant's chest (9) thereby preventing the infant's hands or arms from being manoeuvred downward; wherein said first panels (1) can be moved over each other to adjust the gap between said second panel portions (4).

Preferably, at least one of said at least one second panel portions (4) is connected to at least one of said first panels (1) by a hinge (15).

Preferably, each of said second panel portions (4) is connected to at least one of said first flexible panels (1) by a hinge, said hinge allowing the device to be folded into a flattened configuration.

Preferably, said first panels (1) are substantially planar.

Preferably, said second panel portions (4) are arranged substantially perpendicularly to said first panels (1).

Preferably, at least one of said second panel portions (4) further comprises an inner edge (5) angled to be pushed up against an infant's chest (9), preventing the inner edge (5) digging into the infant's chest (9).

Preferably, at least one of said inner edges (5) is connected to said second panel portion (4) by a hinge.

Preferably, each of said inner edges (5) is connected to said second panel portion (4) at a hinge.

Preferably, said third panel portion (10) is attached to said second panel portions (4) by means to adjust the height of the third panel portion (10) relative to the first panels (1).

Preferably, the adjustment in height of the third panel portion (10) in relation to the first flexible panels (1) is irrespective of the distance between the second panel portions (4).

Preferably, said means to adjust the relative height of the first panel (1) and third panel portion (10) comprises hook-and-loop tape configured to attach the third panel portion (10) to at least one of said second panel portions (4).

Preferably, said first panels are held together by at least one alignment means.

Preferably, said alignment means comprises an elastic band (2) placed over said first panels (1).

Preferably, said first panels (1) further comprise at least one notch (3) configured to engage said elastic band (2) to retain said elastic band in position.

Preferably, said first panels (1) comprise flexible panels.

Preferably, said flexible panels enable said device to be used on a changing mat having raised sides.

Preferably, said device is made of a plastics material providing a wipe clean surface.

Preferably, said device further comprises suitable pictures, patterns or designs applied to one or more of said second panel portions (4) thereby positioned to face the infant's head during use of said device to aid in distracting the infant's attention.

Preferably, said device distracts an infant's attention from the act of nappy changing by preventing it from being able to see the act of nappy changing in progress.

Preferably, said device is configured to fold into a flattened configuration for storage or transport.

Preferably, said hinges further comprise resilient means to resist folding of said device into a flattened and/or partially flattened configuration during use of the device to aid nappy changing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a plan view of the device with an infant in position for nappy changing.

Fig. 3 illustrates a section of part of the device in place on a standard baby changing mat.

Fig. 4 illustrates a part of one of the second panel portions and part of the first panel portions, wherein a part of the third panel portion attached to the second panel portion is also illustrated.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the device in its folded flat form.

Fig. 6 illustrates a view of the folded device from one end of the device.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge embodiment.

Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of a hinge arrangement.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one

skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows two horizontal panels 1 lying one over the other secured together by elastic bands 2. The elastic bands 2 are held in place by a notch 3 on one or each side of the main panels 1.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1 herein there is illustrated two substantially planar, flexible first panels 1. In the first embodiment these panels are horizontal and of an approximately rectangular shape. Two such first panels 1 are provided. One of the first panels 1 is placed on top of the other first panel 1 and each first panel 1 is slightly offset to the other such that the first panels 1 overlap in a central region of the device, each first panel 1 extending beyond said central region at one end of each said first panels 1.

Further referring to Fig. 1 herein, each first panel comprises a notch portion 3 located near at least one end of each first panel 1. This notch portion 3 permits an alignment means, e. g. an elastic band 2, to be placed over both of said first panels at the periphery of said central region and to engaged with notch 3 and thereby prevent lateral displacement of the first said panels relative to each other during use of the device in nappy changing. An alternative alignment means comprises the use of a strip of hook-and-loop tape placed over each of said first panels 1 at either end of the central region of overlap of the first panels 1.

Further referring to Fig. 1 herein each of said first panels 1 further comprises a transverse second panel portion 4 extending substantially perpendicularly from said first panel 1. These second panel portions form a gap between the two second panel portions 4 in which an infant's chest can be

placed. By adjusting the degree of overlap of the first panel portions 1 the gap formed between the second panel portions 4 can be varied to accommodate an infant of differing chest size.

Further referring to Fig. 1 herein, each of the vertical extensions forming second panel portion 4 has an inner edge 5. In this first embodiment of the present invention the inner edges 5 are transversely extended from said second panel portions in a direction away from the device and towards the infant's lower body when the infant is placed in position. Each of these inner edges 5 extend substantially perpendicularly away from each second panel portion 4 and are further angled such that on sliding the first panel portions together the inner edges 5 gently engage the infant's chest without digging into the infant or causing pain or discomfort to the infant.

Further referring to Fig. 1 herein, a third panel portion 10 is illustrated. Third panel portion 10 extends between second panel portions 4 and is attachable to the second panel portions 4 by an adjustment means. In the first specific embodiment of the present invention, said adjustment means comprises hook- and-loop tape, a strip of the hook side of the tape 11 attached e. g. by adhesive to the third panel portion 10 such as to be engagable with a patch of loop side of tape 12 attached to the second panel portions 4 adjacent to the position at which the infant's arms are placed. This arrangement of hook-and-loop tape allows the third panel portion 10 to be placed at varying heights on the second panel portions 4 to accommodate infant's of different sizes.

In order to aid the changing of an infant's nappy, the device is placed on a suitable horizontal surface, e. g. the floor, a changing mat or table. The infant is then placed in the device. The horizontal panels 1 are slid over each other adjusting the space between the vertical extensions forming the second panel portions 4 until they are touching the infant's sides. The elastic bands 2 keep the horizontal panels 1 correctly aligned whilst this adjustment is made. A third panel

10 is then attached to the vertical extensions 4 by a means that allows the height of the third panel 10 to be adjusted in relation to the horizontal panels, irrespective of the adjusted distance between the vertical extensions 4, for example, said means comprising hook-and-loop tape. The third panel 10 is attached so that, in use, a lower edge of the third panel 10 is touching the infant's chest. This method of adjustment allows the device to be used successfully with infants of different shapes and sizes. It also means the infant is effectively restrained in a matter of seconds.

Where hook-and-loop tape is used the hook side 11 of the fastening tape is attached horizontally to one side of the panel 10 and the loop side 12 of the fastening tape is attached vertically to both of the vertical extensions 4 as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the panel to be attached at any height and with any gap set between the vertical extensions 4. It also means the softer loop side is next to the infant's skin.

Once restrained the infant can be changed with considerable ease.

Because the device does not rely on straps to restrain the infant's legs these can be easily lifted upward to ensure proper cleaning of the infant, including it's mid and lower back and proper fitting of the nappy around the infant's lower back.

This is not possible if the infant is restrained around the lower chest or waist area.

The infant can not see past the third panel 10 or vertical extensions 4 and can be easily distracted from what is happening i. e. it's nappy being changed.

This distraction can be supplemented by the application of suitable pictures, patterns or other designs to the side of the vertical panel 4 facing the infant's head.

Fig. 2 shows the device restraining the infant's arms 6. The infant's clothes 7 are also held out of the way of the nappy to prevent accidental soiling. With the

device in place the ability of the infant to roll onto its side or turn over is substantially reduced.

The weight of the infant's head and shoulders bearing down on the horizontal first panels 1 keeps the device in place on the changing surface and also keeps the vertical extensions 4 in an upright position.

The inner edges 5 of the vertical extensions 4, forming the second panel portions 4, are at an angle so as to lie down the sides of the infant during nappy changing. This helps the device remain in place and stops the edges digging into the infant's chest.

Fig. 3 shows how the horizontal panels of the device are flexible to allow it to be used on a changing mat with raised sides 8. This drawing also shows the position of the inner edge of the vertical extension against the infant's chest 9.

The flexibility of the first panels 1 therefore provides for the proper use of the device in changing an infant or babies nappy in a range of situations where a completely flat surface, e. g. floor surface, is not available.

In a second specific embodiment of the present invention the device further includes at least one hinge to allow the panel portions forming the device to be folded into a flattened configuration such that the device can be stored or packed away for transportation, e. g. in a bag. This second specific embodiment embraces all of the features of the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 5 and 6 show how the intersections between the inner edges 5 of the second panel portions 4 and the planar surface of the second panel portions 4, and also between the second panel portions 4 and the first panels 1 are hinged 15 to allow the device to be folded flat.

To completely fold the device of the present invention into a flattened configuration the inventor has provided hinges at the intersection of the second panel portion 4 and first panel portion 1 and also at the junction of the inner edges 5 formed from transverse extensions of the second panel portions 4.

Alternative arrangements of hinges include only providing hinges at the intersection of second panel portions 4 and first panel portions 1 or at only the junction of inner edges 5 and second panel portions 4. Any combination of such hinges is possible. To completely fold away the device the inner edges 5 are folded about hinge 15 and the second panel portion 4 is folded about a separate hinge 15 to produce a substantially flattened configuration as shown from one end of the first panels 1 in Fig. 6.

Figs. 7 and 8 show how the hinges incorporate a catch mechanism to lock the hinge sections in position whilst the device is used. In this example a simple catch is shown in which a protrusion 16 on one hinged section engages a slot 17 in the corresponding hinged section, although other mechanisms, e. g. a spring- loaded hinge pin, could be used. Fig. 7 shows the hinge with it's pin 18 removed and the two sections moved away from each other.

Each hinge 15 is therefore required to co-operate with a catch or spring loading means which enables the hinged surfaces to be located in their functional positions, e. g. wherein the second panel portion 4 is in an upright position and the inner edges 5 are extended so as to be configured for engagement with the chest on an infant. Such means to position the second panel portion 4 and inner edges 5 is resilient such that the respective portions do not fold into the flattened configuration during use of the device.

From the above description, it will be readily apparent to the man skilled in the art that the embodiments described provide a significant improvement over prior art devices designed to aid nappy changing.