U.S. patent number RE47,163 [Application Number 15/782,799] was granted by the patent office on 2018-12-18 for baby changing station.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.. Invention is credited to Dikran Babikian, Branko Bem.
United States Patent |
RE47,163 |
Babikian , et al. |
December 18, 2018 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
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) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC. |
North Hollywood |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT,
INC. (North Hollywood, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
40345109 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/782,799 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
12221918 |
Aug 6, 2008 |
8375490 |
Feb 19, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D
5/006 (20130101); A47D 5/006 (20130101); A47D
5/003 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
16/00 (20060101); A47D 5/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1 975 363 |
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Dec 1967 |
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DE |
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1975363 |
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Dec 1967 |
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DE |
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11-299592 |
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Nov 1999 |
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JP |
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11-299592 |
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Nov 1999 |
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JP |
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2002-000410 |
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Jan 2002 |
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JP |
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2003-052494 |
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Feb 2003 |
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JP |
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2003-52494 |
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Feb 2003 |
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JP |
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2005-143635 |
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May 2005 |
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JP |
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2005-143635 |
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Jun 2005 |
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JP |
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WO 00/26100 |
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May 2000 |
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WO |
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WO00/26100 |
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May 2000 |
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WO |
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Other References
Translation of JP 2005-143635. cited by examiner.
|
Primary Examiner: Clarke; Sara
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
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
.Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal axis and two spaced apart arms
extending from the first section, .Iadd.wherein each arm has an arm
longitudinal axis and extends longitudinally along its arm
longitudinal axis from the first section, .Iaddend.wherein said
platform .Iadd.portion .Iaddend.rotates relative to the base
portion about said .Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal axis,
wherein a .Iadd.generally horizontal .Iaddend.plane along.[., or
generally parallel to,.]. said .Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal
axis intersects said first section and said two spaced apart arms
.Iadd.when said platform portion is rotated to a position relative
to the base portion, and wherein the arm longitudinal axis of at
least one of said arms is along said plane when said platform
portion is rotated to said position, .Iaddend. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the frame base portion
comprises two spaced apart lateral members interconnected by at
least a transverse member.
5. The device as recited in claim 4 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.
6. The device as recited in claim 5 further comprising a third stop
member extending from said platform portion first section and a
fourth stop member extending from said base portion.
7. The device as recited in claim 6 wherein the second stop member
is connected to said bracket and said fourth stop member is
connected to said another bracket.
8. The device as recited in claim 7 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.
9. 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.
10. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the arms are welded to
the first section.
11. 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.
12. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent said location.
13. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the bracket surrounds
at least a portion of the first section.
14. The device as recited in claim 13 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.
15. 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.
16. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a
first portion for mounting onto a wall.[.;.]..Iadd.,.Iaddend. 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
.Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal axis and two spaced apart arms
extending from said section, .Iadd.wherein each arm has an arm
longitudinal axis and extends longitudinally along its arm
longitudinal axis from the section, .Iaddend.wherein a
.Iadd.generally horizontal .Iaddend.plane along.[., or generally
parallel to,.]. said .Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal axis
intersects said section and said two spaced apart arms .Iadd.when
said second portion is rotated to a position relative to the first
portion, and wherein the arm longitudinal axis of at least one of
said arms is along said plane when said second portion is rotated
to said position, .Iaddend.wherein said second portion section is
rotatable about said .Iadd.section .Iaddend.longitudinal axis when
the second portion is pivoted relative to the first portion,
.Iadd.and .Iaddend.wherein said second portion is coupled to the
first portion at a location between said spaced apart
arms.Iadd.,.Iaddend. a first stop section defined on the first
portion.[.;.]..Iadd., .Iaddend.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.
17. The device as recited in claim 16 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.
18. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the first portion
comprises two spaced apart members interconnected by at least one
other member.
19. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the first stop
section extends from the first portion.
20. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the second stop
section extends from the second portion.
21. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein at least one of said
first and second stop sections is separate member attached to the
frame.
22. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the second position
is a generally horizontal position.
23. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the arms are welded
to the first section.
24. The device as recited in claim 16 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.
25. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein the stop sections are
located adjacent said location.
26. The device as recited in claim 16 wherein at least a portion of
the second portion is surrounded and is supported by said first
portion.
27. A baby supporting device comprising: a bracket for coupling
onto a wall; a member supported by the bracket, wherein at least a
.Iadd.major .Iaddend.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
.Iadd.along a first arm longitudinal axis.Iaddend.; a second arm
extending from the member .Iadd.along a second arm longitudinal
axis .Iaddend.and spaced apart from the first arm, wherein said
bracket supports said member at a location between said arms,
wherein a .Iadd.generally horizontal .Iaddend.plane along.[., or
generally parallel to,.]. said .Iadd.member .Iaddend.longitudinal
axis intersects said member and said first and second arms
.Iadd.when said member is rotated to a position relative to the
bracket, and wherein the arm longitudinal axis of at least one of
said arms is along said plane when said member is rotated to said
position.Iaddend.; 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.
28. The device as recited in claim 27 wherein the arms are welded
to the member.
29. The device as recited in claim 27 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.
30. The device as recited in claim 27 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent said location.
31. The device as recited in claim 27 wherein the bracket surrounds
at least a portion of the first member.
32. 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 .Iadd.major .Iaddend.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.]. .Iadd.a first end of the first section and the second
arm is welded to a second end of the first section.Iaddend..
.Iadd.33. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein said bracket
and said another bracket are spaced apart from each other and
wherein said at least a portion of said first section extends from
at least the bracket to said at least another bracket..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The device as recited in claim 33, wherein said bracket
and said another bracket define outermost support locations for
said platform portion first section..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The device as recited in claim 16, wherein said second
portion is coupled to the first portion at a first location and a
second location, said second location spaced apart from the first
location, and wherein said at least a portion of said section of
said second portion extends at least from said first location to at
least said second location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The device as recited in claim 35, wherein said first and
second locations define outermost support locations where said
second portion is coupled to the first portion..Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) .Iaddend.
.Iadd.The present application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No.
8,375,490 issued Feb. 19, 2013 filed as U.S. application Ser. No.
12/211,918 on Aug. 6, 2008, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference..Iaddend.
BACKGROUND
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
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.
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.
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
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment frame
incorporated in an exemplary embodiment baby changing station of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 1
showing a bracket supporting a platform portion of the frame.
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.
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.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment baby
changing station of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 64 extends underneath the
tubular member for providing support.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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