Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SELF-CONTAINED BABY CARE KIT HAVING A SUBSEQUENT USE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a self-contained baby care kit that includes
a case having
a subsequent use. The self-contained baby care kit is particularly useful for
babies that wear
diapers and like absorbent articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The birth of a child is often one of the most important and joyous moments in
the life of a
parent. The joy a parent may have with the birth of a child may be tempered by
significant stress
and anxiety, especially for first-time parents who have not developed the
skills necessary to care
for a newborn baby. Parents are often confused about basic baby care topics
such as feeding,
hygiene, and development. Adding to this confusion is an overload of
information received by
means such as promotions, samples, offers, pamphlets, books, television, and
other routes of
communication. By combining the parents' own confusion about baby care along
with the
information overload they experience, parents often will make care decision
based on necessity
rather than upon analysis of the information received.
Manufacturers of products designed for babies often conduct extensive research
involving
the growth and development of babies in order to design better products.
Consequently, these
manufacturers have valuable and useful information regarding babies and young
children. This
information may include topics such as baby characteristics, development
patterns, and the like.
Practical education and advice may also be provided in light of the extensive
researcli on baby
growth and development. Such practical education and advice may include tips
on baby care,
feeding, health, hygiene, and the like. The problem for manufactures of baby
products is
conveying their extensive research and insight to parents.
Manufacturers of baby products have tried to implement a variety of strategies
to convey
their extensive information and knowledge in a way that will be useful,
engaging, and informative
to parents. One commonly used way of conveying information is by providing the
parent with
information at critical points in the baby's life or care needs. For example,
parents are often
provided with information related to newborn care while at a birth facility
and, especially, while
at the birth facility for the purpose of delivery. Unfortunately, as more
manufacturers of baby
care products provide more information to parents while at the birth facility,
information of higher
value to the parents tends to be lost in the information overload. Thus, it is
advantageous for
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manufacturers of baby care products to distinguish their information,
knowledge, and products
from those typically distributed to parents.
One mechanism manufacturers of baby care products use to convey their
information and
products is by providing samples of relevant newborn care products such as
diapers, wipes,
formula, ointments, and the like. Samples of items such as diapers and wipes
tend to be limited in
number, and, as a result, offer limited opportunity for the parents to explore
and learn about the
product. A sample package containing 1 or 2 diapers generally will not allow
the parents to
explore the unique benefits provided by the diaper. Furthermore, for some
first-time parents this
may be the first time they have ever applied a diaper. These parents may need
to apply several
diapers before they feel comfortable with diapering. A sample package
containing a small
quantity of diapers may not be sufficient.
Manufacturers of baby care products have not been completely successful in
delivering
information that encourages the parents to use the information over a
prolonged period of time.
Educational pamphlets, mailings, and fliers are often discarded. Delivery of
information by mass
media is often forgotten and not easily retrievable. Sample products are used
and discarded.
In light of the above identified deficiencies, the present invention provides
a product that
can convey an informative message to parents over a prolonged period of time.
Specifically, the
present invention is directed to a kit that presents parents with a baby care
product contained
within a storage case that has a secondary use of storing items such as for
example baby related
mementos. Educational information may also be contained within the storage
case to provide
instruction and advice to parents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a self-contained reusable baby care kit
comprising a
storage case, the case being suited for an initial use of storing at least one
baby care product and a
subsequent use of storing a subsequent item such as a baby related memento.
The kit may include
at least one baby care product and/or at least one educational insert within
the storage case. In
one embodiment, the kit includes baby care products in the form of a plurality
of diapers and/or a
plurality of wipes. In one embodiment, the educational insert may be a
subsequent use insert, an
indexing insert, an additional information insert, a product information
insert, a stage of
development insert, or combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained baby care
kit shown as
it may be carried.
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Fig. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a self-contained baby care kit
shown as
it may be used.
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a self-contained baby care kit
showing
the contents of this one embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the case in its subsequent
use as a
photograph box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb
and contain
body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed
against or in proximity to
the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged
from the body. The
term "absorbent article" includes devices such as incontinence briefs,
incontinence
undergarments, absorbent inserts, pant type garments (e.g., pants are also
commonly referred to as
"closed diapers", "prefastened diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants,"
and "diaper-pants"),
diaper holders and liners.
As used herein, the term "disposable" describes absorbent articles which
generally are not
intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles
(i.e., they are
intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled,
composted or otherwise
discarded in an environmentally compatible manner.
As used herein, the term "stages of development" or "developmental stage"
refers to the
level of emotional and cognitive maturity and/or the physical abilities of an
individual of a baby
and includes locomotion, mobility, motor skills, and coordination.
As used herein, the term "baby-related memento" means any item that is saved
as a
reminder of a baby's past. Generally, such items are saved by a caregiver and
more specifically a
parent. Baby-related mementos may include for example photographs, birth
certificates, hand
imprints, foot imprints, clothing, locks of hair, hospital wrist bands,
caregiver notes or reflections,
booties, hat, and the like.
As used herein, the term "caregiver" refers to a person is responsible for the
care needs of
a baby. Generally, the caregiver is the person who is responsible for the
diaper changing needs of
the baby. The caregiver can include for example a parent, a grandparent, any
relative, a
babysitter, a nanny, a preschool teacher, and the like. The caregiver is the
person most likely to
interact with the kit of the present invention.
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As used herein, the term "baby" refers to a child who still wears an absorbent
article to
absorb and contain the various exudates at the rate of at least one per week.
The term "baby" may
include for example newborn, premature babies, infants, toddlers, and
incontinent children.
As used herein, the term "graphic" refers to any design, pattern, or the like
that is or
becomes visible and specifically includes text messages that consist of one or
more alphanumeric
symbols, pictorial images that consist of one or more pictures, and
combinations thereof.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-contained baby care kit 10 having a
subsequent
use. Generally, as shown in Fig. 1, the kit 10 may include a storage case 12
that has an initial use
for storing at least one baby care product and a subsequent use for storing a
subsequent item. The
subsequent item can be any item that may be contained within the case 12. The
subsequent item
may be of the caregivers choosing but suggestions as to items that may by
subsequently stored
may be provided. In one embodiment, the kit 10 has the subsequent use of
storing one or more
baby-related mementos. The kit 10 may comprise a lid 14 that releasably
engages the storage
case 12. The kit 10 may also have a carrying handle 20. The storage case 12
may be any type of
container that may initially store one or more baby care products and may
subsequently be used to
store one or more baby-related mementos. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the
kit 10 of Fig. 1
with the handle 20 and lid 14 being disengaged from the case 12. Fig. 2 is an
exploded view
showing the kit 10 of Fig. 1.
In the one embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the case 12 is shown as being a
hexahedral solid,
i.e., a three-dimensional figure having lengtli, width, and depth and
comprising six quadrilateral
faces. The case 12 may have a bottom wall 30 joined to four sidewalls 32a-d to
form an interior
space 18 (as shown is Fig. 2) of the storage case 12. The lid 14 may form the
sixth face of the
storage case 12. While the dimensions of the storage case 12 are not to be
read as limiting, the
case 12 may have an interior space 18 of sufficient size so as to house at
least one baby-care
product and, in it subsequent use, a baby-related memento. In certain
embodiments, the case 12 is
sized such that, in its initial use of storing a baby-care product, unoccupied
space (i.e., space not
occupied by the baby-care product) is kept to a minimum. The hexahedral shape
and size of the
case 12 are beneficial in that they allow for storage of one or more baby care
products and
subsequent storage of one or more baby care mementos while still allowing for
easy palletization,
transport, and delivery. However, one would clearly recognize that the shape
of the storage case
12 is not limited to the hexaliedral shape as shown in Fig. 1. The storage
case 12 may alternately
be of any other shape provided that the case 12 allows for storage of both a
baby-care product
and, in its subsequent use, a baby-related memento. For example, there may be
five sidewalls so
that that case 12 is a prism having pentagon-shaped base.
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As shown in Fig. 2, the case 12 may have one or more dividers 17. The divider
17 allows
for further compartmentalization of the interior space 18 of the case 12. The
divider 17 may be
made of the same materials as the case 12. The divider 17 may be affixed to
the case 12 or may
be removable so that a caregiver can customize the case 12 for the subsequent
use of storing baby-
5 related mementos. The divider 17 may be positioned so that each baby care
product 40 is housed
within a compartment. The divider 17 may also be positioned to optimize space
in the subsequent
storage of baby-related mementos. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the
divider 17 spans
substantially the entire width and depth of the case 12 and divides the case
into two compartments
with approximately the same dimensions.
Being that the storage case 12 has an initial and subsequent use, the case 12
may be
constructed of a relatively durable material. Examples of such durable
materials include
paperboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, synthetic materials, and
other sufficiently
durable and rigid material.
The storage case 12 may include a graphic 26, ideally on an exterior surface
of the case
12. The graphic 26 may by colored or multi-colored. The graphic 26 may be a
customizable
graphic that allows for personalization of the graphic 26 by the caregiver.
Customizable graphics
may include graphics that can be altered by the caregiver by means of
coloring, writing, stamping,
stickering, or the like. In one embodiment, the customizable graphic may
include a graphic that
allows the caregiver to write in personalized information like a baby's name,
date of birth, time of
birth, eye color, weight, length, and the like.
The case 12 may have a lid 14. The lid 14, as shown in Fig. 1, is in a closed
position such
that the lid 14 along with the bottom wall 30, and side walls 32a-d provide a
partial or full
physical boundary to the interior space 18 of the case 12. The lid 14 may
reversibly engage the
storage case 12 so as to allow access to the interior space 18 through a case
opening 19. The lid
14 may include a top surface 15 and four flanges 16a-d extending downwardly
from the top
surface 15. In the closed position, the lid 14 engages the case 12 such that
the flanges 16a-d
overlap the sidewalls 32a-d in a one-to-one relationship. The top surface 16
may substantially
serve as the sixth surface of the hexahedral-shaped case 12. As shown in Fig.
2, the lid 14 is in an
open position being disengaged from the case 12. With the lid 14 in the open
position, the
interior space 18 of the case 12 is now accessible through the case opening
19. As shown, the lid
14 may be a structure separate from the case 12. ,
In another embodiment, the lid 14 may be integral to the case 12 such that lid
14 is
attached to the case 12. For example, the lid 14 may be hingedly attached to
one of the side walls
32 of the case 12. The hingely attached lid 14 can be provided in any manner
well-known in the
art such as forming the case 12 from a single piece of material that is cut
and folded into a
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hexahedral shape. In another example, the lid 14 could be cut and folded such
that one flange 16
is hingedly attached top surface 15 of the lid 14. The hinged flange 16 may
then be affixed to the
sidewall 32 of the case 12 by any means known in the art.
The lid 14 may be sized such that it substantially covers the case opening 19.
While the
dimensions of the lid are not to be read as limiting, generally, the lid 14
may be sized in fit snugly
on the case 12. The lid 14 may be constructed of a relatively durable material
such as paperboard,
cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, synthetic materials, and other
sufficiently durable and
rigid material. Generally, the lid 14 is constructed of the same material as
the case 12. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the kit 10 may omit the lid 14.
The lid 14 may include a lid graphic 28. The lid graphic 28 may by colored or
multi-
colored. The lid graphic 28 may be a customizable graphic that allows for
personalization of the
lid graphic 28 by the caregiver. Customizable graphics may include graphics
may be altered by
the caregiver by means of coloring, writing, stamping, stickering, or the
like. In one embodiment,
the customizable graphic may include a graphic that allows the caregiver to
write in personalized
information like a baby's name, date of birth, time of birth, eye color,
weight, length, and the like.
The lid graphic 28 may be similar to the graphic 26.
The case 12 and/or the lid 14 may include a window allowing the caregiver to
visually
perceive the contents of the kit 10 without opening the case and/or removing
the lid. Within the
context of this description, the contents are visually perceivable if the
window is capable of
transmitting light and an observer can discern the contents of the case 12
and/or lid 14. The
window may be a cut-out from the case 12 and/or lid 14, wherein the material
from which the
case 12 and/or lid 14 is constructed is removed, omitted, or removable. The
window may be
made from a substantially transparent material such that the contents therein
may be seen and
discerned by the caregiver. A suitable transparent material may be a
polyethylene film or film
laminate such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, a LDPE/ linear low
density
polyethylene (LLDPE) film laminate, a LDPE/ medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
film
laminate, a LDPE/ high density polyethylene (HDPE) film laminate or the like.
The handle 20 may be provided to aid in transport of the kit 10 by the
caregiver. As
shown in Fig. 2, the handle 20 may be an overwrap structure that at least
encircles a part of the
case 12. The handle 20 may be substantially rectangular in shape, as shown;
however, the shape
of the handle may be varied. The handle may comprise two distal surfaces 22,
23. The distal
surfaces 22, 23 may each comprise an aperture 24 that serves as a grasp-point
for the caregiver.
The handle 20 may be positioned encircling the case 12 such that the two
distal surfaces 22, 23
are placed in a face-to-face relationship with one another so that the
apertures 24 are aligned. The
handle 20 may be permanently or detachably affixed to the case 12. For
example, the handle 20
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may be a discrete structure that is affixed to the case 12 by means well-known
in the art such as
by an adhesive. In another embodiment, the handle 20 may be integral to the
case 12. For
example, the handle 20 can be provided in the process of forming the case 12
from a single piece
of material that is cut and folded to provide the case 12 as well as the
handle 20. The handle 20
may be constructed from a variety materials such as paperboard, cardboard,
corrugated cardboard,
plastic, syntlietic materials such as polymeric films, and other sufficiently
durable and rigid
material.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the kit 10 of the present
invention
showing the contents of the kit 10 of Fig. 2 without the handle 20. The
interior space 18 of the
case 12 is shown housing at least one baby care product 40 (shown as a
plurality of wipes 42
enclosed within a container 44 and a plurality of absorbent articles such as
diapers 50). The
interior space 18 of the case 12 is also shown to house an educational insert
60.
The kit 10 comprises at least one baby care product 40. The baby care product
40 may be
any item that is predominately used for baby care including items related to
hygiene, feeding,
safety, health, and the like. Baby care products 40 may include absorbent
articles (e.g., diapers,
pants, and the like), wipes, powders, ointments, medications, hair brushes,
bottles, pacifiers, wash
cloths, towels, sanitizers, soap, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion,
sponges, bibs, eye drops,
nasal aspirators, thermometers, changing pads, diaper disposal bags, and the
like. The baby care
products 40 included in the kit 10 may be targeted for a particular baby care
purpose such as
feeding, bathing, changing, nurturing, and the like or can include a mixture
of baby care products
40 for different purposes. For example, baby care products 40 targeted to
changing could include
diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, hand sanitizers, changing pads, disposal
bags, and the like.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the baby care products 40 include wipes 42
and diapers 50.
The kit 10 may contain one or more absorbent articles such as disposable
diapers 50.
Diapers 50 and like disposable absorbent articles are well-known in the art.
Exemplary diaper
construction is detailed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,860,003; 4,636,207; 4,695,278;
4,704,115;
4,795,454; 4,900,317; 4,909,803 (Reissued as USRE34920); 5,085,654; 5,492,751;
6,476,288;
and SIR H1630. Exemplary pants construction is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
5,246,433;
5,569,234; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,897,545; 5,957,908;
and U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 10/171,249.
In one embodiment, the kit 10 may contain more than one diaper 50. In other
embodiments, the kit 10 may contain ten (10) or more diapers 50. The kit 10
may contain twenty
(20) or more diapers 50. The kit 10 preferably contains a sufficient number of
diapers 50 to allow
the caregiver to have prolonged contact time with the diapers 50. The
prolonged contact time
means that a sufficient number of diapers 50 are provided to allow for multi-
day use of the diapers
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50. By providing a caregiver with a sufficient number of diapers 50, the
caregiver can learn by
doing; namely, the caregiver can learn the unique features of the diapers 50
by being given
several of the diapers 50 to use. Furthermore, by providing a sufficient
number of diapers, the
caregiver is educated as to how the diapers 50 perform over a variety of wear
conditions. For
example, diapers 50 are more likely to be more heavily loaded with bodily
exudates during
overnight wear when changes are less frequent. During daytime wear, diapers 50
experience
increased stress related to baby activity and motion. Providing a sufficient
number of diapers 50
will help the caregiver learn about the performance characteristics of the
diaper under such
differing wear conditions.
The diapers 50 contained witliin the kit 10 may be designed for any size baby.
Different
sized diapers 50 may be provided within the kit 10. Typically, diapers 50 are
sized according to
the weight of the baby. An exemplary range of sizes could include 0-10 lbs (0-
4.5 kg), 8-14 lbs
(4-6 kg), 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg), 16-28 lbs (7-13 kg), 22-37 lbs (10-17 kg), 27 or
more lbs (12+ kg),
and 35 or more lbs (16+ kg). Such ranges could be qualitatively labeled as
newborn, size 1, size
2, size 3, size 4, size 5, and size 6, respectively. Such ranges are typically
provided as a guide to
parents as to what diaper will best fit what baby, and it should be noted that
a baby of a certain
weight may wear a diaper with a size-range not covering said baby's weight. In
one embodiment
of the invention, the kit 10 contains newborn-size diapers. Such a kit 10
containing newborn
diapers 50 would be advantageous for caregivers with a newborn baby.
The diapers 50 may be packaged as a self-contained unit. The self-contained
unit results
in a plurality of diapers 50 being bound to one another in order to improve
delivery and handling.
In one embodiment, the self-contained unit is defined by numerous diapers 50
bound together as
an entity and covered by a thermoplastic film overwrap as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,934,470
issued to Bauer et al. on Aug. 10, 1999. Other means of achieving a self-
contained unit are
clearly envisioned. For example, the overwrap may comprise a variety of
materials including, but
not limited to, thermoplastic films, nonwovens, wovens, foils, fabrics,
papers, cardboard, elastics,
cords, straps, and combinations tliereof. The overwrap may completely or
partially bind and/or
cover the plurality of diapers 50. Other suitable packages and methods for
packaging are
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,050,742 issued to D.R. Muckenfuhs on September
24, 1991; and
U.S. Patent No. 5,054,619 issued to D.R. Muckenfuhs on October 8, 1991.
Furthermore, the self-
contained unit may contain multiple overwraps. For example, a plurality of
diapers 50 may be
packaged with a thermoplastic film overwrap and then a plurality of film
wrapped diaper being
overwrapped in a cardboard box or a second thermoplastic film overwrap.
The overwrap may contain a window which allows the caregiver to visually
perceive the
diapers 50 within the overwrap without opening or breaching the overwrap.
Within the context of
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this description, the diapers 50 are visually perceivable if the window is
capable of transmitting
light and an observer can discern the contents within the overwrap. The window
may be a cut-out
from the overwrap, wherein the material from which the overwrap is constructed
is removed,
omitted, or removable. The window may be made from a substantially transparent
material such
that the diapers 50 within the overwrap may be seen and discerned by the
caregiver. A suitable
transparent material may be a polyethylene film or film laminate such as a low
density
polyethylene (LDPE) film, a LDPE/ linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film
laminate, a
LDPE/ medium density polyethylene (MDPE) film laminate, a LDPE/ high density
polyethylene
(HDPE) film laminate or the like. In one embodiment, the window of the
overwrap is positioned
in proximity to the window of the case 12 and/or lid 14 such that the diapers
50 may be discerned
by the caregiver without opening the case 12, lid 14, and/or overwrap.
In another embodiment, the self-contained unit may contain an opening means to
allow
access to the diapers 50. The kit 10 may require activation so that the
article becomes accessible
(e.g., opening of a lid, removal of a panel, etc.). A typical opening means
includes a substantially
continuous line of weakness such as perforations within the tliermoplastic
film overwrap. An
exemplary opening means is presented in U.S. Pat. App. No. 5,036,978 issued to
Frank et al. on
August 6, 1991. The self-contained unit may omit a dedicated opening or
cutting means. For
example, a thermoplastic film overwrap without perforation may be opened by
tearing the film
thereby accessing the diapers 50.
The kit 10 may contain one or more wipes 42. Wipes 42 are well-known in the
art and
may also be referred to as wet wipes, dry wipe, pre-moistened wipes,
towelettes, and the like.
Wipes 42 are commonly used to clean the anus, the perineum, the perianal and
perineal area, and
external genitalia after defecation or urination. Wipes 42 are particularly
useful and frequently
used for cleansing during diaper changes. Wipes 42 may be made of a material
impregnated with
a liquid or semi-liquid composition. The material of the wipes 42 is generally
soft and flexible.
The material may have relatively high values of texture, caliper, and bulk for
increased
absorbency and cleansing. The liquid or semi-liquid composition impregnated
into the wipe may
enhance cleansing, skin softness, and/or skin condition. Exemplary wipe
construction is detailed
in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,732,797; 4,741,944; 4,772,501; 4,865,221; 4,904,524;
5,629,081;
5,648,083; 5,863,663; 5,871,763; 6,060,149; 6,083,854; 6,623,834; and
6,733,773. Exemplary
wipe construction is also detailed in U.S. Application No. 10/883314 entitled
"Composition for
Wet Wipes that Enhances the Efficacy of Cleansing While Being Gentle to the
Skin" filed July 1,
2004 in the name of G.E. Deckner et al.
In one embodiment, the kit 10 may contain more than one wipe 42. The kit 10
may
contain twenty (20) or more wipes 42. In another embodiment, the kit 10 may
contain forty (40)
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or more wipes 42. The kit 10 preferably contains a sufficient number of wipes
42 to allow the
caregiver to have prolonged contact time with wipes 42. The prolonged contact
time means that a
sufficient number of wipes 42 is provided to allow for multi-day use of the
wipes 42. It is
believed that caregivers gain a better understanding of a product given
increased contact time with
5 said product. By providing a caregiver witli a sufficient number of wipes
42, the caregiver can
learn by doing; namely, the caregiver can learn the unique features of the
wipes 42 by being given
several wipes to use.
The wipes 42 may be packaged in a container 44. The container 44 provides a
means of
enclosing the wipes 42 in order to improve handling and delivery. Enclosing
the wipes 42 in the
10 container 44 also prevents the liquid or semi-liquid composition
impregnated into the wipe from
evaporating or otherwise dissociating from the wipe. The container 44 may be
made from a rigid
or flexible material. In one embodiment, the container 44 is made from any
suitable plastic
material. Suitable plastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene,
acrylonitryl
butadiene styrene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and high
density polyethylene.
The container 44 may be provided in any shape such as a cuboid, rectangular
solid,
cylinder and the like. In one embodiment, the container 44 is a rectangular
solid and may be made
of a body and a lid. The container body 46 may form an interior space in which
one or more
wipes 42 may be housed and a container opening. The container opening allows
the caregiver to
access the wipes 42. The container 44 may further include a container lid 48.
The container lid 48
is typically mounted onto the container body 46 and may be affixed thereto by
means of threads,
snap fittings, interengaging ribs, frictional engagements, adhesives and the
like. The container lid
48 may be attached to the container body 46 by a hinge mechanism such as is
shown in U.S.
Patent No. 6,092,690. The container lid 48 may engage the container body 46
such that, in a
closed position, the container lid 48 covers and/or seals the container
opening. However, the
container lid 48 may be removeable from the container body 46. The container
44 may form a
moisture impervious seal thereby preventing desiccation of the wipes 42 housed
in the container
body 46. Exemplary containers are further described in U.S. Patents No.
6,523,690; 6,550,634;
6,269,970; and 5,531,325. The container lid 48 may be sized so as to allow for
a second plurality
of wipes to be inserted into the container 42 (i.e., a refillable container).
The wipes 42 may be packaged within a wrapper. The wrapper may be made from a
moisture impervious, non-rigid material such as polymer films, metallic foils,
and the like. Wipes
42 packaged within a wrapper are commonly used to refill rigid containers;
however, the wrapper
may include a recloseable dispensing mean allowing access and removal of one
or more wipes 42.
Exemplary non-rigid containers with recloseable dispensing means are described
in U.S. Patent
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11
Nos. 6,604,651; 4,185,754; 3,982,659; and European Patent Application No.
EP0744357A1
entitled "Package for tissues comprising a flexible pouch and a re-usable
dispensing device."
The wrapper may contain a window which allows the caregiver to visually
perceive the
wipes 42 within the wrapper without opening or breaching the wrapper. Within
the context of
this description, the wipes 42 are visually perceivable if the window is
capable of transmitting
liglit and an observer can discern the contents within the wrapper. The window
may be made
from a substantially transparent material such that the wipes 42 within the
wrapper may be seen
and discerned by the caregiver. A suitable transparent material may be a
polyethylene film or
film laminate such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, a LDPE/ linear
low density
polyethylene (LLDPE) film laminate, a LDPE/ medium density polyethylene (MDPE)
film
laminate, a LDPE/ high density polyethylene (HDPE) film laminate or the like.
In one
embodiment, the window of the wrapper is positioned in proximity to the window
of the case 12
and/or lid 14 such that the wipes 42 may be discerned by the caregiver without
opening the case
12, lid 14, and/or wrapper.
The case 12 may contain one or more educational inserts 60. The educational
inserts 60
may provide or offer to provide information, instruction, tips, advice,
directions, coaching,
guidance, or counsel. The inserts are may be in a variety of formats including
pamphlets,
notecards, fliers, magazines, audio formats including compact discs, DVD
discs, computer
readable CDs, and the like. In one embodiment, the educational inserts 60 may
be cards made
from cover paper or card stock and printed with the relevant information.
These cards may have a
substantially rectangular shape although one or more sides may be curvilinear.
While the card
may be of any dimension, a suitable dimension is approximately 6 inches (15.2
cm) by 4 inches
(10.2 cm). The educational inserts 60 may be contained within an envelope 62
or other like
structure that can keep a plurality of inserts 60 bound together at least
during the initial use of the
case 12 for storing the baby care product 40.
One of the educational inserts 60 may be a subsequent use insert that provides
instruction
regarding the subsequent use of the case 12 for storing a subsequent item such
as a baby related
memento. The subsequent use insert may inform the caregiver that the case 12
has a secondary
use beyond that of storing and housing the one or more baby care products 40.
The subsequent
use insert may provide ideas as to what types of mementos a caregiver should
keep such as
photographs, birth certificates, hand imprints, foot imprints, locks of hair,
hospital wrist bands,
caregiver notes or reflections, clothing, booties, hats, and the like. The
subsequent use insert may
instruct the caregiver on how to reconfigure the case to more effectively
store baby-related
mementos. The subsequent use insert may also provide direction on how to
effectively organize,
manage, and store the mementos using the case. For example, the subsequent use
insert may
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12
direct a caregiver to place one or more dividers into the case thereby
allowing for
compartmentalization of the mementos. The subsequent use insert may direct the
caregiver to use
an indexing insert as a way of categorizing the mementos. Indexing inserts may
contain a generic
baby-related category descriptor (e.g., "birth to 1 month"; "newborn," "baby,"
"toddler," etc.;
"January," "February," etc.) and/or a blank area for customization by the
caregiver. In one
embodiment, the indexing inserts may provide little to no text. In such an
embodiment, the
indexing inserts may provide dedicated space for the caregiver to customize.
For example, the
indexing inserts may provide dedicated space in which a caregiver may insert
his or her own
baby-related category descriptor. Furthermore, the indexing inserts may
provide dedicated space
in which a caregiver can list the baby-related mementos stored relative to the
indexing insert.
Such an indexing insert assists in the organization of the mementos.
One of the educational inserts 60 may be a stage of development insert
providing
information on one or more stages of baby development. The stages of
development refer to the
level of emotional and cognitive maturity and/or the physical abilities of an
individual of a baby
including locomotion, mobility, motor skills, and coordination. The stages of
development may
cover a broad range of baby development. An exemplary range is from newborn to
active toddler
and includes five developmental stages: pre-locomotive, discovering,
exploring, learning, and
training. A first stage of development might cover a pre-locomotive phase and
include newborns
who are in a bonding stage with the caregiver and other immobile infants whose
level of activity
might include little more than head raising or rolling over. A second stage of
development might
cover a discovering stage comprising a crawling phase and include curious
toddlers exhibiting
developing activity in the form of sitting and mobility in the form of
scooting, rolling and
crawling. A third stage of development might cover an exploring stage
comprising a walking
phase and include toddlers whose level of activity includes standing, walking
and beginning to
run. A fourth stage of development might cover a learning phase and include
toddlers capable of
doing things by themselves such as dressing and developing coordination which
enables them to
walk and run without losing balance. A fifth stage of development might cover
a training stage
and include toddlers undergoing toilet training, attempting to achieve
independence and overall,
undergoing a transition from baby to child. Clearly, other stages are
contemplated; for example,
other stages may overlap or be a subset of the aforementioned stages. Furtlier
information related
to stages of baby development may be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,648,864. The
stages of
development may be span or include other baby stages including, but not
limited to, age ranges,
weight ranges, size ranges, and the like.
The information related to the stage of baby development may include
developmental
insights, care tips, and practical advice. Developmental insights may include
information that is
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13
related to a baby's physical, behavioral, cognitive, and/or mental
development. For example,
developmental insights may include information explaining what physical traits
to expect from
the baby during each of the stages of development, advice on having more
effective interactions
given a baby's mental development, and on how to react to a baby's behavior.
Care tips may
include information related to feeding, sleeping, health, diapering, skin
care, and like baby care
topics. An exemplary care tip may be advice on food that is appropriate for
each of the
developmental stages. Practical advice may include other assorted advice
relevant to the
developmental stages but which is often directed more to the responsibilities
and activities of the
caregiver. For example, practical advice appropriate for the pre-locomotive
stage of development
may be information for a caregiver on how handling a baby's first photographic
portrait session.
Other practical advice may include such topics as recipe/meal ideas, stress-
reduction advice, and
dealing with holidays.
One of the educational inserts 60 may be a product information insert. The
product
information insert may provide information related to the baby care product 40
initially stored
within the case. The product information may include information on the
construction, design,
materials, benefits, and other characteristics of the baby care product 40.
The product information
may describe one or more technical benefits of the baby care product 40. For
example, technical
benefits may include information regarding improved fit for a diaper, improved
cleaning for a
wipe, or improved absorbency of a bib. The product information may also
provide preferential
information related to the baby care product 40. Such information may include
statements that
the product is preferred, recommended, selected, or purchased by one or more
individuals or
groups of individuals (e.g., "The Pediatricians' Choice").
The product information may include information related to other baby care
products that
are not initially provided with the kit 10 or within the case 12. For example,
a case initially
storing a plurality of wipes and a plurality of diapers may have product
information on such
related products as ointments, powders, bottles, changing pads, and the like.
Generally, both the
baby care product initially provided with the kit 10 as well as the
information on other baby care
products not within the case are all manufactured, distributed, and/or sold by
a common entity
(e.g., a single person, corporation, group, partnership, etc.). The product
information may be
keyed to the stages of baby development, as disclosed above.
One of the educational inserts 60 may be an additional information insert. The
additional
information insert provides a means for obtaining additional baby care
information. The
additional information insert provides instruction on how to obtain additional
information. The
instruction may be filling out and submitting a postcard. The instruction may
be contacting a
World Wide Web site or calling a telephone number. The additional information
may be
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14
provided to the caregiver by mail, telephone, e-mail, or World Wide Web page.
The additional
baby care information may be information related to the subsequent use of the
case, to the stages
of baby development, and/or to product information. The additional baby care
information may
also include such items as promotional item offers, additional samples,
coupons, rebate offers, and
the like.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the case 12, with
the lid
removed, is engaged in a subsequent use for storing one or more baby-related
mementos. The
case 12 may be used to store a plurality of photographs 70. The divider 17 may
be positioned so
as to maximize the space available of storing the photographs 70. As shown,
the divider 17 may
divide the case into two compartments each having approximately a 6" width and
approximately a
4" depth so as to house common photographic print sizes. One or more of the
educational inserts
60 may be used to organize the photographs 70. For example, the indexing
insert may be used to
organize photographs 70 according to a generic baby-related category
descriptor that may be
printed on the indexing insert or that may be written on to the indexing
insert by the caregiver
(e.g., 0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc.). Other educational inserts 60 such as
stage of development
insert may be included within the photographs. The stage of development insert
may be placed
with the indexing insert and/or photographs that overlap the particular stage
of development. For
example, stage of development insert directed to the prelocomotive stage may
be organized along
with an indexing insert and photographs that relate to this prelocomotive
stage. Such organization
assists in ensuring that the stage of development information conveyed by the
stage of
development insert is more readily accessible when needed by a caregiver.
In another embodiment, a kit 10 of the present invention may be prepared
according to
the disclosure present above. The kit 10 of may be provided to a caregiver so
that the caregiver
has an opportunity to use and interact with the kit 10. More specifically, the
caregiver should be
provided an opportunity to use the enclosed baby care products 40. In one
embodiment, the kit 10
has a sufficient quantity of baby care product 40 to last at least 24 hours
given normal use
patterns. Furthemiore, the caregiver should be provided an opportunity to
interact with the
educational insert(s) housed within the case and/or the case itself. The
opportunity to interact
with the case includes allowing the caregiver to use the case according to the
secondary use for
storing at least one baby-related memento.
While the kit 10 may be provided to the caregiver at any time, the kit 10 is
preferably
provided to a caregiver at a point during the baby's development most
appropriate for the baby
care products 40 provided by the kit 10. For example, if a kit 10 contains a
plurality of diapers 50
sized for a newborn, the kit 10 may be provided to the caregiver within
proximity to the
newborn's birth. Since a majority of mothers deliver within an institutional
care facility (e.g.,
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hospital, women's center, birthing center), a kit 10 containing newborn-sized
diapers 50 may be
provided to the mother, father, or other caregiver at some point during the
mother's or baby's stay
at the facility. The kit 10 may be provided to the caregiver at some time
proximate to the birth of
the baby.
5 EXAMPLE
A preferred self-contained baby care kit may be a newborn care kit with a case
reusable
as a photograph box. The case may comprise a case made from paperboard and
having the
dimensions of approximately 12.75" x 9" x 4.25" (length x width x depth). The
case may be
hexahedral with 5 rectangular faces - a bottom wall and four side walls. The
sixth face may be a
10 lid also made from paperboard and having the dimensions of approximately
13" x 9.25" x 2.25"
(length x width x depth). The lid may have a top surface and four flanges that
extending from
downwardly from the top surface. In the closed position, the lid may engage
the case such that
the flanges overlap the sidewalls in a one-to-one relationship. The case and
lid may be encircled
witli a paperboard overwrap that provides a handle along one face of the case.
The case may be
15 partitioned into two compartment of relatively equal volume by a divider.
The divider may
substantially span the entire width and depth of the case. The two resulting
compartment may be
sized to house two rows of typically-sized photographic snapshots (e.g., 4"x6"
or 3.5" x 5").
During the initial use of the case, one compartment may store a reusable
container of
approximately 80 wipes. A suitable container of wipes may be Pampers
LavenderTM Baby Wipes
available from The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. During the
initial use of the
case, the other compartment may store a plurality of diapers. A suitable
plurality of diapers may
be a 20 count package of Pampers Newborn SwaddlersTM available from The
Procter & Gamble
Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. The case may contain an effective amount of
decorative confetti,
fluff, or packaging material so as to keep the diapers and wipes relatively
immobilized and
padded during transport and storage.
The case may further contain an envelope housing numerous educational inserts.
One or
more inserts may instruct the caregiver on the subsequent use of the case as a
photograph box.
The insert may describe how to orient the photographs within the compartnlent
and may describe
how to use the one or more indexing inserts and/or stages of baby development
inserts as dividers
for the photographs. One or more inserts may be indexing inserts allowing for
customization by
the caregiver. One or more inserts may be stages of baby development inserts.
At least one insert
may be devoted to each of the following stages of baby development: pre-
locomotive,
discovering, exploring, learning, and training. The case may contain an
additional information
insert in the form a post card that may be returned by the caregiver. The
additional information
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insert may also provide a toll-free telephone number and/or a World Wide Web
address by which
additional information may be acquired. The case may contain a product
information insert that
describes the wipes and diapers enclosed within the case.
The case may be provided to a mother and/father of a newborn at some point in
proximity
to the mother's labor. The case may be provided during the mother's or
newborn's stay at a
birthing facility and may be provided at discharge from the facility.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in
relevant part,
incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be
considered as an n
admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
While particular embodiments and/or individual features of the present
invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the
art that various other
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such
changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
