Patent Publication Number: US-11019940-B2

Title: Baby changing station

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/276,759, filed on Jan. 8, 2016, and 62/370,539, filed on Aug. 3, 2016, the contents of both of which are incorporated fully herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Baby changing stations are provided with either a horizontal bed or a vertical bed. Suppliers of such beds have to store both types of baby changing stations in their inventories. As such more storing space is required. Thus, a baby changing station that has a bed that can be used as both a vertical and a horizontal bed is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an example embodiment, a baby changing station is provided including a mounting section for mounting to wall, a bed, a first frame for pivotably mounting the bed to the mounting section in a horizontal position, and a second frame for pivotably mounting the bed to the mounting section in vertical portion. In another example embodiment, the bed includes a first surface defining a bed for receiving a baby, opposite a second surface and a peripheral surface extending from the first to the second surface. The peripheral surface includes a depression, and the first frame is received in the depression when mounting the bed in the horizontal position and the second frame is received in the depression when mounting the bed in the vertical position. In yet another example embodiment, each of the first and second frames includes a first section, a second section and a third section. In one example embodiment, each frame first section is identical to the frame&#39;s second section. In a further example embodiment, the third section of the first and second frames is the same third section. In yet a further example embodiment, each frame first and second section includes a portion for coupling with the mounting section. In one example embodiment, the mounting section includes a first slot for receiving the first frame first section portion, and a second slot for receiving the first frame second section portion. In another example embodiment, the mounting section includes a first slot for receiving the second frame first section portion, and a second slot for receiving the second frame second section portion. In yet another example embodiment, the mounting section further includes a third slot for receiving the first frame first section portion, and a fourth slot for receiving the first frame second section portion. In a further example embodiment, the mounting section includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall and when the first frame mounts the bed to the mounting section, the first frame first section portion is adjacent the first vertical wall and the first frame second section portion is adjacent the second vertical wall, and a pin penetrates each of the first frame first and second section portions and the first and second vertical walls such that the first frame with bed is pivotable about the pin. In yet a further example embodiment, when the first frame mounts the bed to the mounting section, each of the first and second section portions and the first and second vertical walls includes an opening penetrated by the pin. A first end cap is coupled to a first end of the pin and a second end cap is coupled to a second end of the pin opposite the first end, and each a cap has a dimension greater than a dimension of at least two of the openings. In another example embodiment, the mounting section includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall, and when the second frame mounts the bed to the mounting section, the second frame first section portion is adjacent the first vertical wall and the second frame second section portion is adjacent the second vertical wall, and a pin penetrates each of the second frame first and second section portions and the first and second vertical walls, and the second frame with bed is pivotable about the pin. In yet another example embodiment, the second frame mounts the bed to the mounting section, each of the first and second section portions and the first and second vertical walls includes an opening penetrated by said pin, and wherein a first end cap is coupled to a first end of the pin and a second end cap is coupled to a second end of the pin opposite the first end, wherein each a cap has a dimension greater than a dimension of at least two of the openings. In one example embodiment, the mounting section includes first, second, third and fourth vertical walls, and when the bed is pivotably mounted to the mounting section in the horizontal position, the first frame first section portion is adjacent the first vertical and the first frame second section portion is adjacent the second vertical wall. A pin penetrates each of the first frame first and second section portions and the first and second vertical walls, and the first frame with bed is pivotable about the pin. When the bed is pivotably mounted to the mounting section in the vertical position, the second frame first section portion is adjacent the third vertical and the second frame second section portion is adjacent the fourth vertical wall. A pin penetrates each of the second frame first and second section portions and the third and fourth vertical walls, and the second frame with bed is pivotable about the pin. In another example embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth vertical walls includes an opening penetrated by the pin, and a first end cap is coupled to a first end of the pin and a second end cap is coupled to a second end of the pin opposite the first end, and each a cap has a dimension greater than a dimension of at least two of the openings. In yet another example embodiment, the mounting section includes an upper wall, and the first section portion and the second section portion of each of the first and second frames when mounted on the mounting section, directly or indirectly engage the upper wall to stop pivoting of the bed relative to the mounting section. In one example embodiment, the first section portion and the second section portion of each of the first and second frames when mounted on the mounting section engages a structure connected to the upper wall to stop pivoting of the bed relative to the mounting section. In yet another example embodiment, the first section portion and the second section portion of each of the first and second frames when mounted on the mounting section directly engages the upper wall to stop pivoting of the bed relative to the mounting section. In a further example embodiment, the mounting section includes an upper wall, and the upper wall serves as a stop for stopping pivoting of the bed relative to the mounting section. 
     In another example embodiment a baby changing station includes a mounting section for mounting of a wall, a bed comprising a peripheral surface defining an external depression in cross-section, and a frame within the external depression pivotally coupling the bed to the mounting section. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment baby changing station with a horizontal bed. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective exploded view of an example embodiment bed for vertical mounting. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of example embodiment depressions formed on a peripheral surface of example embodiment baby changing station beds. 
         FIG. 4  is an example embodiment exploded view of a baby changing station with a vertical bed. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a mounting section of a wall mount of an example embodiment baby changing station. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic views of a coupling pin mounted in the mounting section of a wall mount of an example embodiment baby changing stations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Baby changing stations  10  are provided, where a bed  12  may be mounted in a horizontal or a vertical position relative to a wall mount  14  of the baby changing station ( FIG. 1 ). A baby changing station  10  includes a wall mount  14  which is a section of the baby changing station that is mounted to the wall  16 . A bed or platform  12  is hingeably connected to the wall mount  14 . In this regard, the bed can fold against, or over, or within, or parallel to, the wall mount to be out of the way, and can be extended (i.e., unfolded) to a position where it is relatively horizontal for accommodating a baby. A typical bed  12  is generally rectangular in shape having longer sides  18  and shorter sides  20 . The bed may have rounded corners  15 . A horizontally mounted bed is a bed whose longer side  18  is generally parallel to the wall  16  onto which the baby changing station wall mount is mounted, as for example shown in  FIG. 1 . A vertically mounted bed is a bed whose longer side  18  extends along a direction generally perpendicular to the wall  16  onto which the baby station wall mount is mounted, as for example shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     A typical bed includes an upper surface  22  which forms a depression  24  for receiving a baby to be supported. Opposite the upper surface is a lower surface  26  which is interconnected to the upper surface  22  with a peripheral surface  28 . Typically, the bed is injection molded or blow molded as a single piece. In some example embodiments, it may be formed in multiple pieces. For example, it may be formed in an upper piece, including the upper surface and an upper portion of the peripheral surface, and a lower piece, including the lower surface and a lower portion of the peripheral surface. The two pieces are then connected together using known methods and techniques. 
     In an example embodiment, a baby changing station has a single bed  12  that can be mounted either in a vertical or a horizontal position. In an example embodiment, the bed may be formed with an annular depression  30  in the peripheral surface  28 , defining a channel  32 , as for example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3A . In another example embodiment, instead of a depression forming a channel, a depression  34  may be formed on the peripheral surface defining a generally upside down L-shape in cross section  36  where an upper portion  38  of the peripheral surface extends radially outward beyond a lower portion  40  of the peripheral surface, as for example shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     Two frames are provided, each for being received in the depression  30 ,  34 . In an example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frames are three-piece frames. One of the frames  42  allows for horizontal mounting of the bed, and the other of the frames  44  allows for vertical mounting of the bed. In an example embodiment, each frame has two frame members, i.e. a first frame member  42 A and a second frame member  42 B (or a first frame member  44 A and a second frame member  44 B) which in an example embodiment, are identical, and each of the first and second frame members defines a channel shape portion  46  defining a channel shape in cross section along a plane intersecting the entire member, and has a portion  48  extending transversally therefrom. In the example embodiment, each of the first and second frame members has a first section  50 . A second section  52  extends transversally from the first section. A third section  54  extends transversally from the second section. The three sections define the channel shape portion  46 . A fourth section  56  extends transversally from the third section and defines the portion  48  extending transversely from the channel shape portion  46 . In the shown example embodiments, each section extends generally perpendicularly from its adjacent section. In the shown example embodiments, the first section is generally parallel to the third section. In an example embodiment, each of the first and second frame members is hollow. In an example embodiment, the channel shaped portion of each frame is complementary to the depression  30 ,  34  of the peripheral surface of the bed for mating with the depression. 
     Each frame member is received in the peripheral surface depression  30 ,  34  from opposite sides of the bed, respectively. A third frame member  58  interconnects the two frame members  42 A and  42 B (or  44 A and  44 B) and specifically interconnects the first section  50  of one frame member with the first section  50  of the second frame member. The third frame member  58  includes two end sections  60  extending from a middle section  62 . Each of the end sections has a reduced outer surface dimensions so that it may fit within a hollow first section  50  of its corresponding first or second frame member. The outer surface geometry of each end section is complementary to the hollow inner surface geometry of its corresponding frame member first section  50 . In other example embodiments, the first sections  50  of each frame member may be received within a hollow corresponding end section  60  of the third frame member. 
     Fasteners may be used to fasten the first sections  50  of the first and second frame members to their corresponding end section  60  of the third frame member end optionally to the peripheral surface  28  of the bed. Openings may be formed in each end section  60  of the third frame member as well as in each first section  50  of the first and second section frame members that align when the three frame members are coupled together to allow a fastener such as a screw to penetrate and fasten the third frame member to each of the first and second frame members. 
     In an example embodiment, the outer dimensions of the middle section  62  of the third frame member are the same as the outer dimension of the first sections of the first and second frame members, such that when the three frame members are coupled together the outer surfaces of the three members are aligned and flush or relatively flush. 
     In an example embodiment, the same third frame member is used to form each of the two frames for mounting the bed horizontally or vertically. In other words, the baby changing station is provided with two frames each having a first and a second frame member and a single third frame member is provided for both frames. 
     The wall mount  14  includes a mounting section  60  onto which hingeably connect to the frame and thus the bed ( FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 ). The mounting section includes a front wall  61  interconnecting an upper wall  63  and a lower wall  65 . In an example embodiment, the mounting section has four slots defined through the front wall, two inner slots  62 A,  62 B and two outer slots  64 A,  64 B. The inner slots are designed to receive the two transversely extending portions  48  of the first and second frame members when a bed is vertically mounted, and the two external slots are defined to receive the two transversely extending portions from the first and second frame members when the bed is horizontally mounted. In another example embodiment, the transverse portions  48  of the first and second frame members are such that they would fit in the same slots whether the bed in mounted in a horizontal or vertical position. In such case, only two slots may be required to be formed in the mounting section of the wall mount. 
     In an example embodiment, the mounting section includes at least two vertical walls  68  at least one, one for each slot ( FIG. 5 ). The walls extend between the upper wall  63  and the lower wall  65  of the mounting section. Each vertical wall has an opening  70  for receiving a pin  72  therethrough ( FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B ). Each of the transversely extending portions  48  of the first and second frame members also include an opening  74  to receive the pin  72 . The pin is inserted through the vertical walls, as well as through the openings formed from the transversely extending members. In the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the pin penetrates eight vertical walls. However, as for example shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the pin  72  may penetrate two vertical walls  68 . The pin is locked in place by end caps  82 . In an example embodiment, each end cap is mounted to an end of the pin. In an example embodiment, the caps are held in place by friction. In other example embodiments, the end caps are threaded to the ends of the pin. In this regard, the pin connects the frame to the wall mount providing for a pivotal connection. Thus, the frame as well as the bed can rotate relative to the pin and relative to the wall mount. 
     In other example embodiments, the end caps may be connected to the pin ends using other known methods. In one example embodiment, the end caps may be placed on the ends of the pin adjacent to the vertical wall  68 , as for example shown in  FIG. 6A , such that each vertical wall  68  is sandwiched between an end cap  82  and a transversely extending portion  48  of a frame. By being immediately adjacent to the vertical walls  68 , the caps prevent or limit side movement of the pin  72 . In another example embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6B , the end caps are placed adjacent the transversely extending portions of the frame  48  such that the frame transversely extending portions  48  are each sandwiched between an end cap  82  and a vertical wall  68 . By having the end caps immediately adjacent to the frame transversely extending portions  48 , the end caps limit or alleviate side movement of the pin  72 . 
     An inner surface  67  of the upper wall  63  of the mounting section  60  defines stop(s)  80 . In other example embodiments, the stops  80  may be separate walls or structures (e.g. pads) attached to the inner surface  67 . The transversely extending portions of the frame engages such stops to stop the rotation of the bed at the unfolded horizontal position. In other example embodiments, the stops may be separate members. 
     Although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
     According to example embodiments, a baby changing station may be provided having a wall mount and a single bed along with two sets first and second frame members and one third frame members. The baby changing station may be mounted with the bed in the vertical or the horizontal position. In other example embodiments, the baby changing station may be provided with two third frame members. One for interconnecting the first and second frame members when mounting the bed in the horizontal position and one for interconnecting the first and second frame members when mounting the bed in the vertical position.