CA3029943A1 - Portable infant changing pad - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a portable infant changing pad that provides a surface upon which to change an infant. The portable infant changing pad is comprised of a base portion which sits upon a changing surface, a top pad portion which is made up of a stack of disposable changing pads, and an attachment portion connecting the base portion to the top pad portion. The portable infant changing pad may be unrolled upon a surface as selected by the user, and then rolled back up after the infant has been changed. Alternatively the portable infant changing pad may be setup in a permanent location such as on an incubator, examination table, change table, table, floor or other surface as selected by the user, and left in that position to act as a permanent and/or semi-permanent infant changing space. The portable infant changing pad is portable, convenient, easy to setup and use, simple to transport, and provides for a hygienic environment before, during and after changing an infant.

Description

PORTABLE INFANT CHANGING PAD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention pertains to the field of infant changing pads and in particular to portable infant changing pads.
BACKGROUND

[002] Changing an infant's diaper is an inevitable part of parenthood.
Parents and caretakers present a different way of parenting than what was considered 'normal' in past decades. Modern parents are more mobile and less house bound - they travel, work, and exercise with their babies. Changing a baby's diaper on the move can pose challenges, with lack of access to changing stations and the cleanliness of said changing stations.

[003] The use of a changing pad to aid in changing the diaper of an infant is a common solution to changing a diaper while on the go. These changing pads provide a surface to change an infant's diaper, protect an infant from a dirty or contaminated surface, and also to protect surfaces from the excrement of an infant. There are four main types of diaper changing pads that are commonly available: standard diaper changing pads, travel diaper changing pads, diaper changing kits, and disposable diaper changing pads.

[004] The standard diaper changing pads are more substantial pads that can be likened to a mini mattress. They are used in a semi-permanent way, either slotted into a baby changing table or used upon a surface around the home, such as a dresser. A separate changing pad cover is also required for the functioning of the standard diaper changing pad. Standard diaper changing pads function as a base for which an additional changing pad is required to cover and protect the standard pad from diaper leaks. The standard diaper changing pads are bulky and difficult to transport.

[005] Travel diaper changing pads are lightweight and often take the form of a towel-like pad. Travel diaper changing pads may fold up and occupy minimal room, making them a portable alternative to a standard changing pad. The travel diaper changing pads are flimsy and do not provide a soft surface, and may rely on the availability of change tables while changing a baby. They also require that additional materials for changing and cleaning the baby are carried along with the travel diaper changing pad.

[006] Diaper changing kits provide a changing pad and storage capacity for other infant care tools such as diapers, baby wipes, etc. They also include storage pockets to keep other goods.
Diaper changing kits are portable and the changing pad is carried within a bag. The changing pad within the kit is flimsy so that it may fit within the kit, which means it does not provide structural support while changing a baby.

[007] Disposable diaper changing pads are designed to be thrown in the trash after use.
Disposable diaper changing pads are portable, and generally sold in packs of 10 or greater.
They are not able to provide a soft surface, and may rely on the availability of change tables while changing a baby. They also require that additional materials for changing and cleaning the baby are carried along with the travel diaper changing pad.

[008] U.S. Patent No. 6,405,394 discloses an infant changing pad that utilizes a disposable pad upon a stationary changing structure. This changing pad is not portable, and requires additional materials for changing and cleaning the baby.

[009] Therefore there is a need for a portable infant changing pad that is not subject to one or more limitations of the prior art.

[010] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[011] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable infant changing pad comprising a base portion, a top pad portion, and an attachment portion connecting the base portion to the top pad portion. The bottom of the base portion is adapted to help secure the portable infant changing pad to a changing surface and the top of the base portion is adapted to help secure base portion to the top pad portion. The top pad portion is comprised of a stack of at least one disposable pad wherein each disposable pad in the stack is connected at one end of the pad, and each disposable pad is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer and a bottom liquid impermeable layer.

[012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of changing an infant using the portable infant changing pad comprising the steps of selecting a surface upon which to change the diaper of an infant, undoing the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolling the portable infant changing pad upon the selected surface, placing the infant upon the portable infant changing pad, changing the infant diaper and removing the infant from the portable infant changing pad, removing the top disposable pad from the stack disposable pads, and discarding the top disposable pad, removing the portable infant changing pad from the selected surface, and rolling the portable infant changing pad and securing the rolling clasp mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[013] Embodiments of the present invention will be better understood in connection with the following Figures, in which:

[014] Figure 1 illustrates an perspective front view of the changing pad;

[015] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the changing pad;

[016] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective front view of the changing pad, with the disposable pads displayed;

[017] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the changing pad, with disposable pads expanded;

[018] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective front view of the changing pad at the beginning stages of being put into the rolled position;

[019] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the changing pad in the fully rolled up position; and

[020] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective side view of changing pad being used by an infant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Overview

[022] The present portable infant changing pad (also called a "PICP"
herein) provides a surface on which to change an infant. The PICP is comprised of a base portion which sits on a changing surface when in use, a top pad portion which is made up of a stack of disposable changing pads upon which the infant is changed, and an attachment portion connecting the base portion to the top pad portion. The PICP is portable, convenient, easy to setup and use, simple to transport, and provides for a hygienic environment before, during and after changing an infant.

[023] In one embodiment, the PICP will be used by parents, family members, caregivers, guardians, medical personnel, or other person as would be understood by someone skilled in the art, which is responsible for changing an infant diaper.

[024] In one embodiment, the PICP will be of similar dimensions to the typical dimensions of a standard stationary changing pad and/or changing table.

[025] In one embodiment, the PICP is configured to be used while away from a home base.
The PICP is configured to be rolled up for portability, convenience and storage. This allows the user to setup and use the PICP in almost any environment. The PICP may be unrolled upon a surface as selected by the user, and then rolled back up after the infant has been changed.

[026] In an additional embodiment, the PICP is configured to be used within the home base.
Once The PICP is setup in a permanent location within the home, such as on a table, floor or 4..

other home surface as selected by the user, it may be left in that position to act as a permanent and/or semi-permanent infant changing space.

[027] In one embodiment, the PICP is used to supplement an existing infant changing space. The PICP may be unrolled and setup in infant incubators, examination tables, change tables or other existing infant changing space as understood by someone skilled in the art. Each infant may be assigned an individual PICP to be used solely by that particular infant. The PICP
will provide for a more hygienic infant changing space as each infant comes into contact with exclusively surfaces upon which that particular infant alone has been exposed.

[028] In one embodiment, the PICP will be sold as a kit that includes each component of the PICP. In an additional embodiment, each component of the PICP will be sold separately.
Base Portion

[029] In one embodiment, the base portion of the PICP will be attached to a top pad portion with an attachment portion.

[030] In another embodiment, the base portion may be adapted to help secure the base portion to the top pad portion, as well as to help secure the base portion to a changing surface as selected by a user.

[031] In one embodiment, the base portion of the PICP will be rectangular shaped, about one (1) meter (of about three (3) feet) in length, one half (0.5) of a meter (one and a half (1.5) feet) wide, with a raised ridge around the edge of the top surface of the base portion. The raised ridge around the edge of the top surface of the base portion will help in the retention of liquids and/or waste that the PICP is exposed to during the infant changing process.

[032] In another embodiment, the base portion of the PICP will be of altered dimensions and/or shape to facilitate additional and/or alternate functionality. For example, the base portion of the PICP may be oval, and of a smaller diameter to facilitate a smaller infant, or to facilitate alternative transport requirements.

[033] In one embodiment the base portion will be made of material such as but not limited to rubber, silicone, plastic, composite, natural material, or otherwise as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. The base portion material may be selected to aid in the specific functionality of the PICP. For example, the PICP may be made of silicon to enhance its ability to secure the base portion to a specific slick surface.

[034] In another embodiment, the base portion is comprised of multiple, or a combination of multiple materials to enhance or alter the specific characteristics of the base portion of the PICP.

[035] The base portion of the PICP will be made of a flexible material. The flexible nature of the base component will permit the state of the PICP to be easily altered from a flat position to a fully rolled position. This fully rolled position allows for convenient transport and storage.

[036] In one embodiment, the top and/or bottom surface of the base portion will be smooth, rough, or otherwise as understood by someone skilled in the art to enhance or alter the specific characteristics of the base portion of the PICP.

[037] In an additional embodiment, the top and/or bottom surface of the base portion will accommodate additional secondary structures such as but not limited to ridges, troughs, indents, holes, slots, bumps, legs, arms, clips, VelcroTM, adhesion strips, or otherwise as would be understood by someone skilled in the art, to enhance or alter the specific characteristics of the base portion of the PICP.

[038] In one embodiment, the base portion of the PICP will accommodate a rolling clasp mechanism that allows the PICP to be fastened in a rolled position. The rolling clasp mechanism will be attached to one end of the bottom of the base portion to facilitate fastening the PICP in a rolled position.

[039] In one embodiment, the rolling clasp mechanism will be permanently attached to the base portion of the PICP. In another embodiment the rolling clasp mechanism will be removable at the user's discretion. In yet another embodiment, the base portion will accommodate multiple rolling clasp mechanisms.

[040] In one embodiment, the rolling clasp mechanism consists of an elastic strap. This elastic strap will be attached to one end of the bottom of the base portion, at the middle portion of the strap. The first distal end of the strap will supporting a loop, and a second distal end of the strap will support a cylindrical fastener that is capable of fitting through the first distal end loop. The user will roll the PICP up starting by rolling the PICP at the non rolling clasp mechanism end of the base portion. Once the PICP is in a fully rolled position, the cylindrical fastener will be fit through the loop end of the strap, thereby fastening the fully rolled PICP in place.

[041] In an additional embodiment, the rolling clasp mechanism will be a fastener such as but not limited to an elastic, clip, buckle, rope, pin, VelcroTM, adhesion strip, or other fastener as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. The rolling clasp mechanism may be attached to the base portion of the PICP and/or another portion of the PICP to accommodate the specific functioning of the rolling clasp mechanism.
Top Pad Portion

[042] In one embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP is comprised of a stack of disposable pads. Once the user has completed changing and/or cleaning an infant upon the top pad portion, they may remove the disposable pad (and other waste and/or garbage that has accumulated during the infant change), and throw the disposable pad in the garbage. This increases the convenience, hygiene, and cleanliness of the infant changing process, which is particularly valuable to a user while away from the home base.

[043] In one embodiment, once the infant diaper is removed the user may use the top disposable pad in the stack of disposable pads that makes up the top pad portion of the PICP to clean the infant. This removes the requirement for a user to carry infant wipes or other cleaning tools used to clean an infant during changing. The user may use the disposable pad upon which the infant is set to clean the infant. Alternatively the user may remove the disposable pad to clean the infant. Once the user has completed changing and/or cleaning an infant upon the top pad portion, they may throw away the disposable pad.

[044] In one embodiment, the stack of disposable pads that makes up the top pad portion of the PICP will be a stack of approximately ten to twenty (10 - 20) individual pads. In another embodiment, the stack of disposable pads that makes up the top pad portion of the PICP will be comprised of a stack of individual pads in a number that would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[045] In one embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP will be rectangular shaped, and of smaller dimensions to the base portion of the PICP. This will facilitate the ability for the top pad portion of the PICP to fit within the footprint formed by the outside edge of the base portion of the PICP.

[046] In another embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP will be of altered dimensions and/or shape to facilitate additional and/or alternate functionality, or to fit within an altered base portion of the PICP.

[047] In one embodiment, the bottom of the stack of disposable pads is removably attached to the top of the base portion. Once the user has finished the stack of disposable pads, they will remove the last pad and replace the stack with a new stack of disposable pads.

[048] In another embodiment, the bottom of the stack of disposable pads is removably attached to the top of the base portion using an attachment means such as but not limited to Velcro TM, adhesion strip, clips, anchor, glue, or otherwise as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[049] In another embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP is removably attached to the top of the base portion using an attachment means such as but not limited to VelcroTm, adhesion strip, clips, anchor, glue, or otherwise as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[050] In another embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP may be flattened out upon the base portion using an attachment means such as but not limited to clips, fasteners, or otherwise as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[051] In one embodiment, each disposable pad in the PICP top pad portion stack of disposable pads is connected at one end by a perforated tear-off strip. Once the user has used the top disposable pad, the pad may be torn from the stack along the perforated tear-off strip, revealing the next disposable pad in the PICP top pad portion stack of disposable pads.

[052] In another embodiment, each disposable pad in the PICP top pad portion stack of disposable pads is connected to the rest of the stack by adhesion, clips, anchors, electrostatic force, or other means as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[053] In one embodiment, each disposable pad in the PICP top pad portion stack of disposable pads is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer and a bottom liquid impermeable layer. The top liquid absorbent layer of the disposable pad will provide for the absorption of any liquids and/or waste that is expelled onto the pad during the process of changing an infant. It will prevent leaks from spilling off the top pad portion, and will keep waste away from the user. The bottom liquid impermeable layer of the disposable pad will prevent any liquid and/or waste from seeping through the pad and onto the other disposable pads that are part of the PICP top pad portion stack of disposable pads. The bottom liquid impermeable layer will preserve the hygiene of the disposable pads below.

[054] In another embodiment, the top liquid absorbent layer of the disposable pad will be comprised of paper, cotton, synthetic polymer, natural fiber, or other liquid absorbent material as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[055] In another embodiment, the bottom liquid impermeable layer of the disposable pad will be comprised of plastic, polyethylene film, composite, synthetic polymer, natural fiber, or other liquid impermeable material as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[056] In an additional embodiment, each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer, a bottom liquid impermeable layer, and at least one middle layer. The at least one middle layer will act to provide additional functionality and/or use to the disposable pad as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. For example, the middle layer may incorporate a moisturizer component that keeps the infant skin moisturized. In another example, the middle layer may incorporate components that allow for easier cleaning of the infant, or that reduce odors. In an additional example, the middle layer may incorporate components that provide disinfectant properties. Additionally, the at least one middle later may provide for additional liquid absorption.

[057] In an additional embodiment, each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer, a bottom liquid impermeable layer, where the top liquid absorbent layer is configured to provide additional functionality. The top liquid absorbent layer will act to absorb liquid and also to provide additional functionality and/or use to the disposable pad as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. For example, the top liquid absorbent layer may incorporate a moisturizer component that keeps the infant skin moisturized. In another example, the top liquid absorbent layer may incorporate components that allow for easier cleaning of the infant, or that reduce odors. In an additional example, the top liquid absorbent layer may incorporate components that provide disinfectant properties.

[058] In one embodiment, it is contemplated that a disposable pad in the stack will be partitioned to provide different disposable pad layers and/or functionality of the pad at different locations upon the disposable pad. For example, the bottom third of the disposable pad may be formed of a top absorption layer, a middle moisturized layer, and a bottom liquid impermeable layer, which is optimized for cleaning the infant. The top two thirds of the disposable pad may be formed of a top absorption layer, a middle cushion layer, and a bottom liquid impermeable layer, which is optimized for infant comfort while on the pad.

[059] In another embodiment, it is contemplated that alternative disposable pads in the stack will provide different disposable pad layers and/or functionality of the pad.
For example, the first disposable pad in the stack may be formed of a layer which is optimized for cleaning the infant.
The second disposable pad in the stack may be formed of a top absorption layer, a middle cushion layer, and a bottom liquid impermeable layer, which is optimized for infant comfort while on the pad.

[060] In one embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP will be comprised of flexible material. The flexible nature of the top pad portion will permit the state of the PICP to be easily altered from a flat position to a fully rolled position. This fully rolled position allows for convenient transport and storage.

[061] In one embodiment, the top pad portion of the PICP is comprised of a stack of reusable pads. Once the user has completed changing an infant using the PICP, they may remove the reusable pads and place them within the laundry. The reusable pad may be washed and replaced upon the PICP as part of the stack of reusable pads that makes up the PICP top pad portion.

[062] In one embodiment, the reusable pads may attach, function, and/or be used on the PICP in the same way that disposable pads are described herein.

[063] In another embodiment, the reusable pads may be made of reusable materials such as but not limited to fiber, composite, plastic, or other material as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

[064] In an additional embodiment, it is contemplated that a reusable pad in the stack will be partitioned to provide different reusable pad layers and/or functionality of the pad at different locations upon the reusable pad.

[065] In one embodiment, the PICP top pad portion is comprised of a stack of disposable pads, and a support plate that is adapted to accommodate the stack of disposable pads. The bottom surface of the support plate is adapted and attached to the top surface of the base portion, and the bottom surface of the stack of disposable pads is adapted and attached to the top surface of the support plate. The support plate will act to provide additional functionality and/or use to the PICP.

[066] In one embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be rectangular shaped, of smaller dimensions than the base portion of the PICP, and equal to or larger dimensions than the stack of disposable pads. This will facilitate the ability for the support plate portion of the top pad portion to fit within the footprint formed by the outside edge of the base portion of the PICP.

[067] In another embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be of altered dimensions and/or shape to facilitate additional and/or alternate functionality, or to fit within an altered base portion of the PICP.

[068] In one embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be disposable.
In another embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be reusable.

[069] In one embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be comprised of flexible material. The flexible nature of the support plate will permit the state of the PICP to be easily altered from a flat position to a fully rolled position. This fully rolled position allows for convenient transport and storage.

[070] In one embodiment, the support plate portion of the top pad portion will be comprised of flexible material that also able to hold structure. The flexible nature of the support plate will permit the state of the PICP to be easily altered from a flat position to a fully rolled position. The ability for the support plate to hold structure will create a stable base for which the disposable pads may be attached, while providing for additional structural stability of the PICP.
Attachment Portion

[071] In one embodiment, the attachment portion of the PICP will attach the base portion to the top pad portion. The attachment portion is comprised of at least one adhesion strip that will bind and secure the base portion to the top pad portion.

[072] In another embodiment, the attachment portion of the PICP is comprised of another attachment means or some combination thereof, such as but not limited to screws, anchors, glue, Velcron", elastic, tape, string, clip, zipper, fastener, or other attachment means as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.

Portable Infant Changing Pad Method

[073] In one embodiment, a user changes the diaper of an infant with the PICP by first selecting a surface upon which to change the diaper. The user will then undo the rolling clasp mechanism of the PICP and unroll the PICP upon the selected surface. The user will then place the infant upon the PICP, and change the infant diaper. Once the diaper has been changed, the user will remove the infant from the PICP, and will remove the top disposable pad from the stack of disposable pads. The user will then discard the top disposable pad and any other garbage (such as a dirty diaper) that has accumulated during the changing process. Finally the user will remove the PICP from the selected surface and roll up the PICP, before securing it in the fully rolled position using the rolling clasp mechanism.

[074] In another embodiment, once the infant is placed upon the portable infant changing pad, the top pad portion may be used to clean the infant prior to, or after removing the top disposable pad from the stack disposable pads, and before discarding the top disposable pad.

[075] In another embodiment, once the last disposable pad in the top pad potion stack of disposable pads is removed, the user may then replace the stack with a new stack of disposable pads by attaching a new top pad potion stack of disposable pads to the base portion of the PICP.

[076] In an additional embodiment, once the last disposable pad in the top pad potion stack of disposable pads is removed, the user may elect to remove the support plate and replace both the support plate and stack of disposable pads with a new support plate and stack of disposable pads. Alternatively the user may elect to leave the support plate in place, and replace the stack of disposable pads with a new stack of disposable pads by attaching the new stack to the support plate.

[077] The PICP will now be described with reference to specific examples.
It will be understood that the following examples are intended to describe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
Examples

[078] In a first example, it is contemplated that a father Kyle is required to take care of his six (6) month old daughter Jorja. On a Saturday afternoon Kyle decides to run numerous errands around the city. He realizes that he will be away from home for several hours and elects to take the PICP with him in order to tend to Jorja when she needs her diaper to be changed. The PICP
is in the fully rolled position and so Kyle is able to carry it to the car as he holds Jorja in the other arm. The PICP is easy to store within his vehicle under the front passenger seat. On the way to the grocery store, Kyle realizes that he has to make a stop to get gas¨
he also realizes that he needs to change Jorja's diaper. Once he has put gas in the vehicle, Kyle opens up the back hatch of the car, unsecures the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolls the PICP onto the flat surface in the back of his vehicle. He then places Jorja on the PICP and changes her diaper.
Once this has be completed, he puts Jorja back into her car seat. He then tears off the top disposable pad of the PICP top pad portion and wraps the dirty diaper in the top disposable pad before throwing the whole unit into a nearby garbage can. He then rolls up the PICP and secures it in the fully rolled position using the rolling clasp mechanism, before storing it back under the passenger seat in his car. Jorja has been changed in a convenient, hygienic manner and Kyle goes about the rest of his day.

[079] In an alternative to the first example, after Kyle has finished the numerous errands he decides to take Jorja for a walk through a forest before heading home. He retrieves the rolled up PICP from his vehicle and slips it into his backpack. He is able to carry the PICP within his backpack while simultaneously carrying Jorja in a front sling. About halfway through the walk Kyle realizes that Jorja needs her diaper to be changed. He stops at a grassy piece of flat ground and takes Jorja out of the sling. He then pulls the PICP from his backpack, unsecures the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolls it onto the ground. He places Jorja on the PICP and then removes her diaper. He then uses the top disposable pad of the PICP to clean Jorja before applying a new diaper and removing her from the PICP. He then tears off the top disposable pad of the PICP top pad portion and wraps the dirty diaper in the dirty top disposable pad before putting the entire unit into a plastic bag, and into his backpack. He then rolls up the PICP and secures it in the fully rolled position using the rolling clasp mechanism, before storing it in his backpack. Jorja has been changed in a convenient, hygienic manner and Kyle did not have to carry additional infant cleaning material with him during the walk.

[080] In a second example, it is contemplated that grandparents Vijay and Heather have been asked by their daughter Emma to take care of their infant granddaughter Anju while Emma is away for the weekend. Prior to leaving, Emma sets up the PICP in Anju's bedroom upon a changing table by unsecuring the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolling the PICP, before placing it on the surface of the changing table. The PICP base portion is comprised of a silicon material which helps to secure the PICP to the table. Throughout the weekend both Vijay and Heather take Anju to the PICP whenever she needs her diaper changed. Sometimes the grandparents use external cleaning wipes to clean Anju, while other times they elect to use the top disposable pad of the PICP top pad portion to clean Anju. Each time they finish changing a diaper they tear off the top disposable pad of the PICP top pad portion and throw the disposable pad into the garbage. Neither Vijay nor Heather have to clean the change table as throwing away the disposable pad keeps the change table clean and hygienic. This reduces the workload on the grandparents while keeping Anju comfortable, clean, and happy.

[081] In an alternative to the second example, halfway through the weekend the disposable pads making up the PICP top pad portion stack runs out. Heather retrieves another stack of disposable pads from a basement storage area. She uses this new stack of disposable pads to replace the missing PICP top pad portion. She attaches the new stack of disposable pads to the base portion of the PICP using an adhesive strip on the bottom surface of the bottom disposable pad. Both Vijay and Heather are able to continue changing Anju's diaper over the rest of the weekend using the new stack of disposable pads. Neither Vijay nor Heather have to clean the change table as throwing away the disposable pad keeps the change table clean and hygienic.
This reduces the workload on the grandparents while keeping Anju comfortable, clean, and happy.

[082] In a third example, it is contemplated that Meiko is a nurse at a busy children's hospital.
She is responsible for care of infants that are experiencing immune deficiencies and are susceptible to contracting sickness. As part of her care duties Meiko is responsible for changing the diapers of multiple infants. Meiko has a storage unit in which she keeps segregated PICPs in the rolled position - each PICP is assigned and marked for a specific infant patient. Each time she is required to change an infant diaper she selects a PICP that belongs to that particular corresponding infant. She unsecures the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolls the PICP upon the changing surface. She then changes the infant diaper and tears off the top disposable pad of the PICP top pad portion and wraps the dirty diaper in the top disposable pad before throwing the whole unit into a nearby garbage can. She then removes the PICP from the changing surface and rolls up the PICP securing it in the fully rolled position using the rolling clasp mechanism. She then places the rolled PICP back into the storage unit until that particular infant requires anther diaper change. The disposable pad of the PICP and the storage and/or portability characteristic of the PICP has allowed Meiko to ensure that each infant is exposed to germs from that infant alone. The use of the PICP has increased the hygiene of the changing process and has limited the infant exposure to contaminants.

[083] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4 and 7 found below, an example of the PICP
in the unrolled position on a flat surface 10 and some of its components are shown. The PICP is comprised of a top pad portion 02 which is bound and secured to the flexible backing base portion 01. The top pad portion is comprised of a stack 06 of disposable pads ¨ a disposable pad may be removed from the stack by tearing off the pad from a perforated tear-off strip 07 that connects each pad in the stack. Each disposable pad 05 will be the surface upon which an infant 30 is changed. An optional support plate 08 may be situated as the bottom layer of the top pad portion, attached to the top surface of the base portion. An elastic rolling clasp mechanism 21 is attached to the base portion. The strap 22 is attached at the middle part of the strap 23 to the PICP. The strap has a first distal end 24 supporting a loop 25, and a second distal end 26 supporting a cylindrical fastener 27 that is capable of fitting through the first distal end loop.

[084] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 found below, an example of how the PICP can be rolled 20 (similar to a yoga mat) for easy portability and storage.

[085] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 found below, an example of the PICP
in a fully rolled position 40 and fastened using the rolling clasp mechanism.

[086] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[087] It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[088] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (25)

WE CLAIM:

1. A portable infant changing pad comprising:
a base portion;
a top pad portion; and an attachment portion connecting the base portion to the top pad portion.

2. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 1, wherein the bottom of the base portion is adapted to help secure the portable infant changing pad to a changing surface.

3. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 2, wherein the top of the base portion is adapted to help secure base portion to the top pad portion.

4. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 3, wherein the top pad portion is comprised of a stack of at least one disposable pad.

5. The top pad portion of Claim 4, wherein the bottom of the top pad portion is attached to the top of the base portion.

6. The top pad portion of Claim 5, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is connected at one end of the pad.

7. The top pad portion of Claim 6, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer and a bottom liquid impermeable layer.

8. The top pad portion of Claim 6, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of at least one top liquid absorbent layer, at least one middle layer, and at least one bottom liquid impermeable layer.

9. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 3, wherein the top pad portion is comprised of a support plate that is adapted to accommodate a stack of at least one disposable pad.

10. The top pad portion of Claim 9, wherein the bottom of the support plate is attached to the top of the base portion.

11. The top pad portion of Claim 10, wherein the bottom of the stack of at least one disposable pad is attached to the top of the support plate.

12. The top pad portion of Claim 11, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is connected at one end of the pad.

13. The top pad portion of Claim 12, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of a top liquid absorbent layer and a bottom liquid impermeable layer.

14. The top pad portion of Claim 12, wherein each disposable pad in the stack is comprised of at least one top liquid absorbent layer, at least one middle layer, and at least one bottom liquid impermeable layer.

15. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is comprised of at least one adhesion strip.

16. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 1, wherein the base portion and top pad portion are comprised of flexible materials.

17. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 9, wherein the top pad portion is comprised of a flexible material.

18. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the portable infant changing pad may be rolled up into a rolled position and fastened in the rolled position using at least one rolling clasp mechanism.

19. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 18, wherein the at least one rolling clasp mechanism consists of a strap, said strap attached in the middle of the strap to the portable infant changing pad, the strap with a first distal end supporting a loop, and a second distal end supporting a cylindrical fastener that is capable of fitting through the first distal end loop.

20. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 1, wherein each component of the portable infant changing pad may be sold together as a kit.

21. The portable infant changing pad of Claim 1, wherein each component of the portable infant changing pad may be sold separately.

22. A method of changing an infant using the portable infant changing pad comprising the steps of:
selecting a surface upon which to change the diaper of an infant;
undoing the rolling clasp mechanism and unrolling the portable infant changing pad upon the selected surface;
placing the infant upon the portable infant changing pad;
changing the infant diaper and removing the infant from the portable infant changing pad;
removing the top disposable pad from the stack disposable pads, and discarding the top disposable pad;
removing the portable infant changing pad from the selected surface; and rolling the portable infant changing pad and securing the rolling clasp mechanism.

23. The method according to Claim 22, wherein once the infant is placed upon the portable infant changing pad, the top pad portion may be used to clean the infant prior to or after removing the top disposable pad from the stack disposable pads, and before discarding the top disposable pad.

24. The method according to Claim 23, wherein once the top disposable pad is removed and there are no remaining disposable pads left in the stack, the stack is replaced by a new stack of disposable pads, which is attached to the base portion of the portable infant changing pad.

25. The method according to Claim 24, wherein a support plate is also removed once there are no remaining disposable pads left in the stack, and both the support plate and stack of disposable pads are replaced with a new support plate and stack of disposable pads.