Dispenser for individually dispensing vacuum-packed diapers

Abstract

An apparatus for individually dispensing diapers includes a plurality of vacuum-packed diapers and a master container in which said vacuum-packed diapers are disposed. Each vacuum-packed diaper includes a single compressible diaper individually vacuum-sealed within an air impermeable encasement. The master container includes a dispenser opening configured for individually dispensing each air impermeable encasement containing a vacuum-sealed diaper. Each encasement may be disposed in a box-like container, and each box-like container may include a diaper accessory thereby defining a diaper kit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 906,828, filed Mar. 8, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which application is a divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 665,169, filed Sep. 18, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which application is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 451,433, filed Mar. 4, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates generally to disposable packaged diapers and related infant and incontinent adult care accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reduced size packaged diaper, and related infant and incontinent adult care accessories and kits. [0003] Diapers are generally a necessity for very young children and incontinent adults. Indi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a packaged diaper that can be conveniently stored and a diaper changing kit that includes the diaper and other accessories. The packaged diaper can be reduced in size for easy storage and can be returned to its original size when opened. The reduced size of the diaper can be achieved by folding it and placing it in a small encasement. The diaper changing kit also includes a container for disposing of the used diaper. The invention provides a more efficient and compact way to store and use diapers, making them more portable and easy to use."

Problems solved by technology

Individuals incapable of controlling the release of bodily waste in a manner sufficiently reliable to enable the use of restroom facilities, and those caring for such individuals, typically need to carry extra disposable diapers and changing accessories.

This is typically because it is difficult to predict when a diaper worn by an individual may need to be changed.

Storage and carriage of clean diapers is often inconvenient.

For instance, disposable diapers are generally rather bulky items not given to easy storage or carriage in a purse, pocket, or otherwise about the person.

In addition, the problem can be acerbated in that diapers can be subject to expansion from the typically somewhat compressed state in which they are normally provided to consumers, especially in circumstances where the diapers are subject to contact with other items within a storage bag.

However, after being removed from their original packaging, bi-fold diapers often unfold or otherwise expand to consume an even larger storage space.

Thus, disposable diapers can become more bulky and difficult to carry than when in their nominal, packaged condition.

In addition, it is often the case that it is not sufficient to simply change a soiled diaper and replace it with a clean diaper.

While a conventional diaper bag provides a dedicated container in which diapers and diaper accessories can be stored and carried, the requirement of carriage of a diaper bag often adds to the difficulty of a caretaker's responsibility.

While conventional clean diapers and diaper changing accessories can be stored and carried in other carrying containers such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc., the bulky nature of conventional disposable diapers results in the diapers occupying a relatively large space within the carrying container.

In addition, diaper changing accessories such as moist wipes, ointment, powder, etc., add to the space consumed by conventional clean diapers and can be difficult to locate among other items stored in the backpack, purse, case, or the like.

Where the diapers being carried by the caretaker are for bottle feeding infants, the problems discussed above are further exacerbated by the need to carry materials for feeding the baby.

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