BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to baby wipes warmers, and more particularly
to an improved baby wipes warmer which is adapted to provide heated liquid vapors
to the baby wipes for maintaining moisture and coloration of the baby wipes.
[0002] Baby wipes have been marketed in the United States for many years. Essentially, baby
wipes are small pre-moistened paper or synthetic (non-woven) towelettes and are typically
available in packages to the consuming public. They are primarily used to cleanse
the skin of infants and small children. The wipe fluid content for these pre-moistened
wipes is generally comprised of cleansers, lotions and preservatives.
[0003] A few years after the baby wipes were introduced into the marketplace, various products
for warming the wipes were made available to the public. Such products have been devised
to comfort the baby wipe users from the inherent "chill" given off by the contact
of the moistened wipes. For example, it is now a common practice for parents to employ
the use of warm baby wipes on their children.
[0004] These warming products are generally electrically operated and come in two distinct
styles. One is an "electric blanket" style which is sized to wrap around the external
surfaces of a plastic baby wipes container. The other is a self-contained plastic
"appliance" style which warms the accommodated baby wipes with its internally positioned
heating element. Though such currently known and available baby wipes warming products
achieve their primary objective of warming baby wipes, they possess certain deficiencies
which detract from their overall utility.
[0005] Perhaps the two greatest deficiencies of the prior art baby wipes warming products
are the inabilities to sustain the moisture content and coloration of the baby wipes.
More specifically, drying of the baby wipes occurs due to heating of their moisture
content which accelerates dehydration. Further, discoloration of the same appears
to be inevitable because of a reaction of various chemicals in the wipes to heating.
As such, even though these existing products may adequately warm the baby wipes, they
cannot, however, seem to avoid the undesirable effects of dehydration and discoloration
when warming them.
[0006] Thus, there exists a substantial need in the industry, and in the infant products
manufacturing business in particular, for a baby wipes warming product that can effectively
provide warmth to the baby wipes without dehydrating and/or discoloring them. Further,
there exists a need for a baby wipes warming product which can achieve these objectives
in a user-friendly and time-efficient manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and overcomes the above-described deficiencies
of prior art baby wipes warming products by providing an improved baby wipes warmer
that can warm baby wipes while substantially maintaining their original moisture content
and coloration. Briefly, in order to accomplish such objectives, the present baby
wipes warmer may utilize a heatable liquid tank assembly which can provide liquid
vapors to the baby wipes through at least one vapor aperture. Alternatively, the present
baby wipes warmer may individually or collectively use an elevated support surface
such as a suspension tray and/or a sponge layer in lieu of the tank assembly in which
the baby wipes supported thereon can be heated while sustaining their moisture and
color through vapors generated therewithin. These as well as other features of the
present invention will be discussed in more detail infra.
[0008] In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a baby wipes warmer for warming baby wipes while substantially maintaining
their original moisture content and coloration. Such warmer comprises a housing with
a pivotally engaged lid member that can open and close relative thereto. A liquid
tank assembly is disposed within the housing in such a way that its upper tank surface
is vertically surrounded by the housing's interior-side housing wall and horizontally
closed off by the lid member. In this respect, an inside compartment is defined which
can be selectively accessed by opening and closing the lid member. Optionally, the
inner surface of the lid member may be layered with sponge materials to contain condensations
which result from liquid evaporations in order to reduce the risk of spillage when
it is opened. This optional feature of the lid member may be provided in all of the
preferably embodied baby wipes warmers discussed herein.
[0009] The liquid tank assembly is preferably fabricated from any heat conducting material
such as metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic. The tank assembly comprises a liquid compartment
which is formed between its upper and lower tank surfaces. The liquid compartment
is used to hold any liquid that can produce vapors when heated such as water. By heating
the liquid compartment, a portion of the liquid may change its physical state and
flow into the inside compartment as vapors which helps to maintain the original moisture
content and coloration of the baby wipes placed thereat. To allow the rising vapors
to seep into the inside compartment from the liquid compartment, at least one vapor
aperture is formed through the upper tank surface.
[0010] A heating element is disposed within the housing relative to the lower tank surface
for the purpose of heating the liquid. The heating element may be located in various
positions to achieve such purpose. For example, the heating element can be placed
within the liquid compartment itself adjacent the lower tank surface to substantially
extend thereabout. However, the heating element can also be placed outside the liquid
compartment and still provide the requisite heat to the lower tank surface by being
adjacent thereto. It is specifically contemplated herein that many types of heating
element such as an electrically powered heating pad may be used.
[0011] In the first preferred embodiment, the upper tank surface is characterized by a generally
flat support surface used for supporting the baby wipes thereon. This surface may
be defined to be a part of the upper tank surface itself. In the alternative, however,
the support surface can be formed by a suspension tray which is removably engaged
upon a sponge material that extends through an exposed opening defined on the upper
tank surface. If the latter configuration is used, the vapor aperture(s) of the upper
tank surface is formed by the sponge itself as its inherent characteristics would
allow the vapors to gradually flow therethrough. Moreover, a ridge may be formed around
both types of support surfaces for confining the baby wipes within the physical boundary
set thereby.
[0012] Further in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be
provided a first liquid reservoir which is set in fluid communication with the liquid
compartment. The first liquid reservoir may be disposed within the housing adjacent
the liquid tank assembly, or alternatively mounted to an exterior of the housing.
To establish fluid communication, any elongated and hollowed structure such as a conduit
may be used to provide a flow channel between the reservoir and the liquid compartment.
As will be demonstrated below, the first liquid reservoir ensures that the liquid
within the liquid compartment is always sustained at a certain level sufficient to
provide adequate evaporation.
[0013] In accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a baby wipes warmer which utilizes a first elevated support surface such
as a first suspension tray in lieu of the tank assembly. The first support surface
is disposed within an inside compartment which is collectively formed by the interior-side
housing wall and the upper housing wall. More specifically, the interior-side housing
wall defines a generally flattened interior compartment surface used for placing the
support surface thereon above the liquid level contained within the inside compartment.
By doing so, the baby wipes accommodated thereon can be heated while sustaining their
moisture and color through vapors rising from the heated liquid pool disposed underneath.
[0014] In accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a baby wipes warmer which is similar to the second embodied baby wipes warmer
but additionally utilizes a sponge layer. More specifically, a second elevated support
surface is provided on the interior compartment surface of the baby wipes warmer.
The second elevated support surface forms therethrough a plurality of vapor holes
which allow vapors to pass through. A sponge is directly layered upon this elevated
surface and the baby wipes are supported upon such sponge layer. By forming such configuration,
the liquid vapors rise from the pool of liquid (upon heating) through and around the
second support surface to warm and moisten the wipes, not to mention warmly moistening
the sponge layer which enhances the warm moisturizing effect on the baby wipes. Optionally,
an exteriorly located liquid level indicator may be placed in fluid communication
with the liquid pool (via a small pipe or the like) so as to provide convenient visual
indication of the existing liquid level.
[0015] In accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a baby
wipes warmer similar to the second embodied baby wipes warmer is provided. However,
this baby wipes warmer does not use any type of elevated surface but rather places
a layer of sponge directly upon its interior compartment surface. The sponge layer
itself retains liquid to thereby dissipate the same as liquid vapors upon generation
of sufficient heat. Moreover, the sponge layer may be treated with anti-microbial
or anti-bacterial additives to prevent mold, mildew and unpleasant odors. By resting
the baby wipes directly upon the sponge layer, the heated sponge acts to keep the
wipes warm, moist and substantially without discoloration while inhibiting growth
of potentially undesirable bacteria and microbes. As will be recognized, the layer
of sponge can be formed as an insert for placement within the interior of conventional
prior art baby wipes warmers for retrofit applications.
[0016] Further in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a second liquid reservoir
may be used in conjunction with the fourth embodied baby wipes warmer to maintain
hydration of the sponge layer and baby wipes. A vertically mounted sponge wall is
provided with the second liquid reservoir and is used to absorb the necessary liquid
therefrom via at least one reservoir hole extended therethrough. The absorbed liquid
is then evaporated into the baby wipe warmer's inside compartment, hence adding moisture
to the baby wipes disposed therein. Simultaneously, the vertical sponge wall is disposed
in abutting contact with the sponge layer so that the liquid drawn from the reservoir
permeates thereto and helps to maintain the moisture content of the sponge layer.
The second liquid reservoir includes an external viewing port which lets a user see
the level of liquid contained therein. If the liquid level is low, then the user may
pour additional liquid either directly within the inside compartment or the reservoir.
[0017] In accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
tank assembly in the form of an elongated central channel is embedded laterally along
the flattened interior compartment surface. This assembly forming the elongated central
channel includes a sponge material therewithin so that it may draw liquid out of the
reservoir by capillarity. Similar to the first embodied baby wipes warmer, its upper
tank surface comprises at least one vapor aperture which allows liquid vapor to travel
therethrough.
[0018] In illustrating the operation for all embodied baby wipes warmers, a stack of baby
wipes may be placed within the inside compartment simply by opening and then closing
the lid member. The liquid contained within the baby wipes warmer should be checked
to ensure that there is sufficient quantity (i.e., water level and/or content) present
to generate optimal vapors necessary to moisten the baby wipes. This can be accomplished
by checking the liquid level within the inside compartment itself and/or the liquid
reservoir (for the first, second, third and fifth embodiments) or the moisture content
of the sponge layer (for the fourth embodiment). Thereafter, the baby wipes warmer
may be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to activate the heating element
(if not already done). By following this easy-to-follow procedure, portions of the
liquid can transition into vapors when sufficiently heated which then travel upwardly
through the vapor aperture(s) to contact the baby wipes so that they may be maintained
in constant moisturized condition and coloration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent
upon reference to the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a baby wipes warmer constructed in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a stack of
baby wipes positioned within its inside compartment;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the baby wipes warmer of Figure 1 and
illustrating a first liquid reservoir which is exteriorly mountable to its exterior-side
housing wall;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the baby wipes warmer of Figure 1 and illustrating
a heating element disposed between its water tank assembly and base member;
Figure 3A is a plan view of the water tank assembly of Figure 3 and illustrating a
plurality of vapor apertures which are formed through its upper tank surface;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the baby wipes warmer of Figure 1 and illustrating
a heating element immersed in a quantity of liquid contained within its water tank
assembly;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the baby wipes warmer of Figure 1 and illustrating
a suspension tray which is placed upon a sponge extending through an exposed opening
of its water tank assembly;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a baby wipes warmer constructed in accordance
with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a suspension
tray which is placed directly over a quantity of liquid contained within its inside
compartment;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a baby wipes warmer constructed in accordance
with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a sponge
disposed within its water tank assembly which is in the form of a laterally extending
central water channel;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a baby wipes warmer constructed in accordance
with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a sponge
which is layered on its interior compartment surface for warmly moisturizing the baby
wipes directly accommodated thereupon;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the baby wipes warmer of Figure 8 and illustrating
a second liquid reservoir which is interiorly mounted within its exterior-side housing
wall;
Figure 9A is a perspective view of the second liquid reservoir of Figure 9 and illustrating
its removably attachable cap which is utilized for selectively accessing the interior
thereof;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a baby wipes warmer constructed in accordance
with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a sponge
which is layered upon a suspension tray directly elevated over a quantity of liquid
contained within its inside compartment; and
Figure 11 is a symbolic perspective illustration of all the preferably embodied baby
wipes warmers portrayed herein to show the optional use of a lid member which is layered
with sponge materials on its inner surface for containing the liquid condensations
formed within their respective inside compartments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating
preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting
the same, Figure 1 prospectively illustrates a baby wipes warmer (10) constructed
in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As indicated
above, the baby wipes warmer (10) is adapted to warm a stack of baby wipes (12) accommodated
therein while maintaining the wipes (12) in a substantially moisturized condition
and with their original coloration (i.e., white). Those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the baby wipes warmer (10) may be formed to have a variety of
external housing shapes, configurations, geometries, sizes and textures other than
for that shown in the provided figures.
[0021] Referring more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the baby wipes warmer (10) comprises
a housing (14). This housing (14) may be fabricated from any rigid material, but plastic
polymer is preferred. The housing (14) is formed having a main body member (16) and
a base member (18). More particularly, the body member (16) is peripherally defined
by an exterior-side housing wall (20) with a base end (22) that engages onto the base
member (18). The base member (18) is contemplated to be used for supporting the baby
wipes warmer (10) on any provided surface (e.g., desktop, floor, night stand, etc.)
and may optionally include a plurality of adjustable foot pads (24) for this purpose.
[0022] The housing (14) of the present baby wipes warmer (10) comprises a pivotally engaged
top lid member (26) which is capable of opening and closing relative to the housing
(14). The lid member (26) may open and close utilizing any conventional methods such
as using a door spring (28), for example. When such lid member (26) is closed with
respect to the housing (14), it becomes an upper housing wall as it encloses the interior
of the housing (14) from the outside. On the other hand, the opening of the lid member
(26) allows access to an inside compartment (30) of the housing which will be discussed
in more detail below. By accessing the inside compartment (30), a stack of baby wipes
(12) (layered or inter-folded stack) may be inserted and individually withdrawn for
use.
[0023] Figure 11 demonstrates the use of a top lid member (27) which is differently configured
than the lid member (26) discussed above. More specifically, this differently configured
lid member (27) includes the use of a sponge material (29) which lines the inner lid
surface (31) thereof. It should be expressly emphasized herein that the application
of sponge material (29) on the inner lid surface (31) is an optional feature which
may be provided at the time of manufacturing or retrofitted thereafter. In this respect,
such top lid member (27) may be utilized in conjunction with all the preferably embodied
baby wipes warmers portrayed throughout this application.
[0024] The sponge material (29) may be applied to the inner lid surface (31) in any conventional
manner such as through the use of adhesives, tapes, fasteners or the like. The importance
of sponge material (29) is realized in that it serves to capture the condensation
which forms as the result of liquid evaporation. More particularly, liquid vapors
within the baby wipes warmers rise upwardly toward the inner lid surfaces (31) where
condensation forms. Consequently, when the top lid members (27) are opened to retrieve
the baby wipes (12), condensation often drips down which may damage adjacent surfaces
where the baby wipes warmer is positioned (e.g., wood changing table). To prevent
such unnecessary consequences, the addition of a sponge material to the inner lid
surfaces (31) serves to capture the condensation and lessen the risk of spill damage
caused when the lid members (27) are opened.
[0025] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, a liquid tank assembly (32) is provided within
the housing (14). More specifically, the liquid tank assembly (32) is located between
the body and base members (16, 18) when they are engaged to each other in the manner
described above. Upon such placement, the upper tank surface (34) of the tank assembly
(32) collectively forms the inside compartment (30) with the interior-side housing
wall (36) and the lid member (26) of the housing (14). To describe this aspect in
more detail, the upper tank surface (34) becomes vertically surrounded as the tank
end (38) of the interior-side housing wall (36) is rested against the upper tank peripheral
edge (40) thereof. The upper tank surface (34) is then horizontally closed off by
the top lid member (26) forming the closed position. By such structural interaction,
the requisite inside compartment (30) may be formed.
[0026] Although Figure 2 illustrates the liquid tank assembly (32) to be generally rectangular
in configuration, it is expressly stated herein that the tank assembly (32) may be
configured in other ways without deviating from its operational capabilities. The
liquid tank assembly (32) defines a lower tank surface (42) which is positioned beneath
the upper tank surface (34) towards the base member (18). The upper and lower tank
surfaces (34, 42) are connected to each other by a surrounding side tank surface (44)
to thereby form a liquid compartment (46) within the tank assembly (32). This liquid
compartment (46) is used for holding any liquid (48) that can evaporate when sufficiently
heated and thus produce vapors (49) which are able to moisturize. A type of liquid
(48) which is exemplary of this nature is water. However, the use of any fluids which
may safely moisturize the baby wipes (12) are foreseeable.
[0027] Because the contained liquid (48) must evaporate upon sufficient heating, the liquid
tank assembly (32) should therefore be made from any material that is capable of rising
in temperature in reaction to heating. It is preferred that the tank assembly (32)
is fabricated from a heat-conducting material such as metal. More preferably, aluminum
would be desirable for fabricating the tank assembly (32) as it reacts very well to
heating. It is also expressly contemplated herein that the tank assembly (32) may
be fabricated from any number of plastic materials in lieu of metal.
[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the upper tank surface (34) includes a plurality of
vapor apertures (50) extending therethrough which provide fluid communication between
the inside and liquid compartments (30, 46). The vapor apertures (50) allow the vapors
(49) to pass through from the liquid compartment (46) to the inside compartment (30)
so as to heat the wipes and maintain the baby wipes (12) in a constant moisturized
condition and coloration. Preferably, the vapor apertures (50) are formed within the
support surface (52) which is surrounded by a ridge (54) formed therearound. The support
surface (52) is primarily used for accommodating the baby wipes (12) in which the
surrounding ridge (54) confines them in place to prevent side-to-side movement.
[0029] Referring now to Figure 5 only, an alternative embodiment of the support surface
(52) is depicted. In this embodiment, the upper tank surface (34) may instead define
an exposed opening (56) between the ridge (54). A support surface (52) may be disposed
within this opening (56) in a manner as to extend substantially thereabout. Any structure
providing a horizontal flat surface can be defined as the support surface (52) such
as a suspension tray, for example. Preferably, a sponge material (58) extending through
the exposed opening (56) from the liquid compartment (46) is used to removably secure
the support surface (52) in place. The sponge (58) is preferred for this purpose as
its naturally formed pores may simulate the vapor apertures (50) thereby permitting
the vapors (49) to seep therethrough.
Referring now to Figures 3-5, a heating element (60) is provided within the housing
(14) relative to the lower tank surface (42). As noted above, the purpose of the heating
element (60) is to heat the tank assembly (32) so that portions of liquid (48) are
changed into vapors (49). The heating element (60) may be disposed in various positions
to achieve this purpose. One position is to locate the heating element (60) within
the liquid compartment (46) so that it is immersed in liquid (48) to substantially
extend adjacent the lower tank surface (42) (best shown in Figure 4). The heating
element (60) may also be positioned outside the liquid compartment (48) to extend
adjacent the lower tank surface (42) (best shown in Figures 3 and 5). Although the
use of various heaters is contemplated, it is preferred that an electrically powered
heating pad is utilized. It should be noted herein that the description of the heating
element (60) not only applies to the baby wipes warmer (10) of the first preferred
embodiment, but extends to other preferably embodied baby wipes warmers as well.
[0030] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, a first liquid reservoir (62) may optionally
be incorporated into the present baby wipes warmer (10). However, the use of the first
liquid reservoir (62) is not mandatory as the liquid level within the liquid compartment
(46) may be manually refilled. The first liquid reservoir (62) is in fluid communication
with the liquid compartment (46). By such communication, the reservoir (62) can provide
additional liquid to the liquid compartment (46) when needed. The additional liquid
may be provided manually by operation of a valve device which may open and close the
liquid flow into the liquid compartment (46). The first liquid reservoir (62) includes
a refill cap (64) preferably fabricated from a rubber material for selectively accessing
its interior.
[0031] Similar to the heating element (60), the first liquid reservoir (62) may also be
located in multiple positions. For example, it can be disposed within the housing
(14) adjacent the liquid tank assembly (32) (shown in Figure 7). Alternatively, the
first liquid reservoir (62) may be exteriorly mounted to the exterior-side housing
wall (20) (shown in Figure 1). Irrespective of its positioning, the important concept
to be derived is that the reservoir (62) fluid communicates with the liquid compartment
(46) for providing additional liquid (48) thereto when needed. To establish fluid
communication, any elongated and tubular structure (66) such as a conduit may be used
to form a reservoir channel (66) between the reservoir (62) and the liquid compartment
(46). In this respect, the first liquid reservoir (62) ensures that the liquid (48)
within the liquid compartment (46) is always kept at a certain level which is sufficient
to provide adequate evaporation.
[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a baby wipes warmer (70) which is constructed in accordance
with a second preferred embodiment. The second embodied baby wipes warmer (70) is
substantially identical to the first embodiment with one major distinction. More specifically,
the baby wipes warmer (70) of the second embodiment eliminates the use of the liquid
tank assembly (32). Rather, its interior-side housing wall (72) is adapted to define
a substantially flattened interior compartment surface (74) which extends generally
parallel to the base member (18). By merely closing the top lid member (not shown),
an inside compartment (78) is formed. A quantity of liquid (80) is directly contained
within this compartment (78).
[0033] A first support surface (82) which is defined by a first suspension tray (84) is
disposed within the inside compartment (78). However, it should be noted that the
first support surface (82) is positioned above the pool of liquid (80) as it must
accommodate the baby wipes (12) thereon. The first support surface (82) may be engaged
upon the interior compartment surface (74) through any known process such as bonding
or fastening. By utilizing this arrangement, the baby wipes (12) are adequately heated
while sustaining their moisture and color through vapors (86) rising from the heated
liquid pool (80) disposed immediately underneath the support surface (82).
[0034] Referring now to Figure 10, there is provided a baby wipes warmer (90) which is manufactured
according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular,
this baby wipes warmer (90) is very similar to the baby wipes warmer (70) of the second
embodiment. However, the two warmers (70, 90) differ in that the baby wipes warmer
(90) of the third embodiment additionally utilizes a sponge layer (92). More particularly,
a second elevated support surface (94) which is defined by a second suspension tray
(96) is disposed within the interior compartment surface (98) of the baby wipes warmer
(90) above the pool of liquid (100). A plurality of surface vapor holes (102) are
formed through the second elevated support surface (94) which allow the heated vapors
(104) to flow therethrough.
[0035] A sponge (92) is directly positioned upon the second elevated support surface (94)
and the baby wipes (12) are rested upon the upper surface of sponge layer (92). In
this regard, the heated liquid vapors (104) rise from the pool of liquid (100) (upon
heating) through and around the second support surface (94) to warm and moisten the
wipes (12), as well as warmly moistening the sponge layer (92) which by the way enhances
the warm moisturizing effect on the baby wipes (12). Optionally, an exteriorly located
liquid level indicator (not shown) may be placed in fluid communication with the pool
of liquid (100) (via a small pipe or the like) so as to provide convenient visual
indication of the existing liquid level.
[0036] Figure 8 shows a baby wipes warmer (110) which is manufactured in accordance with
a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. This baby wipes warmer (110)
is also similar to the baby wipes warmer (70) of the second preferred embodiment with
some notable distinctions. Specifically, the baby wipes warmer (110) of the fourth
preferred embodiment does not use any type of elevated surface but rather places a
layer of sponge (112) directly upon its interior compartment surface (114). As such,
the sponge layer (112) itself retains poured liquid to thereby dissipate the same
as heated liquid vapors (115) upon generation of sufficient heat. Further, condensation
resulting from liquid evaporations may run down the lid member (not shown) and the
interior-side housing wall (117) of the baby wipes warmer (110) to re-hydrate the
sponge layer (112).
[0037] Optionally, the sponge layer (112) may be treated with anti-microbial or anti-bacterial
additives to prevent mold, mildew and unpleasant odors. By resting the baby wipes
(12) directly upon the such treated sponge layer (112), the heated sponge (112) acts
to keep the baby wipes (12) warm, moist and substantially without discoloration, while
simultaneously inhibiting growth of potentially undesirable bacteria and microbes.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sponge layer (112) may additionally
be formed as a separate sponge insert for retrofit use in conventional prior art baby
wipes warmers.
[0038] Referring now to Figures 9 and 9A, a second liquid reservoir (116) may optionally
be provided with the above-described baby wipes warmer (110). The second liquid reservoir
(116) is primarily used to maintain the hydration of the sponge layer (112) and the
baby wipes (12). To achieve such purpose, a vertically mounted sponge wall (118) is
included along an inner reservoir surface (120) of the second liquid reservoir (116).
The vertical sponge wall (118) is essentially used to absorb the necessary liquid
from the second liquid reservoir (116) via at least one reservoir hole (122) extended
therethrough. The absorbed liquid is then evaporated into the inside compartment (124)
of the baby wipes warmer (110) which adds further moisture to the baby wipes (12)
disposed therein. Simultaneously, because the vertical sponge wall (118) is disposed
in abutting contact with the sponge layer (112), the liquid drawn from the reservoir
(116) by the sponge wall (118) can permeate to the sponge layer (112). This helps
to maintain the moisture content of the sponge layer (112).
[0039] The second liquid reservoir (116) includes an external viewing port (126) at the
outer reservoir surface (128). The external viewing port (126) lets a user see the
level of liquid contained therein. If the liquid level is low, then the user may pour
additional liquid either directly within the inside compartment (124) or the second
liquid reservoir (116).
[0040] Figure 7 shows a baby wipes warmer (140) which is made in accordance with a fifth
preferred embodiment of the present invention. This warmer (140) is substantially
identical to the first embodied baby wipes warmer (10) except that its liquid tank
assembly (142) is fabricated in the form of an elongated central channel and is embedded
laterally along the interior compartment surface (144). This elongated central channel
serving as the liquid tank assembly (142) includes a sponge (146) within its liquid
compartment (148). The sponge (146) operates to draw the liquid (150) out of the adjacently
located liquid reservoir (152) by capillary action. Similar to the tank assembly (32)
of the first embodiment, its upper tank surface (154) includes a plurality of vapor
holes (156) which allow the liquid (150) to evaporate therethrough.
[0041] The operation of the first embodied baby wipes warmer (10) is described herein which
is simultaneously representative for operations of all the above embodied baby wipes
warmers (70, 90, 110, 140). First, a stack of baby wipes (12) to be warmed is placed
within the inside compartment (30) simply by opening and then closing the lid member
(26). The liquid (48) contained within the baby wipes warmer (10) should be checked
to ensure that there is sufficient level present for adequate evaporation. This can
be accomplished by visually checking the liquid reservoir and/or inside compartment
(for the first, second, third and fifth embodiments) or the moisture content of the
sponge layer (for the fourth embodiment). Thereafter, the baby wipes warmer (10) should
be plugged into an electrical outlet (not shown) in order to activate the heating
element (60) (if not already done). By following this easy-to-follow procedure, portions
of the liquid (48) can transition into vapors (49) when sufficiently heated which
are then provided to the baby wipes (12) so that they may be maintained in constant
moisturized condition and coloration.
[0042] Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described
and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present
invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. A baby wipes warmer (10) for warming baby wipes (12) while maintaining moisture and
coloration thereof, the warmer (10) comprising:
a base member (18) for supporting the warmer (10) on a surface;
a body member (16) engaged onto the base member (18) and having an interior-side housing
wall (36) and an upper housing wall which collectively form an inside compartment
(30);
a sponge layer (92, 112) disposed within the inside compartment (30) and retaining
liquid therein; and
a heating element (60) disposed about the inside compartment (30) for providing heat
thereto;
characterized in that the liquid retained within the sponge layer (92, 112) transitions into vapors (104,
115) when heated by the heating element (60) for maintaining the moisture and coloration
of the baby wipes (12) supported upon the sponge layer (92, 112).
2. The warmer (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that the base and body members (18, 16) are each fabricated from a plastic material.
3. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the upper housing wall is an openable/closeable lid member (26) pivotally engaged
to the body member (16) for selectively providing access to the inside compartment
(30) thereof.
4. The warmer (10) according to claim 3 characterized in that the lid member (26) comprises an inner lid surface (31) layered with sponge materials
(29).
5. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the interior-side housing wall (36) defines an interior compartment surface (74)
which extends generally parallel to the base member (18) and disposing the support
surface (52, 82) thereon.
6. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the heating element (60) is disposed within the inside compartment (30).
7. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the heating element (60) is an electrically powered heating pad.
8. The warmer (10) according to claim 5 characterized in that the heating element (60) is disposed between the base member (18) and the interior
compartment surface (74).
9. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the base member (18) has a plurality of foot pads (24) for supporting the warmer
(10) on a surface.
10. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises a support surface (82) disposed within the inside compartment
(30) and rising above a pool of liquid (100) when provided therein, the sponge layer
(92) being positionable upon the support surface (82, 94).
11. The warmer (10) according to claim 10 characterized in that the support surface (82, 94) is a suspension tray (84, 96).
12. The warmer (10) according to claim 10 or 11 characterized in that the support surface (82, 94) comprises a plurality of surface vapor holes (102) formed
therethrough.
13. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that the liquid retained within the sponge layer (92, 112) is water.
14. The warmer (10) according to any one of preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises a liquid reservoir (62, 116, 152) which is placed in communication
with the inside compartment (30).
15. The warmer (10) according to claim 14 characterized in that the liquid reservoir (62) is disposed adjacent the inside compartment (30).
16. The warmer (10) according to claim 14 characterized in that the liquid reservoir (116) comprises an inner reservoir surface (120) having a sponge
wall (118) thereon, the sponge wall (118) being sized and configured to absorb liquid
from the liquid reservoir (116) and provide moisture within the inside compartment
(30).
17. The warmer (10) according to claim 16 characterized in that the sponge wall (118) absorbs the liquid from the liquid reservoir (116) through
a conduit formed therebetween.
18. The warmer (10) according to claim 16 or 17 characterized in that the sponge wall (118) is in abutting contact with the sponge layer (92, 112) to provide
moisture thereto.
19. A baby wipes warmer (10) having an inside compartment (30) operative to generate heat
therewithin, the warmer (10) comprising a sponge layer (92, 112) disposed within the
inside compartment (30) and accommodating baby wipes (12) thereupon, the sponge layer
(92, 112) retaining liquid therein which transitions into vapors (49, 86, 104, 115)
upon generation of heat so as to maintain moisture and coloration of the baby wipes
(10).
20. The warmer (10) according to claim 19 characterized in that the sponge layer (92, 112) is removably disposed within the inside compartment (30).