Diaper changing apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a diaper changing apparatus which is adaptable for use on a variety of surfaces. Non limiting examples of suitable surfaces include a mat, bed, changing table, etc. The diaper changing apparatus comfortably elevates and restricts a baby's arm motions. In addition a lateral restraining member is provided to restrain the baby's waist area. In one embodiment the diaper changing apparatus includes a width adaptable mechanism to accommodate babies of varying sizes. The width adaptable mechanism comprises of a pair of base members with a removable means for fastening. The lateral width between the two base members can be modified to accommodate babies of varying sizes. In an alternative embodiment the diaper changing apparatus has a fixed lateral width and is constructed from one piece. In a further embodiment the diaper changing apparatus comprises at least two base members and one lateral restraining member.

1 . A diaper changing apparatus for use with a baby comprises:
 a. a lateral restraining member having a first front sloped portion facing the baby and a bottom portion;   b. a first means for fastening affixed to said bottom portion;   c. a plurality of base members having a second front sloped portion facing the baby and a top portion;   d. a second means for fastening affixed to said top portion; and   e. wherein upon attachment of said lateral restraining member to said plurality of base members, said first front sloped portion and said second front sloped portion form a planar surface with an angle selected between 25 to 75 degrees.   
     
     
         2 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said angle is 45 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first means for fastening and said second means for fastening are hook and pile type fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first means for fastening comprises of two hook and pile type fasteners located at the two lateral ends of said bottom portion. 
     
     
         5 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said bottom portion includes a sleeve for accepting side straps. 
     
     
         6 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second front slope portion comprises an arm rest. 
     
     
         7 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said arm rest comprises an elbow shelf adjacent to said arm rest. 
     
     
         8 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said elbow shelf comprises:
 a. a sidewall portion, a resting portion, and a rear wall; and 
 b. wherein said sidewall portion comprises a first side, a second side and a third side forming a triangle. 
 
     
     
         9 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said lateral restraining member and said plurality of base members are made from foam. 
     
     
         10 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said foam is sheathed in a material selected from cotton, vinyl, polyester, plastic or leather. 
     
     
         11 . A diaper changing apparatus for a baby comprises:
 a. a wedge shaped foam having a thin front portion facing the baby transitioning into a thicker back portion and a bottom portion;   b. an arch portion located centrally along the lateral axis of said wedge shaped foam;   c. a first and second armrest portions flanking the arched portion; and   d. wherein said armrest portion has an angle selected between 25 to 75 degrees.   
     
     
         12 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said angle is 45 degrees. 
     
     
         13 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 11  wherein a means for fastening is affixed to said bottom portion. 
     
     
         14 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said means for fastening is a hook and pile type fastener. 
     
     
         15 . A diaper changing apparatus for use with a baby comprising:
 a. a wedge shaped foam with an arch shaped opening flanked by a pair of pillar located on either side arch shaped opening and a back portion;   b. said pair of pillar each comprising a arm rest portion, a base member, a exterior wall, a rear wall and an interior wall;   c. wherein said arm rest portion has an angle selected from 25 to 75 degrees;   d. wherein a pillar angle is formed where said base member, said exterior wall and said rear wall intersect; and   e. said pillar angle is selected from 95 degrees to 135 degrees.   
     
     
         16 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said arm rest portion is 45 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said pillar angle is 115 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 15  comprising a plurality of means for fastening located on the rear wall and back portion. 
     
     
         19 . The diaper changing apparatus of  claim 18  wherein said means for fastening are hook and pile type fasteners.