Tend-A-Tot

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Tend-A-Tot is a sophisticated 6-in-1 baby-care item with a sense of style and functionality. It combines six (6) major components of caring for an infant/child into one elegant and practical tote that “does it all”! The Tend-A-Tot is made from 2½ yards of a machine-washable, printed fabric, lined with 2½ yards of a machine-washable, plain, quilted fabric. This product, created by me, is unique in that it provides a child caretaker with one product to: (1) use as a diaper bag, tote bag and travel bag for baby, (2) comfortably carry the child, leaving hands free, (3) use on most restaurant and private-home dining chairs in place of a high chair, booster or other child seat, (4) use over an umbrella stroller for added comfort, security, storage and easy airline travel, (5) place in a shopping cart seat for child's comfort, added security and convenience with everything right at hand, and (6) provide the necessary space for the caretaker's necessities, as well.

BENEFITS OF THE INVENTION

• • 1) It can save money. The most utilitarian product for a child caretaker is a diaper bag. However, the Tend-A-Tot is a six-in-one product, not simply a diaper bag. This, in itself, is a money-saver, merely by eliminating the need to purchase a high chair, an expensive stroller/carriage, a baby carrier, a shopping cart protector and various other child-care products, each of which merely has a single function.
  • 2) It becomes an instant “chair” to be used on most dining chairs found in restaurants, private homes, etc. There is never a need to use public high chairs or booster chairs.
  • 3) It converts a simple, inexpensive umbrella stroller into a comfortable and convenient carriage, replacing the need for expensive, full-sized, bulky and oftentimes troublesome strollers available on the market. This is an added benefit for those who wish to travel by air with an infant/child. And it also allows for ease in getting up and down store aisles or squeezing by congested places smoothly.
  • 4) The Tend-A-Tot serves as a child carrier, simply by placing the carrying strap crosswise over the caretaker's body and shoulder. It is easily removed from caretaker to shopping cart, (and vice versa) without removing baby from product.
  • 5) The Tend-A-Tot becomes a shopping cart comfort seat, providing extra protection from rough, hard surfaces and extra safety by means of securing the infant/child with the carrying strap.
  • 6) The Tend-A-Tot has sufficient room for carrying the child's necessities for a day's outing, a weekend trip or a longer vacation.
  • 7) There are enough pockets and “compartments” for the caretaker's personal items such as cell phone, small purse, etc. This eliminates the need for an extra bag on a daily outing.
  • 8) Ties are provided and strategically placed to allow tie on of baby's favorite toy and pacifier. This prevents dropping on dirty surfaces, retrieval by caretaker and/or loss.
    Additional benefits of the Tend-A-Tot are the intangibles:
  • 9) It is a comfortable and nurturing item for baby's use, becoming as necessary as that favorite blanket or stuffed toy. The Tend-A-Tot is a valuable child-care product which surrounds the child with a familiar pattern and “fragrance”, thus creating a comfort zone in that strange or new environment when shopping, dining, visiting or traveling.
  • 10) It provides one the ability to avoid placing an infant/child directly onto furniture and other objects which are used by the general public and not known to be hygienically clean.
  • 11) One is more apt to go places with baby, because the Tend-A-Tot simplifies going out, having all the necessities in one comfortable “bundle”. Stress level for both caretaker and child may be reduced considerably.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Tend-A-Tot is constructed, first, by lining each printed material piece, sewing (wrong sides together) and reversing out to expose a finished edge. The 16 pattern pieces are listed below, following these assembly instructions.

Note: The main body, (Pattern Piece #1) and the Tie Extensions, (Pattern Piece #3), are joined independently first, then sewn together (printed fabric to the quilted fabric lining). On this Main Body (Pattern Piece #1) are sewn the Toy/Rattle Pocket (Pattern Piece #8), the Diaper Pad Pocket (Pattern Piece #10) and the Semi-Attached Pillow (Pattern Piece #12). Self Ties (for which there is no pattern piece) are attached strategically to the Toy/Rattle Pocket (Pattern Piece #8) for attaching toys, rattles, pacifier, etc.

The Diaper Bag Attachment, which creates the opening to place the Tend-A-Tot on chairs, high chairs and the umbrella stroller, is assembled by placing the four pockets, (Pattern Pieces # 4, 5, 6 [the flap], 7 and 9) on the Diaper/Accessory Flap, (Pattern Piece #2). A 14″ Zipper is placed on the quilted material, horizontally across the top of the flap or on the printed material, inside across the bottom of the diaper bag. The Diaper Bag/Accessory Flap is then joined to the top, outside of the Main Body (Pattern Piece #1) and stitched around on three sides (the top and two vertical sides), leaving the bottom unattached to create the opening for use, as stated above in Claim #1.

Next the chair/seat feature is created by folding the main body piece, bottom to the mid-point and sewing in place where the tie extensions are joined to the main body piece. The right side of the chair front is left free from the strap to create a break-away opening; and here is placed a side release buckle/clip fastener.

The bib and diaper (changing) pad/furniture protector are sewn in the same manner as all the other pattern pieces—constructed by putting fabric and lining wrong sides together, sewing and then reversing out and top stitching around for a finished edge.

SPECIFICATIONS: Here is a written description of my invention, the Tend-A-Tot, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112 Specification—Patent Laws. The accompanying figures (FIGS. 1-18 on pages 19 through 36) demonstrate the Tend-A-Tot in use as well as provide diagrams and photographs of the pattern pieces and final assembly.

• • 1) Cut the following pattern pieces from the main fabric and the quilted lining fabric. The size, shape and dimensions of the Tend-A-Tot, as well as the number, usage name and arrangements of pockets may vary from item to item; but the standard will be as follows:
    • Pattern Piece #1: Main Body: Length 39″, Width 23″
    • Pattern Piece #2: Diaper Bag/Accessory Flap: Length 15½″, Width 25″
    • Pattern Piece #3: Tie Straps/Extensions of Main Body: Length 23: Width 4″
    • Pattern Piece #4: Diaper/Wipes Pocket: Length 18″, Width 13″
    • Pattern Piece #5: Bottle Holder: Length 10″, Width 9″
    • Pattern Piece #6: Bottle Holder Flap Closure: Length 9″, Width 3½″
    • Pattern Piece #7: Catch-All Pocket: Length 16″, Width 8″
    • Pattern Piece #8: Toy/Rattle Pocket: Length 7″, Width 13″
    • Pattern Piece #9: Cellular Phone Pocket: Length 11″, Width 8″
    • Pattern Piece #10: Inside Pocket for Changing Pad, Etc.: Length 13″, Width 11½″
    • Pattern Piece #11: Bib: 10″ diameter Circle with 3″ Diameter cut-out circle for neck opening
    • Pattern Piece #12: Semi-attached Pillow: Length 9″, Width 12″
    • Pattern Piece #13: Changing Pad/Furniture Protector: Length 24″, Width 17″
    • Pattern Piece #14: Ties for pillow, toys, bib, rattle, pacifier, tote closure, etc. Length 13″, Width ¾″
    • Pattern Piece #15: Sleeve Pillow for carrying strap: Length 6″, Width 9½″
    • Pattern Piece #16: (2) Carrier Loops for safety belt: 7″×6″ (folded in half) Make (3) strips of self bias by cutting (3) 1¼″ strips across the 45″ width of print fabric

The shape of the pattern pieces mentioned above may vary from item to item and include any of the following geometric forms: Square, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, rumbas, circle, oval, and triangle. See included diagrams and photographs (FIGS. 1-18, Pages 19-36) for the standard.

The number and named usage of pockets on the product may vary from item to item. See included diagrams (FIGS. 1-18, Pages 19-36) and photographs for the standard.

Arrangement (placement) of pockets on the product may vary from item to item. See included diagrams and photographs (FIGS. 1-18, Pages 19-36) for the standard placement.

• • 2) Method and types of closures on pockets, straps and other openings may include one or a variety of the following:
    • a) Buttons
    • b) Elastic
    • c) Hook and Eye
    • d) Velcro or other adhesive closures
    • e) Self Ties, Cords, Bias Tape, Rope, Draw String
    • f) Zippers
    • g) Plastic Side Release Clips (Male/Female type Fasteners)
    • h) Grommets and Ties
    • i) Snaps
    • j) Any type of closure that becomes available, which will serve the purpose of closing pockets and openings on the product
  • 3) The product's Main Carrying/Securing Shoulder Strap may be closed and secured in any or a combination of the following ways:
    • a) Self-Tying
    • b) Plastic, Side-Release Clip (Male/Female type Fastener)
    • c) Buckle
    • d) Any type of closure and addition of floating loops for securing excess, loose ends, which will safely secure the carrying strap
  • (4) Finished product dimensions may vary in size from the standard length, width and dimension, with or without the inclusion of gussets.
  • (5) Method of product assembly includes one or a combination of the following:
    • a) Finished seams with zigzag, blanket or other finishing stitch
    • b) Joining with standard seam straight stitch
    • c) Feld seam
    • d) Gussets
    • e) Bound edges
    • f) Lined or Unlined
  • 6) Product Materials include any one or a combination of the following:
    • a) Cotton
    • b) Synthetic
    • c) Cotton/Synthetic Blends
    • d) Natural Fiber Fabrics
    • e) Quilted
    • f) Treated (Water-Resistant)
    • g) Canvas
    • h) Any Fabric which would lend itself to the product without compromising its serviceability, comfort, safety and/or convenience
  • 7) Zipper access to Diaper Bag: 14″-22″ Heavy Duty or other utilitarian Zipper is used for access to diaper bag/accessory section of the product. The placement of this zipper may be on a seam or on the outside face of the diaper bag section of the product in a placement position of vertical, horizontal or diagonal and in any location. It may also be placed on the lower, inside of the diaper bag, across the bottom. The standard size, placement and position are shown on included diagrams and photographs.
  • 8) The Tend-A-Tot has a design provision to allow easy in-out access for the child. This is accomplished by allowing one or both sides of the seat portion of the product to open by means of a heavy-duty release clip fastener, at least 2″ size or more. Note: A heavy-duty zipper may be used. However, this does not provide the safety measure needed, unless the zipper is secured and/or hidden so as not to allow tampering by the child while in use.
  • 9) Semi-attached Pillow serves the purpose of accommodating the size of the child and allows for conformity to the type of surface (seat, chair, etc.) on which the product is placed. The ties on the two free corners of the pillow provide the means of securing the pillow in the “up” position. This function may also be served by any of the aforementioned methods of closures and securing devices.
  • 10) A separate “pillow sleeve” slides freely on the carrying ties to provide ease and comfort for carrying by the caretaker. It may be made from like material or any other material which conforms to the use for which it is intended. It may or may not be provided with a means of attaching temporarily in a position when not in use so as not to become separated and/or lost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The following pages contain a brief description of each of the 18 accompanying Drawings and Photographs, designated FIGS. 1-18 on pages 19 through 36.

Drawing FIG. 1: Shows the Tend-A-Tot from the diaper bag side. (1) The lower chair/seat section is tucked in between the diaper bag and the upper part of the product. This diaper bag section is sewn to the product on three sides, leaving the fourth side free to allow for this and other uses. The outside pockets provide carrying space for (2) diapers and “wipes”, (3) bottles and food, (4) formula, baby food, utensils, as well as items needed by the attendant adult, i.e. (5) cellular phone, wallet, keys, etc. The (6) zipper opening accesses the entire size inside the diaper bag section and can accommodate clothing, toys, blanket and other child-care necessities. Placement of the zipper is vertical on this diagram, but may also be placed horizontally across the top of the Tend-A-Tot. Visible in this diagram are the (7) two “buttonhole” openings, which allow for use over spindle-back chairs and umbrella strollers. The “out-take” sketch on the right of the diagram illustrates the (8) matching bib that is one of the extra features included with the Tend-A-Tot.

The (9) carrying straps are also used to secure the child when in a chair, stroller, cart, etc.

Drawing FIG. 2: This view of the Tend-A-Tot is showing the (1) self-contained chair/seat, the feature which allows the product to be used as a child carrier, when the (2) carrying strap is placed crosswise over the body of the adult in attendance. The diaper bag section is folded over behind the seat in this instance, allowing for easy access, while carrying the child. The seat has a break-away feature on the right-hand side, secured by a (3) release clip fastener, allowing for easy in/out accessibility. (4) Self ties are provided for attaching the child's favorite rattle, pacifier, etc. Visible in this diagram are the (5) two “buttonhole” openings, which allow for use on spindle-back chairs and umbrella strollers.

Drawing FIG. 3: Illustrates the Tend-A-Tot open for use on a chair, highchair or umbrella stroller. The (1) two “buttonhole” openings at the top allow for use when placed on a spindle-back chair or an umbrella stroller. On the upper portion of the chair/seat of the Tend-A-Tot is the (2) semi-attached pillow which may be placed in an up or down position to accommodate the growth of the child and/or to conform to different chair styles. Behind the semi-attached pillow is a large pocket (3), which holds a matching changing pad/chair protector. The Tend-A-Tot chair/seat has a (4) break-away feature with release clip fastener to allow for easy in/out accessibility. Self ties (5) are provided for attaching the child's favorite rattle, pacifier, etc. A safety belt (6) is attached on the inside of the seat for extra child security.

Drawing FIG. 4: In this position, with the (1) chair/seat reversed and the diaper bag section folded back over a shopping cart seat, the (2) carrying strap is secured through the shopping cart seat bars, with the child safely secured in place. Visible in this diagram is the chair/seat with its (3) break-away opening secured by a release clip fastener, the (4) two “buttonhole” openings for other feature uses and the (5) two self-ties for attaching the child's favorite toy(s), pacifier, etc.

FIG. 5: Open, front view of the Tend-A-Tot, showing the (1) chair/seat with (2) break-away side-release clip fastener, (3) toy pocket and toy ties, the (4) semi-attached pillow, the (5) carrying/securing straps with (6) sliding “pillow” sleeve for carrying comfort. Behind the Semi-Attached Pillow is (7) the changing pad pocket. The (8) matching bib is seen at the upper left.

FIG. 6: Shows the Tend-A-Tot in the closed position, the diaper bag portion visible with its four pockets to accommodate (1) bottles with (2) Flap, (3) catch-all pocket for formula, food dish and utensils pocket, (4) diaper/wet wipes pocket and (5) cellular phone pocket. Also visible are the (6) carrying/securing straps with the (7) “pillow” sleeve, just to the left of the release clip fastener. The (8) zipper is shown horizontally across the bottom of the diaper bag section. Note: It may be placed in various positions, vertically, horizontally and on the inside lining of the diaper bag.

FIG. 7: Shows the Tend-A-Tot in the closed position. Visible is the (1) semi-attached pillow, (2) carrying/securing straps, (3) clip fastener and (4) “pillow” sleeve for carrying comfort. Just below the pillow are the (5) ties which serve to close the Tend-A-Tot, when not in use with the child. The (6) changing pad pocket is behind the semi-attached pillow.

FIG. 8: Shows the Tend-A-Tot as it is used on a dining chair. The diaper bag portion forms the “pocket” opening which allows it to be placed over the chair back. Visible is the (1) chair/seat with (2) break-away/Side Release Buckle, the (3) toy pocket with two toy ties, the (4) semi-attached pillow, which may be adjusted for height, comfort and conformity to an individual chair. This view also shows the (5) which, in this instance, doubles as a furniture protector. The (6) changing pad pocket is located behind the semi-attached pillow.

FIG. 9: Back view of FIG. 8, which shows the Tend-A-Tot in use on a dining chair. The (1) carrying/securing straps are visible with the (2) “pillow” sleeve and the (3) side-release buckle/clip fastener. The diaper bag portion is shown with its four outside pockets—(4) bottle pocket with (5) flap, (6) Catch-all Pocket (Pattern Piece #7), the (7) Diaper/“wet wipes” Pocket and the (8) cell phone pocket. Barely discernable running horizontally across the top of the diaper bag is the (9) 14-inch zipper used to access the large inside pocket of the diaper bag.

FIG. 10: Demonstrates the Tend-A-Tot in use on a dining chair with the (1) changing pad now being used as a table mat. The (2) adjustable, semi-attached pillow is visible behind the child's back, in the “up” position. The (3) chair/seat is seen with the (4) break-away feature performed with the side-release buckle/clip fastener. Just visible is one of the (5) Tie Straps as they serve to secure the child in place on the dining chair. The (6) changing pad pocket is located behind the semi-attached pillow. (7) is the toy pocket. The child is wearing the Bib.

FIG. 11: Shows the Tend-A-Tot in use at a restaurant, with the (1) matching bib and changing pad/furniture protector placed under the child. The (3) semi-attached pillow is in the “up” position. Just behind the pillow is the (4) changing pad pocket. The (5) chair/seat is seen with the (6) Toy Pocket as well as the (7) Side-Release Buckle (or Tie) Strap as it secures the child in place on the dining chair.

FIG. 12: Shows the Tend-A-Tot being used as a child carrier. The (1) carrying strap has a release clip fastener, here covered by the (2) “pillow” sleeve for comfort of the carrier. In this mode, the (3) diaper bag is folded to the outside for easy access to the 4 diaper bag pockets while still carrying the child.

FIG. 13: Shows the Tend-A-Tot with (1) Side-Release Buckle (or Tie) Straps in use carrying an infant, who is wearing the (2) matching bib. Just visible at the child's back is the (3) adjustable, semi-attached pillow and under that, the (4) diaper bag portion.

FIG. 14: Shows the Tend-A-Tot as it is used to convert a simple umbrella stroller into a comfortable, useful and secure carriage for the child. This view demonstrates the use of the (1) two large buttonhole openings at the top, which allow the Tend-A-Tot to slip over the handles of the stroller. The (2) diaper bag is behind the stroller and in tandem with the Main Body creates the opening, allowing the Tend-A-Tot to be placed on the umbrella stroller. Visible are the (3) semi-attached pillow, (3) chair/seat, (5) toy pocket with ties with two ties for tie-on pacifier or toy(s) and a portion of the (6) carrying/securing strap, which is secured behind the stroller.

FIG. 15: Show the Tend-A-Tot in use as an umbrella stroller converter. The two (1) buttonhole openings at the top of the Tend-A-Tot allow for slipping over the stroller handles and positioning it on the stroller for comfort, convenience and security. The (2) diaper bag portion is behind the stroller as are the carrying/securing straps not visible. The (3) semi-attached pillow is in the “down” position for child's comfort and not visible in this photo. Just behind the child's head is the (4) Diaper Pad Pocket. The child is wearing the (5) matching bib.

FIG. 16: Shows the Tend-A-Tot in use on a shopping cart. The (1) diaper bag portion is folded back over the cart seat and the carrying/securing straps, not visible, are passed through the seat back bars to secure the child in place. Visible are toys tied onto the (2) toy pocket of the Tend-A-Tot.

FIG. 17: Refer to Page—4—for list of Pattern Pieces as they correspond to this figure. (1) Pattern Piece #1, Main Body. (2) Pattern Piece #3, Tie Extensions. (3) Pattern Piece #10, Inside Pocket for Diaper Pad. (4) Pattern Piece #12, Semi-Attached Pillow. (5) Pattern Piece #8, Toy/Rattle Pocket. (6) Pattern Piece #16, Carrier Loops for safety belt.

FIG. 18: Refer to Page—4—for list of Pattern Pieces as they correspond to this figure. (1) Pattern Piece #11, Bib. (2) Pattern Piece #9, Cellular Phone Pocket. (3) Pattern Piece #6, Bottle Holder Flap Closure.

(4) Pattern Piece #7, Catch-All Pocket. (5) Pattern Piece #4, Diaper/Wipes Pocket. (6) Pattern Piece #2, Diaper/Accessory Flap. (7) Pattern Piece #5, Bottle Holder. (8) Pattern Piece #13, Changing Pad/Furniture Protector.

This serves as my filing for application for a Non-Provisional Utility Patent and is followed by diagrams and photographs, FIGS. 1-18, on pages 19 through 36.