U.S. patent application number 11/329543 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for baby diaper changing station.
Invention is credited to John A. Helmsderfer.
Application Number | 20070157380 11/329543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38231316 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Helmsderfer; John A. |
July 12, 2007 |
Baby diaper changing station
Abstract
A baby diaper changing station includes a base configured for
being mounted to a wall surface and a support platform rotatably
mounted to the base to move between a closed and open position. The
support platform includes a molded three-dimensional body with top,
bottom and side surfaces. A metal cladding structure having side
and bottom surfaces nests on the bottom and side surfaces of the
three-dimensional body of the support platform. The cladding
structure forms open areas proximate forward corners of the support
platform body. A plastic piece is configured to engage the metal
cladding structure proximate a forward corner area thereof and to
generally form a forward corner for the metal cladding
structure.
Inventors: |
Helmsderfer; John A.;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
38231316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/329543 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/136 ;
5/947 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 5/003 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101; F16B 12/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/136 ;
005/947 |
International
Class: |
A47C 17/38 20060101
A47C017/38 |
Claims
1. A baby diaper changing station comprising: a base configured for
being mounted to a wall surface; a support platform rotatably
mounted to the base to move between a closed and open position; the
support platform including a molded three-dimensional body with
top, bottom and side surfaces and configured, in the open position,
to cooperate with the base and support a baby; a metal cladding
structure having side and bottom surfaces and nesting on bottom and
side surfaces of the three-dimensional body of the support
platform, the cladding structure forming open areas proximate
forward corners of the support platform body; a plastic piece
configured to engage the metal cladding structure proximate a
forward corner thereof.
2. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 further comprising
an inner bracket configured to engage the inside of the metal
cladding structure proximate the open areas thereof, the plastic
piece being secured to the inner bracket.
3. The baby diaper changing station of claim 2 wherein the inner
bracket is metal.
4. The baby diaper changing station of claim 2 wherein the inner
bracket and plastic piece sandwich a side surface of the metal
cladding structure therebetween.
5. The baby diaper changing station of claim 4 wherein the inner
bracket and plastic piece each include side wings which overlap and
sandwich a side surface of the metal cladding structure
therebetween.
6. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 further comprising a
fastening element for fastening the plastic piece with the cladding
structure, to secure the plastic piece.
7. The baby diaper changing station of claim 6 further comprising
an inner bracket configured to engage the inside of the metal
cladding structure wherein the fastening element engages the metal
cladding structure and the inner bracket to secure the plastic
piece.
8. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 wherein the plastic
piece includes a slot configured to engage an edge of the cladding
structure to form the forward corner of the cladding structure.
9. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 wherein the plastic
piece includes a bottom to engage the bottom surface of the
cladding structure.
10. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 wherein the molded
three-dimensional body of the support platform includes a hook
structure proximate a forward corner of the support platform body,
the plastic piece including a cap which is configured to cover a
portion of the hook structure.
11. The baby diaper changing station of claim 1 wherein the plastic
piece includes a hook structure positioned proximate a forward
corner of the support platform body when the plastic piece engages
the metal cladding structure.
12. A baby diaper changing station comprising: a base for being
mounted to a wall surface and a support platform rotatably mounted
to the base; the support platform including a molded
three-dimensional body with top, bottom and side surfaces and
configured to support a baby; a metal cladding structure having
side and bottom surfaces and nesting on the three-dimensional body
of the support platform to form open areas proximate forward
corners of the support platform body; an inner bracket configured
to engage the inside of the metal cladding structure proximate the
forward corner areas thereof; a plastic piece configured to engage
the metal cladding structure and to be secured to with the inner
bracket.
13. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the inner
bracket is metal.
14. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the inner
bracket and plastic piece sandwich a side surface of the metal
cladding structure therebetween.
15. The baby diaper changing station of claim 14 wherein the inner
bracket and plastic piece each include side wings which overlap and
sandwich a side surface of the metal cladding structure
therebetween.
16. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 further comprising
a fastening element for fastening the plastic piece with the inner
bracket.
17. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the
plastic piece includes a slot configured to engage an edge of the
cladding structure to form the forward corner of the cladding
structure.
18. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the
plastic piece includes a bottom to engage the bottom surface of the
cladding structure.
19. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the molded
three-dimensional body of the support platform includes a hook
structure proximate a forward corner of the support platform body,
the plastic piece including a cap which is configured to cover a
portion of the hook structure.
20. The baby diaper changing station of claim 12 wherein the
plastic piece includes a hook structure positioned proximate a
forward corner of the support platform body when the plastic piece
engages the metal cladding structure.
21. A protective cover for covering the a three dimensional support
platform of a baby diaper changing station comprising: a metal
cladding structure having side and bottom surfaces; the cladding
structure configured for nesting on bottom and side surfaces of the
three-dimensional support platform, the cladding structure forming
open areas proximate forward corners of the support platform; a
plastic piece configured to engage the metal cladding structure
proximate a forward corner thereof.
22. The protective cover of claim 21 further comprising an inner
bracket configured to engage the inside of the metal cladding
structure proximate the forward corner areas thereof, the plastic
piece being secured to the inner bracket.
23. The protective cover of claim 22 wherein the inner bracket is
metal.
24. The protective cover of claim 22 wherein the inner bracket and
plastic piece are configured to sandwich a side surface of the
metal cladding structure therebetween.
25. The protective cover of claim 24 wherein the inner bracket and
plastic piece each include side wings which overlap and sandwich a
side surface of the metal cladding structure therebetween.
26. The protective cover of claim 21 further comprising a fastening
element for fastening the plastic piece with the cladding
structure, to secure the plastic piece.
27. The protective cover of claim 26 further comprising an inner
bracket configured to engage the inside of the metal cladding
structure wherein the fastening element engages the metal cladding
structure and the inner bracket to secure the plastic piece.
28. The protective cover of claim 21 wherein the plastic piece
includes a slot configured to engage an edge of the cladding
structure to form the forward corner of the cladding structure.
29. The protective cover of claim 21 wherein the plastic piece
includes a bottom to engage the bottom surface of the cladding
structure.
30. The protective cover of claim 21 wherein the three-dimensional
support platform includes a hook structure proximate a forward
corner of the support platform body, the plastic piece including a
cap which is configured to cover a portion of the hook
structure.
31. The protective cover of claim 21 wherein the plastic piece
includes a hook structure positioned proximate a forward corner of
the support platform body when the plastic piece engages the metal
cladding structure.
32. A baby diaper changing station comprising: a base configured
for being mounted to a wall surface and a support platform
rotatably mounted to the base to move between a closed and open
position; the support platform including a molded three-dimensional
body with top, bottom and side surfaces and configured, in the open
position, to cooperate with the base and support a baby; a metal
cladding structure having side and bottom surfaces and nesting on
bottom and side surfaces of the three-dimensional body of the
support platform; a plastic piece configured to abut with edges of
the side surfaces of cladding structure proximate the corner areas,
the plastic piece secured with the inner bracket to form a forward
corner for the metal cladding structure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for hanging in
a bathroom or other area for changing the diapers of an infant or
toddler.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Apparatuses for changing the diapers of a baby, or for
"changing a baby", and other small children not yet toilet trained,
have become widely used, such as in public restrooms, to assist a
parent or other child supervisor when changing a baby's diapers.
Such baby diaper changing apparatuses, often times referred to as
simply baby changing stations, have taken various forms as
evidenced by patents in the field. One conventional form has a base
that is mounted vertically onto a surface of a wall and a support
platform or surface which is hingedly mounted to the base to hinge
down from the base and lie generally horizontal to support a baby.
While available baby changing apparatuses may operate sufficiently
for the primary purpose of offering a generally horizontal surface
on which to rest a baby during a diaper change, it is still
desirable to improve upon the currently available apparatuses.
[0003] One particular concern is aesthetics. Contractors,
architects and the owners of public facilities often go to great
lengths to present a clean and efficient restroom area with a
pleasing design and decor. Therefore the overall look of the baby
changing station is important. When the baby-supporting platform is
in an up and closed position, a large amount of exposed surface
area against the wall of the restroom must present a desirable
appearance with respect to the decor and other restroom apparatuses
and surfaces.
[0004] Existing baby changing stations are also particularly
subject to defacement since they are located on the walls of public
restroom facilities. As noted, when the baby changing station is in
the closed position, it presents a large outer surface area which
somewhat invites vandalism. Vandals generally mark the outer
surface with graffiti and scrape and abrade the exposed surfaces.
The exposed soft plastic of a molded changing station is
particularly susceptible to such abrasion and other damage. As may
be appreciated, such vandalism discourages use of the changing
station by protective parents and further degrades the overall
appearance of cleanliness within the restroom facility sending a
message of neglect to users of the facility.
[0005] In addition to vandalism concerns, the surfaces of the baby
changing station must be easy to clean and must present an overall
sanitary environment to a caregiver. As may be appreciated, a baby
will be laid upon a surface of the changing station.
[0006] Existing baby changing stations, such as those available
from Brocar Products of Cincinnati, Ohio, and other companies have
addressed some of the issues of aesthetic appeal, cleanability, and
vandalism by providing a changing station that utilizes a
protective and decorative stainless steel cladding or coating on
the platform of the station. The cladding covers the bottom or
outside surface of the plastic support platform that holds a baby
when the changing station is in use. When the station is in a
closed position, the clad surfaces are exposed on the large bottom
surface and around the sides of the support platform. The stainless
steel cladding is aesthetically pleasing, durable and may be
cleaned in a satisfactory manner. Furthermore, because the
stainless steel is a cladding or decorative cover and does not
provide significant structural support, the cost of such a changing
station can be significantly lower than the cost of an all
stainless steel unit, which is also offered by Brocar Products in
their line of products.
[0007] However, while such stainless clad changing stations provide
all of the benefits noted, they are also somewhat cumbersome and
difficult to fabricate and manufacture. As such, this adds to their
overall cost. One particular problem is the manipulation of the
stainless steel itself into the necessary shapes and dimensions to
provide the cladding for a plastic changing station. Particularly,
the cladding that covers the support platform for the changing
station, on which a baby rests, is formed in a box-like manner and
thus presents corners that must be properly fabricated. In existing
stations, the sides of the cladding are stopped short of the
corners. Then, a separate, radiused piece of stainless steel is
fabricated and welded to the sides to form the corner. The welded
corner must then be ground down and polished to present a visually
acceptable corner on the outside of the cladding and the outside of
the support platform.
[0008] The corner fabrication, as may be appreciated, includes
additional steps and significant manual work that may reflect
finishing inconsistencies, and thus this increases the overall cost
of the changing station. Therefore, there is still a need to
improve upon the existing changing stations with respect to their
manufacture, fabrication and cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A baby diaper changing station includes a base configured
for being mounted to a wall surface and a support platform
rotatably mounted to the base to move between a closed and open
position. The support platform includes a molded three-dimensional
body with top, bottom and side surfaces and is configured, in the
open position, to cooperate with the base and support a baby. A
metal cladding structure having side and bottom surfaces nests on
the bottom and side surfaces of the three-dimensional body of the
support platform. The cladding structure forms open areas proximate
the forward corners of the support platform body. A plastic piece
engages the outside metal cladding structure proximate a forward
corner thereof to complete a forward corner for the metal cladding
structure. In some embodiments, a metal inner bracket might be used
on the inside of the metal cladding structure proximate the open
areas of the cladding structure to assist in forming the corner and
securing the plastic piece. Other embodiments do not use an inner
bracket. In one embodiment, the plastic piece includes a slot
configured to engage an edge of the cladding structure to form the
forward corner of the cladding structure. In another embodiment,
inner bracket and plastic piece each include side wings which
overlap and sandwich a side surface of the metal cladding structure
therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention showing a baby diaper changing station in the open
position.
[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a non-clad support platform
showing a 3-dimensional support platform body.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inner bracket for one
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
inner bracket for an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a plastic
corner piece for use in the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
plastic piece for use in the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an installation of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A is another perspective view of an installation of
another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the
invention incorporated with a support platform body.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of
the invention without use of an inner bracket.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a plastic corner piece of
the invention incorporating a cap for covering a hook structure
platform for the body.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a plastic corner piece forming a
hook structure to be positioned with a support platform body.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an installation of one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a baby diaper changing station 10
incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. Baby diaper
changing station 10 is mounted to or insert into a wall surface 12,
as is conventional. The changing station 10 includes a base 14 and
a support platform 16. The base 14 is configured to be mounted to
the wall surface 12 with bolts, adhesives, or other suitable
fasteners (not shown). The support platform 16 is rotatably mounted
to the base 14 to move between a closed position and an open
position. The open position is shown in FIG. 1. As may be
appreciated, the closed position presents the support platform 16
up against or nested into the base 14 so it is generally flushed
against or within the wall surface 12. The support platform 16
might be hingedly or rotatably coupled with base 14 such as with a
suitable hinge structure 18 that defines a hinge axis at the back
of the support platform. Mechanically, stop structures (not shown)
are incorporated within or between the base 14 and support platform
16, such that when the support platform is in the open position, as
shown in FIG. 1, the support platform generally stops in a plane
parallel to a floor surface or generally perpendicular to the wall
surface 12. The support platform 16 is able to support the weight
of a baby or child in the open position as shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] As shown if FIG. 1A, the base 14 and support platform 16 are
molded of a suitable plastic, such as polyethylene, and are formed
in an appropriate fashion to form respective 3-dimensional bodies
14a, 16a. The 3-dimensional bodies 14a, 16a are then rotatably or
hingedly coupled together such as with a hinge structure 18 and
other elements (not shown) so that the support platform may be
rotated between a closed position and an open position as is known
in the art of diaper changing stations. The support platform body
16a and/or base body 14a may be suitably molded to provide desired
structural integrity. For example, the bodies might be roto-molded,
injection molded, vacuum formed or blow molded. FIG. 1A illustrates
a support platform 3-dimensional bodies 14a, 16a without the outer
metal cladding structure 22.
[0027] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, both the
base 14 and support platform 16, and more specifically, the
3-dimensional bodies 14a, 16a of those elements have a metal
cladding structure surrounding the 3-dimensional bodies. Referring
again to FIG. 1, the metal cladding 20 is coupled to surround or
encase the base body 14a. Similarly, a metal cladding structure 22
encases or partially encloses the support platform body 16a.
Generally, the structural integrity of the changing station 10 is
provided by the molded 3-dimensional base body 14a and support
platform body 16a. The metal cladding structure or structures 20,
22 are generally merely aesthetic, but also provide a durable outer
surface which may be readily cleaned and which is also resistant to
damage to vandisalm. The support platform body 16a, in one
embodiment, includes a formed upper edge 17 that interfaces with
and overlaps an upper edge 23 of the metal cladding structure 22 to
cover edge 23 and present a clean line at the interface between the
two elements. The upper edge also covers the seam between the body
16a and the cladding structure 22 and prevents dirt and other
undesired waste from being trapped in the seam or getting between
the cladding structure and body 16a. Further details of such an
edge and its features are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,966,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0028] The metal cladding structure, in one preferred embodiment is
stainless steel, however another suitable cladding structures and
other metals might be utilized without deviating from the
invention. Support platform body 16a has a top surface 24 that is
generally configured for receiving and holding a baby or toddler.
For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the top surface 24
might be suitably indented to form a bed for the baby. Body 16a
also includes a bottom surface 26 and side surfaces 28.
[0029] Returning to FIG. 1, the metal cladding structure 22 has a
bottom 30 and sides 32. The sides 32 and bottom 30 of the metal
cladding structure nest on or encase the bottom and sides of the
3-dimensional body 16a of the support platform 16. The cladding
structure 22 forms open areas 34 proximate the corners or corner
open areas that coincide with forward corners 36 of the support
platform body 16a (see FIG. 1A). The open areas do not have to be
exactly at the corners but are proximate thereto and are shown as
and referred to herein also as corner areas or corner open areas.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the metal cladding structure 22 that
encases the 3-dimensional body 16a of support platform 16 is
formed, the sides 32 are short of the corner and the sides 32 do
not meet. In the past, radiused pieces or corners made of metal,
such as stainless steel, had to be welded and polished in place to
form the corners. In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, the plastic piece 40 is configured to engage the outside
of the metal cladding structure 22 proximate the forward corner
areas 34. The plastic piece 40 is also referred to herein as a
plastic corner piece; however, it does not have to be exactly in
the corner. Therefore, the plastic piece might also be offset from
the corner but is generally proximate the corner. As is seen in
FIG. 1, the plastic piece or plastic corner piece 40 engages the
respective sides 32 that converge at the corner area 34. A plastic
piece 40 thus forms a forward corner for the metal cladding
structure. Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention, the plastic piece eliminates the need to weld and polish
a radiused metal corner.
[0030] In one embodiment, an inner bracket might be utilized and is
configured to engage the inner surface of the cladding structure 22
at the forward corner area 34. In other embodiments, the inner
bracket may be eliminated and the plastic piece 40 might interface
directly with the cladding structure 22. The plastic corner may
then be affixed to or with the inner bracket or may be affixed
directly to the cladding structure 22. Therefore, the present
invention may of may not incorporate an inner bracket.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an inner bracket
50 that may be used in the invention is shown. The inner bracket 50
may have a spanning section 52 flanked on either side by wing
sections 54. The wing structures 54 generally coincide with and
overlap portions of the sides 32 of the cladding structure 22 (See
FIGS. 4, 4A, 6, 6A). The embodiment of the inner bracket 50 might
also include a bottom section 56 which overlaps or overlays the
bottom 30 of the cladding structure 22 on an inside surface
thereof. Inner bracket 50 might include apertures 58 formed in the
wing sections or apertures 59 formed in the spanning section. The
apertures 58, 59 allow the passage of screws, bolts, or other
fasteners for securing a plastic piece of the invention to the
inner bracket 50 or securing the inner bracket 50 with the cladding
structure 22. Alternatively, the inner bracket might be welded,
such as spot welded, to the cladding structure 22 or might adhered
to the cladding structure with suitable adhesive. The inner bracket
of the invention may be formed of any suitable material, in one
embodiment, the bracket 50 is made of a metal such as stainless
steel.
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates another embodiment of an inner bracket
50a which might be used. Inner bracket 50a also includes a spanning
section 52 and wing sections 54. Inner bracket 50a does not
included a bottom section. Inner bracket 50a also may include
apertures 58 and 59. Alternatively, one or more sets of apertures
such as apertures 58 shown in phantom in FIG. 2A, might be deleted
depending upon the attachment method as noted further
hereinbelow.
[0033] FIGS. 3, 3A and 9 illustrate various embodiments of plastic
pieces in accordance with the principles of the invention. FIG. 3
illustrates a plastic piece 60 while FIG. 3A illustrates another
embodiment of the plastic piece 60a and FIG. 9 illustrates a
plastic piece 60b. Plastic piece 60 includes a solid corner 62
flanked by wings 64 on either side. Plastic piece 60 also includes
a bottom 66 or hood, although the bottom 66 may be left off of the
plastic piece 60. The bottom can be configured or dimensioned so
that it overlaps the bottom 30 of the cladding structure 22 or is
overlapped itself by the bottom of the cladding structure. FIG. 4
illustrates the plastic piece 60 installed in a corner of a
cladding structure 22 to form a forward corner for the metal
cladding structure 22. In one embodiment, as shown if FIG. 4, the
plastic piece 60 might be secured directly to the sides 32 of the
cladding structure 22, such as with appropriate fasteners (not
shown in FIG. 4) through apertures 68, or with adhesive, for
example. The plastic piece then forms the corner for cladding
structure 22 and brings the sides together. Alternatively, as also
shown in FIG. 4, an inner bracket 50a might be positioned on the
inside of the cladding structure 22 proximate to the forward corner
area or open area 34 as shown by the arrows. As illustrated in
FIGS. 6 and 6B, the wings 64 overlap a portion of the sides 32 of
metal cladding structure 22 on the outside thereof. The bracket 60
might be secured to the cladding structure 22 using fasteners 65 or
and adhesive or other suitable fastening element.
[0034] In FIG. 6, an inner bracket 50a is used and is positioned on
the inside surface of the cladding structure 22. The plastic piece
60 is positioned on the outside of the cladding structure in the
corner areas such that the solid corner 62 of the plastic piece
forms the forward corner of the metal cladding structure. The wings
64 of plastic piece 60 also overlap the sides of the metal cladding
structure 22, except on the outside surface thereof as shown in
FIG. 6. The wings 64 and wing sections 54 overlap and generally
sandwich the respective sides of the metal cladding structure 22
therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 6. Suitable fasteners 65, such
as bolts or screws might pass through appropriate openings 68
formed in the plastic piece 60, passing through the sides 32 of the
cladding structure, and then through appropriate openings 58 formed
in the inner bracket 50a.
[0035] FIG. 6B illustrates the plastic piece 60 secured without an
inner bracket 50a wherein the plastic piece is secured directly to
the cladding structure 22.
[0036] Although variously illustrated embodiments show screw
fasteners or fastening structures, a suitable adhesive might also
be utilized to secure the plastic piece 60 to the cladding
structure and also to secure the inner bracket 50a to the cladding
structure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited
utilizing physical fasteners, such as screws or bolts. Furthermore,
the fasteners 65 illustrated in FIG. 6 might also simply pass into
the cladding structure side 32 to secure plastic piece 60 without
going into or through the inner bracket 50a. For example, sheet
metal screws might be utilized to secure the plastic piece directly
into the sides 32 of the cladding structure by biting into the
metal forming the sides 32.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a
plastic corner piece and assembly. Plastic piece 60b does not have
wings to overlap the sides 32 of the cladding structure 22, but
rather has side edges 61 that abut against the ends 63 of the sides
32 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The cornerpiece 60b might be secured
using an inner bracket 50a similar to that shown in FIG. 6A using
suitable fastening structures. Alternatively, the plastic piece 60b
might be secured or adhered directly to the support platform, thus
eliminating the need for the bracket 50a as shown in FIG. 9.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 3A, an alternative embodiment of the
plastic corner piece 60a is illustrated. Plastic piece 60a includes
a solid corner 72 and a bottom 74. On either side of the solid
corner of plastic piece 60a, a slot 76 is formed. Referring to FIG.
4A, the slots 76 are configured to engage respective edges 78 of
the sides of the cladding structure 22 when the plastic piece is
positioned and secured with the cladding structure. The bottom 74
also forms a portion of slot 76 along the bottom of the cornerpiece
that is configured, in one embodiment to capture a portion of the
bottom of the cladding structure when the plastic piece is in
position. Alternatively, the bottom might be eliminated in the
cornerpiece. The plastic piece 60a might be secured directly to the
cladding structure as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 6A, an inner bracket, such as inner
bracket 50a might be utilized to secure the plastic piece in place.
Referring to FIG. 6A, fasteners 80, such as sheet metal screws,
might extend through the apertures 59 and inner bracket 50a to
extend into the plastic piece 60a. Alternatively, an adhesive might
be utilized between the solid plastic piece 72 and the spanning
section 52 of inner bracket 50a. In still another alternative
embodiment, just the plastic piece 60a might be secured to the
sides 32 without a bracket 50a, to form the corner for the cladding
structure 22 as noted above.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a corner in
accordance with the principles of the present invention wherein the
sides of the cladding structure 22 have a corner formed using a
plastic corner piece 60a as illustrated. As may be seen in FIGS. 1
and 5, the molded 3-dimensional body 16a of the support platform
has one or more hook structures 84, generally positioned at the
forward corners of the support platform body 16a. The hook
structure 84 may take the form of an upstruck molded portion of the
support platform body, such as the rectangular upstruck portion
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. Alternatively, the hook structure
might take other forms. Generally, the hook structure is utilized
to hold the straps or handles of a purse, diaper bag or other
device while a baby is being changed on the changing station
10.
[0040] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate further embodiments of the plastic
corner piece. In FIG. 7, the plastic corner piece 86 includes a
solid corner portion 88 and wings 90 on either side thereof. Of
course, as noted above, the wings might be eliminated for plastic
piece 86. Plastic piece 86 also includes a cap 92 which is
configured to cover a portion of the hook structure 84 when the
plastic piece 86 is secured in position to form the corner of the
metal cladding structure. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8,
the plastic piece 94 might include the actual hook structure 96 as
part of the plastic piece. For example, the hook structure 96 might
be formed, molded, or otherwise fabricated with the plastic piece
94. Plastic piece 94 may include a similar solid corner portion 88
and wings 90 on either side (or no wings). The plastic pieces 86,
94 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively, might be secured
in various ways as discussed herein with respect to other
embodiments of the plastic pieces.
[0041] The plastic corner pieces of the invention might be formed
of a suitable plastic material. The plastic pieces might be molded,
for example injection-molded or otherwise suitably fabricated.
[0042] The present invention eliminates the need to weld separate
metal corners into place with the cladding structure and also
eliminates the various steps associated with polishing and
finishing the corner structures to provide an aesthetically
pleasing diaper changing station. As such, the present invention
reduces the overall costs of the fabrication of the changing
station while maintaining the fit and finish thereof.
[0043] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments
have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention
of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
the specific details representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
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