Abstract:
The inventive concept discloses a portable diaper changing stand comprising a horizontally oriented platform, connected by a hinge mechanism to a vertically-oriented frame. The fame and platform, being hingedly connected, may either be deployed opposite each other by optimally, a ninety (90) degree angle, or folded together to form a compacted unit. The vertical frame also contains a recessed compartment for storage of various items. The diaper changing stand is constructed so as to provide for vertical mounting or placement on the surface of a bench, sofa, or similar seating structure. This is accomplished by means of U-brackets secured to the top of the frame and an extendable horizontal support bar that is vertically adjustable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
       [0003]    The present invention generally relates to infant diaper changing tables. More particularly, the inventive concept is concerned with diaper changing stands that are portable and that can be fitted onto or attached to another structure such as a door, an item of furniture, or a wall. 
       (2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. 
       [0004]    Infant diaper changing practices and structures have progressed from the use of a bed to changing tables of the kind contrived by mounting a soft pad over a dresser or other stationary furniture for use at home. There are many households where either there are not enough rooms to set up a separate baby nursery or limited space to set up a separate changing station such as the use of a dresser or other furniture to change the infant&#39;s diapers. 
         [0005]    Mothers (or fathers) commonly use a bed a carpeted floor, or a kitchen countertop, etc., to change an infant&#39;s soiled diapers. These practices present an obvious problem with respect to hygiene. There has long been need for a portable, hygienic, and stable structure specifically designed for the process of changing an infant&#39;s diaper. 
         [0006]    The inventive concept disclosed is dedicated to an infant&#39;s diaper changing needs in households with limited space. The device provides a space-saving changing table that can be installed on either side of a room door to meet the diaper changing needs of a baby and conveniently folded up on its base to lie against the door surface and away from traffic between rooms when not in use. 
         [0007]    The need for a means to change infant&#39;s diapers when away from home has produced several innovative concepts in portable diaper changing structures such as pads and tables described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,010, U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,252, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,397. There are also portable changing tables of the kind disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,856 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,624. These pads and tables are quite often bulky and take up space in a vehicle in addition to other baby changing and feeding luggage such as diaper bags and accessories, strollers etc., when traveling with a baby. The present invention provides a space saving changing table that can be stored by family and friends at their residences and easily set up to provide a changing table for a visiting baby. 
         [0008]    The frequency with which parents travel with small babies wearing diapers has seen the advent of wall mounted baby changing tables in many restroom facilities. U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,951, one such earlier granted patent discloses a baby-changing apparatus adapted to be foldably mounted to a vertical support, such as walls and partitions in public restrooms, restaurants, department stores, airports, and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,896 describes a fold up table extending from a room wall and constructed of a hollow rectangular tray capable of supporting a baby while the baby&#39;s diaper is being changed. A countertop mountable infant changing station is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,677. A series of patents granted to Helmsderfer, the most recent one described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,765 comprises a diaper changing station for mounting on a wall surface. 
         [0009]    The infant diaper changing tables described and patented thus far have been configured for wall mounting which involves drilling holes in walls in order to mount these structures. Dismantling and moving these changing tables to another location on the wall or to another room wall would be cumbersome and leave holes in the walls requiring patching up, painting etc. Thus, there is a need in the art for a space saving infant changing table that can be conveniently mounted, with minimal damage to the mounting surface and removed for storage when not in use. 
         [0010]    The present invention overcomes the deficiencies in the designs and structure of prior art diaper changing devices. The inventive concept disclosed is a portable and efficient space-saving diaper changing stand for use at home, when visiting the homes of family or friends; in automobiles, day care centers, or in public restrooms. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The inventive concept discloses a mobile diaper changing station comprising a horizontally oriented platform, connected by a horizontally-oriented hinge mechanism to a vertically-oriented frame. The vertical frame also contains a recessed compartment for storage of various items and a pair of inverted U-shaped brackets for facilitating suspension on a vertical structure such as the backrest of a sofa or bench. For compact carriage and mobility, the vertical frame and the platform may be hingedly rotated toward each other and secured as one compacted unit, by means of embedded magnets other types of fasteners. 
         [0012]    When deployed for use, the platform provides adequate space and a strapping mechanism for safe retention of the infant&#39;s midsection while diaper changing is accomplished. A lengthwise support bar on the bottom surface of the platform provides additional support for the infant&#39;s weight, and further, the support bar is vertically adjustable to allow flexibility in rendering the platform a level surface while coping with a slanting or uneven immediate environment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  presents an overall view of the changing station shown fully deployed and supported on the backrest of a sofa, automobile seat, or similarly configured seating apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  presents a close-up frontal view of the right inner leg  7  and right outer tube  9  and an anchor support  20 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates the right-side view of the right outer tube  9  and right inner leg  7  as seen from the perspective of section line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , further showing a V-spring  24  maintaining the right leg  7  at a desired height. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  presents a view of the rear of the diaper changing station, further showing two support brackets  16 ,  17  attached to the rear surface of the frame of the device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts a view of the changing stand  1  in its compacted configuration, as viewed from the platform undersurface. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, typical of both of the device anchor supports  20  and further shows the axle  23  which serves as an axis or rotation for the left and right inner legs  6 ,  7  of the device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the V-spring  24  utilized within both inner legs  6 ,  7  of the changing station. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a geared pin which may be utilized as the hinged mechanism providing a rotating connection between the frame  2  and platform  3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a continuous barrel pin  40  which may be utilized as the hinged mechanism to provide a rotating connection between the frame  2  and platform  3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling nine figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures. 
         [0023]    The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with  FIG. 1 , which illustrates an overall view of the changing station  1  shown fully deployed and supported on the backrest  35  of a sofa, bench, or similar seating structure  36 . The principal components of the changing station  1  are shown to be its vertically-oriented frame  2  and an extendable changing platform  3 . The frame  2 , having a front surface  2 ( a ) and a rear surface  2 ( b ), and the platform  3 , having an inner surface  3 ( a ) and an undersurface  3 ( b ) [not shown] both comprise essentially the same, compatible length and width dimensions. The frame  2  further comprises a recessed compartment  19 , a left inverted U-bracket  16  and a right inverted U-bracket  17 . 
         [0024]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a spaced-apart, support bar  4  which is attached in a parallel manner to the undersurface  3 ( b ) [not shown] of the platform  3 . The support bar  4  may be rotatingly deployed through a ninety (90) degree arc into a fixed position orthogonal to the undersurface  3 ( b ) of said platform  3 . 
         [0025]    Again referring to  FIG. 1 , a padded “wrap-around”  29 , which comprises a friction-enhanced material, encircles the mid-section of the support bar  4 . The wrap-around  29  serves to aid in preventing slippage or unwanted movement of the support bar  4  along the horizontal surface of a structure on which the diaper changing station  1  may be deployed. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 1 , it is seen that the support bar  4  comprises a left elbow  10 , which transitions to a left outer tube  8 ; and a right elbow  11 , which transitions to a right outer tube  9 . The left outer tube  8  envelopes a left inner leg  6 , and similarly, the right outer tube  9  envelopes a right inner leg  7 .  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  depict close-up frontal views of the right elbow  11 , right outer tube  9 , and right inner leg  7 . The upper end of the right leg  7  is attached to the undersurface  3 ( b ) of the platform  3  by means of a bracket  20 , which bracket  20  is more clearly detailed in  FIG. 2 . The main body of the bracket  20  is permanently affixed to the undersurface  3 ( b ) of the platform  3 . The bracket  20  comprises a main body  20 ( a ), left support  21  and a right support  22 , both supports  21 ,  22  manifesting co-axial apertures  37 ,  38 . Both supports  21 ,  22 , are constructed orthogonally to the main body  20 ( a ) of the bracket  20 . 
         [0027]    Both the right inner leg  7  and the left inner leg  6  are connected to the undersurface  3 ( b ) of the platform  3 . Details of the bracket  20  are illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the left support  21  and right support  22  manifest co-axial apertures, a left, aperture  37  and right aperture  38 . Both apertures  37 ,  38 , are of a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of a hinge pin, or axle  23 . In manufacturing of the changing station  1 , the axle  23  is placed first through one of the apertures  37 ,  38 , through both inner legs  6 ,  7 , and then through the remaining aperture,  37  or  38 . Both ends of the axle  23  are fitted with a larger diameter, rounded head for purposes of retention of the axle  23 . This construction of left and right brackets  20  permits both the right inner leg  7  and the left inner leg  6  to rotate about their respective axles  23  and thereby position the support bar  4  of the changing station  1 . 
         [0028]    In referring to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated a cutaway view of the right inner leg  7 , right outer tube  9 , and the right elbow  11  of the changing station  1 , as is displayed in accordance with section line A-A of  FIG. 2 . Internal to the right inner leg  7  is a V-spring  24 , which comprises a left branch  25  connected to a left pin  27 , a right branch  26  connected to a right pin  28 . The left pin  27  and right pin  28  normally protrude from a pair of co-axial holes  50 ( a )- 50 ( b ),  51 ( a )- 51 ( b ),  52 ( a )- 52 ( b ), or  53 ( a )- 53 ( b ) which are constructed in the right outer tube  9 . Similarly, a second V-spring (not shown) is constructed interiorly to the left inner leg  6  and its pins protrude outwardly from corresponding co-axial holes drilled through the left outer tube  8 . The V-spring  24  used in both outer tubes  8 ,  9  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0029]    With the changing station  1  placed in use in a position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the user of the diaper changing station  1  may adjust the height or angle of the platform  3  by means of the V-springs  24 . This action is described by reference to the device components shown in  FIG. 3 . The height or angle is changed by applying finger pressure simultaneously to the let pin  27  and right pin  28  such that the tips of both pins  27 ,  28  become recessed within the particular pair of co-axial holes. When this finger pressure is exerted, the outer tube  9  may then be moved a desired distance (upward or downward, as appropriate) until the tips of the two pins  27 ,  28  re-emerge in the desired pair of co-axial holes. Finger pressure is then released and the two pins  27 ,  28  are allowed to protrude through the co-axial holes to fix the inner leg  7  in place within the outer tube  9 . 
         [0030]    In actuality, the adjustment of the height or angle of the platform  3  is more readily accomplished by the simultaneous adjustment of the V-springs  24  internal to both outer legs  8 ,  9  of the changing station  1 . Further shown in  FIG. 3  is a side view of the manner in which the right inner leg  7  is supported on the undersurface  3 ( b ) of the changing station  1  by its bracket  20  and axle  23 . 
         [0031]    As described earlier, in  FIG. 1  the vertical frame  2  manifests a left bracket  16  and right bracket  17 , both of which are affixed to the rear surface  2 ( b ) [not shown] of the frame  2 . In one embodiment, the left U-bracket  16  is attached to the rear of the frame  2  by means of metal rivets  14  and the right U-bracket  17  is also attached to the rear of the frame by metal rivets  15 . Imbedded magnets  12 ,  13 , on the left and right sides of the platform inner surface  3 ( a ) are positioned so as to make contact with the respective metal rivets  14 ,  15 , thereby securing the platform  3  against the frame  2  for transporting or storage. Other means of securing the platform  3  against the frame  2  may be utilized, including, but not limited to, snaps, hook-and-felt mechanisms, zippers, groove/track connectors, and other fasteners. In some embodiments of the diaper changing stand  1 , a handle  18  may be attached to the edge of the frame  2  for convenience in carrying. 
         [0032]    In the disposition shown in  FIG. 1 , the changing station  1  is supported by the U-brackets  16 ,  17  on the backrest  5  of a sofa or similar seating accommodation, while the support bar  4  rests upon the seat cushion  36  of the sofa. 
         [0033]    The rear surface  2 ( b ) [not shown] of the frame  2  further comprises a recessed compartment  19  for the storage of various items that may be necessary or desirable during the process of diaper changing. In the embodiment shown, the compartment  19  features a left mesh net  30 , a center mesh net  31 , and a right mesh net  32 . The three mesh nets  30 ,  31 ,  32  provide convenient and comfortable retention of items that may be stored within the compartment  19 . 
         [0034]    The horizontal position of the platform  3 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is suitable for placement of an infant on the platform  3  upper surface  3 ( a ). The changing station  1  in  FIG. 1  further features two straps  33 ,  34  which, in the preferred embodiment, comprise a hook-and-felt fastening system, having a hook component strap  33  and a felt component strap  34 . When an infant is placed upon the platform  3  upper surface, the hook component strap  33  and the felt component strap  34  may be placed around the mid-section of the child and pressed together to guard against the infant tumbling off the upper surface of the changing platform  3 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  depicts a rear view of the diaper changing station  1  deployed for use, further showing a portion of the platform inner surface  3 ( a ), the frame  2 , frame rear surface  2 ( b ), the backside of the recessed compartment  19 , one end of the barrel pin  40 , and both left and right U-brackets  16 ,  17 . 
         [0036]    The platform  3  and the frame  2  of the diaper changing station  1  are rotatably connected to each other by a hinging mechanism. The hinging mechanism may be a barrel hinge, piano hinge, lengthwise geared pin, or other similar hinging apparatus. This mechanism may be imbedded within the structure of either the platform  3  or the frame  2 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative hinging mechanism, being a segmented view of a lengthwise geared pin  60 , further having limit gears  61  which define the arc limits of rotation of the platform  3  relative to the frame  2 . In another embodiment, a two-part barrel pin  43 ,  44 , which is connected by a common axle  40 , and having end retainer caps  41 ,  42  is utilized as the hinging mechanism, This embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0038]    When diaper changing is finished, the changing station  1  may be placed into its compacted configuration for storing and/or transporting, as shown in  FIG. 5 . This is accomplished by rotating the support bar  4  rearward about the axles  23  of both brackets  20  until the support bar  4  abuts the platform  3  undersurface  3 ( b ). The platform  3  is then rotated inward until the inner surface  3 ( a ) of the platform  3  contacts the frame front surface  2 ( a ). The diaper changing station  1  is shown in its compacted mode in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    The present inventive concept provides that the diaper changing station  1  may also be mounted on a door by at least one adjustable strap mounted at its first end to the upper edge of the frame  2  of the changing station  1  and attached at its second end to a remote U-bracket. The diaper changing station  1  is then capable of being positioned according to the height of the user, along a convenient length of a door surface. This is accomplished by adjusting the length of the strap(s) and the positioning of the remote U-bracket vertically so that the diaper changing station  1  is capable of being stabilized at various heights against the door surface. 
         [0040]    While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and by no means limited by the scope of the claims presented herein.