U.S. patent number RE48,480 [Application Number 16/167,416] was granted by the patent office on 2021-03-23 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 |
RE48,480 |
Babikian , et al. |
March 23, 2021 |
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: |
1000005150878 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/167,416 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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12221918 |
Feb 19, 2013 |
8375490 |
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Reissue of: |
12543173 |
Aug 18, 2009 |
8365328 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D
5/003 (20130101); A47D 5/006 (20130101); A47D
5/003 (20130101); A47D 5/006 (20130101); Y10T
29/49826 (20150115) |
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
English Translation of JP 2005-143635. cited by examiner.
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Primary Examiner: Clarke; Sara S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
.[.This application is a continuation-in-part application of
application Ser. No. 12/221,918 filed on Aug. 6, 2008, the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference..]. .Iadd.The
present application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,328 issued
Feb. 5, 2013, filed as U.S. application Ser. No. 12/543,173 on Aug.
18, 2009, which was a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/221,918 filed on Aug. 6, 2008, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,375,490, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference..Iaddend.
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 pivotally
coupled to the base portion, said platform portion comprising a
rotatable section, wherein at least a portion of said rotatable
section rotates about a longitudinal axis, and two spaced apart
arms extending from the rotatable section, said rotatable section
rotating about the longitudinal axis, .Iadd. wherein a first of
said two spaced apart arms extends longitudinally from the
rotatable section along a first axis, wherein a second of said two
spaced apart arms extends longitudinally from the rotatable section
along a second axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis intersects
the first and second axes,.Iaddend. wherein the base portion
comprises a bracket, wherein said bracket surrounds at least a
portion of and supports said platform portion rotatable section at
a location between said arms and allows said platform portion
rotatable section to rotate within said bracket relative to said
bracket about said longitudinal axis, wherein rotation of said
rotatable section causes said platform portion to pivot relative to
said base portion, a first stop member extending from said
rotatable section, and a second stop member extending from said
base portion, wherein said second stop member is engagable by said
first stop member for stopping the rotation of the rotatable
section in a first direction; and a platform for supporting the
baby extending over at least a portion of said frame platform
portion, wherein said platform comprises a first portion defining a
supporting surface for supporting said baby and a second portion,
wherein said arms are sandwiched between said first and second
platform portions.
2. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising an actuator
connected to the base portion and the platform portion for
providing a force for urging the platform portion to rotate toward
the base portion.
3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first stop member
is an arcuate member, wherein the frame platform portion rotatable
section is a tubular member, and wherein said arcuate member is
connected to said tubular member outer surface.
4. The device as recited in claim 1 comprising another bracket
coupled to the base portion, said another bracket being spaced
apart from said bracket and surrounding at least a portion of and
supporting said platform portion rotatable section and allowing
said platform portion rotatable section to rotate relative to said
another bracket.
5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the second stop member
engages the first stop member at a location, said location being at
a level not above and not below said rotatable section.
6. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the arms are welded to
the rotatable section.
7. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the rotatable section
extends from a first end to a second end and one of the arms
extends from the first end and the other of the arms extends from
the second end.
8. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent to said location.
.[.9. The baby supporting device of claim 1 wherein said bracket is
coupled to said base portion..].
10. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a base
portion for mounting onto a wall, a platform portion pivotally
coupled to the base portion, said platform portion comprising a
rotatable section, wherein at least a portion of said rotatable
section rotates about a longitudinal axis, and two spaced apart
arms extending from the rotatable section, said rotatable section
penetrating the base portion at least at a location and rotating
about the longitudinal axis, whereby the location is between said
arms, wherein said base portion surrounds and supports at least a
portion of said rotatable section, .Iadd.wherein a first of said
two spaced apart arms extends longitudinally from the rotatable
section along a first axis, wherein a second of said two spaced
apart arms extends longitudinally from the rotatable section along
a second axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis intersects the
first and second axes,.Iaddend. a first stop member extending from
said rotatable section, and a second stop member extending from
said base portion, wherein said second stop member is engagable by
said first stop member for stopping the rotation of the rotatable
section in a first direction; and a platform for supporting the
baby extending over at least a portion of said frame platform
portion, wherein said platform comprises a first portion defining a
supporting surface for supporting said baby and a second portion,
wherein said arms are sandwiched between said first and second
platform portions.
11. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein the second stop
member engages the first stop member at a location, said location
being at a level not above and not below said rotatable
section.
12. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein the arms are welded
to the rotatable section.
13. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein the rotatable section
extends from a first end to a second end and one of the arms
extends from the first end and the other of the arms extends from
the second end.
14. The device as recited in claim 10 wherein the stop members are
located adjacent to said location.
15. A baby supporting device comprising: a frame comprising, a base
portion for mounting onto a wall, a platform portion pivotally
coupled to the base portion, said platform portion comprising a
rotatable section, wherein at least a portion of said rotatable
section rotates about a longitudinal axis, and two spaced apart
arms extending from the rotatable section, said rotatable section
rotating about the longitudinal axis, wherein the base portion
comprises a bracket, wherein said bracket surrounds at least a
portion of and supports said platform portion rotatable section at
a location between said arms and allows said platform portion
rotatable section to rotate within said bracket relative to said
bracket about said longitudinal axis, wherein rotation of said
rotatable section causes said platform portion to pivot relative to
said base portion, a first stop member extending from said
rotatable section, and a second stop member extending from said
base portion, wherein said second stop member is engagable by said
first stop member for stopping the rotation of the rotatable
section in a first direction; and a platform for supporting the
baby extending over at least a portion of said frame platform
portion, wherein the arms are welded to the rotatable section.
16. A changing station for supporting a small person, the changing
station comprising: a platform that is rotatable from a vertical
storage position to a horizontal use position along a rotational
axis, the platform comprising a top portion and a bottom portion; a
support structure having a rotatable support member that is
rotatable along the rotational axis, and two extending members
extending out at an angle from the .Iadd.rotatable .Iaddend.support
member and encapsulated between the top and bottom portions of the
platform, the rotatable support member comprising an elongate tube
and the rotational axis being a central longitudinal axis of the
elongate tube.Iadd., wherein a first of said two extending members
extends longitudinally from the rotatable support member along a
first axis, wherein a second of said two extending members extends
longitudinally from the rotatable support member along a second
axis, wherein the rotational axis intersects the first and second
axes.Iaddend.; a mounting structure for mounting the support
structure to a vertical surface, the mounting structure comprising
a pair of spaced apart mounting brackets and a central bracket,
wherein the central bracket is spaced from the rotatable support
member and extends between the mounting brackets; a pair of
open/close stops mounted to the mounting structure; and a pair of
hinge stops mounted to the rotatable support member at a location
spaced inwardly between the two extending members, each hinge stop
having at least one surface extending away from the elongate tube
in a radially outward direction such that the at least one surface
of each hinge stop engages a respective one of the pair of
open/close stops for controlling the rotation of the rotatable
support member at least when the platform is in the horizontal use
position.
17. The changing station of claim 16, further comprising at least
one damper system configured to slow the rotation of the platform
when the platform moves from the vertical storage position to the
horizontal use position.
18. The changing station of claim 17, wherein the damper system
comprises at least one gas spring attached between the rotatable
support member and the central bracket of the mounting
structure.
19. The changing station of claim 18, wherein the gas spring
compresses as the platform is moved from the vertical storage
position to the horizontal use position, and extends when the
platform is moved from the horizontal use position to the vertical
storage position.
20. The changing station of claim 16, wherein the platform is
constructed of a plastic and the support structure is constructed
of a metal.
21. The changing station of claim 16, wherein each hinge stop
includes a cut-out that aligns with a cross-section of the elongate
tube of the support member.
22. The changing station of claim 16, wherein the mounting brackets
of the mounting structure are spaced inwardly between the two
extending arms of the support structure.
.Iadd.23. The device of claim 15, wherein a first of said two
spaced apart arms extends longitudinally from the rotatable section
along a first axis, wherein a second of said two spaced apart arms
extends longitudinally from the rotatable section along a second
axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis intersects the first and
second axes..Iaddend.
Description
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 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 device is provided
including a frame having a base portion for mounting onto a wall, a
platform portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, the
platform portion including a first rotatable section and two spaced
apart arms extending from the first rotatable section, the first
rotatable section rotating about a longitudinal axis. The device
also includes a bracket coupled to the base portion, such that the
bracket surrounds at least a portion of and supports the platform
portion first rotatable section and allows the platform portion
first rotatable section to rotate within the bracket relative to
the bracket about the longitudinal axis, whereby rotation of the
first rotatable section causes the platform portion to pivot
relative to said base portion. The device also requires a first
stop member extending from the first rotatable section, and a
second stop member extending from the base portion, where the
second stop member is engageable by the first stop member for
stopping the rotation of the first rotatable section in a first
direction. Moreover, the device requires a base covering at least a
portion of the base portion, and a platform for supporting the baby
extending over at least a portion of the frame platform portion. In
a further exemplary embodiment, the device also includes an
actuator connected to the base portion and the platform portion for
providing a force for urging the platform portion to rotate toward
the base portion. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second
stop member is an arcuate member, the frame platform portion first
rotatable section is a tubular member, and the arcuate second stop
member is connected to the tubular member outer surface. In yet
another exemplary embodiment, the platform includes a first portion
defining a supporting surface for supporting the baby and a second
portion, wherein the arms are sandwiched between the first and
second platform portions. In yet a further exemplary embodiment,
each of the arms is a plate extending along a generally vertical
plane. In a further exemplary embodiment, the device includes
another bracket coupled to the base portion, the another bracket
being spaced apart from the bracket and surrounding at least a
portion of and supporting the platform portion first rotatable
section and allowing the platform portion first rotatable section
to rotate relative to the another bracket. In an exemplary
embodiment, each bracket is generally U-shaped. In yet another
exemplary embodiment, the second stop member engages the first stop
member at a location which is at a level not above and not below
the first rotatable section.
In another exemplary embodiment, a baby supporting device is
provided including a frame having a base portion for mounting onto
a wall, a platform portion pivotally coupled to the base portion,
the platform portion including a first rotatable section and two
spaced apart arms extending from the first rotatable section, the
first rotatable section penetrating the base portion and rotating
about a longitudinal axis. The device also has a first stop member
extending from the first rotatable section, and a second stop
member extending from the base portion, where the second stop
member is engageable by the first stop member for stopping the
rotation of the first rotatable section in a first direction. The
device also includes a base covering at least a portion of said
base portion, and a platform for supporting the baby extending over
at least a portion of the frame platform portion. In an further
exemplary embodiment, the second stop member engages the first stop
member at a location which is at a level not above and not below
the first rotatable section.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for mounting
a baby changing station to wall. The method includes providing a
frame first member, mounting the first member to the wall, mounting
a baby support surface on a frame second member, and connecting the
frame second member to the frame first member, whereby the second
member can rotate relative to the first member for rotation of the
support surface relative to the first member. In another exemplary
embodiment, the method further includes connecting an actuator to
the first member, and connecting the actuator to the second member.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, connecting includes mounting
brackets onto the first member for supporting the second
member.
In a further exemplary embodiment, a baby supporting device is
provided including a frame including a first portion and a second
portion rotatably coupled to the first portion, a cover covering
the first portion, and a platform including a first piece defining
a bed for receiving a baby. The first piece includes a peripheral
edge and a shoulder formed proximate the peripheral edge. The
device also includes a second piece coupled to the first piece,
wherein at least part of the frame second portion is sandwiched
between the first and second pieces. The second piece includes a
peripheral edge adjacent the first shoulder, a depression, and a
second shoulder. The device also includes a trim piece. The trim
piece includes a projection received in the depression and a third
shoulder proximate the second shoulder. In yet a further exemplary
embodiment, the third shoulder engages the second shoulder and
wherein when the third shoulder engages the second shoulder and the
projection is received in the depression, a tension is created
between the third shoulder and the projection for retaining the
trim piece on the second piece. In another exemplary embodiment,
the trim piece includes a peripheral edge extending beyond the
first shoulder in a direction away from the second piece.
In another exemplary embodiment, a baby supporting device is
provided including a frame including a first portion and a second
portion rotatably coupled to the first portion, a cover covering
the first portion, and a platform including, a depression, and a
second shoulder. The device also includes and a trim piece
including a projection received in the depression and a third
shoulder proximate the second shoulder. In yet another exemplary
embodiment, the third shoulder engages the second shoulder and
wherein when the third shoulder engages the second shoulder and the
projection is received in the depression, tension is created
between the third shoulder and the projection for retaining the
trim piece on the second piece.
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.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows 6-6 shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of platform of baby changing station
of the present invention including a trim piece.
FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the platform shown in
FIG. 7A taken along arrows 7B-7B.
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, attached generally
flat arm portions 42 and 42'. The arm portions 42, 42' in the
exemplary embodiment as 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 than 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 cutouts 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.
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 rotate
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. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the stop bracket
contacts the corresponding stop surface at a level not higher and
not lower than the level of the tubular main section 40. In this
regard the stop mechanism defined by the stop bracket and the stop
surface remains compact. 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, an actuator 67 is mounted at one end on
the bracket 62, attached to the main section 40 and at the other
end on the bracket 65 extending from the transverse member 18. The
actuator provides a force to rotate the frame platform portion to
the first position (i.e., the closed position) generally parallel
to the frame base portion. Typically, the actuator has a housing 69
from which extends a housing bracket 71 having an opening. A pin 73
is fitted through such opening and through an opening formed on the
bracket 65 to pivotable couple the base to the housing bracket. A
piston extends into the housing and has an arm 75 having an
opening. A pin 77 is fitted through this opening and an opening
formed on the bracket 62 coupling the arm and thus, the actuator to
the bracket 62. In this regard, as the frame platform portion is
moved toward the frame base portion, the actuator provides a force
on the bracket 62, pushing the bracket downward and causing the
frame platform portion to rotate upward toward a closed position.
As such, the actuator provides a self-closing function to the BCS,
in that as the platform is rotated from the open position toward
the closed position, the actuator exerts a force to smoothly close
the BCS by moving the platform to the closed position relative to
the base. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator is a gas piston
and is positioned such that when the platform is moved from an open
position, relatively perpendicular to the base, to a position of
about 45.degree. relative to the base. The actuator also ensures
that the platform does not rotate from the closed position toward
the open position without the exertion of an external force, as for
example a force applied by a user to open the platform relative to
the base. With this exemplary embodiment, a force must be applied
to rotate the platform more than 45.degree. from the base. In an
exemplary embodiment, an actuator is made Stabilus GmbH. These
actuators are sometimes referred to in the industry as shocks in
that they also act as shock absorbers.
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.
In another exemplary embodiment, the platform upper piece 108 may
be formed with a shoulder 140 proximate the peripheral edge of the
upper piece. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the
shoulder is formed interior of the platform upper piece. When the
platform lower piece 110 is mated with the platform upper piece, a
peripheral edge 144 of the platform lower piece sits on the
shoulder 140 formed on the proximate to the peripheral edge of the
platform upper piece. In yet a further exemplary embodiment as
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a trim piece 146 is mounted over a
peripheral portion of the platform lower piece. The trim piece is
used in an exemplary embodiment to hide the fasteners 147, may be
used to connect the lower piece to the upper piece to define the
platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the platform lower piece is
defined with a peripheral annular depression 148. In a further
exemplary embodiment, instead of a peripheral annular depression
148, a plurality of depressions 148 which are spaced apart or are
arranged along a peripheral portion of the platform lower piece. In
addition, a platform lower piece shoulder 150 is defined proximate
the peripheral edge 144 of the platform lower piece. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the trim piece is
such that it covers the exposed side portion 150 of the platform
lower piece and extends over an edge portion 152 of the platform
upper piece. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the trim piece 146
includes projection(s) 154 to be received in the depression(s) 148.
If an annular depression 148 is formed on the lower piece, than the
trim piece includes a complementary annular projection 154
extending from an inner surface 155 of the trim piece. If spaced
apart depressions 148 are formed on the lower piece, then
complementary projections 154 extend from the inner surface on the
trim piece. In addition, a circumferential shoulder 156 is defined
on the interior surface of the trim piece which surrounds the side
surface 150 of the platform of lower piece for mating with the
shoulder 151 formed on the side surface of the platform lower
piece.
When mounting the trim piece on the platform lower piece, the
projection(s) 154 are pushed into the depression(s) 148 of the
platform lower piece while at the same time the shoulder 156 of the
trim piece seats against the shoulder 151 on the platform lower
piece. The distance between the shoulder 156 formed on the trim
piece and the projection 154 are such that a slight tension is
provided between the shoulder 156 and the projection 154 which
causes the trim piece to clamp on the platform lower piece. In this
regard, the trim piece easily connects to the platform lower piece
by snapping onto position.
In the shown exemplary embodiment, the edge of the trim piece
extends over the edge portion 152 of the platform upper piece. In
the shown exemplary embodiment, a recess 160 is defined along the
platform upper piece edge portion 152 which receives an edge
portion 162 of the trim piece. In the shown exemplary embodiment,
the trim piece extends at a distance beyond the shoulder 140
defined on the platform upper piece in a direction away from the
platform lower piece.
The baby changing station of the present invention may be mounted
on a wall using different approaches. In one exemplary embodiment,
the frame base portion is mounted, e.g. is fastened on a wall. The
platform piece(s) may then be attached to the frame platform
portion and the base cover is placed over the frame base portion
and fastened to the frame base portion or directly to the wall. In
one exemplary embodiment, the frame platform portion is separated
from the base frame base portion by unfastening the brackets 54 and
54' from the frame base portion and by disconnecting the actuator
67, if used, from the frame platform portion, i.e., from the
bracket 62 extending the base platform portion (or from the frame
base portion, i.e. from the bracket 65) or from both frame
portions. In another exemplary embodiment, the frame base portion
is not connected to the frame platform portion. With this exemplary
embodiment, the frame base portion does not have to be disconnected
from the frame platform portion as the two frame portions are
already disconnected.
With these embodiments, the frame base portion is fastened or
otherwise attached to the wall. The platform piece or pieces are
then attached to the frame platform portion forming the platform
106. The platform is then attached to the frame base portion by
connecting the frame platform portion to the frame base portion by
positioning the brackets 54 and 54' around the frame platform
portion main section 40 and fastening such brackets on to their
corresponding support member 38, 38' of the frame base portion. The
actuator, if used in then attached to the frame portion(s) so that
it is connected to both frame portions. The base cover is then
fastened to the frame base portion or directly to the wall and
covers the frame base portion. This exemplary embodiment makes
installation easier as the installer installs the baby changing
station in sections.
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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