Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a diaper changing device, in particular a device for use when changing diapers; more particularly but not exclusively a device for holding a disposable diaper open during the changing process.

Background

Many people in many societies across the world are accustomed to use of disposable diapers or nappies.

Such disposable diapers, or nappies, will typically have elasticated parts, particularly around the leg holes, and will typically have front and rear panels with side extensions for fastening around the waist of an infant, which side extensions are at the tops of the leg holes.

As a result the elasticated leg holes may be prone to pull the panels towards each other, which can be problematic when trying to put an infant into the diaper, and then wrap the diaper around their waist.

Typically for a new diaper a user will have to open the diaper with one hand, hold the diaper open and place the infant into the diaper. For a used diaper the front panel will need to be held out of the way whilst attending to the infant.

Prior Art

GB 2016 12 036 (HENDRIK) discloses a diaper fastener comprises a substantially planar member which is at least in part elastically extensible. There are three spaced hook units associated with the member and the elastically extensible part is interposed between at least two of the hook units. Each hook unit has teeth which can engage with the fabric of the diaper and hold the diaper in its functional position. At least one of the hook units is composed of two parts, a clamping part and a hook part, which are permanently clipped together from opposite sides of the planar member.

US 2014 0 163 513 (CHAMBON) discloses a diapering assistance system which utilizes a diaper and a diaper holding member which retains the top end of the diaper and suspends its bottom end and a belt member attached to the diaper holding member, which encircles the waist of the individual being diapered. The belt member has connection devices, such as hook and loop connectors, and constitutes the sole component used for attaching the system to the individual.

CN 2 379 117 (LIANG) discloses a fastener which is composed of a base sheet of the fastener and fixing pieces, wherein the base sheet of the fastener forms an inverse T shape and the fixing pieces are respectively fixed to the three end parts of the base sheet which forms an inverse T shape. When the utility model is used, one face of each of the fixing pieces on the fastener faces an object which needs fixing, hook teeth on the three ends of the fixing pieces respectively hook the edges of gauze of the object which needs fixing, and then, the object which needs fixing can not loose and fall off. The utility model is especially suitable for yarn diapers for infants, and has the characteristics of safety, reliability, practicality and beautiful appearance.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a diaper changing device comprising a body and a plurality of clips, wherein the clips are arranged perimetric the body, with two or more waist clips arranged spaced apart along a first axis, and at least one crotch clip spaced apart from the first axis along a second axis, orthogonal the first axis, the device thereby arranged such that the clips hold the diaper open during diaper changing.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a diaper changing device comprising a body and a plurality of clips. Optionally the plurality of clips are arranged at a plurality of locations perimetric the body. Optionally the plurality of clips comprise: two or more waist clips arranged along a first axis. Optionally, the two or more waist clips are spaced apart from each other. Optionally, the plurality of clips comprises at least one crotch clip. Optionally, the crotch clip is spaced apart from the first axis. Optionally, the crotch clip is arranged along a second axis, wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. Optionally, each of the plurality of clips are configured to hold part of a dipper and the device is configured to hold the diaper open during diaper changing.

In this way the device of the first and second aspects may be used to hold a diaper open during diaper changing. For example, in use it may be envisaged that the body is placed on a changing surface and the diaper placed thereon. The diaper can then be unfolded and clipped into the device using the plurality of clips such that the diaper is held in an unfolded or open configuration. By providing the plurality of clips perimetrically and spaced apart from each other, edge parts of the diaper panels (such as the ends of the side extensions) may be held by the clips at perimetric locations. It will thus be appreciated that the waist clips aim to hold parts of the side extensions and/or waist band, and the crotch clip aims to hold part of the diaper panel that wraps around the crotch. In so doing, the waist and crotch clips function to hold the diaper open. The present invention thus allows a user (e.g. parent) to change a diaper more easily as the parent is able to use both hands to place the baby onto the open diaper (thus improving safety) and then sequentially unclip (in a desired order) the diaper parts held by the device clips to ensure maximum control over the changing process.

The following discussion and features thus relates to embodiments of both the first and second aspects equally.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term clip is intended to mean any suitable and/or desirable arrangement, feature or element that functions to (reversibly but securely) hold a diaper to the device. For example, the term clip may include any biased element or member that is resiliently deformable. Thus, in some embodiments, the clips are spring clips, such as R-style clips. In some embodiments, the clips are resiliently deformable member comprising a plurality of slits arranged to provide resiliently deformable flaps such that the material may be pushed through the slits and held in place by the bias of the flaps. In some embodiments, the clips may have a hinge that allows them to be opened and closed such that material may be placed inside the clip when the clip is open and closing the clip clamps or holds the material in place. In some embodiments the clips may comprise a snap securing mechanism or a lever based clamping mechanism. As such, each of the plurality of clips may hold the diaper onto the body by at least one of a spring force, a clamping force or a pinching force, or any suitable and desirable combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of clips comprise a basal portion and a clipping portion. The basal portion is configured to engage with the body of the device and the clipping portion is configured to receive part of the diaper so as to hold the diaper in place. The clipping portion may be a resiliently deformable and biased to clip against a top face of the basal portion to hold the diaper between the clipping portion and the basal portion.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term perimetric is intended to mean a position located at or near to an edge (i.e. the perimeter). As such, a location perimetric the body is a location at (i.e. touching or engaging with) the edge of the body or near to (i.e. not touching the edge but close to) the edge of the body. Preferably a location perimetric the body is within 25 mm of the nearest edge of the body, e.g. within 20 mm of the nearest edge, e.g. within 15 mm of the nearest edge of the body, e.g. within 10 mm of the nearest edge, e.g. within 5 mm of the nearest edge of the body. Thus, within the meaning of the present invention, for a clip to be perimetric the body at least part of the clip (e.g. at least an end or edge of the clip) must be located within 25 mm of the nearest edge of the body, e.g. within 20 mm of the nearest edge, e.g. within 15 mm of the nearest edge of the body, e.g. within 10 mm of the nearest edge, e.g. within 5 mm of the nearest edge of the body.

The function of locating the plurality of the clips at or near to an edge of (e.g. perimetric) the body is such that the clips can engage parts of the diaper at the edges of the diaper without needing the material of the diaper to be folded over. For example, if the clips were located in the centre of the body, the diaper material would need to be folded over to provide a folded edge that may be inserted into the clip. Thus more material would need to be held by the clip which would reduce the efficacy of the holding force. In contrast, by being positioned perimetric the body, only an edge portion of the diaper needs to be inserted (such as an end portion of the side extensions) thus meaning the diaper material does not need to be folded over and improving how effectively the diaper is held by the clips.

In some embodiments, the body is substantially planar. In some embodiments, the body is substantially planar and rigid. For example, the device may comprise a substantially rigid structural skeleton which functions to ensure that the device maintains a substantially planar shape when a diaper is affixed (e.g. clipped) thereto. For example, it may be appreciated that if the body were not rigid, the elastic bias of the waist band of the diaper may cause the device to bend if the diaper is overstretched in the device, thus preventing the diaper from being held open.

Within the meaning of the present invention, a structural skeleton is intended to mean a supportive frame that functions to hold the body of the device in a substantially planar configuration. In some embodiments, the substantially rigid structural skeleton may be an internal component on the body (e.g. not externally visable). In other words, the body may further comprise a covering, wherein the substantially rigid structural skeleton may be enclosed within the covering. In some embodiments the covering may comprise padding or be made from a material that can adapt to the shape of the baby and improve comfort (e.g. foam, an elastomeric material). In some embodiments, the covering may comprise (e.g. be made of) of aresilient material, such as a (e.g. thermoset) polymer or plastic (e.g. thermoplastic). For example, the covering may be moulded (e.g. injection moulded) around the rigid structural skeleton to provide the body. For example, the covering may comprise (e.g. be made of) polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketon (PEEK), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI) and/or polystyrene.

For example in some embodiments such skeleton may comprise one or more metal band(s), such as steel band(s). As metal, such as steel, would be cold and uncomfortable for a baby to lie on, preferably the steel bad is enclosed within a covering. In some embodiments, the steel band(s) may be (e.g. slightly) curved . It will be appreciated that the radius of curvature should not be such that the steel band(s) prevent(s) the device from adopting a substantially planar configuration in use. Preferably, the curvature of the band is such that the device still appears to be substantially planar before use. By providing a (slightly) curved steel band, a a bias is provided that acts against the bias of the elasticity of the diaper such that the diaper is held open. The band could therefore be positioned such that it curves away from the surface on which the device will be placed. For example, the band may curve towards the front surface of the device, where the front surface is the surface to which the diaper is attached and the back surface is the surface which engages the external changing surface (e.g. table, e.g. mat).

In some embodiments, the rigid structural skeleton is the body (i.e. the whole body is rigid) and thus forms an external part of the device. For example, the body may be made of a (e.g. thermoset) polymer or plastic (e.g. thermoplastic). For example, the covering may be moulded (e.g. injection moulded) to provide the (substantially rigid structural skeleton) body. For example, the body may comprise (e.g. be made of) polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketon (PEEK), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI) and/or polystyrene.

In some embodiments, the body may made from a material comprising a flexible and/or resiliently deformable material such as silicone or safe phthalate free, latex- free and BPA-free materials. In some embodiments, the covering (e.g. a covering enclosing a rigid structural skeleton) may comprise the flexible and/or resiliently deformable material such as silicone or safe phthalate free, latex free and BPA-free materials.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a plurality of elongated members. For example, the body comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, wherein the first elongated member extends along the first axis and the second elongated member extends along the second axes, so as to minimise weight and bulk.

In some embodiments, two of the at least two waist clips are arranged at either end of the first elongated member. For example, if the device comprises two waist clips, the waist clips are provided at either end of the elongated member such that they are configured to engage with (and hold) end portions of the side extensions of the diaper. In some embodiments there may be a plurality of clips arranged along the first elongated member such that the edge of the waist band of the diaper is reversibly secured or held to the device in a plurality of positions along the first elongated member.

The clips may be arranged in any suitable and/or desirable orientation along the first elongation member. For example, in embodiments where there are (at least) two waist clips arranged at either end of the first elongation member, the clips may be arranged in opposite directions to each other. In other words the two clips may face towards each other such that the diaper is inserted into the two clips in opposing directions. For example, if the clips are spring clips that require a portion of the clip to be displaced (against a bias, about a hinge) the two waist clips have a common plane of displacement (i.e. the plane defined by the first axis and an axis orthogonal to both the first and second axes). In contrast, the waist clips may be arranged parallel to each other such that they do not share a plane of displacement, but each is displaced in a plane defined by the second axis and the axis orthogonal to both the first and second axes. In some embodiments, wherein the device comprises more than two waist clips, the clips may have different orientations along the length of the first elongated member. For example, the waist clips at the ends of the elongated member may face towards each other whilst the waist clips(s) disposed therebetween may be arranged to be orthogonal to the waist clips at the end.

In some embodiments, the elongated members are substantially rectangular prisms in shape. Thus the elongated members will have a top and bottom surface which are defined by a width and a length dimension, and a plurality of side surfaces defined by the length and the height. Preferably the top surface is the surface onto which the diaper is placed. Preferably the bottom surface is the surface which engages the changing surface (e.g. changing table or mat). Preferably the height of the elongated member is the smallest dimension such that the surface area of the side surface is less than the surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. Preferably, the second elongated member is arranged to be orthogonal to the first elongated member and substantially extends from the centre of the side of the first elongated member such that a T-shape is provided. Preferably the longitudinal axes (i.e. the axis parallel to the length dimensions) of the first and second elongated members are arranged to be orthogonal to each other, e.g. to provide the T-shape. In some embodiments, the body may comprise a plurality of elongated members that are arranged to provide a polygon (e.g. multisided) shape when viewed in plan (i.e.. looking down at the top surface). For example, the body may be a planar triangular shape or other multisided shape. In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the body may be integrally formed (e.g. moulded, e.g. injection moulded) to provide a planar triangular or other multisided shape.

It will be appreciated that the device is three-dimensional and therefore may be defined by a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness (or height) dimension. The width dimension may be defined as the largest dimension parallel to the first axis that extends from one side of the device to the other side. The height dimension may be defined as the largest dimension parallel to the second axis that extends from one side of the device to the other side. The thickness dimension is defined as the largest dimension orthogonal to both the first and second axes. In some embodiments, the length of the device is less than 400 mm, e.g. less than 350 mm, e.g. less than 300 mm, e.g. less than 280 mm, e.g. less than 260 mm, e.g. less than 240 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the device is more than 100 mm, e.g. more than 150 mm, e.g. more than 200 mm, e.g. more than 210 mm, e.g. more than 220 mm, e.g. more than 230 mm, e.g. more than 240 mm. Preferably, the length of the device is from 100 mm to 400 mm, e.g. from 200 mm to 300 mm, e.g. from 200 mm to 250 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the device is less than 400 mm, e.g. less than 350 mm, e.g. less than 300 mm, e.g. less than 280 mm, e.g. less than 260 mm, e.g. less than 240 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the device is more than 100 mm, e.g. more than 150 mm, e.g. more than 200 mm, e.g. more than 210 mm, e.g. more than 220 mm, e.g. more than 230 mm, e.g. more than 240 mm. Preferably, the width of the device is from 100 mm to 400 mm, e.g. from 200 mm to 300 mm, e.g. from 200 mm to 250 mm.

In some embodiments, the width dimension of the device is substantially the same as the height dimension of the device. For example, for a T-shape, the total length of the device (e.g. the sum of the length of the second elongate member plus the width of the first elongate member) may be equal to the width of the device (e.g. the length of the first elongate member).

In some embodiments the device has a T-shaped body, so as to define three (distal) ends. In such an embodiment, the device comprises at least three locations, wherein one of the three locations is positioned at each of the three (distal) ends, wherein each location is provided with at least one of the plurality of clips in use. Preferably, the device comprises two waist clips and one crotch clip, wherein the two waist clips are arranged at either (distal) end of the horizontal part of the T-shape and the crotch clip is arranged at the bottom (i.e. end furthest from the horizontal part) of the vertical part of the T-shape.

In some embodiments, the plurality of clips and the body are formed as an integral unit. In other words, the body and the plurality of clips are unitary. For example, the device is formed by moulding (e.g. injection moulding) such that the clips are unitary with or integral to the body.

In some embodiments of the device, the clips are displaceable (e.g. moveable) with respect to the body. This provides the advantage that the clips may be moved on the body so as to allow for different sizing of diaper.

In some embodiments of the device, the body comprises a plurality of connection sites for placement of the plurality of clips, wherein at least one of the plurality of clips may be disconnected and reconnected. For example, each location (of the plurality of locations where the plurality of clips are arranged) comprises at least one connection site where a clip may be connected to the body. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of clips will thus comprise a connection feature configured to engage with the connection site to (reversibly) attach the clip to the body.

Preferably, at least one location (of the plurality of locations where the plurality of clips are arranged) comprises a plurality of connection sites. This means that more than one clip may be arranged in each location, or, alternatively, that the clip may be moved or displaced within the location to provide wider or narrower positions between the plurality of clips. This has the advantage that the device can be adjusted to allow for different sizes, dimensions or styles of diaper.

In some embodiments, the connection sites within a location are arranged such that the clips may be moved in incremental amounts. For example, the connection sites may be evenly distributed within the location to allow the clip to be moved in 20 mm (e.g. 15 mm, e.g. 10 mm, e.g. 5 mm) increments. Preferably, the maximum distance that a clip may be moved within a location (e.g. the distance between the outermost connection sites within a location) is from 5 mm to 100 mm, e.g. from 10 mm to 80 mm, e.g. from 10 mm to 60 mm, e.g. from 10 mm to 40 mm.

In some embodiments of the device the clips and body share a connection means (e.g. wherein the connection means comprises a connection feature of the clip and the connection site), wherein the clips may be interchangeable and cooperative with the body. In other embodiments it may be envisaged that the clips may connect onto the body at a position, the device for example having a connection means comprised by the clip connecting onto the body.

It will be appreciated that the connection feature and connection site may take any suitable and/or desirable form. For example, the connection means may comprise a male connection part (e.g. a protrusion) and the connection site may comprise a female connection part (e.g. a bore or hole). Alternatively, the connection means may comprise a female connection part (e.g. a bore or hole) and the connection site may comprise a male connection part (e.g. a protrusion). For example, each of the plurality of clips have projecting male parts arranged for receipt in holes formed in the body.

In other embodiments the connection means may comprise hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM). For example, the connection feature comprises part of the hook and loop material (e.g. the hook part or the loop part) and the connection site comprises the complementary part of the hook and loop material. As such, when the clips are placed in the locations, the two parts of the hook and loop material engage (e.g. are pressed together) to provide a reversible attachment.

In some embodiments, the connection means may comprise a ferromagnetic connection means. For example, the connection feature and the connection site may each comprise a magnetic (e.g. ferromagnetic) component such that the clips are attached to the body at the connection site by magnetism.

In some embodiments, the clip comprises a top-side and a bottom-side, wherein the top side is the side of the clip that is configured to engage the diaper and the bottom side is the side that is configured to engage the body of the device. For example, if the clip comprises a basal portion and a clipping portion, the top-side of clip includes the clipping portion and the bottom-side of the clip includes the rear face of the basal portion (i.e. the face of the basal portion that does not cooperate with the clipping portion to hold the diaper). In such an embodiment, the clipping feature may be included on the rear face of the basal portion. For example, if the clipping features are male protrusions, the protrusions may extend from the rear face of the basal portion. For example, if the clipping features are magnets or part of a hook and loop material, the clipping feature may be attached to the rear face of the basal portion.

It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of clips is configured to engage with part of the diaper to hold the diaper in the open configuration. As such, each of the plurality of clips comprises a surface (e.g. comprised within the clipping portion) configured to engage with part of the diaper when the diaper is inserted into the clip. In some embodiments, the surface further comprises a gripping means to improve how securely the diaper is held.

The gripping means may be any suitable and/or desirable means. For example, the gripping means may comprise a material that has a greater coefficient of friction with the diaper material than the coefficient of friction between the material of the diaper and the body of the device. For example, the gripping means may comprise teeth. These teeth may therefore exert additional piercing or clamping force on the diaper. For example, the gripping means may be ridges or elongate protrusions. These ridges may exert an increased force (e.g. increased clamping force) on the diaper. The gripping means thus helps to prevent slippage of the diaper, even if the diaper is pulled on slightly.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a front view of the embodiment of the body of the device shown in Figure 1 , with measurement indications;

Figure 6 shows a front view of the embodiment of a clip for the device shown in Figure 1 , with measurement indications;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of a clip for the device shown in Figure 1 , with measurement indications;

Figure 8 shows a front view of the embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 9a shows a top down view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 8;

Figure 9b shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 8; and

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a clip of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures 1 to 7, there is shown an embodiment of a diaper changing device 199 including a body 99 and a plurality of clips 100, wherein the clips are arranged at locations 50 perimetric positions around the body, with two or more waist clips 100a arranged spaced apart along a first axis, and at least one crotch clip 100b spaced apart from the first axis along a second axis, orthogonal the first axis. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment, the embodiment comprises a T- shaped body 9, formed in a flexible resiliently deformable material such as silicone or safe phthalate free, latex-free and BPA-free materials.

As shown in Figure 2, the embodiment of Figure 1 features three locations 50 which in turn comprise four optional connection sites 4 that can be used to adjust the dimension settings of the device. In both directions, horizontally and vertically, a user is able to incrementally increase or decrease the height or width in incremental adjustments, for example by 10 mm increments. This allows the user to adjust the embodiment in accordance with the nappy sizes.

The body includes a first axial elongate member 1 , and a second orthogonal elongate member 2 extending away from a central point on the first member 1.

The first member 1 has two ends that are spaced apart on the first axis, defined longitudinally by the first member, and the ends include the connection sites 4 for connection of clips.

The clips 100 comprise a flat planar basal portion 6 and a clipping portion 7, the clipping portion 7 resiliently deformable and biased to clip against a top face of the basal portion 6, so as to hold an object therebetween.

The opposed rear face of the basal portion includes two protrusions or projecting studs 5. Figure 6 shows a view of the rear face 6’ of the basal portion including the studs 5 and Figure 7 shows a side view of the clip including the rear face 6’ and a front face 6” of the basal portion 6, the studs 5 and the clipping portion 7, wherein the clipping portion is an R-style clip biased to hold the diaper within the clip.

Such studs 5 are each received within a connection site 4 on the ends of the first member 1. In the embodiment shown, each location comprises four sets of two holes 4, arranged in pairs, parallel the second axis, and spaced apart along the first axis away from the ends. In this way the clips 100 may be placed in one or other of these sets, so as to accommodate a wider or narrower distance between the clips 100, and consequently larger or smaller diapers.

The waist clips on the first member 1 are used to hold the sides of the diaper out of the way when a user is changing or putting a diaper on an infant.

The second member 2 extends centrally from one side edge of the first member.

The second member also has a plurality of connection sites 4 at the distal end of the second member from the first member, such connection sites 4 comprised of four sets of two holes, arranged for receipt of the projecting studs 5 from the rear face of the basal portion of the clips.

The clip that may be located, as shown in the Figures at the location at the end of the second member, is used to clip the crotch area of the diaper, so as to hold it out of the way when a user is changing or putting on a diaper.

Central to the first member, and distal the clip positions of the second member, the first member includes a hanger hole 3 to allow the embodiment to be hung on a hook when not in use.

It should be appreciated that any dimensions shown in Figures 1-7 are for exemplary purposes only and thus not intended to be limiting on the embodiment shown. Indeed, the dimensions may be varied to be larger or smaller without altering the function of the device.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, an embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the plurality of clips 200 (each with a clipping portion 27) are formed as part of the body 20. For example, the device may be moulded (e.g. injection moulded) to form the clips 200 as part of the body 20. As with the first embodiment (shown in Figure 1-7), the body 20 comprises a first elongate member 21 and a second elongate member 22 which are arranged to form a T-shape with the second elongate member 22 extending from a central portion of the first elongate member 21. Figure 9a shows a top down view of the device shown in Figure 8 when viewed down the second axis and Figure 9b shows a side view of the device shown in Figure 8 when viewed along the first axis.

In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the clips comprise an R- style clip with a clipping portion 7, 27 arranged to be deformable and be biased to hold the diaper.

Figure 10 shows the underside of part of a device according to a third embodiment, wherein the clip 300 is integrally formed with the body 30. The clip 300 includes a clipping surface 40 which engages with the diaper when the diaper is inserted into the clip. The clipping surface 40 further includes two gripping means 60 in the form of two ridges. These ridges can be integrally formed with the device and thus made of the same material as the clip or the ridges may be formed of a different material (i.e. rubber) that exhibits a greater coefficient of friction with the device.

Although the gripping means are shown as part of an embodiment where the clips 300 are integrally formed with the body 30, it will be appreciated that the clips described above with respect to Figures 1-7 may further comprise a gripping means on the surface of the clip that engages with the diaper (e.g. the top face of the basal portion or as part of the clipping portion).

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.