EP2066524A2

EP2066524A2 - Infant treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP2066524A2
Application number: EP07736181A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yoram Tishby
Original assignee: Tushkit Ltd
Current assignee: Tushkit Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-05
Filing date: 2007-04-10
Publication date: 2009-06-10
Also published as: CA2648494A1; JP2009533079A; AU2007232080A1; WO2007113831A2; EP2066524A4; WO2007113831A3; US20090271928A1

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for treating an infant that comprises a member adapted to receive the infant's hips and lateral edges that are adapted to prevent the infant from turning. The lateral edges are provided with flange adapted to uphold at least one of a plurality of diapers strips in a cartridge manner. The lateral edges are foldable and therefore, the apparatus can be portable.

Description

INFANT TREATMENT APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for infants. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus adapted to facilitate treating infants and babies especially changing a baby's diaper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Treatment of babies throughout the first year and especially newborns is often the hardest work mothers and fathers are doing in their lives. The parents and especially the mothers are overworked and overwhelmed from the baby and the treatment. Caring for the baby can be a lonely and stressful responsibility and parents, especially new ones, are not skilled and are sometimes even afraid to harm the baby.

Many products are developed to facilitate the parents with handling the new baby in their daily activities such as special designed bathtubs, special devices for keeping the baby in a certain position while sleeping, special monitors, sensors, shakers, sterilizers for bottles, heaters, etc.

One of the most frequent treatments in caring for a baby is changing his or hers diaper. Changing diaper is carrying out indoor, at home, and outdoors. Changing the baby's diaper is mostly carried out while the baby is placed on a dedicated mattress, especially when the treatment is performed outdoors; however, the mattress is usually made of a relatively thin and soft material that merely provides softness to the back of the baby, but plays no rule in facilitating the treatment such as providing boundaries that prevent the baby from rolling throughout the treatment.

There is a need to provide means that facilitates a caretaker in attending a baby so that to assure that the baby is secured during treatment. Moreover, there is a need to provide a device for positioning the baby during the treatment that is portable and can be used outdoor while providing all the convenience of home treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for treating infants and especially changing their diaper. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for changing a baby's diaper provided with accessories facilitating the care of a baby.

Additionally, another object of the present invention is to provide stability to the baby and especially providing means for preventing the baby from rolling during treatment.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for treating an infant that is portable and easy to deploy anywhere.

It is therefore provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide an apparatus for treating an infant comprising: member adapted to receive infant's hips; lateral edges provided to said member; whereby the infant is lying on said member and said lateral edges are adapted to prevent the infant from turning, rolling, or falling. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is further provided with flange on each of said lateral edges wherein said flange is adapted to uphold at least one of a plurality of diapers strip.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flange is provided with attaching surfaces adapted to reversely attach said diaper strip. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said flange is comb-like and wherein said diaper strip is adapted to be held by the flange.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said member is designed to have an indent so as to receive a plurality of spread and ready-to-use diapers.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said lateral edges are foldable and are adapted to fold onto said member. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flexible sheet is provided between said lateral edges and wherein the infant is being placed between said lateral edges onto said flexible sheet.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, flexible sheets are provided between each one of said lateral edges and said member.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with a resilient strap adapted to outwardly pull said lateral edges so as to establish a deployed position as a default.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said member is provided with extension portions that are foldable.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, fold lines are provided to said member between the portions.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said member is adapted to be adjustably broaden.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said member is comprised of two portions adapted to be reversely withdrawn from each other. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hole is provided in said member through which tissues from a pack of tissues can be withdrawn.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a holder for baby paste package is provided to the apparatus.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said holder is a hole in one of said lateral edges.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said holder is a strap.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, resilient members are provided beneath said member.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said resilient members are springs. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, headrest is further provided.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said headrest is adjustable.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said headrest is removable.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, head fixture is provided.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said member and said lateral edge are design so that when the infant is placed on the apparatus, he is being embraced by the apparatus.

Additionally and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rotating base is provided beneath the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are attached and referenced herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending Description and Claims.

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a foldable apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided with head fixture.

Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates an isometric view and a foldable view of a foldable apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INEVNTION AND FIGURES

The present invention provides a new and unique apparatus for facilitating treatment of infants, and especially changing diapers. The present invention addresses the issues of treating baby indoors as well as outdoors. According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is shaped in a shape that is suitable for infant's posture and is provided with a cartridge onto which several diapers are loaded. For that purpose and according to another aspect of the present invention, the main member onto which the infant is being placed for treatment is designed to have an indent adapted to receive the plurality of diapers that are pre-prepared and ready-to-use. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is adjustable to the changing dimensions of the infant or to more than one child.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus for treating an infant is foldable and portable so as to enable the caretaker of the infant to carry the apparatus along when going outdoors.

In all the cases that are disclosed in the present invention, there are means in the apparatus that prevents the baby from turning and rolling so as to facilitate the treatment when the infant is secured on his back. It should be noted that the apparatus is designed so as to embrace the infant when he is placed onto the apparatus. This feature ensures that the infant is feeling safe and secured during treatment.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 illustrating an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus for changing a baby's diaper 10 (shown in Figure 1A) comprises a member 12 adapted to fit baby's hips. Member 12 is provided with opposite lateral edges 16 adapted to prevent the baby from turning, rolling, and falling of member 12 and limits his movements so as to facilitate his caretaker.

Optionally, apparatus 10 is provided with a belt 18 and a corresponding buckle 20 at a relative position where the torso or abdomen of the baby supposedly resides. The belt is optionally used when the attendant person wants to move aside for a moment or feels more safely when the baby is secured to the apparatus.

Optionally, apparatus 10 is provided with flanges 24 on both lateral edges 16 of the apparatus. Figure 1 B is an enlarged view of the flanges area. Flanges 24 act as a cartridge and are adapted to hold within a portion of several diapers. The apparatus can be prepared in advance with several diapers so that when the baby is to be changed, there is already a clean diaper that is unfolded and ready-for-use on the apparatus. As mentioned, the flanges act as a holder or cartridge-like member for maintaining a plurality of diapers pre-prepared. The baby is placed on the top of the uppermost diaper available on the apparatus. In the shown embodiment, each flange 24 comprises several parallel leaves 26 connected at one end with a pin 28 to edge 16. Each leaf 26 is preferably provided with attaching surface (the attaching surface is not shown in the figure) that is adapted to hold a diaper's edge 32 that is provided with corresponding attaching surface 30. Surface 30 is a standard edge surface that is provided in diapers. An example of an attaching surface for the leaves is a scotch.

It is important to notice that the apparatus can be loaded with several diapers that are being unfolded in advance and act also as a cartridge-like member.

Figure 1 C illustrates optional flange that can be incorporated to apparatus 10. A comb-like member 34 is provided with several slits 36 to within diaper's edge 32 is attached as explained previously.

Going back to Figure 1A, a single diaper 38 or several diapers can be loaded onto apparatus 10. After the baby is cleaned up and the caretaker wishes to wear a new diaper onto the baby, he needs just to remove the edges 32 of the uppermost diaper from flanges 24 and to adhere the strips in the appropriate place as in regular manner.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 illustrating an isometric view of a foldable apparatus for changing a baby's diaper in different states. Apparatus for changing baby's diaper 100 comprises three portions adapted to be folded one on top of the other so as to establish a flat structure that is folder-like. The folded structure allows also to prepare the apparatus with at least one diaper that is unfolded and ready-to-use. Figure 2A illustrates a folded apparatus wherein two fold lines 102 are provided so as to establish a hinge. It should be noted that two fold lines are optional and principally, the apparatus can be folded in other ways as will be shown herein after.

Figure 2B illustrates an intermediate state in which foldable apparatus 100 is partially opened. A right edge portion 104 is rotated about the appropriate fold line 102 so as to establish a first lateral edge. Fold line 102 is secured using a stopper 105 so as to prevent its additional rotation away from the base portion. Then, left edge portion 106 is upwardly moved so as to establish an opposite edge. A base, portion 108 is used as a support to the baby.

Figure 2C illustrates apparatus 100 in a fully open state. As mentioned herein before, a pre-prepared diaper 111 is provided in the apparatus. Flange 112 is enlarged to show a leaf 114 provided with an attaching surface that is adapted to be adhered to an edge of the diaper 118 provided with an attaching surface 116. The apparatus can optionally be secured in a foldable manner using the same attaching surface or another means such as a scotch or a button. The foldable portions are made of a material that is relatively tough but can be made also from elastic material.

Optionally, several diapers can be provided in an unfolded manner within the portable apparatus by providing a cartridge similar to the one shown herein before. A highly flexible sheet 120 is provided between the portions and the baby is put on top of this sheet. The sheet of material, which is preferably more flexible then the material from which the foldable portions are made of, acts as a cradle that prevents the baby from rolling and turning.

Such flexible sheet can be provided also in apparatus as shown herein that are not necessarily portable. Optionally, the apparatus can be provided with small supporting legs beneath the main surface onto which the baby resides. When the baby is being placed on the relatively flexible apparatus, the weight of the baby will reduce the center portion so that the edges are reaching each other while slightly embracing the baby and securing him. Optionally, two diagonal flexible sheets can be stitched to the apparatus in a V structure that is embracing the baby when he is put within the apparatus.

The foldable apparatus is preferably adapted to be made of a polymeric material that is easy to carry so as to provide the apparatus with transportable features. The foldable apparatus can be adapted for one use or multiple uses. A headrest can be provided to the portable apparatus in several sizes so as to be connected to the apparatus in accordance to the dimensions of the baby.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 illustrating an isometric view of an adjustable apparatus for changing a baby's diaper in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to apparatus 10; however, adjustability feature was introduced to the embodiment. Apparatus 200 comprises a member 202 and lateral edges 204 wherein member 202 is adapted to be adjustably broadened. Member 202 is laterally divided into two portions, 202a and 202b, wherein recesses are oppositely provided in both portions, facing each other.

Preferably three recesses 206 (the recesses are virtually shown) are provided in portion 202a wherein the opening of the recesses is on the edge of the portion that faces portion 202b. In the same manner, portion 202b is provided with three recesses 208 that are positioned opposite to recesses 206. A bar 210 is provided and inserted to within every two opposite recesses 206 and 208 so as to connect the two portions and to allow separating the two portions 202a and 202b from each other in a controlled manner and to a predetermined extent. The adjustment of the portions is performed according to the arrows 212 that are shown on both sides of member 202.

The member can be provided with other types of mechanisms rendering lateral adjustability to the apparatus without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 illustrating an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 300 is basically similar to apparatus 100; however, apparatus 300 is provided with a headrest 302 that can be adjusted so as to be inclined or can be straightened with the other members and especially member 301 onto which the hips of the infant are preferably placed. In case the headrest is inclined, a drawer 303 provided with a cover 305 can be provided beneath it (as shown in the upper right corner of the page). The headrest can be made fully or partially from a soft material or can be incorporated with a cushion.

Optionally and as shown in Figure 4, member 301 is designed to have an indent so as to receive several diapers that are pre-prepared for use. It should be noted that such indent can be provided in any one of the other members of the apparatus of the present invention.

Optionally, in an appropriate position of apparatus 300, appropriate position for tissues is provided. Preferably, tissues 306 are installed in a refill box 304 that is positioned beneath surface 308 and can be removed as indicated by arrow 305 so as to be refilled. It is optional to provide a standard refill box beneath surface 308 so as to allow usage of the tissue through a hole 309 in the surface. Tissues 306 can be withdrawn from the box one by one as used in other known in the art tissue boxes. The fixation of the tissue box to the apparatus provides supporting force to the box. Therefore, the attending person can withdraw a tissue from the box while using only one hand. This facilitates cleaning the baby prior to the change of the diaper.

It should be mentioned that the tissues can be of any type that is being used for babies such as wet cleaning tissues or dried ones. Another accessory that can optionally be provided to apparatus 300 is a position to place a tube provided with baby paste 310. The fact that accessories that are being used in the process of changing the baby's diaper are incorporated or enclosed in the apparatus facilitates the caretaker to handle the baby. Tube 310 is provided with a cover 312 having a nozzle 314 through which the baby paste is being dispensed. The baby tube is being incorporated within the apparatus through a dedicated hole 315 (clearly shown in Figure 3). Optionally, a squeezer 316 can be used in order to facilitate the work of attending the baby even further. Hole 315 is preferably connected to a lateral edge 204 of the apparatus.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 illustrating an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided with head fixture. Apparatus 400 is provided with additional two features that can be incorporated in the apparatus as shown previously so as to improve its functionality. Resilient elements such as springs 402 are optionally provided in the lower portion of the apparatus so as to render motion to the apparatus. The apparatus can be shaken upwardly and downwardly in the direction of arrow 403 in order to calm a crying baby by moving the apparatus. Springs 402 can be provided with a means that fixes the springs so as to prevent the apparatus from further movements.

Head fixture 404 is provided to apparatus 400. Head fixture 400 can be attached to headrest 406 or detached, and is being used when fixing the head of the baby is necessary, for example when medicine is provided through a syringe and the caretaker need the head of the baby to be fixed.

Baby's accessories such as an infant mobile 405 can be added to the apparatus.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 illustrating an isometric view of an apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 500 can be similar to each of the previous shown embodiments that had been shown herein before. A revolving base 502 is provided beneath the apparatus so as to allow rotation of the apparatus according to arrow 504.

It should be noted that a slight indent can be optionally provided in the member that is adapted to be beneath the baby's hips. The indent is adapted to receive several diapers one on top of the other in case several diapers are desired to be prepared in advance from several changes of diaper.

Reference is now made to Figure 7 illustrating an isometric view of a foldable apparatus for treating an infant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Foldable apparatus for treating an infant 600 is provided with three portions that are longitudinally extended. Two fold lines 602 are provided in order to provide a folder-like structure to the apparatus when it is folded (Figure 7a). The baby (not shown in the figure) is positioned along the apparatus while his hips are substantially placed on a member 606, while most importantly, two opposite lateral edges 604 are being also folded and can be deployed in order to establish the two edges as shown in the different embodiments herein. Edges 604 are adapted to be positioned substantially in a 90° angle relative to member 606 through stoppers 608 that are provided between the edges and the member. Stoppers 608 are preferably designed also to embrace the infant as previously explained. It should be noted also that the diaper itself can be used for this purpose.

Lateral edges 604 are provided also with flanges 605 as discussed earlier.

Optionally, the apparatus is provided with a resilient strap 610 that is adapted to force lateral edges 604 to deploy to a standing position when the apparatus is being deployed and extended to its open position. This is a default position. This feature facilitates the caretaker to deploy the apparatus that involve only unfolding the two extensions portions 612 and 614.

Optionally, the apparatus can be provided with a band 616 that is adapted to maintain a baby paste tube 618. Optionally, the apparatus can be provided with a hole 610 in portion 614 through which tissues can be deployed as shown herein before. Optionally, the foldable apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be provided with straps adapted to facilitate carrying the apparatus itself.

The apparatus can be provided with means of playing music when the apparatus is being unfolded and prepare to be used.

Optionally, the apparatus can be provided while the main body is made in different widths while sponge or other soft material can be inserted. This is applicable in the portable apparatus as well as the home used apparatus. Different types of fabric can be utilized in order to cower the apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus can be designed to be inflated to a usable position when the apparatus is being unfolded or when the caretaker wishes to use it.

It should be added that the apparatus can be provided with various other means that are know in the industry adapted to facilitate the infant's care. Such means can be place for a bottle, scotches that are adapted to allow adherence of entertainment means, musical means etc. This allows the apparatus, whether portable of stable, to provide all necessary equipment and facilities in one apparatus.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims.

It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification can make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following Claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. An apparatus for treating an infant comprising: member adapted to receive infant's hips; lateral edges provided to said member; whereby the infant is lying on said member and said lateral edges are adapted to prevent the infant from turning, rolling, or falling.

2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , further provided with flange on each of said lateral edges wherein said flange is adapted to uphold at least one of a plurality of diapers strip.

3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said flange is provided with attaching surfaces adapted to reversely attach said diaper strip.

4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said flange is comb-like and wherein said diaper strip is adapted to be held by the flange.

5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said member is designed to have an indent so as to receive a plurality of spread and ready-to-use diapers.

6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said lateral edges are foldable and are adapted to fold onto said member.

7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein a flexible sheet is provided between said lateral edges and wherein the infant is being placed between said lateral edges onto said flexible sheet.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein flexible sheets are provided between each one of said lateral edges and said member.

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the apparatus is provided with a resilient strap adapted to outwardly pull said lateral edges so as to establish a deployed position as a default.

10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said member is provided with extension portions that are foldable.

11. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein fold lines are provided to said member between the portions.

12. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said member is adapted to be adjustably broaden.

13. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said member is comprised of two portions adapted to be reversely withdrawn from each other.

14. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a hole is provided in said member through which tissues from a pack of tissues can be withdrawn.

15. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a holder for baby paste package is provided to the apparatus.

16. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said holder is a hole in one of said lateral edges.

17. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said holder is a strap.

18. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein resilient members are provided beneath said member.

19. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said resilient members are springs.

20. The apparatus as Claimed in Claim 1 , wherein headrest is further provided.

21. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said headrest is adjustable.

22. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein said headrest is removable.

23. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein head fixture is provided.

24. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein a rotating base is provided beneath the apparatus.

25. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said member and said lateral edge are design so that when the infant is placed on the apparatus, he is being embraced by the apparatus.

26. An apparatus for treating an infant substantially as described in the above specification, attached Figures and appending Claims.