U.S. patent application number 13/360156 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for changing table.
This patent application is currently assigned to H & W Creations. Invention is credited to Michael Manzanares.
Application Number | 20120192355 13/360156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46576093 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120192355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manzanares; Michael |
August 2, 2012 |
CHANGING TABLE
Abstract
The invention provides a changing table for supporting an infant
or child. The changing table may include a frame having a plurality
of pivotally coupled tubes, the frame being expandable between an
expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed
state for storage or transportation. The changing table may also
include a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a
supportive surface for the infant or child upon which the infant or
child may be placed.
Inventors: |
Manzanares; Michael;
(Littleton, CO) |
Assignee: |
H & W Creations
Littleton
CO
|
Family ID: |
46576093 |
Appl. No.: |
13/360156 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61438746 |
Feb 2, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/286 20130101;
A47D 5/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/00 20060101
A47D013/00 |
Claims
1. A changing table for supporting an infant or child comprising: a
frame including a plurality of pivotally coupled tubes, the frame
being expandable between an expanded state for supporting the
infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or
transportation; and a mat detachably coupled with the frame to
provide a supportive surface for the infant or child.
2. The changing table of claim 1, further comprising a top sheet
detachably coupled with the mat.
3. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes
each crisscross at least one other tube.
4. The changing table of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of
tubes crisscrosses only one other tube.
5. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the mat does not include
any rigid members.
6. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the mat is foldable and
securable around the collapsed frame for storage or
transportation.
7. The changing table of claim 6, wherein the mat includes a handle
for transportation.
8. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises six
base members and six top members, each base member and each top
member being coupled with two tubes, and wherein each tube
crisscrosses with one other tube.
9. The changing table of claim 8, wherein at least one of the top
members is pivotally coupled with the two tubes.
10. The changing table of claim 8, wherein the frame comprises a
front face comprising three top members and three bottom members
and a back face comprising three top members and three bottom
members, and wherein the front face and back face are coupled
together on opposing ends with crisscrossing tubes such that a
middle top and bottom member of the front face and a middle top and
bottom member of the back face are not coupled with crisscrossing
tubes.
11. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises at
least one pocket or strap throughwhich a top member of the frame is
inserted to secure the mat with respect to the frame.
12. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the mat further
comprises a pair of straps placeable around the infant or child to
secure the infant or child with respect to the mat.
13. The changing table of claim 1, wherein in the expanded state
the supportive surface is between about 16 inches and about 24
inches above the ground.
14. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the frame is biased
toward the expanded state when an infant or child is placed atop
the mat.
15. A method for providing a changing table for supporting an
infant or child, the method comprising: providing a plurality of
tubular members; pivotally coupling each of the tubular members
with at least one other tubular member to form a frame that is
expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or
child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation; and
providing a mat configured to be detachably coupled with the frame
to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the tubular members
comprises a longitudinal length, and wherein each of the tubular
members are coupled with another tubular member near a central
portion of the longitudinal length and coupled at opposing ends
with a respective top member and bottom member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the changing table comprises
six top members that are each coupled with two tubular members and
also coupled with the mat, and wherein at least one of the top
members is pivotally coupled with respective tubular members.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting at least
one top member of the frame into a pocket or strap of the mat to
couple the mat with the frame.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: placing a first
strap over an infant or child placed atop the mat, the first strap
being coupled near a first edge of the mat; placing a second strap
over the infant or child, the second strap being coupled near a
second edge of the mat opposite the first edge; and coupling the
first strap with the second strap to secure the child to the
mat.
20. A changing table for supporting an infant or child comprising:
a frame including a plurality of pivotally coupled crisscrossing
tubes such that the frame is expandable between an expanded state
for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for
storage or transportation; a mat detachably coupled with the frame
to provide a supportive surface for an infant or child placed upon
the mat, the supportive surface being elevated above the ground;
and a top sheet detachably coupled with the mat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent
Application No. 61/438,746 filed Feb. 2, 2011, entitled "Changing
Table," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to foldable structures, and
more specifically to foldable structures having a mat or surface
upon which an infant or child may be placed for various
purposes.
[0003] Young children have various needs that parents or guardians
must fulfill. For example, young children often need their clothing
changed one or more times per day due to the child not being potty
trained or due to the child spilling food and/or drink on their
clothes, or otherwise soiling their clothes during play time.
Children, especially young children like infants and toddlers,
often take one or more naps per day and need a comfortable place to
lay down.
[0004] Providing for or fulfilling these need may be challenging in
public places due to a lack of, or otherwise insufficient,
facilities. For example, some public structures (commonly public
restrooms) provide facilities for changing a child's diaper. Not
all public structures or locations, however, provide such
facilities and/or some of these facilities may be dirty,
unsanitary, broken, and the like. Further, public structures or
locations rarely offer satisfactory facilities for a child to lay
down and take a nap. In some instances, children may placed on the
floor or the ground for diaper/clothing changing and/or to take a
nap. The floor or ground, however, may be dirty or unsanitary
and/or may not be comfortable for the child. In addition, placing
the child on the floor or ground normally requires the parent or
guardian to bend over, which may stress the parent/guardian's body,
such as the back.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the invention provide a table configured to
support an infant or child placed atop a mat of the table,
preferably at an elevated position above the ground. The table may
allow a parent or guardian of the infant or child to quickly and
easily change a diaper and/or other clothing of the infant or
child, or may provide a comfortable surface atop which the infant
or child can rest or nap. The table may be expandable from a
collapsed state or configuration that allows easy transport and/or
storage to an expanded position having a wide base that supports
the child.
[0006] In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a
changing table for supporting an infant or child that may include a
frame having a plurality of pivotally coupled tubes. The pivoting
tube may allow the frame to be expanded between an expanded state
for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for
storage and/or transportation. The changing table may also include
a mat that may be detachably coupled with the frame to provide a
supportive surface for the infant or child. The infant or child can
be placed atop the mat when the frame is in the expanded state.
[0007] The changing table may also include a top sheet that may be
detachably coupled with the mat. In one embodiment, the plurality
of tubes may each crisscross at least one other tube. Put another
way, in one embodiment, the frame may not include any substantially
vertical tubes or any substantially horizontal tubes. In a specific
embodiment, each of the plurality of tubes may crisscrosses only
one other tube. In one embodiment, the mat may not include any
rigid members, or in other words the mat may be unframed so that
the mat does not have any rigid members attached to its
periphery.
[0008] The mat may be foldable and securable around the collapsed
frame for storage and/or transportation. Put another way, the mat
may be secured and coupled around the collapsed frame. To
facilitate transportation, the mat may include a handle that may be
grasped by a user.
[0009] In one embodiment, the frame includes six base members and
six top members where each base member and each top member are
coupled with two tubes and where each tube crisscrosses with only
one other tube. One or more of the top members may be pivotally
coupled with two tubes so that the top member is able to pivot with
respect to the frame.
[0010] The frame may include a front face having three top members
and three bottom members and a back face also having three top
members and three bottom members. The front face and back face may
be coupled together on opposing ends with crisscrossing tubes so
that a middle top and bottom member of the front face and a middle
top and bottom member of the back face are not coupled with
crisscrossing tubes. The mat may include at least one pocket or
strap throughwhich a top member of the frame is inserted to secure
the mat with respect to the frame. In some embodiments, this pocket
or strap may constitute an additional securing structure for the
changing table. The mat may also include a pair of straps that are
configured to be placed around the infant or child to secure the
infant or child with respect to the mat. In the expanded state, the
supportive surface may be between about 16 inches and about 24
inches above the ground. The frame may be configured to be biased
toward the expanded state when an infant or child is placed atop
the mat.
[0011] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a
method for providing a changing table for supporting an infant or
child. The method may include providing a plurality of tubular
members and pivotally coupling each of the tubular members with at
least one other tubular member to form a frame that is expandable
between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a
collapsed state for storage or transportation. The method may also
include providing a mat that is configured to be detachably coupled
with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or
child.
[0012] In one embodiment, each of the tubular members may include a
longitudinal length and each of the tubular members may be coupled
with another tubular member near a central portion of the
longitudinal length and coupled at opposing ends with a respective
top member and bottom member. In one embodiment, the changing table
may include six top members that are each coupled with two of the
tubular members and are also coupled with the mat. At least one of
the top members may be pivotally coupled with respective tubular
members.
[0013] The method may further include inserting at least one top
member of the frame into a pocket or strap of the mat to couple the
mat with the frame. The method may additionally include placing a
first strap over an infant or child placed atop the mat, the first
strap being coupled near a first edge of the mat; placing a second
strap over the infant or child, the second strap being coupled near
a second edge of the mat opposite the first edge; and coupling the
first strap with the second strap to secure the child to the
mat.
[0014] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention may provide
a changing table for supporting an infant or child. The changing
table may include a frame having a plurality of pivotally coupled
crisscrossing tubes so that the frame is expandable between an
expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed
state for storage or transportation. The changing table may also
include a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a
supportive surface for an infant or child placed upon the mat where
the supportive surface is elevated above the ground. The changing
table may further include a top sheet detachably coupled with the
mat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are described in
conjunction with the appended figures:
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of a changing table in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an assembled
changing table in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A-B illustrate the frame of the changing table with
the legs folded or contracted in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the changing table with the mat folded
and/or secured around the folded or contracted frame in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the frame in an
expanded condition in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed
changing table having the mat folded and secured around the frame,
wherein the changing table comprises a handle for easy
transportation in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective view of a mat
including features that couple the mat with the frame according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the mats of FIGS. 6A and/or 6B
being coupled with a top member of the frame according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a brace that may be coupled with the
frame to limit the expansion of the frame according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0025] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various
components of the same type may be distinguished by following the
reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar
components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference
label is used in the specification, the description is applicable
to any one of the similar components and/or features having the
same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter
suffix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only,
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of
the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art
with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary
embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made
in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention provide a table configured to
support an infant or child, preferably at an elevated position
above the ground, placed atop a mat of the table. The table may
allow a parent or guardian of the infant or child to quickly and
easily change a diaper and/or other clothing of the infant or
child, or may provide a comfortable surface atop which the infant
or child can rest or nap. The table may be expandable from a
collapsed state or configuration that allows easy transport and/or
storage to an expanded position having a wide base that supports
the child.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a
changing table 100 that may be used to support and secure a child
for various purposes such as changing a child's clothing and/or
diaper, taking a nap, etc. Changing table 100 may include a frame
110 that expands to provide a stable base for changing table 100
and that contracts or folds to provide easy storage and/or
transportation. FIG. 4 provides another illustration of frame 100.
Expandable frame 110 includes a plurality of tubing or pipes
arranged and coupled together to be foldable in an accordion like
manner. For example, the tubing may be arranged so that each of the
tubes crisscross with another tube. The tubes or pipes may be
pivotally coupled at crisscross locations by one or more coupling
element 116, such as pins, rivots, buttons, flexible or resilient
housing, etc.
[0029] The tubes may hollow and made of a various materials,
including metals and/or plastics such as, but not limited to:
aluminum, titanium, steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene
(PP), and the like. In one embodiment, the tubing is made of a
strong and lightweight material, such as aluminum. One or more of
the tubes may be coupled with one or more base members 112a-f
(referred to generally herein as base members 112) and/or top
members 114a-f (referred to generally herein as top members 114).
In one embodiment, each of the base members 112 and/or top members
114 may be coupled with two of the tubes. In an exemplary
embodiment, frame 110 includes six base members 112 and six top
members 114. The tubes, base members 112, and top members 114 may
be arranged so that frame 110 includes a front face and a back
face. The front face may include three laterally spaced apart base
members 112a-c and three laterally spaced apart top members 114a-c
disposed approximately vertically above base members 112a-c. The
back face may be positioned distally of front face and include
three laterally spaced apart base members 112d-f three laterally
spaced apart top members 114d-f arranged similar to the front face.
The three base members 112 and three top members 114 of the front
face and/or back face may be coupled together via four
crisscrossing tubes. The middle base member, 112b and 112e, and
middle top member, 114b and 114e, of the front and back faces,
respectively, may each be coupled with two front or back face tubes
while the left and right bottom and top members are only coupled
with one front or back face tube. Each of the top members 114 may
be vertically disposed above one of the base members 112 or may be
offset therefrom. The crisscrossing front face tubes may be
collapsed or folded to longitudinally collapse or contract the
front face of the frame 110.
[0030] In one embodiment, the front face and back face are coupled
together by coupling, via crisscrossing tubes, the left and right
base members, 112a and 112c, of the front face with the left and
right top members, 114d and 114f, of the back face, respectively,
and by coupling the left and right top members, 114a and 114c, of
the front face with the left and right base members, 112d and 112f,
of the back face, respectively. In another embodiment, the middle
top members, 114b and 114e, of the front and back face may be
coupled with the respective base members, 112e and 112b, of the
front and back face to further couple the front and back face.
[0031] The tubes coupling the front and back faces may crisscross
and be pivotally coupled as described above so that the tubes may
be collapsed and the front and back faces collapsed or contracted
together. In this manner, frame 110 may be collapsed, contracted,
and/or compressed both in a longitudinal and transverse direction
as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In other words, frame 110 may be
expanded or contracted bi-directionally in an accordion like
manner. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the
middle top and base members, 114 and 112, of the front face are not
coupled with the middle top and base members, 114 and 112, of the
back face. In other embodiments, the middle top and base members of
the front face may be coupled with the middle top and base members
of the back face so that the front and back faces are coupled
together at three locations (i.e., left edge, middle, and right
edge).
[0032] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the top members
114 and/or base members 112 may not be directly coupled together
(i.e., the frame 110 may not include horizontal tubes that directly
couple the top members together and/or the bottom members
together). Rather, each base member 112 and/or top member 114 may
be coupled with the other base members and top members through the
crisscrossing tubes. For example, in one embodiment, the frame 110
only includes diagonally extending crisscrossing tubes (i.e., does
not include vertically or horizontally extending tubes). In other
embodiments, the frame 110 may include a combination of diagonally,
vertically, and/or horizontally extending tubes.
[0033] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, one or more of the top
members 114 and/or base members 112 may be coupled with the tubes
so that top members 114 and/or base members 112 pivot with respect
to the tubes (middle top member 114b is illustrated pivoting).
Pivoting of top members 114 and/or base members 112 may facilitate
in folding of a mat 130 within frame 110. This design may provide a
lightweight structure that combines stability and portability.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, changing table 100 also
includes mat 130. Mat 130 may be rectangularly shaped and may be
detachably coupled with frame 110 via one or more attachment
mechanisms so that mat 130 may be easily removed from frame 110 for
cleaning, changing, replacement, or any other reason. The
attachment mechanism may include buttons or snaps 118 that are
disposed on one or more top members 114 of frame 110. Mat 130 may
include corresponding buttons or snaps 132 (hereinafter snaps 132)
that correspond with buttons or snaps 118 (hereinafter snaps 118)
on frame 110. Snaps 132 may snap onto buttons 118 to detachably
couple mat 130 to frame 110. In other embodiments, the attachment
mechanism may include other means of detachably coupling mat 130
and frame 110, such as pins, clips, apertures, straps, screws,
bolts, and the like. For example, elements 132 may comprise holes
that fit over pins 118 positioned on the top members 114. When
attached to frame 110, mat 130 may limit the expansion of frame
110. In other words, when coupled with frame 110, mat 130 may limit
the expansion of the frame 110.
[0035] Mat 130 may be composed of a flexible material, or
combination of materials, that cradle a child or infant placed or
laid on changing table 100. Mat 130 may include one or more layers
of material, although in one embodiment mat 130 includes only a
single layer. In one embodiment, one or more of the layers may be
impermeable to fluids. Additionally or alternatively, mat 130 may
be composed of a canvas material that provides flexibility and
durability. The flexible material may allow mat 130 to be folded
along with and/or inside frame 110 when changing table 100 is
collapsed for transportation and/or storage. In some embodiments,
mat 130 may be folded around frame 110 when the frame is collapsed
or folded (shown in FIGS. 3A-B).
[0036] Mat 130 may be unframed, meaning that mat 130 does not
include tubing or another rigid material attached to the periphery
of the mat. In other embodiments, mat 130 may include a frame, such
as tubing or another rigid material, extending around and/or
attached to its periphery.
[0037] Mat 130 may further include a pair of straps 138 that couple
together to secure a child or infant placed on mat 130. For
example, a child or infant may be placed on mat 130 and straps 138
may be placed over or around the child and coupled together to
secure the child on the mat, thereby ensuring that the child or
infant does not slip off the mat during changing of the child or
infant's clothes and/or diaper or during any other use of the
changing table. The straps may be attached together using clips,
buttons, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro Brand.RTM.), ties,
and the like. Mat 130 may further include a second pair of straps
136 that secure mat 130 around frame 110 when the frame is
collapsed or folded (see FIGS. 3A-B) and/or that provide an
additional means of securing a child placed on mat 130. In one
embodiment, straps, 136 and 138, may be positioned around mat 130
so that each edge of the mat include one of the straps. In another
embodiment, mat 130 includes only one pair of straps that are used
to both secure an infant or child placed on the mat and to secure
the mat around the collapsed frame 110. The second pair of straps
136 may include buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners, and the
like, that couple with each other. As shown in FIG. 5, mat 130 may
include a handle 160 so that when mat 130 is secured around the
collapsed frame 110, changing table 100 is easily transportable.
Handle 160 may be formed from a portion of straps 138 that is not
attached to a backside of mat 130 or may be formed of a material
separate from the straps.
[0038] Mat 130 may further include a second attachment mechanism
that detachably couples a top material or blanket 150 to the mat
130. The second attachment mechanism may include one or more
buttons 132 attached to mat 130 and one or more slots 152 cut into
blanket 150 that receive buttons 132. Blanket 150 may be
rectangularly shaped and may include a slot 152 in each corner. The
second attachment mechanism may include other means of securing
blanket 150 to mat 130, such as loop and hook fasteners placed
respectively on mat 130 and blanket 150, and/or respective clips,
snaps, ties, and the like. Blanket 150 may be detached for cleaning
purposes (e.g., placing blanket 150 in a washing machine),
replacement, repair, and the like. For example, a first blanket
comprising a specific design (i.e., a pink blanket for a girl) may
be readily changed for a second blanket comprising a different
design (i.e., a blue blanket for a boy). Alternatively, blanket 150
may be changed depending on the use of changing table 100. For
example, a relatively thin blanket may be used to change an infants
clothes or diaper and a relatively thick and insulating blanket may
be used to allow an infant or child to take a nap. Blanket 150 may
also include a pouch (not shown) so that the infant or child may be
placed inside the blanket, such as for a nap. In one embodiment,
blanket 150 comprises a water resistant material so that any fluid
leaked onto blanket 150, such as during a diaper change, does not
penetrate through blanket 150 to mat 130 and/or other objects below
blanket. Blanket 150 may also be made of a microbial resistant
material. In other embodiments, blanket 150 may be made of fleece
or other warm materials to comfort a child placed on or within
blanket 150.
[0039] Blanket or top material 150 may be composed of a variety of
different materials or fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, fleece,
etc. In one embodiment, blanket 150 is composed of 100% cotton.
Because mat 130 and/or blanket 150 may be removed from frame 110,
blanket 150, mat 130, and/or frame 110 may be cleaned independent
of one another and/or replaced without replacing the entire
structure.
[0040] Mat 130 and/or blanket 150 may be attached to frame 110 so
that the weight of a child forces frame 110 (i.e., top members 114,
base members 112, and tubing) apart. In other words, the weight of
a child or infant placed upon changing table 100 may facilitate in
expanding frame 110 and thereby prevent or hinder frame 110, and
thus changing table 100, from collapsing or folding up. When
attached to frame 110, mat 130 may limit how far frame 110 is able
to open, or in other words, prevent frame 110 from opening up
further. The coupled mat 130 and weight of the child may provide a
natural tension between frame expansion and make the structure more
stable. Further, changing table 100 may be configured so that the
vertical height of the fully assembled and expanded changing table
is approximately equivalent to the height of the seat of a chair.
This may allow a person, such as a parent, to comfortably sit on a
chair or couch and change the clothes or diaper of an infant
supported by the changing table. Although changing table 100 may be
configured to virtually any size, in one embodiment, the dimensions
of the assembled and expanded changing table are roughly between 14
and 20 inches wide, between 20 and 36 inches long, and between 12
and 28 inches high. In a specific embodiment, the dimensions of the
assembled and expanded changing table are roughly 14 to 18 inches
wide (e.g., roughly 17 inches), 24 to 20 inches long (e.g., roughly
28 inches), and 18 to 22 inches high (e.g., roughly 20 inches).
Likewise, in one embodiment, the dimensions of the collapsed
changing table are roughly between 20 and 30 inches high, while in
a specific embodiment the dimensions are roughly 22 to 26 inches
and more commonly about 24 inches.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrated is an
additional feature for securing mat 130 to frame 110. Specifically,
mat 130 may include pockets or straps positioned on a undersurface
of the mat that are designed to fit around a lip or other feature
of one or more top members 114 of frame 110 to prevent the mat from
detaching from frame 110. FIG. 6A illustrates mat 130 including
pockets 160 positioned on the undersurface of mat 130 (i.e., on the
surface directly adjacent top members 114) near the corners of mat
130 and pockets 162 positioned near the middle of mat 130. Pockets
160 and 162 may include material that is stitched or sewn to mat
130 to form a cavity into which top member 114 and/or a feature of
the top member (e.g., a lip or protrusion) may be inserted. In one
embodiment, mat 130 may include four pockets 160 positioned in each
corner of mat 130, while in other embodiment, mat 130 may include
the four pockets 160 and two or more middle pockets 162.
[0042] FIG. 6B illustrates mat 130 includes straps 170 and 172
throughwhich top member 114 or a feature thereof (e.g., a lip or
protrusion) may be inserted. Mat 130 may include four straps 170
positioned in each corner of the mat and, in some embodiments, may
also include straps 172 positioned centrally along one or more
edges of mat 130. Straps 170 and 172 may include a thin piece of
material stitched or sewn to mat 130 so that each strap fits around
a respective top member 114, or a feature thereof, that is inserted
through the straps. The pockets and/or straps shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B may fit over top members 114, or a feature thereof, to secure
mat 130 to frame 110 and provide additional protection against the
mat decoupling from frame 110 and thereby allowing a child placed
upon mat 130 to fall and possibly injure themselves.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, illustrated is a method of
coupling the pockets or straps illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B with
frame 110. FIG. 7A shows a mat 130 including a pocket 160.
Positioned vertically above pocket 160 is the attachment mechanism,
such as snap 132 described above. The arrow indicates that mat 130
is positioned with respect to frame 110 so that top member 114, and
specifically a lip 115 of top member 114, is inserted within pocket
160. In one embodiment, lip 115 includes a member (e.g., rod, beam,
strut, and the like) that laterally extends from top member 114,
while in other embodiments, lip 115 includes a corner or edge of
top member 114. Snap 118 of top member 114 is then snapped together
with snap 132 of mat 130 to couple mat 130 to frame 110. If straps
are used instead of pockets, lip 115 of top member 114 would be
inserted through the strap so that the strap fits securely around
top member 114.
[0044] FIG. 7B shows mat 130 coupled with frame 110 so that snaps
118 and 132 are coupled together and top member 114 is inserted
securely within pocket 160. FIG. 7C illustrates that in the
unlikely event that snaps 118 and 132 become uncoupled, or possibly
in the event that a user forgets to couple snaps 118 and 132
together, pocket 160 keeps mat 130 securely coupled with top member
114 and, therefore, frame 110, thereby preventing a child from
falling off mat 130 and out of changing table 100.
[0045] Using pockets 160 and 162, or straps 170 and 172, ensures
that a child placed upon mat 130 will remain supported by changing
table 100 and upon mat 130 even in the event that all snaps (or
other securing mechanism) become uncoupled, or in the event that a
user completely forgets to couple any of the snaps. In one
embodiment, changing table 100 only includes pockets or straps and
does not include another securing mechanism, such as snaps 118 and
132.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, illustrated is an embodiment
of a brace 800 that may be placed on the joints of frame 110 to
prevent frame 110 from opening or expanding beyond a defined point.
FIG. 8B shows a close up view of brace 800. In some embodiments,
brace 800 may be a square or rectangular member having two closed
ends on opposing sides and two open ends on opposing sides. The
open ends may form an opening or chamber 802 within which the
tubular members of frame 110 are positioned so that brace 800 is
positioned over the tubular members at the joints of frame 110.
Brace 800 also includes opposing stopper members 804 positioned
within opening or chamber 802 that limit the pivotal motion of the
tubular members and thereby limit the expansion of frame 110.
Stopper members 804 may be triangular shaped to correspond with the
shape of the pivotally coupled tubular members when frame 110 is
expanded.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8A, brace 800 may be designed so that frame
110 is able to expand to or near a size required to couple mat 130
atop frame 110. Put another way, brace 800 may limit the expansion
of frame 110 to a size near that allowed by mat 130 when mat 130 is
coupled to frame 110. In one embodiment, brace 800 allows frame 110
to expanded to a size slightly beyond that allowed by mat 130 so
that mat 130 may be tautly coupled with frame 110. FIG. 8C shows a
cross section view of brace 800 coupled with frame 110.
Specifically, FIG. 8C shows the tubular members of frame 110 within
opening 802 and resting against opposing stopper members 804 to
limit the expansion of frame 110. Limiting the expansion of frame
110 with brace 800 may advantageously allow mat 130 to be easily
coupled with frame 110 since frame 110 will not expand as a user
couples mat 130 with frame 110. Further, brace 800 does not limit
the contraction of frame 110 and, thus, does not hinder the
storability or transportability of changing table 100.
[0048] In describing the invention, certain embodiments have been
used to illustrate the invention and the practices thereof.
However, the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments
as other embodiments and modifications within the spirit of the
invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art on reading
this specification. Thus, the invention is not intended to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is to be limited
only by the claims appended hereto.
[0049] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"a process" includes a plurality of such processes and reference to
"the device" includes reference to one or more devices and
equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so
forth.
[0050] Also, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include,"
"including," and "includes" when used in this specification and in
the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated
features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
components, steps, acts, or groups.
* * * * *