U.S. patent application number 12/221918 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for baby changing station.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.. Invention is credited to DIKRAN BABIKIAN, BRANKO BEM.
Application Number | 20120144592 12/221918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345109 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120144592 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
BABIKIAN; DIKRAN ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
BABY CHANGING STATION
Abstract
A baby supporting device is provided which includes a frame. The
frame includes a first portion for mounting onto a wall and a
second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and rotatable
between a first position and a second position. A first stop member
extends from the first portion, and a second stop member extends
from the second portion, such that when the second stop member
engages the first stop member it stops the second portion at the
second position. A first surface covers at least a portion of the
first portion, and a second surface covers at least a portion of
the second portion.
Inventors: |
BABIKIAN; DIKRAN; (GLENDALE,
CA) ; BEM; BRANKO; (PLANO, TX) |
Assignee: |
BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT,
INC.
North Hollywood
CA
91605
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20090038079 A1 |
February 12, 2009 |
|
|
Family ID: |
40345109 |
Appl. No.: |
12/221918 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 5/003 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 5/00 20060101
A47D005/00; A47C 16/00 20060101 A47C016/00 |
Claims
1. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a base
portion for mounting onto a wall, a platform portion rotatably
coupled to the base portion, said platform portion comprising a
first section comprising at least a portion comprising a
longitudinal axis and two spaced apart arms extending from the
first section, wherein said platform rotates relative to the base
portion about said longitudinal axis, wherein a plane along, or
generally parallel to, said longitudinal axis intersects said first
section and said two spaced apart arms, a first stop member on said
first section, wherein the base portion comprises a bracket,
wherein said bracket supports said platform portion first section
at a location between said arms and allows said platform portion
first section to rotate relative to said bracket, whereby rotation
of said first section causes said platform portion to pivot
relative to said base portion, and a second stop member connected
to the bracket for engaging the first stop member for stopping the
rotation of the first section relative to the bracket in a
direction; and a platform separate and removable from said frame
for supporting the baby extending over at least a portion of said
frame platform portion.
2. (canceled)
3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first stop member
is an arcuate member, wherein the frame platform portion first
section is a tubular member.
4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform comprises
a first portion defining a supporting surface for supporting said
baby and a second portion, wherein said arms and at least a portion
of the first section are sandwiched between said first and second
platform portions.
5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said arms is a
plate extending along a generally vertical plane.
6. The device as recited in claim 5 wherein the frame platform
portion first section is a tubular member comprising a first and a
second end, and wherein a first of said arms is connected to the
first end and a second of said arms is connected to the second
end.
7. The device as recited in claim 6 wherein the frame platform
portion first section has end portions which curve, and wherein the
first and second ends of said tubular member each have an oval
cross-section along a plane parallel to a plane generally
perpendicular to a portion of the first section between the end
portions, wherein the tubular member first end oval cross-section
is connected to the first arm and the tubular member second end
oval cross-section is connected to the second arm.
8. The device as recited in claim 7 wherein the first arm is welded
to the tubular member circumferentially along the first end and the
second arm is welded circumferentially along the second end.
9. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the frame base portion
comprises two spaced apart lateral members interconnected by two
spaced apart transverse members.
10. The device as recited in claim 9 wherein a first support member
extends from a first of said lateral members and a second support
member extends from a second of said lateral members wherein a
first bracket member is attached to the first support member and
wherein the device further comprises a second bracket member
attached to the second support member, wherein said bracket
comprises said first support member and said first bracket member,
wherein another bracket comprises said second support member and
said second bracket member, and wherein said another bracket
supports said platform portion first section and allows said
platform portion first section to rotate relative to said another
bracket.
11. (canceled)
12. The device as recited in claim 10 further comprising a third
stop member extending from said platform portion first section and
a fourth stop member extending from said base portion.
13. The device as recited in claim 12 wherein the second stop
member is connected to said bracket and said fourth stop member is
connected to said another bracket.
14. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the stop members
engage each other to stop rotation of the frame platform portion
relative to the frame base portion at a generally horizontal
position.
15. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a
first portion for mounting onto a wall; a second portion pivotally
coupled to the first portion and rotatable between a first position
and a second position, wherein the second portion comprises a
section having at least a portion having a longitudinal axis and
two spaced apart arms extending from said section, wherein a plane
along, or generally parallel to, said longitudinal axis intersects
said section and said two spaced apart arms, wherein said second
portion section is rotatable about said longitudinal axis when the
second portion is pivoted relative to the first portion, wherein
said second portion is coupled to the first portion at a location
between said spaced apart arms; a first stop section defined on the
first portion; and a second stop section defined on the second
portion, wherein said second stop section engages said first stop
section for stopping said second portion at the second position;
and a first surface separate and removable from said frame covering
at least a portion of said second portion.
16. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the second portion
comprises a tubular section and wherein the second stop section is
an arcuate member extending from an outer surface of said tubular
section.
17. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the first portion
comprises two spaced apart members interconnected by at least one
other member.
18. (canceled)
19. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein said two spaced apart
arms are plate like structures each extending along a generally
vertical plane.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the first stop
section extends from the first portion.
25. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the second stop
section extends from the second portion.
26. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one of said
first and second stop sections is separate member attached to the
frame.
27. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the second position
is a generally horizontal position.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. A baby supporting device comprising: a bracket for coupling
onto a wall; a member supported by the bracket, wherein at least a
portion of said member has a longitudinal axis, wherein said member
is rotatable about said longitudinal axis relative to the bracket;
a first arm extending from the member; a second arm extending from
the member and spaced apart from the first arm, wherein said
bracket supports said member at a location between said arms,
wherein a plane along, or generally parallel to, said longitudinal
axis intersects said member and said first and second arms; and a
baby supporting surface supported by said first and second arms,
separate and removable from said first and second arms, wherein
said supporting surface is rotatable about said longitudinal axis;
a first stop member mounted on the bracket; and a second stop
member mounted on said member supported by the bracket, wherein
said second stop member engages said first stop member for limiting
the rotation of the member supported by the bracket about its
longitudinal axis relative to the bracket.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the arms are welded to
the first section.
37. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first section
extends from a first end to a second end and wherein one of the
arms continues and extends from the first end and the other of the
arms continues and extends from the other end.
38. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent said location.
39. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the arms are welded
to the first section.
40. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the section extends
from a first end to a second end and wherein one of the arms
continues and extends from the first end and the other of the arms
continues and extends from the other end.
41. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein the stop sections are
located adjacent said location.
42. The device as recited in claim 30 wherein the arms are welded
to the member.
43. The device as recited in claim 30 wherein the member extends
from a first end to a second end and wherein one of the arms
continues and extends from the first end and the other of the arms
continues and extends from the other end.
44. The device as recited in claim 30 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent said location.
45. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the bracket surrounds
at least a portion of the first section.
46. The device as recited in claim 45 wherein said platform
comprises a first portion defining a supporting surface for
supporting said baby and a second portion, wherein said arms and at
least a portion of the first section are sandwiched between said
first and second platform portions.
47. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising another
bracket, wherein said another bracket supports at least a portion
of said platform portion first section and allows said platform
portion first section to rotate relative to said another
bracket.
48. The device as recited in claim 13 wherein the second stop
member is connected to said first support member and wherein the
fourth stop member is connected to said second support member.
49. The device as recited in claim 15 wherein at least a portion of
the second portion is surrounded and is supported by said first
portion.
50. The device as recited in claim 30 wherein the bracket surrounds
at least a portion of the first member.
51. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a base
portion for mounting onto a wall, a platform portion rotatably
coupled to the base portion, said platform portion comprising a
first section comprising at least a portion comprising a
longitudinal axis and two spaced apart arms extending from the
first section, wherein said platform rotates relative to the base
portion about said longitudinal axis a first stop member on said
first section, wherein the base portion comprises a bracket,
wherein said bracket supports said platform portion first section
at a location between said arms and allows said platform portion
first section to rotate relative to said bracket, whereby rotation
of said first section causes said platform portion to pivot
relative to said base portion, a second stop member connected to
the bracket for engaging the first stop member for stopping the
rotation of the first section relative to the bracket in a
direction; and a platform for supporting the baby extending over at
least a portion of said frame platform portion, wherein the first
arm is welded to the tubular member circumferentially along the
first end and the second arm is welded circumferentially along the
second end.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Baby changing stations are widely used especially in public
facilities. Conventional baby changing stations generally have a
base that is mounted vertically onto a wall and a support platform
that it is hingedly mounted directly to the base. Typically, the
base and platform are formed from a resinous or plastic material
and react a majority, if not all, of the loads that the baby
changing station is exposed to. Conventional baby changing stations
are sufficiently strong to support the weight of a baby or a
toddler. However, when excess weight is placed on such stations, as
for example, when an adult exerts his or her own weight on the
changing station or when two children are placed on the baby
changing station, the weight limits of a baby changing station may
be exceeded and the baby changing station may fail, possibly
causing injury to those being supported by it. Therefore, stronger
baby changing stations capable of withstanding excess loads are
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In an exemplary embodiment, a baby supporting station or
device is provided including a frame. The frame includes a base
portion for mounting onto a wall, and a platform portion pivotally
coupled to the base portion. The platform portion includes a first
section and two spaced apart arms extending from the first section.
A bracket is coupled to the base portion for supporting the
platform portion first section while allowing the platform portion
first section to rotate relative to the bracket. Such rotation of
the first section causes the platform portion to pivot relative to
said base portion. A base covers at least a portion of the base
portion and a platform extends over at least a portion of the frame
platform portion for supporting the baby. In another exemplary
embodiment, the platform has a first portion defining a supporting
surface for supporting the baby and a second portion, such that the
arms are sandwiched between the first and second platform portions.
In another exemplary embodiment, a first stop member extends from
the base portion, and a second stop member extends from the
platform portion, such that engagement of the first stop member by
the second stop member stops the rotation of the first section
relative to the bracket in a first direction. In yet another
exemplary embodiment, each of the arms is a plate extending along a
generally vertical plane. In yet a further exemplary embodiment,
the frame platform portion first section is a tubular member having
a first and a second end, and a first of the arms is connected to
the first end and a second of the arms is connected to the second
end. In another exemplary embodiment, the frame platform portion
first section has end portions which curve, and the first and
second ends of the tubular member each have an oval cross-section
along a plane parallel to a plane generally perpendicular to a
portion of the first section between the end portions. The tubular
member first end oval cross-section is connected to the first arm
and the tubular member second end oval cross-section is connected
to the second arm. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first
arm is welded to the tubular member circumferentially along the
first end and the second arm is welded circumferentially along the
second end. In a further exemplary embodiment, the second stop
member is an arcuate member, and the frame platform portion first
section is a tubular member. The arcuate second stop member is
connected to tubular member outer surface. In yet a further
exemplary embodiment, the second stop member is an arcuate member,
and the arcuate second stop member is connected to the tubular
member outer surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the frame
base portion includes two spaced apart lateral members
interconnected by two spaced apart transverse members. In yet
another exemplary embodiment, a first support member extends from a
first of the lateral members and a second support member extends
from a second of the lateral members and the bracket is attached to
the first support member. With this exemplary embodiment, the
device further includes another bracket attached to the second
support member and supports the platform portion first section and
allows the platform portion first section to rotate relative to
said another bracket. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the
device further includes a third stop member extending from the base
portion and a fourth stop member extending from the platform
portion. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the first stop
member is connected to the first support member and the third stop
member is connected to the second support member. In an exemplary
embodiment, the frame includes stop sections that engage each other
to stop rotation of the frame platform portion relative to the
frame base portion to a generally horizontal position.
[0003] In another exemplary embodiment a baby supporting station or
device is provided which includes a frame. The frame includes a
first portion for mounting onto a wall and a second portion
pivotally coupled to the first portion and rotatable between a
first position and a second position. A first stop section is
defined on the first portion, and a second stop section is defined
on the second portion, such that when the second stop member
engages the first stop member it stops the second portion at the
second position. In an exemplary embodiment, the second position is
a generally horizontal position. A first surface covers at least a
portion of the first portion, and a second surface covers at least
a portion of the second portion. In a further exemplary embodiment,
the second portion includes a main section and two arm sections
extending from opposite sides of said main section. In an exemplary
embodiment, each of the arm sections is generally flat and extends
along a generally vertical plane. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the second portion includes a tubular section and the
second stop member is an arcuate member extending from an outer
surface of the tubular section. In another exemplary embodiment,
the first portion includes two spaced apart members interconnected
by at least one other member. In another exemplary embodiment the
second portion includes a section having a longitudinal axis and
two spaced apart arms extending from the section, such that the
second portion section is rotatable about the longitudinal axis
when the second portion is pivoted relative to the first portion.
In yet another exemplary embodiment the two spaced apart arms are
plate like structures each extending along a generally vertical
plane. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the second portion
includes two spaced apart members interconnected by another member.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first portion includes two
spaced apart members interconnected by at least one other member.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the second portion another
member includes a longitudinal axis and is rotatably coupled to the
first portion such that the second portion another member is
rotatable about the longitudinal axis. In yet another exemplary
embodiment, the first and/or the second stop section(s) extend from
their corresponding frame portions. In yet a further exemplary
embodiment, at least one of the first and second stop sections is a
separate member attached to the frame.
[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, a baby supporting device is
provided having a folding frame having a first portion and a second
portion that rotates relative to the first portion for folding the
frame. The device also includes a first surface covering at least a
portion of the first portion, and a second surface for supporting
the baby, said second surface covering at least a portion of the
second portion. In a further exemplary embodiment, the device
includes a first stop section defined on the first portion, and a
second stop section defined on the second portion, such that the
second stop section engages said first stop section for stopping
rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
frame incorporated in an exemplary embodiment baby changing station
of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the frame shown in
FIG. 1 showing a bracket supporting a platform portion of the
frame.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the frame shown in
FIG. 1 showing a stop bracket and stop member incorporated in the
frame.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment baby changing station incorporating the frame shown in
FIG. 1 absent a lower piece of a platform.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment baby
changing station of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In the following description, only certain exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are shown and described by way
of illustration. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the
invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being limited only to the embodiments set forth
herein.
[0011] It should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" as
used herein are terms used to denote the relative position of
objects and not necessarily the exact position of such objects. For
example, a "lower" object, may in certain situations be located
over an "upper" object.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a baby
changing station ("BCS") is provided that includes a frame. The
frame includes a base portion and a platform portion. The frame
platform portion is pivotally coupled to the frame base portion.
The frame in an exemplary embodiment is formed from metallic
materials. However, in other embodiments, it may be formed from
other high strength materials, such as composite materials. The
frame base portion is mountable onto a wall. A cover is mounted
over the base frame portion. Such cover may be mounted to the base
frame portion directly and/or to the wall. A platform is mounted
over the frame platform portion.
[0013] An exemplary BCS of the present invention includes a frame
10 having frame base portion 12 and frame platform portion 14 as
shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the
frame base portion is generally a rectangular or a square member
formed by first and second lateral members 16, 16', respectively,
which are interconnected by first and second transverse members 18
and 20, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, a third
transverse member 22 may be provided interconnecting the two
lateral members 16, 16'. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the
third transverse member 22 is positioned between the first and
second transverse members 18 and 20. In the shown exemplary
embodiment, each of the lateral members is welded to the transverse
members. In other exemplary embodiments, these members may be
connected to each other using other fastening means such as
adhesives or fasteners. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 1, the transverse members are connected to a front surface 24,
24' of each of the lateral members. In the shown exemplary
embodiment, the first, second and third transverse members include
joggled portions 26, 28 and 30, respectively, proximate the first
lateral member 16 and joggled portions 26' 28' and 30',
respectively proximate the second lateral member 16'. In this
regard, middle portions 32, 34, and 36 of the transverse members
are set back from the front surfaces 24, 24' of the lateral
members.
[0014] A member 38, 38', referred to herein as a "support member"
extends from each of the lateral members 16, 16', respectively. In
the shown exemplary embodiment each of these members is a flat
panel which may be welded or otherwise attached to its
corresponding lateral member or may be integrally formed with its
corresponding lateral member. For example, the member 38, 38' may
be part of the lateral member 16, 16', respectively and then bent
forward, as for example shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the frame
platform portion 14 includes a main section 40 which is generally
tubular and which is pivotally coupled to the frame base portion so
as to be able to rotate about a central longitudinal axis of the
main section. At either end of the tubular section are attached
generally flat arm portions 42 and 42'. The arm portions 42, 42' in
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are welded onto the ends
of the main section 40. In an exemplary embodiment, opposite end
portions 44, 44' of the main section 40 are curved. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the end portions 44, 44'
are tubular and curved, they have an oval cross-section 46, 46' as
viewed along the plane of their corresponding arm portions 42, 42'
which is parallel to a plane generally perpendicular to a main
section portion between the end portions. If a straight tubular
section is used as the main section without having curved end
portions, the cross-section of the ends of the main tubular section
as viewed along such plane of the their corresponding arm portions
would be circular. In the shown exemplary embodiment, a transverse
load (i.e., a load directed downward or upward as shown by arrows
48, 50, respectively) on each arm will be reacted in shear along
the oval cross-sections of the tubular end portions. In addition,
by having the arm portions being flat members that are oriented
along a generally vertical plane and having a height 52, they are
able to withstand a higher bending loads along their length, i.e.,
loads which are caused when a force is applied along arrows 48 or
50 then if they were members of shorter heights.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a
bracket portion (referred to herein as a "bracket" for convenience)
54, 54' is attached to the support members 38, 38', respectively.
More specifically, each bracket 54, 54' is a generally U-shaped
defining a channel 56, 56' having a curved base 58, 58' to
accommodate frame platform main section 40. In the shown exemplary
embodiment, the support members 38, 38' have a cut-out 60, 60'
complementary to the shape of the main section 40 of the frame
platform portion. In this regard, the main section 40 is sandwiched
between the cut-outs 60, 60' formed on the support members 38 and
38' and the corresponding brackets 54, 54', respectively such that
it is supported by the brackets 54, 54' while being able to rotate
relative to the brackets 54, 54' and the support members 38, 38'.
In an exemplary embodiment, a bracket 62 may extend from the second
transverse member 20 proximate the middle of the transverse member.
In the shown exemplary embodiment, the bracket 62 has a portion 64
extending forward of the transverse member 20. A cut-out 66 in the
shape of a portion of a circle complementary to the outer surface
of the tubular member 40 defining the main section of the frame
platform portion is formed such that the tubular member defining
the main section is fitted within the cut-out and is able to rotate
relative to the cut-out. In an exemplary embodiment, the cut-out is
formed such that when the tubular member is inserted in the
cut-out, a portion of the bracket member 62 extends underneath the
tubular member for providing support.
[0017] In other exemplary embodiments, instead of a tubular main
section, the frame platform portion main section may have other
geometric shapes in cross-section. For example, the main section
may be polygonal in cross-section as viewed along a vertical plane.
In such case, the section may have to be modified in the areas that
it is supported by the brackets 54 so as to allow it to rotated
relative to the brackets.
[0018] A stop member 68, 68' is attached to each of the support
members 38, 38'. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop members 68,
68' may be welded or otherwise attached to the support members or
may be formed integrally with the support members. It should be
noted that in an exemplary embodiment, the brackets 54, 54' are
attached to exterior surfaces of the support members 38, 38'. With
this exemplary embodiment, the stop members 68, 68' are attached to
the interior surfaces of their respective support members 38, 38'.
In other exemplary embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed
where the brackets are attached to the interior surfaces of the
support members and the stop members are attached to the exterior
surfaces. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a bracket may be
attached to an exterior surface of one support member while the
other bracket is attached to an interior surface of the other
support member and the stop members are attached to their
respective opposite surfaces.
[0019] Stop brackets 70 and 70' are attached or otherwise formed on
the main section 40 of the frame platform portion so as to be able
to make contact with a stop surface 72, (72' not shown) of the stop
members 68, 68'. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1, 2
and 3, the stop brackets 70, 70' are arcuate members welded onto
the main section of the frame platform portion. The stop brackets,
70, 70' are positioned such that when the frame platform portion is
rotated relative to the frame base portion at an angle so that the
frame platform portion is generally horizontal, a stop surface 74,
(74' not shown) of the stop bracket contacts the corresponding stop
surface 72, 72' of the stop members preventing the further rotation
of the frame platform portion relative to the frame base portion.
It should be noted that when the stop surface of the stop bracket
engages the stop surface of the stop member, the load applied to
each stop bracket is reacted as a hoop shear stress between the
stop bracket and the tubular main section 40 of the frame platform
portion along the outer surface of the tubular main section 40.
This provides for a larger contact area length between the stop
bracket of the main generally tubular section, thus allowing a
larger load to be reacted through the stop bracket, i.e., allowing
the stop bracket to withstand a higher load prior to failing, e.g.,
separating from the main tubular section. The load that may be
carried by the stop members may be increased by increasing the
contact area between each stop member and the structure on which it
is mounted. For example, this may be accomplished by using an
arcuate stop member that has a longer arc and thus is attached
along a longer circumferential portion of the tubular main section
40. It may also be accomplished by using wider stop members.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame base portion is
mounted onto a wall. The frame may be bolted onto a wall or
otherwise fastened or attached to a wall using other fasteners
and/or adhesives. A base cover 100 forming the base is mounted over
the frame so as to hide the frame. The base cover may be mounted
onto the frame or may be mounted directly onto the wall. In an
exemplary embodiment, the frame base portion is placed against the
wall, and the base cover is then placed over the frame base
portion. Fasteners are then used to fasten the base cover onto the
frame through fastener openings 102 and onto the wall (FIG. 4). In
other words, the fasteners are used to fasten both the frame and
the cover to the wall. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS.
4 and 5, the base cover, when mounted over the base frame portion,
covers the base frame portion as well as the portion 104 of the
main member of the frame platform portion between the support
members 38, 38'.
[0021] A platform 106 in an exemplary embodiment is formed in two
pieces, an upper piece 108 and a lower piece 110. The upper piece
has an external surface 112 defining a support surface 114. On its
inner surface 116, the upper piece defines a gap 120 for receiving
the frame platform portion. In the exemplary embodiment, where the
base cover covers the portion 104 of the frame platform portion
main member, the remaining portion of the frame platform portion is
received in the gap 120. It should be noted that the gap may be a
groove or defined by spaced apart structures as for example pegs
122 which are spaced apart from ribs 124. In an exemplary
embodiment, the gap has a width that varies as necessary for
accommodating the various portions of the frame platform portion
with minimal sideway play. In another exemplary embodiment, the gap
may be defined entirely on the lower piece, or entirely on the
upper piece, or partly on each of the upper and lower pieces. In
another exemplary embodiment, a gap may or may not be used and the
platform upper piece is fastened on the frame platform portion
using fasteners or by having features that would allow it to snap
onto the frame platform portion. The lower piece 110 may in an
exemplary embodiment be fastened to the upper piece and/or to the
frame platform portion sandwiching the frame platform portion
between the upper and lower pieces. In other exemplary embodiments,
the two platform pieces may be "snap" fitted together. In another
exemplary embodiment, the platform may be formed as a single piece
that that has rear openings for receiving the frame platform
portion arms. In an exemplary embodiment the platform, whether
formed in two pieces, or a single member having openings to
accommodate the frame platform portion, may be formed by blow
molding. The base cover may also be formed blow molded.
[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, any of the platform,
platform pieces and/or the base cover may be formed by other
methods such as injection molding. In other exemplary embodiments,
plastics, resinous, metallic or other materials may be used to form
the base cover or the platform or platform pieces.
[0023] As can be seen, in one exemplary embodiment, the frame may
be mounted onto a wall by securing the frame base portion onto a
wall and the base cover and the pieces forming the platform are
fitted over their corresponding frame portions afterwards. In this
regard when the base cover and/or platform pieces are worn or
mutilated, they may be easily replaced without having to replace
the frame. In other words, the base cover and platform pieces may
be removed exposing the entire frame which may then be outfitted
with another base cover and platform pieces.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the base cover forming the base
may be formed with one or more depressions 200, as for example
shown in FIG. 5 which provide shelves 202 for storing materials
which are used when changing diapers, as for example lotions and
the like. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5,
the base is much narrower than the platform such that when the
platform is closed relative to the base, it completely encapsulates
the base. With this exemplary embodiment, depressions 204 are
formed on opposite ends of the platform to provide grips for
allowing the user to pull and rotate the platform relative to the
base such that the platform comes to a horizontal position where
the stop brackets engage their corresponding stop members. In
addition, the platform may be formed with pegs 206 to allow the
user to hang their bags, as for example, a diaper bag.
[0025] As can be seen with the exemplary embodiment BCS, the loads
applied to the BCS, for example by the weight of a baby or a person
leaning on the BCS platform and all reacted onto the frame which
due to its design is capable of withstanding higher loads and
especially loads greater than those that are withstood by
conventional baby changing stations which typically react the loads
on their plastic base and platform. In this regard, the base cover
and platform do not have to react the such loads. Consequently they
may be formed from materials of lower strength.
[0026] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated to respect to multiple embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes and
modifications may be made therein which are within the full
intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed. For
example, in another exemplary embodiment, the frame base portion
may only have two lateral members as for example, members 16 and
16' that are directly mounted onto to a wall. Support members 38
and 38' extend from the lateral members. This embodiment does not
require that the frame base portion include the transverse
members.
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