CHANGER BAG WITH HANGING ATTACHMENT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/875,043 filed Sep. 3, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/745,107 filed Jan. 14, 2025, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to a travel bag, and more particularly relates to a travel bag that conceals a travel changer for a baby, and a travel bag that is attachable to a playard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]A travel bag and changer for a baby, often called a diaper bag or changing bag, is a specialized bag designed to carry all the essentials for changing and caring for a baby while traveling or on the go. It typically includes compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles, and other baby necessities, and often comes with a portable changing mat. It is desirable to provide a new and improved travel and changer bag for a baby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]According to one aspect, an assembly includes a bag and an adapter. The bag includes a back panel coupled to each of a base, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A changing mat is coupled to each of the base, the first side panel, and the second side panel, the changing mat defining a front panel when in a folded configuration, and the changing mat defining a changing surface when in an unfolded configuration. A top cover is coupled to an upper edge of the back panel, the top cover being openable and closeable to uncover and cover, respectively, an interior of the bag. At least one connector is coupled to one of the back panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the base, the top cover, or the changing mat. The adapter includes a base strap coupled to a first extension strap and a second extension strap. The adapter being configured to attach to a supporting structure, and the adapter being removably couplable to the at least one connector of the bag.

[0005]In one aspect, the bag further includes a first zipper disposed along and between an edge of the first side panel and a first lateral edge of the changing mat, and a second zipper disposed along and between an edge of the second side panel and a second lateral edge of the changing mat.

[0006]In one aspect, when the first and second zippers are zipped the changing mat is in the folded configuration, and when the first and second zippers are unzipped the changing mat is in the unfolded configuration.

[0007]In one aspect, the changing mat includes a folding line about which the changing mat can be folded to extend away from the interior of the bag to lay flat on a supporting surface.

[0008]In one aspect, the changing mat includes a first wing and a second wing that are configured to be folded laterally outwards away from a center of the changing mat to define the changing surface on an inner surface of the changing mat.

[0009]In one aspect, a surface area of the changing surface increases after the first wing and the second wing are folded outwards away from the center of the changing mat, relative to before being folded.

[0010]In one aspect, the at least one connector includes two connectors.

[0011]In one aspect, the at least one connector is a magnetic connector configured to mate with at least one magnetic receiver of the adapter.

[0012]In one aspect, the bag further includes at least one pocket disposed within the interior of the bag.

[0013]In one aspect, the at least one pocket includes a first pocket disposed along an inner surface of the back panel, a second pocket disposed along an inner surface of the first side panel, a third pocket disposed along an inner surface of the second side panel, and a fourth pocket extending laterally between the first side panel and the second side panel, and disposed along an inner surface of the changing mat when the changing mat is in the folded configuration.

[0014]In one aspect, the bag further includes a handle coupled to the upper edge of the back panel.

[0015]In one aspect, the first extension strap is coupled at one end to a first end of the base strap, and the second extension strap is coupled at one end to a second end of the base strap.

[0016]In one aspect, the first extension strap includes a first fastener disposed at an end of the first extension strap opposite the end of the first extension strap coupled to the base strap, and the second extension strap includes a first fastener disposed at an end of the second extension strap opposite the end of the second extension strap coupled to the base strap.

[0017]In one aspect, the first extension strap includes a second fastener disposed at the end of the first extension strap coupled to the base, and the second extension strap includes a second fastener disposed at the end of the second extension strap coupled to the base.

[0018]In one aspect, the first fasteners of the first and second extension straps are configured to mate with the second fasteners of the first and second extension straps.

[0019]In one aspect, the first extension strap and the second extension strap are configured to wrap around a rail of the supporting structure to couple the adapter to the supporting structure.

[0020]In one aspect, after wrapping the first extension strap and the second extension strap around the rail of the supporting structure, a first fastener of each of the first extension strap and the second extension strap are coupled to a second fastener of each of the first extension strap and the second extension strap to couple the adapter to the supporting structure.

[0021]In one aspect, the adapter further includes at least one receiver disposed on a surface of the base strap, the at least one receiver being configured to mate with the at least one connector of the bag to couple the adapter to the bag.

[0022]In one aspect, the first extension strap and the second extension strap are oriented perpendicular to the base strap.

[0023]In one aspect, the supporting structure is a rail of a playard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a top view of a travel bag in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a front view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a back view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a side view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 with a top cover in an open configuration.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 with the top cover in the open configuration.

[0033]FIG. 9 is a top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 transitioning into an open configuration.

[0034]FIG. 10 is another top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 transitioning into the open configuration.

[0035]FIG. 11 is a further top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 transitioning into the open configuration.

[0036]FIG. 12 is a top view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 in the open configuration.

[0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 12 in the open configuration.

[0038]FIG. 14 is a front view of a playard adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039]FIG. 15 is a back view of the playard adapter of FIG. 14.

[0040]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the playard adapter of FIG. 14 attached to a playard.

[0041]FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 coupled to the playard adapter of FIG. 14.

[0042]FIG. 18 is a front view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 coupled to the playard adapter of FIG. 16, with the playard adapter attached to the playard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043]Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft (or shaft-like structure), or a direction along a rotation axis. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terms “about” and “approximately” are to be construed as within 10% of a stated value or ratio. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0044]FIG. 1 is a top view of a travel bag 10 in a closed configuration. FIG. 2 is a front view of the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. FIG. 3 is a back view of the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. FIG. 4 is a side view of the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. FIGS. 1-6 will be discussed together. The travel bag 10 is a specialized bag designed to carry all the essentials for changing and caring for a baby while traveling or on the go. The travel bag 10 includes compartments for diapers, wipes, bottles, and other baby necessities, and includes a changing mat 22 that can be unfolded into an open configuration so that the baby can be laid on the changing mat 22 when changing the baby's diaper. Therefore, in some examples, the travel bag 10 can be referred to as a changer or changer bag for a baby.

[0045]The travel bag 10 includes a back panel 12, a base 14, a first side panel 16, a second side panel 18, a top cover 20, and a changing mat 22. In some examples, the back panel 12, the base 14, the first side panel 16, the second side panel 18, the top cover 20, and the changing mat 22 can each be constructed from a fabric material, such as a material made from fibers, films, or substitutes, that is woven, knitted, felted, or otherwise produced. As illustrated, the back panel 12 can include a generally square or rectangular shape, and the back panel 12 defines structure in which other components of the travel bag 10 are connected thereto. The base 14 is fixedly attached to the back panel 12 along a bottom or lower edge of the back panel 12, and the base 14 extends forwards from the back panel 12 in a generally perpendicular direction. The base 14 can be fixedly attached to the back panel 12 through sewing, adhesives, and zippers, among other options not specifically listed. Further, in some examples, the base 14 can be generally a square or rectangular shape, and the base 14 can be smaller in size than the back panel 12.

[0046]The first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 can be fixedly attached to the back panel 12 along first and second side edges, respectively, of the back panel 12. Further, the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 can be fixedly attached to the base 14 along lower edges of each of the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18. The first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 extend forwards from the back panel 12 in a generally perpendicular direction, and the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 extend upwards from the base 14 in a generally perpendicular direction. The first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 can be fixedly attached to the back panel 12 and the base 14 through sewing, adhesives, and zippers, among other options not specifically listed. In some examples, the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 can each be generally rectangular in shape with at least one rounded or curved corner.

[0047]The top cover 20 is fixedly attached to the back panel 12 along an upper edge of the back panel 12, and the top cover 20 extends forwards from the back panel 12. The top cover 20 can be fixedly attached to the back panel 12 through sewing, adhesives, and zippers, among other options not specifically listed. Further, in some examples, the top cover 20 can be a generally square or rectangular shape, and the top cover 20 can be smaller in size than the back panel 12. As described in further detail below, the top cover 20 can be folded/unfolded or opened/closed by rotating the top cover 20 about its connection point along the upper edge of the back panel 12. The top cover 20 can be opened or closed to expose or cover, respectively, an interior 24 of the travel bag 10. In some examples, the top cover 20 can include a button, hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a clasp, or other similar fastener to keep the top cover 20 secured in the closed position.

[0048]The travel bag 10 can further include a handle 26 that is fixed along the upper edge of the back panel 12, which upper edge is the same edge that the top cover 20 is connected thereto. In other examples, the handle 26 can be disposed at a different position on the travel bag 10. The handle 26 is configured to provide a feature for the user to grab when picking up and/or moving the travel bag 10. The travel bag 10 also includes at least one connector 28 coupled to the back panel 12 or the upper edge of the back panel 12, which upper edge is the same edge that the top cover 20 is connected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one connector 28 comprises two connectors 28, and each of the connectors 28 are fixedly coupled to the back or rear surface of the back panel 12 of the travel bag 10, and each of the connectors extends upwards above the top cover 20. Further, as illustrated best in FIG. 3, one connector 28 is positioned on each side of the handle 26, such that the connectors 28 are equally spaced from the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18. In some examples, the connectors 28 can be magnetic connectors that are configured to engage with further magnetic receivers 56 of a playard adapter 42, described further below. In other examples, the connectors 28 can be buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, or clasps, among other options not specifically listed. The connectors 28 are configured to provide a feature that allows the travel bag 10 to be connected and secured to a playard 44, described further below.

[0049]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the travel bag 10 with the top cover 20 in an open configuration. FIG. 8 is a top view of the travel bag 10 with the top cover 20 in the open configuration. FIG. 9 is a top view of the travel bag 10 transitioning into an open configuration. FIG. 10 is another top view of the travel bag 10 transitioning into the open configuration. FIG. 11 is a further top view of the travel bag 10 transitioning into the open configuration. FIG. 12 is a top view of the travel bag 10 in the open configuration. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the travel bag 10 in the open configuration. FIGS. 7-13 will be discussed together.

[0050]The travel bag 10 further includes the changing mat 22 which is disposed laterally between the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18, and the changing mat 22 is disposed vertically between the base 14 and the top cover 20. When the top cover 20 is in the closed configuration, the top cover 20 at least partially overlaps and covers the changing mat 22. When the top cover 20 is in the open configuration, the top cover 20 does not overlap the changing mat 22. As illustrated, the changing mat 22 is also the front panel of the travel bag 10 when the travel bag 10 is in the closed configuration (see FIGS. 1-8). Further, when in the closed configuration, the back panel 12, the first side panel 16, the second side panel 18, and the changing mat 22 define an interior 24 within the travel bag 10. The interior 24 can be utilized to store items, such as diapers, wipes, bottles, and other baby necessities. Additionally, the travel bag 10 can include at least one pocket 30 disposed within the interior 24 of the travel bag 10. In some examples, as illustrated, the travel bag 10 can include four pockets 30, with each pocket 30 extending along a wall of the interior 24. More specifically, a first pocket 30 can be disposed along the first side panel 16, a second pocket 30 can be disposed along the second side panel 18, a third pocket 30 can be disposed along the back panel 12, and a fourth pocket 30 can be disposed along the changing mat 22.

[0051]The changing mat 22 is removably coupled to the front edges of the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18, which front edges are opposite the rear edges that connect the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 to the back panel 12. In some examples, the changing mat 22 can be removably coupled to the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 through zippers 32 that extend vertically along the edges connecting the changing mat 22 to the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18. In other examples, the travel bag 10 could include hook and loop fasteners, buttons, magnets, or other similar fasteners to removably couple the changing mat 22 to the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18. As shown best in FIG. 9, the zippers 32 can be unzipped by pulling the zippers 32 downwards towards the base 14, which decouples the changing mat 22 from the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18, and allows the changing mat 22 to fold away from the interior 24 of the travel bag 10. The zippers 32 can be again zipped closed by pulling the zippers 32 upwards towards the top cover 20, which couples the changing mat 22 to the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18, securing the changing mat 22 in the closed configuration.

[0052]Referring to FIG. 9, when the changing mat 22 is unzipped from the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 18 and folded away from the interior 24 of the travel bag 10, the changing mat 22 lies flat on a supporting surface. Referring to FIG. 10, the changing mat 22 can be further unfolded about a folding line 34, which folding line 34 is the top edge of the changing mat 22 when in the folded/closed and zipped configuration, such that the changing mat 22 approximately doubles in length with respect to a front edge of the base 14 upon which the changing mat 22 is connected. Additionally, referring to FIG. 11, the changing mat 22 includes a first wing 36 coupled along a first lateral side edge of the changing mat 22, and a second wing 38 coupled along a second lateral side edge of the changing mat 22. In some examples, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can extend along an entire length of the changing mat 22 when in the fully unfolded configuration. In other examples, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can extend only a partial distance along the length of the changing mat 22 when in the fully unfolded configuration. Additionally, in some examples, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can be formed integral with the changing mat 22.

[0053]Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 are folded inwards onto a changing surface 40 of the changing mat 22 when the changing mat 22 is in the folded and closed configuration. Further, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can be folded outwards away from the changing surface 40 and center portion of the changing mat 22 when the changing mat 22 is in the unfolded or open configuration. In some examples, as illustrated, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can each generally have the shape of a rectangle with a triangle at the distal end of the rectangle on the short side of the rectangle. In other examples, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can be fully generally rectangular in shape. The first wing 36 and the second wing 38 are configured to fold outwards away from a center of the changing surface 40 of the changing mat 22 to expand or increase the overall area of the changing surface 40. The changing surface 40 is the surface upon which a baby is laid when the baby is having a diaper changed or other care is being provided to the baby.

[0054]In operation, a parent or user can unzip the zippers 32 and then unfold the changing mat 22 away from the interior 24 of the travel bag 10. Then, with the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 remaining folded inwards, the changing mat 22 can be further unfolded along the folding line 34 further away from the interior 24 of the travel bag 10. Next, the first wing 36 and the second wing 38 can be folded laterally outwards away from the center of the changing mat 22, expanding the area of and exposing the changing surface 40 in its entirety. The user or parent can utilize the changing surface 40 to lay the baby on while providing care to the baby. Further, the interior 24 of the travel bag 10, as well as the pockets 30, can be utilized to store the items necessary to provide care to the baby. Once the care being provided to the baby is complete and the baby has been removed from the changing surface, the first wing 36 and second wing 38 can be folded inwards, the changing mat 22 can be folded inwards and upwards towards the interior 24 of the travel bag 10, and then the zippers 32 can be again zipped to secure the travel bag 10 in the closed configuration. Lastly, the top cover 20 can be folded over the interior 24 of the travel bag 10 to full close off the interior 24, securing the items within the interior 24 of the travel bag 10 while the travel bag 10 is being stored or transported.

[0055]FIG. 14 is a front view of a playard adapter 42. FIG. 15 is a back view of the playard adapter 42. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the playard adapter 42 attached to a playard 44. FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of the travel bag 10 coupled to the playard adapter 42. FIG. 18 is a front view of the travel bag 10 coupled to the playard adapter 42, with the playard adapter 42 attached to the playard 44. FIGS. 14-18 will be discussed together. The playard adapter 42 is a component that is utilized to couple and secure the travel bag 10 to the playard 44, or otherwise to a stroller, carrier, crib, etc. The playard adapter 42 includes a base strap 46, a first extension strap 48, and a second extension strap 50. The base strap 46 is generally a flat rectangular shape, and the base strap 46 is constructed from a leather or fabric material. Each of the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 are also generally a flat rectangular shape, and each can be constructed from a leather or fabric material. The playard 44 includes a sidewall 45 that may be formed of softgoods and/or mesh. A top portion 55 of the softgoods may extend over a rail 58 (e.g. a top rail) of the playard 44 and, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the playard adapter 42 may be partially or completely hidden by the top portion 55 of the softgoods of the playard 44.

[0056]The first extension strap 48 is coupled to or formed integral with the base strap 46, and disposed adjacent an end of the base strap 46. The second extension strap 50 is coupled to or formed integral with the base strap 46, and disposed adjacent another end of the base strap 46. As such, the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 are positioned at opposite ends of the base strap 46, and each extend in a same direction away from the base strap 46 at an angle generally perpendicular to the base strap 46. In some examples, the base strap 46, the first extension strap 48, and the second extension strap 50 can have a same general shape, size, and thickness. As shown best in FIG. 15, the distal free ends (i.e., ends not connected to the base strap 46) of the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 include first fasteners 52 that are configured to be coupled to second fasteners 54 disposed at the ends of the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 that are coupled to the base strap 46. Both the first fasteners 52 and the second fasteners 54 are disposed on a back or rear side of the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50. Additionally, the base strap 46 includes two receivers 56 that are disposed on the front side or surface of the base strap 46, opposite the side in which the first fasteners 52 and the second fasteners 54 are disposed, and adjacent the distal ends of the base strap 46.

[0057]Referring to FIG. 16, the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 are configured to be wrapped around a rail 58, such as a top rail, of the playard 44 and then the first fasteners 52 are configured to be coupled and secured to the second fasteners 54. In some examples, the first fasteners 52 and the second fasteners 54 can be buttons or snap connectors. In other examples, the first fasteners 52 and the second fasteners 54 can be hook and loops fasteners, magnets, hooks, or other similar fasteners. With the first extension strap 48 and the second extension strap 50 secured to the rail 58 of the playard 44, the receivers 56 of the base strap 46 can be connected to the magnetic connectors 28 of the travel bag 10. As such, the receivers 56 of the base strap 46 can also be magnetic connectors that are configured to be coupled to the magnetic connectors 28 of the travel bag 10, securing the travel bag 10 to the playard 44. In some examples, to remove the travel bag 10 from the playard 44, the user must simply pull the travel bag 10 away from the playard 44 until the magnetic connection releases and the travel bag 10 is free from connection. In other examples, the connector 28 is a quick-connect buckle with moveable components/latches that engage under the head of the receivers 56. Therefore, in such an example, the user squeezes buttons on each connector 28 to release the connection with the receivers 56, and then the travel bag 10 can be removed from the playard 44. As understood by those skilled in the art, The magnets make connection easier because the connectors 28 only need to be placed near the receivers 56, and then the magnets will pull the connector into full engagement and the buckle will automatically engage when pulled into place by the magnets. The travel bag 10 and the playard adapter 42 provide a simple and easy solution for connecting the travel bag 10 to the playard 44, or otherwise to a stroller, carrier, etc. upon which the playard adapter 42 is connected.

[0058]Having thus described the illustrated embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the illustrated embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0059]The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.