US20040124116A1

US20040124116A1 - Baby pockets a portable, diapering and grooming baby product storage/organizer which quilt like nature stimulates babies/children

Info

Publication number: US20040124116A1
Application number: US10/330,770
Authority: US
Inventors: Esther Long
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-27
Filing date: 2002-12-27
Publication date: 2004-07-01

Abstract

Baby Pockets' multiple functions as a storage area for baby care products and toys, organizer, travel system, entertainment system, and decorative wall hanger make this invention unique. No other product serves all of these purposes combined. Its multiple functions makes diapering and grooming of babies and children easier than it has ever been.

As mentioned, Baby Pockets is made of fabric. It is rectangular in shape and contains pockets of various sizes on its front. There are also elastic loops. Baby Pockets hangs on a wall at an infant or child's eye level and within the caregiver's reach near the changing station. The pockets and elastic loops are specifically designed to fit everyday diapering and grooming baby care products.

The baby care product organizers that are currently on the market are usually in the form of furniture or handbags. A caregiver must rifle through a draw or inside of a handbag to locate needed products. Baby Pockets eliminates this time wasting effort by providing a neat and orderly place for almost any baby care product. The baby care products are visible therefore easily located and obtained.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

E. Hillary Long is seeking a patent for her invention entitled Baby Pockets. Baby Pockets is a diaper changing tool, travel system and child entertainment device all in one product. It is quilt like in design, made primarily out of fabric, thread and elastic. It contains pockets and elastic loops for baby care products and toys. It's use of colors and designs along with its elastic loops and ability to carry toys stimulates a child allowing a caregiver to change a diaper, wipe a dirty face or otherwise care for a child with ease and without struggle from a tired or uncooperative child.

The inventor created the first “Baby Pockets” to organize her diaper changing area, to speed diaper changes and simplify the process by saving time and aggravation. The first Baby Pockets was created to replace the changing table her son used. It was created with bright colors and many pockets for all the diaper changing necessities a toddler requires. The pockets contained toys as well as diaper changing items. The material used was educational for the child with pictures and words quilted to the material. The Baby Pockets, approximately 38″×38″ with elastic loops and over 10 pockets of varying sizes, was decoratively hung using loops and a quilting rod.

The second Baby Pockets was created to entertain her baby daughter during changing by attracting her eye to the bright colors and toys hung from the elastic loops (for the infant the colors used were red, black and white) while the pockets contained all the items used in changing her diaper. The inventor created different pocket shapes and a specific loop size to accommodate standard necessities like diapers, a wipe's box, tubes of diaper rash cream, etc. . . . The Baby Pockets was also created to save space, travel with the baby, and hung with adhesive hooks and button holes, make changing a diaper easy and portable. The Baby Pockets was used in bathrooms next to bathroom countertops were a changing pad was used and next to standard commercial changing tables. The Baby Pockets was hung at eye level to engage baby and to make everything easily accessible to the caregiver.

The inventor created several iterations for herself, family & friends as baby gifts. Through daily use the inventor created elastic loops the exact right size to hold tubes of diaper rash cream and/or petroleum jelly. The inventor also, through daily use, changed the design over time to insure the pockets were the right size for a box of commercial wipes, baby powder, lotion, cotton swabs, etc. . . . based on all of the items the inventor used to change the diapers of her children. In addition, the inventor uses the loops to hang toys and rattles and music boxes to further stimulate the baby when diaper changing occurs. Lastly, the inventor modified the design to place the loops strategically to insure the fastest and easiest diaper change and to insure toys could be hung strategically to insure maximum visual stimulation for baby and out of reach of child.

The inventor's constant retooling and modifying of this invention has resulted in a finished product with no anticipated manufacturing problems. The inventor anticipates one use problem. There are concerns that this product will be used as a babysitting tool. However, this problem is easily cured with a waiver and warning advising users of Baby Pockets that the product must only be used with supervision. In addition, the warning will advise users that as with all products of this ilk, no child should be unsupervised during use.

To the inventor's knowledge, no other product of this nature exists or is undergoing the patent process. This product is a combination of several other ideas, quilting, organizing, travel ease and child entertainment. This invention idea is unique in that it combines all of these uses for the ultimate goal of convenient childcare. Quilts are used primarily for either decor or bedding. To the inventor's knowledge no other quilt product is an organizational/entertainment/travel tool for childcare. Products intended for childcare product organization usually come in the form of furniture or handbags. To the inventor's knowledge no childcare organizational product comes in a quilt like form with the multiple purpose of organizing, traveling and entertaining children. Furthermore, the inventor believes that her invention's goal, to make diapering and grooming of a child easy through organization, easy travel possibilities and entertainment, are one of a kind. To her knowledge no product has this potential.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Baby Pockets is the original hanging diaper-changing organizer, baby care product storage area and travel system which can be hung in almost any location. The idea behind Baby Pockets is to make changing diapers, and child grooming fast and fun for caregivers and infants and/or children alike.

Baby Pockets is unique because it simultaneously serves the functions of baby care product organization, travel system and child stimulation, thus simplifying the diaper changing or child grooming experience for the caregiver and making this experience pleasurable for all concerned. It is rectangular in shape and is quilted and/or material backed. There are pockets and loops of varying sizes on the front. It has two buttonholes at the top to allow for easy wall hanging. Its pockets are specifically designed to accommodate diaper changing products such as ointments, wipes and more, child-grooming essentials such as liquid soap, combs, tissues, and more and also baby toys. As a baby grows, the caregiver can use the pockets intended for diapers as underwear storage areas.

In addition to the pockets, this invention has elastic loops approximately 3″ circumference specifically sized to accommodate commercial diaper changing ointments stored in tubes, toys or other needs. The loops are strategically placed for two reasons. First, the loops allow the caregiver to hold the diaper rash cream (or other product) and utilize it while still leaving the caregiver a free hand to hold the baby/child during changes or grooming. Second, the loops allow the caregiver to hang toys safe from a baby's reach but still at eye level for a baby's enjoyment. In sum, this invention organizes, and travels well while saving a caregiver time and effort. It has a pleasing aesthetic for both the caregiver and baby/child. It entertains and soothes baby and child as well as keeps them from unnecessary discomfort caused by disorganization and inaccessibility.

The inventor created four different sized Baby Pockets. A small vertical, approximately 17×27″ with only 6 pockets and 3 loops. A vertical, 18×30″ for hanging in a bathroom to accommodate changing in a small space. A horizontal version 30×18″ to give the infant maximum visual stimulation while on a changing table. And a large, wall hanging version for her toddler son—approximately 38″×38″—with large pockets for him to grab out his own diapers and toys, etc. . . .

Lastly, the inventor used adhesive hooks to hang the Baby Pockets to a variety of different surfaces i.e.: glass, wood and dry wall. The Baby Pockets are hung either using buttonholes or loops at the top and allow for a decorative quilting rod to be used. The portability of Baby Pockets mean that a mother can stock it, take it off the hooks, and transport anywhere with all changing necessities in tact.

Baby Pockets is unique in that it is multi-functional. It is organizational, educational/stimulating, portable, washable and able to be hung anywhere using standard hooks or nails can be used with a quilting pole. Adhesive or standard hooks can be used alone. Thanks to this invention, there will be no more rifling through draws or overstuffed diaper bags in search for necessary baby care items. All necessary diaper changing and grooming items are visible and easily accessible. Less searching means that the baby or child will be less likely to loose patience or spend needless moments in discomfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The Baby Pockets Vertical has a material (often quilted) backing with colorful satin bindings on the sides and bottom and measures approximately 18″ across and 30″ in height. Its bold colors and contrasting patterns and solids are meant to catch baby's eye and keep baby interested while diaper changing. There are two extra large pockets for storing diapers and wipes or other needs. A large pocket for storing powder, creams, toys, etc. Three tall pockets for diaper rash cream, a pocket for cotton swabs and cotton balls, an additional small pocket and five elastic loops. There are eight pockets total.

The Baby Pockets Horizontal has a material (often quilted) backing with colorful satin bindings on the sides and measures approximately 30″ across and 18″ in height. Its bold colors and contrasting patterns and solids are meant to catch baby's eye and keep baby interested while diaper changing. There are two extra large pockets for storing diapers and wipes, and two large pockets for storing powder, creams, toys, etc. There are also two tall pockets and two small pockets and five elastic loops. There are eight pockets total.

INVENTOR BIOGRAPHY

E. Hillary Long inventor and President of Portfolio's Direct, is a working mother of two children. She received an MS in MIS and an MBA from Boston University's graduate school of management.

For the past three plus year Ms. Long has been the VP Practices, for InfoQuest Consulting Group, Inc. in Edison, N.J. As such she managed large international technology deployment projects for the company's customers including Lucent Technologies and Avaya Corporation.

Prior to joining InfoQuest, Ms. Long was a Director of Information Technology for The Equitable in NYC., N.Y. where she managed a large national deployment of new technology to the firm.

Before moving to NYC, and after completing her Master's degrees, Ms. Long resided in Massachusetts and managed technology departments for Polaris Service, Inc. and for Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare.

In 1996 Ms. Long was recognized for her work in the IT field and was voted into the top 100 women in technology in the U.S.

Ms. Long is considered an industry expert in the field of Project Management. She has conducted corporate training in IT Project Management and has also taught Project Management for the University of Phoenix Online.

TITLE PAGE

This application concerns the invention entitled Baby Pockets. Baby Pockets is the original hanging diaper-changing organizer. It is a home organizer and a travel system that can be hung in nearly any location. This invention not only provides organization and convenient relocation of diapers, baby care product accessories and toys but also provides stimulation and play activities for children.

Baby Pockets was invented by E. Hillary Long, president of Potfolio's Direct. E. Hillary Long is a citizen and resident of the United States. She can be located at Princeton, N.J. (609) 919-1881.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Although there are no related patent applications, E. Hillary Long filed a trademark application to preserve her rights to the name Baby Pockets in November 2002. Her customer number is 35097.

Since this invention is made of fabric, unlike other storage systems and organizers, it is portable and easily cleaned. It can be rolled up or folded and taken on trips. It can be moved from one place to another within an abode. Plus, it can be machine-washed.

Its fabric construction gives it another valuable property, it entertains babies and children. Baby Pockets is made up of colors and designs which stimulate growing minds and occupy restless little individuals. Its calming quality allow for easy diapering and grooming. In addition, Baby Pockets has elastic loops for toys. Caregivers can easily entertain and diaper or groom babies and children by using this system. No other organizer and storage product performs this function.

In addition to its storage, organizational, portable, washable, and stimulation potential, Baby Pockets' pleasing aesthetic and universal hanging system (buttonholes) allows caregivers to hang almost anywhere without regret or fuss. With the proper hardware, which is not included in this product's packaging, it can be placed on wood, glass or dry wall.

In conclusion, it is my position that Baby Pockets is unique in its look, feel and functionality. It simplifies and expedites the diaper changing and grooming process like no other product. Therefore a patent would properly be granted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Vertical Baby Pocket—Detail Description

Backing: Material, often quilted for weight [0028]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 18″ across'32″ height [0029]
Approximately 18″ across by 30″ in height (rectangular shape) [0030]
Binding: Satin, shiny decorative binding made of polyester [0031]
Approximately 2″ down each side and across the bottom [0032]
Each strip is used as binding, standard 2″ width binding, meaning 4″ width folded to be 2″ should be used [0033]
Two X-Large Pockets Pockets “A” in Drawings [0034]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 12″ across×10″ height [0035]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 10″ across×9″ height [0036]
One Large Pocket, Pocket “B” in Drawings [0037]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 10″ across×8″ height [0038]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 9″ across×9″ height [0039]
Three Tall Pockets, Pocket “C” in Drawings [0040]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 6½″ across by 7″ height [0041]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 4″ across by 6″ height [0042]
One Long Pocket, Pocket “D” in Drawings [0043]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 8″ across by 3″ height [0044]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 7″ across by 2″ height [0045]
One Small Pocket, Pocket “E” in Drawings [0046]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 5″ across by 4″ height [0047]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 4″ across by 3½ height [0048]
Three Caps [0049]
Elastic not covered by bottom of pocket is covered by a “Cap”[0050]
Caps are made of the same material used for pocket “B”[0051]
Caps are approximately 1″ across by 1″ height cut and sewn [0052]
Elastic [0053]
Each elastic should be cut to approximately 3″ and should be approximately ½″ in width [0054]

Horizontal Baby Pocket—Detail Description

Backing: Material, often quilted for weight [0055]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 30″ across by 20″ height [0056]
Approximately 30″ across by 18″ in height [0057]
Binding: Satin, shiny decorative binding made of polyester [0058]
Approximately 2″ down each side [0059]
Each strip is used as binding, standard 2″ width binding, meaning [0060] 4″ width folded to be 2″ should be used
Two X-Large Pockets, Pockets “A” in Drawings [0061]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 12″ across×10″ height [0062]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 10″ across×9″ height [0063]
Two Large Pocket, Pocket “B” in Drawings [0064]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 10″ across×8″ height [0065]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 9″ across×9″ height [0066]
Two Tall Pockets, Pocket “C” in Drawings [0067]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 6½″ across by 7″ height [0068]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 4″ across by 6″ height [0069]
Two Small Pockets, Pocket “E” in Drawings [0070]
Actual Size pre-sewn approximately 5″ across by 4″ height [0071]
Actual Size on Baby Pockets approximately 4″ across by 3½″ height [0072]
Two Caps [0073]
Elastic not covered by bottom of pocket is covered by a “Cap”[0074]
Caps are made of the same material used for pocket “B”[0075]
Caps are approximately 1″ across by 1″ height cut and sewn [0076]
Elastic [0077]
Each elastic should be cut to approximately 3″ and should be approximately ½″ in width [0078]
The sides of all Baby Pockets are as thick as the fabric material used. [0079]

INSTRUCTION TO PRODUCE

Baby Pockets either Vertical or Horizontal [0080]
The following are step-by-step instructions for creating baby pockets: [0081]
1. Select fabric to be used. [0082]
a. Four different fabrics are required, quilted backing, 3 different pocket fabrics [0083]
b. Insure fabrics are patterned but also coordinated in color and styling [0084]
c. The backing should be quilted for added weight so that the Baby Pockets hangs correctly against the wall. However, any material with batting will suffice. A double-sided material should be used. [0085]
2. Cut fabrics, elastic and binding to the sizes indicated in “Detail Description”[0086]
3. For backing cut an additional 2″ height for either the Horizontal or Vertical [0087]
4. With sewing machine, Sew Backing First [0088]
a. Finish top by turning in unfinished sides and sewing a straight stitch across [0089]
b. Finish sides by sewing sating strips as indicated on diagram, turning under ends and using a straight stitch [0090]
c. Two button holes, approximately 1″ in length should be sewn approximately ½ down from top and just to the inside edge of each side satin binding [0091]
d. Cut out the inside of the button hole to allow for a hook to be inserted [0092]
4. Sew Pockets [0093]
a. Finish each pocket by turning each side approximately ½″ under, can iron before sewing if so desired [0094]
b. For pocket's A, B and C, a fold, between 1-2″ much be made to the bottom of the pocket to when sewing to achieve a “pocket” able to hold items [0095]
c. Each pocket's top seam must be sewn prior to attaching to backing, fold down the top of each pocket and use straight stitch to sew and finish [0096]
d. Each pocket should be sewn to backing using a straight stitch as per the drawing, sewing from the bottom row up is preferable. Each pocket is sewn with the right side, bottom, and left—leaving the top unsown to allow for use. For extra strength a zigzag stitch can be sewn over the straight stitch [0097]
5. Sew Elastic & Caps [0098]
a. Where elastic tops to a pocket, sew under pocket hem to hide unfinished top [0099]
b. Where elastic tops are caped, sew elastic, then sew cap over top of elastic to hide unfinished top. A stitch which is a finished stitch is easiest to use with caps, even a zigzag stitch can be used, to allow a finished look without having to turn in and finish each cap with a ½″ seam. [0100]
Introduction: Baby Pockets is a product designed to make diaper changing and grooming easy, convenient and pleasurable for both caregiver baby and/or child. It serves multiple functions as an organizer, storage, entertainment, travel system, and decorative wall hanging[0101]

Claims

1. What I claim as my invention is an infant and/or child diaper changing and grooming tool which organizes and stores baby care products and toys for accessibility, time saving and ease of use. It is rectangular in shape, made of fabric (often quilted), thread, elastic and hanging hardware. It organizes and stores baby care products and toys with the help of pockets and elastic loops which are sewn onto its fabric base. These pockets and loops are specially designed and sized to fit most baby care products and some toys. It is called Baby Pockets and is available in 3 sizes: 1) small, 17″×27″; 2) standard, 18″×30″; 3) large 38″×38″. The small size has 6 pockets and 3 loops. The standard Baby Pockets contains 8 pockets and 5 elastic loops. The large size has 10 pockets and a minimum of 7 loops. The pockets vary in sizes and are specially designed to fit diapering and grooming products such as diapers, ointments, creams, wipes, cotton balls, cotton swabs, powders, safety pins, wash clothes and more. The loops are designed for toys, tubes, brushes and more.

2. What I claim as my invention is an infant and/or child diaper changing and grooming storage and organizational tool which is quilt like in nature in that it is made of fabric, making this invention both flexible and therefore portable as well as machine washable. One needs only to roll or fold this product along up and travel either inside or outside of the home, daycare, etc. It can easily be moved from one location within a home, daycare, etc. to another. For example, if the proper hardware is in place, Baby Pockets can be moved from a changing area in an upstairs bedroom or bathroom to another room downstairs or elsewhere in the home, daycare, etc.

3. What I claim as my invention is an infant and/or child diaper changing and grooming storage, organizational, travel tool which stimulates and educates babies and children through its fabric colors, stitching and design, and also toy storage areas, thus providing comfort for babies and children. Babies and children like to watch it and watch you using it.

4. What I claim as my invention is an infant and child diaper changing and grooming storage, organizational, travel and entertainment tool which can be used as a decorative wall hanging piece because its quilt like charm is aesthetically pleasing. It has button holes at the top which allow for easy hanging with the proper hardware such as standard hooks, adhesive hooks or quilting rods and hardware. The buttonholes and elastic loops create a universal hanging system.

5. What I claim as my invention is an infant and child diaper changing and grooming tool which provides storage areas for baby care products and toys, organizes these products, serves as a travel system, entertains infants and children during use and can be used a decorative wall hanger.