DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] The major components of the present invention are illustrated with respect to FIG. 1 . These components include a first generally rectangular rigid end panel 2 , a second generally rectangular rigid middle panel 3 and a third generally rectangular rigid end panel 4 . In use, panels 2 , 3 and 4 are generally provided in a straight line as shown in FIG. 1 . The second panel 3 includes a portion 6 extending along one end of the panel 3 . A similar portion 7 extends along one end of panel 4 . When the pad is in the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 2 , portion 6 of panel 3 would overlay a segment of panel 2 . Similarly, portion 7 of the panel 4 would overlay a segment of the middle panel 3 . The middle panel 3 would include four primarily rectangular cut-out portions 10 , 11 , 12 and 13 . Velcro® or other devices for securing the infant, toddler or small child in place would be inserted through these cut-out portions as will be subsequently illustrated. Although four cut-out portions have been shown, it can be appreciated that this number is not crucial to the teachings of the present invention. Each of the three panels 2 , 3 and 4 would be the same size, such as approximately eight inches by twelve inches. Additionally, although three longitudinal panels have been illustrated, it is noted that the exact number of panels is not of crucial importance. For example, two longitudinal or four longitudinal panels may be employed as long as these panels are fastened together to allow the pad to be folded and unfolded.

[0026] An additional relatively rectangular panel guard 5 is provided adjacent to one side of the middle panel 3 . Generally, the rectangular cut-out portions 8 and 9 would allow Velcro® or similar fastening sashes to pass therethrough. The main purpose of this panel would be to allow the entire pad to be suspended from a spigot associated with a restroom sink. The panel 5 would also protect the child from being accidently scalded if hot water would inadvertently flow through the spigot while the child is being changed. This would occur since, when in use, the panel 5 would be angled with respect to one side of the panel 3 and would extend in a second plane with respect to the panels 2 , 3 and 4 .

[0027] As illustrated with respect to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , hinges are provided to connect adjacent panels to one another to allow the pad to be folded for ease of transportability and then unfolded for use. Panel 3 is connected to panel 4 by two plastic hinges 14 extending along at least a portion of the overlay panel 7 , as well as over portions of both panels 3 and 4 . Panel 2 is connected to panel 3 through the use of two plastic hinges 15 extending along at least a portion of the overlay section 6 , as well as traversing a portion of panel 2 as well as a similar portion of panel 3 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the overlay portion 6 is thinner than panel 3 and the overlay portion 7 is thinner than panel 4 . The pad, according to the present invention, is constructed so as to require that when the pad is to be folded for transportability, panel 4 would be folded over panel 3 and panel 2 would then be folded over panel 4 . Consequently, it is important that hinges 15 be larger in area than hinges 14 . Obviously, if panel 2 was to be initially folded over panel 3 and then panel 4 would be folded over panel 2 , the size of hinges 15 would be less in area than the hinges 14 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , two plastic hinges 16 would be used to attach panel 5 to the middle panel 3 . The panel 5 , when not in use, would be folded on top of the middle panel 3 . When in use, panel 5 would be angled with respect to panel 3 , as shown in FIG. 3 . Additionally, although two plastic hinges are employed to connect the middle panel to the end panels, the exact number of hinges and the material of which they are made, is not of crucial importance.

[0028] When the pad is in the unfolded position to be used to change a baby's diaper, the baby would be supported by panels 2 , 3 and 4 . Although these panels would be constructed from a plastic material, it would be advantageous to utilize a cushion which will be placed upon the panels 2 , 3 and 4 when the baby is being changed. This cushion 27 is illustrated in FIG. 5 . The cushion is secured in place through the use of Velcro® straps 28 , 29 , 30 and 31 . However, other types of sashes or buckle restraining devices could be utilized in lieu of the Velcro® straps shown in FIG. 5 . For ease of transportability, the pad 27 is provided with fold lines 32 and 33 which extend almost completely along the width of the cushion 27 . The dimensions of the cushion 27 would generally approximate the total dimensions of the panels 2 , 3 and 4 . Therefore, the placement of the fold lines 32 and 33 would be approximately over the hinges 14 and 15 . It should be stressed that the utilization of the cushion 27 would be for sanitary purposes, as well as for comfort since it would be much easier to completely clean the cushion 27 than the panels 2 , 3 , 4 , as well as for comfort of the baby during changing.

[0029] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are directed to the manner in which a fastening device 17 using, for example, a double Velcro® strap would allow the panel 5 to support the changing pad 1 over a faucet spigot 37 as shown in FIG. 11 . When a Velcro® fastener is to be utilized, such a fastener would include a left side 20 as well as a right side 21 connected together by a middle section 22 . Section 18 of the Velcro® fastener would extend from the right side 21 and section 19 of the Velcro® fastener would extend from the left side 20 . The middle portion 22 as well as portions 18 and 19 would be inserted through the cut-outs 8 and 9 of panel 5 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . Velcro® portions 20 and 21 would then intersect one another as illustrated in FIG. 6 so that it can be extended around the faucet spigot 37 .

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates the middle panel 3 and the manner in which a safety strap 23 would be threaded through the cut-outs 10 , 11 , 12 and 13 to act as a restraining device to insure that the baby is safe when its diaper is changed. Fastening devices such as an adjustable side release clip 24 cooperating with a side release fastener 25 would be used to secure the baby in place. As can be appreciated, other types of clasps, clips, buckles or fasteners may be employed.

[0031] FIG. 10 shows the rigid, foldable, portable diaper changing pad in its folded position. In this position, panel 4 is first folded so that it extends under panel 3 and then panel 2 is folded so that it extends under panel 4 . Panel 5 is folded and would extend over a portion of panel 3 . In its folded position, overlay portions 6 and 7 would be exposed. It is noted that FIG. 10 does not illustrate the placement of the cushion 27 as shown in FIG. 5 . This cushion may be removed after use and prior to folding the pad. However, adequate space for a thin pad or cushion with the thin pad still attached could be accommodated such that, when folded, the portable diaper changing pad would fold relatively flat.

[0032] FIGS. 11 and 12 show the pad as it is being used over a vanity sink top 34 having a basin 41 , a cold water faucet handle 35 as well as a hot water faucet handle 36 . A faucet spigot 37 is also shown. In its extended position, panel 5 would allow the Velcro® fastening elements 20 and 21 to support the pad 1 over the vanity 34 and the basin 41 . The cushion 27 is affixed to the top surface of the panels 2 , 3 and 4 through the use of the Velcro® straps 28 , 29 , 30 and 31 . The safety strap webbing 23 would secure a baby 38 in place and allow the baby to be changed. The panel 5 would lay over or against the output of the spigot 37 and will act as a barrier to keep water (especially hot water) from hitting the baby should the water be turned on accidently.

[0033] Once the baby has been properly changed, the safety strap webbing 23 would be untied and the baby lifted from the changing pad 1 . At this point, the cushion 27 could be removed and the pad itself could be folded in the manner illustrated with respect to FIG. 10 or the pad could be folded over the thin pad or cushion which would remain affixed to the pad.

[0034] If the diaper changing pad were to be used on a completely contiguous surface such as a countertop, or the ground, panel 5 would not be raised as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and would merely be supported by the contiguous surface similar to panels 2 , 3 , and 4 .

[0035] If the diaper changing pad were to be used between two chairs, the panel 5 would be perpendicular to the panels 2 , 3 and 4 .

[0036] While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to a particular embodiment, and to other options presently known to the inventors, the invention should not be considered as limited thereto or thereby. Various modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to ordinarily skilled artisans. For example, although the present invention has been described utilizing three main co-linear panel portions, the number of panel portions need not be so limited and could include two panel portions or more than three panel portions.