Patent ID: 12220068

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a changing table5according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The changing table5includes a wall assembly10and a tray assembly20. The wall assembly10can be statically mounted on a wall. The tray assembly20is configured to receive an infant.

The tray assembly20is pivotally attached to the wall assembly10. The tray assembly20is connected to the wall assembly10through hinges, allowing tray assembly20to turn in relation to the wall assembly10. There is an angle α15between the tray assembly20and the wall assembly10. As the tray assembly20turns in relation to the wall assembly20, the angle α can change from 0 to 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the tray assembly20is connected to the wall assembly10through other pivotal and/or turnable means known to a person skilled in the art.

When the angle α15is at zero degrees, the tray assembly20is in an upright position covering the wall assembly10. This minimizes the overall volume of the changing table when the changing table is not in use. When the angle α is at zero degrees, the changing table is in a closed position. The closed position is a position when the changing table is not receiving an infant. The UV ray self-cleaning can be performed when the changing table5is in the closed position.

When the angle α15is at 90 degrees, the tray assembly20is lying flat, wherein the concaved surface of the foamed cushion is facing upward ready to receive an infant. When the angle α15is at 90 degrees, the changing table is in an open position. In the open position, the changing table does not perform the UV ray self-cleaning.

The tray assembly20includes a front handle202and a side handle204. The front handle202is located on a front edge of the tray assembly20. The front handle202forms a loop. The front handle202can be used by a user to pull down or pull up the tray assembly20. In one embodiment, a user can use the front handle202to pull down the tray assembly20from a closed position to an open position. In another embodiment, a user can use front handle202to pull up the tray assembly20from an open position to a closed position. In another embodiment, the front handle202can serve as a hanger for a user to hang a handbag, a cloth, a towel, or any other personal accessory.

The side handle204is located on a side edge, perpendicular to the front edge, of the tray assembly20. The side handle204forms a loop. The side handle204can be used by a user to pull down or pull up the tray assembly20. In one embodiment, a user can use the side handle204to pull down the tray assembly20from a closed position to an open position. In another embodiment, a user can use side handle204to pull up the tray assembly20from an open position to a closed position. In another embodiment, the side handle204can serve as a hanger for a user to hang a handbag, a cloth, a towel, or any other personal accessory. In another embodiment, the tray assembly20includes more than one side handle204, e.g., one on each side.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly20includes one or more front handles202and/or side handles204protruding out of the perimeter of the front panel210. In one embodiment, the front handles202and/or side handles204protrude out from the perimeter of the front panel210but does not extend beyond the perimeter of the tray206. In yet another embodiment, the front handles202and/or side handles204protrude out and extend beyond the perimeter of the tray206.

FIG.2Ashows a sectional view of a changing table500in a closed position according to one embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG.2A, the angle α15between the tray assembly20and the wall assembly10is zero. The tray assembly20includes at one end surface, a front panel210. In one embodiment, when the wall assembly10is statically mounted on the wall, the front panel210is facing away from the wall. In one embodiment, when changing table5is in open position, the front panel210is facing downward toward the floor. In one embodiment, the front panel210is made with a solid material that provides the necessary support for receiving an infant. In one embodiment, the front panel210is made with wood or metal.

The tray assembly20further includes a tray206. The tray206includes two exterior surfaces. A first exterior surface of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the front panel210. In one embodiment, the other exterior surface of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the cushion208. In one embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material such as plastic, which is relatively softer than the front panel210. In yet another embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material that is harder than the cushion208. The tray206provides a buffer zone between the cushion208and the front panel210.

As shown inFIG.2A, the tray206includes a top layer2061, a bottom layer2062, and a cavity2063defined in between. This structure provides the structural support to the cushion208, yet maintains a level of elasticity when the cushion208receives an infant. The tray206is in a bowl shape, having a concaved top surface that is, at least in part, in contact with a bottom surface of the cushion208.

The cushion208is the top layer of the tray assembly20. The cushion208is configured to be in contact with the infant. The cushion208is made with foam padding materials to provide a soft and comfortable contact with the infant. The cushion208has a top surface2801which is configured to be in contact with the infant. The top surface2801has finishes that are non-porous and hydrophobic, allowing easy cleanings. As shown inFIG.2A, the cushion208includes a plurality of grooves2802running circularly and concentrically in parallel on the top surface2801of the cushion208. The grooves2802secure the infant when lying on the cushion208.

In one embodiment, the cushion208can be removably attached to the tray206. The attachment mechanism can be hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., velcro), adhesives, snap-on fastener, magnets, or the like. The cushion208can be replaced when desired. For example, the cushion208may be replaced for wear-and-tear and/or dirtiness reasons.

The tray assembly20includes tray arm212. In one embodiment, the tray arm212is made with metal, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc. to support the tray assembly. The tray arm212is an elongated protrusion disposed between the cushion208and the front panel210. The tray arm212includes two ends. The first end of the tray arm212includes a hinge214connected to the wall assembly10. The hinge214allows the tray assembly20to turn in relation to the wall assembly10, e.g., changing the angle α15. The second end of the tray arm212is connected to an end of the front handle202. In one embodiment, the tray assembly20includes two tray arms212. In yet another embodiment, the tray assembly20may include one, two, or more tray arms212. Similar to the front handle202, portions of the one or more side handles204are also disposed in the space between the cushion208and the front panel210.

The wall assembly10includes a wall housing120. The wall housing120includes a divider160that divides the wall housing120into a back space and a front space. The back space is proximal to the wall. The front space is distal to the wall compared to the back space.

The back space includes one or more wall mount bar150disposed at a back surface (e.g., the surface in contact with the wall) of the wall housing120. The wall mount bar150includes attachment mechanisms, e.g., screw holes, allowing the wall assembly10to be mounted on the wall. The front space of the wall housing120houses a light assembly130.

The light assembly130includes a transparent panel102and a bezel104that seals around the transparent panel102. The light assembly130further includes two reflector rails108. The first reflector rail108ais disposed proximal to a top side of the transparent panel102. The second reflector rail108bis disposed proximal to a bottom side of the transparent panel102. The light assembly103includes one or more UV bulbs112and bulb sockets110that host and power the UV bulbs112. The light assembly130further includes a reflector106. The reflector is a curved panel disposed at a back side (e.g., wall side) of the light assembly130. The reflector panel106reflects the UV rays toward the transparent panel102(e.g., front side of the light assembly). The reflector panel106includes apertures107to accommodate the bulb socket110.

The transparent panel102forms a front surface facing the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position. The transparent panel102is made with a material, e.g., quartz, fused silica, or other suitable materials that allow UV rays to penetrate through thereof. The transparent panel102forms a surface of the wall assembly10adjacent to the top surface of the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG.2A, when the changing table500is in the closed position, the tray assembly20covers the entire top portion122of the wall assembly10. The top portion122of the wall assembly includes the light assembly130. This means the tray assembly200covers enter area of the light assembly130. In one embodiment, the cushion208has a first perimeter. The top portion122of the wall assembly10has a second perimeter. The first perimeter of the cushion208surrounds the entire second perimeter of the top portion122of the wall assembly. The first perimeter of the cushion208surrounds a third perimeter of the entire light assembly103.

The design of the tray assembly20coving the wall assembly10as shown inFIG.2Aincludes several benefits in comparison to a design of having the tray assembly20being tucked into the wall assembly10in a closed position. First, having the perimeter of the tray assembly20surrounding the wall assembly10maximizes the useable diaper changing surface for the changing table5. This avoids having a bigger surface of wall assembly10that takes up a lot of surface and volume that cannot be used as the diaper changing surface. Second, having the perimeter of the tray assembly20surrounding the wall assembly10focuses the UV light to the center portion of the tray assembly (where the infant's hip is located), which is the area most actively being contaminated. This avoids wasting the UV light energy shining on the peripheral areas (where the infant's head and feet are located) that are less likely contaminated. The design shown inFIG.2Amay allow using a lower energy output UV light to sufficiently perform the sanitation functionality.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG.2A, when the changing table5is in the closed position, a first concaved surface of the reflector106faces a second concaved surface of the cushion208. The first concaved surface and the second concaved surface face toward each other. The surface area of the second concaved surface of the cushion208is greater than the surface area of the reflector106. In a bird view, the surface area of the second concaved surface of the cushion208covers the entire surface area of the reflector106.

FIG.2Bshows a sectional view of a changing table5in an open position, angle α15is 90 degrees, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG.2B, the angle α15between the tray assembly20and the wall assembly10is 90 degrees (open position). The tray assembly20includes at one bottom surface, a front panel210. In one embodiment, when the wall assembly10is statically mounted on the wall and the changing table5is in open position, the front panel210is facing downward. In one embodiment, the front panel210is made with solid material that provides the necessary support for the infant. In one embodiment, the front panel210is made with wood, hard plastic, or metal.

The tray assembly20further includes the tray206. The tray206includes two exterior surfaces. A first exterior surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the front panel210. The other exterior surface (e.g., a top surface) of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the cushion208. In one embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material which is relatively softer than the front panel210. In yet another embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material which is harder than the cushion208. The tray206provides a buffer zone between the cushion208and the front panel210.

As shown inFIG.2B, the tray206includes a top layer2061, a bottom layer2062, and a cavity2063defined in-between. This structure provides the structural support to the cushion, yet maintains a level of elasticity when the cushion208receives an infant. The tray206is in a bowl shape, having a concaved top surface that is, at least in part, in contact with a bottom surface of the cushion208.

The cushion208is the top layer of the tray assembly20. The cushion208is configured to be in contact with the infant. The cushion208is made with foam padding materials to provide a soft and comfortable contact with the infant. The cushion208has a top surface2801which is configured to be in contact with the infant. The top surface2801has finishes that are non-porous and hydrophobic, allowing easy cleanings. As shown inFIG.2B, the cushion208includes a plurality of grooves2802running circularly and concentrically in parallel on the top surface2801of the cushion208. The grooves2802increase the frictions between the top surface2801and the garment of the infant. The higher frictions better secure the infant when lying on the cushion208.

In one embodiment, the cushion208can be removably attached to the tray206. The attachment mechanism can be hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., velcro), adhesives, snap-on fastener, magnets, or the like. The cushion208can be replaced when desired. For example, the cushion208may be replaced for wear-and-tear and/or dirtiness reasons.

The changing table5further includes a wall assembly10. The wall assembly10includes a wall housing120. The wall housing120further includes a top portion122and a bottom portion124.

The top portion122of the wall housing120includes a divider160that divides the wall housing120into a back space and a front space. The back space is proximal to the wall. The front space is distal to the wall compared to the back space.

The back space includes one or more wall mount bars150disposed at a back surface (e.g., the surface in contact with the wall) of the wall housing120. The wall mount bars150include attachment mechanisms, e.g., screw holes, allowing the wall assembly10to be mounted on the wall. The front space of the wall housing120houses a light assembly130.

The light assembly130includes a transparent panel102and a bezel104that seals around the transparent panel102. The transparent panel102is substantially a rectangular shape having four sides, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side. The light assembly130further includes two reflector rails108. The first reflector rail108ais disposed proximal to a top side of the transparent panel102. The second reflector rail108bis disposed proximal to a bottom side of the transparent panel102. In yet another embodiment, the two reflector rails108aand108bcan be installed on the right and left sides.

The light assembly103includes one or more UV bulbs112and bulb sockets110that host and power the UV bulbs112. The light assembly130further includes a reflector106. The reflector is a curved rectangular panel disposed at a back side (e.g., wall side) of the light assembly130. The reflector panel106reflects the UV rays toward the transparent panel102(e.g., front side of the light assembly). The reflector panel106includes apertures107to accommodate the bulb sockets110.

The transparent panel102forms a front surface facing the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position. The transparent panel102is made with a material, e.g., quartz, that allows UV rays to penetrate through thereof. The transparent panel102forms a surface of the wall assembly10adjacent to the top surface of the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position.

The bottom portion124of the wall housing120includes a neck portion152and a cavity portion154. The neck portion152is in connection to the top portion122. The cavity portion154defines a cavity.

The cavity portion154can house a timer142. In one embodiment, the timer142controls the power ON/OFF of the UV light bulb. In one embodiment, the UV light bulb is powered ON, i.e., emitting UV light, only when the changing table is at closed position. This means the UV light bulb is powered ON only when the angle α is at zero degrees. This also means when the angle α is not at zero degrees, the UV light bulb is powered OFF.

In one embodiment, once the changing table5is back to the closed position from an open position, the timer142is activated. In another embodiment, the timer142is not activated until the changing table5remains in the closed position for more than a first predetermined period of time, e.g., 1 minute to 5 minutes. The first predetermined period of time is to make sure the changing table5is not in use, before the UV light bulb is powered. Once activated, the timer142then provides electrical power to the UV light bulb for a second predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds to 10 minutes. The second predetermined period of time is a time for UV ray sanitation. Different time period can be set to effectively deactivate the pathogens.

The cavity portion154can house a switch146. In one embodiment, there is a power switch146that is activated and provides electrical power to the UV light bulb only when the angle α is at zero degrees. In one embodiment, the power switch146is activated and provides electrical power to the UV light bulb only when the changing table is at the closed position. In one embodiment, when the UV light bulb is on, the tray assembly20is locked with the wall assembly10and cannot be pulled down. In yet another embodiment, if the tray assembly is pulled down (i.e., angle α15is no longer zero), the power to the UV light bulb is immediately cut off.

The cavity portion154includes one or more openings156for receiving the tray arms212. The cavity portion154further includes a power cord148.

FIG.3shows a front view of a wall assembly10of a changing table5according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The wall assembly10includes a wall housing120. The wall housing120further includes a top portion122and a bottom portion124. The top portion122of the wall housing120includes a divider160disposed internally that divides the wall housing120into a back space and a front space. The back space is proximal to the wall. The front space is distal to the wall compared to the back space.

The front space of the wall housing120houses a light assembly130. The light assembly130includes a transparent panel102and a bezel104that seals around the transparent panel102. The transparent panel102is substantially a rectangular shape having four sides, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side.

The light assembly103includes one or more UV bulbs112,112′ and bulb sockets110,110′ that host and power the UV bulbs112. The light assembly130further includes a reflector106. The reflector is a curved rectangular panel disposed at a back side (e.g., wall side) of the light assembly130. The reflector panel106reflects the UV rays toward the transparent panel102(e.g., front side of the light assembly). The reflector panel106includes apertures107to accommodate the bulb sockets110.

The transparent panel102forms a front surface facing the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position. The transparent panel102is made with a material, e.g., quartz, fused silica, or other suitable materials that allow UV rays to sufficiently penetrate through. The transparent panel102forms an exterior surface of the wall assembly10.

The bottom portion124of the wall housing120includes a neck portion152and a cavity portion154. The neck portion152is in connection to the top portion122. The cavity portion154defines a cavity.

The cavity portion154has an internal space that can house a timer142. In one embodiment, the timer142controls the power ON/OFF of the UV light bulb. In one embodiment, the UV light bulb is powered ON, i.e., the UV light bulb emits UV light, only when the changing table is at the closed position. This means the UV light bulb is powered ON only when the angle α is at zero degrees. This means when the angle α is not at zero degrees, the UV light bulb is powered OFF.

In one embodiment, once the changing table5is back to the closed position from an open position, the timer142is activated. In another embodiment, the timer142is not activated until the changing table5remains in the closed position for more than a first predetermined period of time, e.g., 1 minute to 5 minutes. The first predetermined period of time is to make sure the changing table5is not in use before the UV light bulb is powered ON. Once activated, the timer142then provides electrical power to the UV light bulb for a second predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds to 10 minutes. The second predetermined period of time is the time period for UV sanitation. The second predetermined period can be set to most effectively deactivate pathogens.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the UV light bulbs112,112′ are disposed on a horizontal center line of the top portion122of the wall assembly10and/or the transparent panel102and/or the reflector106. In yet another embodiment, the one or more UV light bulbs are disposed on a vertical center line of the top portion122of the wall assembly10and/or the transparent panel102and/or the reflector106.

In one embodiment, when the changing table5is in the closed position, a first concaved surface of the reflector106faces a second concaved surface of the cushion208. This means the first concaved surface of the reflector106and the second concaved surface of the cushion208face toward each other. The surface area of the second concaved surface of the cushion208is greater than the surface area of the reflector106. From a top bird view, the surface area of the second concaved surface of the cushion208surrounds the entire surface area of the reflector106.

The UV light bulbs112,112′ being disposed at a center line of the transparent panel102and/or the reflector106allows the UV light to effectively distribute over an actively contaminated area (e.g., hip area of an infant) of the top surface2801of the cushion208, not the peripheral area (e.g., head and feet areas of an infant). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the UV light directed to the top surface2801is reflected from the reflector106. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the UV light is directed to the top surface2801.

FIG.4shows a back view of a wall assembly10of a changing table5according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The wall assembly10includes a wall housing120. The wall housing120includes a top portion122and a bottom portion124.

The top portion122of the wall housing120includes a divider160that divides the wall housing120into a back space and a front space. The back space is proximal to the wall. The front space is distal to the wall compared to the back space.

The back space includes one or more wall mount bar150disposed at a back surface (e.g., the surface in contact with the wall) of the wall housing120. The wall mount bar150includes attachment mechanisms, e.g., screw holes, allowing the wall assembly10to be mounted on the wall. The front space of the wall housing120houses a light assembly130. A portion of the bulb sockets110penetrate through the divider160.

The bottom portion124of the wall housing120includes a neck portion152and a cavity portion154. The neck portion152is in connection to the top portion122. The cavity portion154defines a cavity.

The cavity portion154has an internal space that houses a timer142. In one embodiment, the timer142controls the power on/off of the UV light bulb. In one embodiment, the UV light bulb is powered ON, i.e., the UV light bulb emits UV light, only when the changing table is at the closed position. This means the UV light bulb is powered ON only when the angle α is at zero degrees. This means when the angle α is not at zero degrees, the UV light bulb is powered OFF.

In one embodiment, once the changing table5is back to the closed position from an open position, the timer142is activated. In another embodiment, the timer142is not activated until the changing table5remains in the closed position for more than a first predetermined period of time, e.g., 1 minute to 5 minutes. The first predetermined period of time is to make sure the changing table5is not in use, before the UV light bulb is powered. Once activated, the timer142then provides electrical power to the UV light bulb for a second predetermined period of time, e.g., 30 seconds to 10 minutes. The second predetermined period of time is a time for UV ray sanitation. Different time periods can be set to effectively deactivate the pathogens.

The cavity portion154also houses a switch146. In one embodiment, the switch146that is activated and provides electrical power to the UV light bulb only when the angle α is at zero degrees. In one embodiment, the switch146is activated and provides electrical power to the UV light bulb only when the changing table is at closed position. In one embodiment, when the UV light bulb is ON, the tray assembly20is locked with the wall assembly10and cannot be pulled down. In yet another embodiment, the if the tray assembly is pulled down (i.e., angle α15is no longer zero), the power to the UV light bulb is immediately cut off.

The cavity portion154includes one or more openings156for receiving the tray arms212. The cavity portion154further includes a power cord148that can be plugged into a wall power.

FIG.5shows a light assembly130of a changing table5according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The light assembly130has a front surface distal to the wall and a back surface proximal to the wall.

The light assembly130includes a transparent panel102and a bezel that seals around the transparent panel102. The transparent panel102can be at or proximal to the front surface of the light assembly130. The transparent panel102is substantially rectangular, having a top, a bottom, a left, and a right side. The transparent panel102is adjacent to the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position. The transparent panel102is made with a material, e.g., quartz, that allows UV rays to penetrate through thereof. The transparent panel102forms a surface of the wall assembly10adjacent to the top surface of the cushion208when the changing table5is in the closed position.

As shown inFIG.5, the light assembly130further includes two reflector rails108a,108b. The first reflector rail108ais disposed proximal to a top side of the transparent panel102. The second reflector rail108bis disposed proximal to a bottom side of the transparent panel102. In another embodiment, the first reflector rail108acan be proximal to a right side and the second reflector rail108bto the left side.

The reflector106is installed in the reflector rail108. The reflector rail108hold two sides of the reflector. The reflector106forms a curved surface. The reflector106is a curved panel disposed at a back side (e.g., wall side) of the light assembly130. The reflector106reflects the UV rays toward the transparent panel102(e.g., front side of the light assembly).

One or more UV bulbs112are installed in a space between the reflector106and the front panel102. Bulb sockets110house and power the UV bulbs112. The reflector106includes apertures107to accommodate the bulb socket110. In another embodiment, the UV bulbs112can be a UV emitting solid state light source, e.g., light emitting diode (LED).

FIG.6Ashows a front perspective view of a light assembly130according to one embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6Ashows the relative positions of the front panel102, bezel104, UV light bulbs112, and bulb sockets110in the light assembly130.

FIG.6Bshows a back view of a light assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6Bshows the relative positions of the reflector rails108, reflector106, and bulb sockets110in the light assembly130. The base of the bulb socket110extends through the apertures107of the reflector106.

FIG.6Cshows a sectional view of a light assembly130according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The front panel102is disposed at a front surface of the light assembly. A first reflector rail108is disposed proximal to a top side of the front panel102. A second reflector rail108is disposed proximal to a bottom side of the front panel102. The reflector106is installed in the reflector rails108, forming a curved surface. The light bulb112is installed between the reflector106and the front panel102.

FIG.7shows a tray assembly20of a changing table5according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The tray assembly20includes at one end surface, a front panel210. In one embodiment, the front panel210is made with a solid material, e.g., wood, hard plastic, metal, that provides the necessary support for the weight of an infant.

The tray assembly20includes a tray206. The tray206includes two exterior surfaces. A first exterior surface of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the front panel210. The other exterior surface of the tray206, at least in part, is in contact with the cushion208. In one embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material such as plastic which is relatively softer than the front panel210. In yet another embodiment, the tray206can be made with a material such that is harder than the cushion208. The tray206provides a structural buffer between the cushion208and the front panel210. The tray206is in a bowl shape, having a concaved top surface that is, at least in part, in contact with a bottom surface of the cushion208.

The cushion208is the top layer of the tray assembly20. The cushion208is configured to be in contact with the infant. The cushion208is made with foam padding materials to provide a soft and comfortable contact with the infant. The cushion208has a top surface2801which is configured to be in contact with the infant. The top surface2801has finishes that are non-porous and hydrophobic, allowing easy cleanings. The top surface2801with non-porous and hydrophobic finishes does not absorb the infant waste as traditional linen. This allows the infant waste to be easily wiped away from the top surface2801.

As shown inFIG.2A, the cushion208includes a plurality of grooves2802running circularly and concentrically in parallel on the top surface2801of the cushion208. The grooves2802secure the infant when lying on the cushion208. The grooves2802increase the frictions between the top surface2801and the infant and better secure the infant when lying on the cushion208.

In one embodiment, the cushion208can be removably attached to the tray206. The attachment mechanism can be hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), adhesives, snap-on fastener, magnets, or the like. The cushion208can be replaced when desired. For example, the cushion208may be replaced for wear-and-tear and/or dirtiness reasons.

FIG.8shows a method800for controlling a UV light source according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Method800can be used in combination with the changing table5previously described. The changing table5may include a processor to control the activation and deactivation of the UV light source and uses method800.

In one embodiment, a changing table5may include a controller. The controller may include processor and machine readable memories accessible to the processor. The machine readable memory may store instructions executable by the processor. The processor may execute the instructions and perform various actions as described in method800.

Method800includes805receiving an indication, by a processor, that a changing table enters a closed position. In one embodiment, there can be a latching mechanism between the tray assembly20and wall assembly10. For example, a protrusion is disposed on the tray assembly20and a matching latch is on the wall assembly10, or vice versa. Only when the protrusion is secured with the matching latch, the method800receives the indication that a changing table enters a closed position as805. In another embodiment, only when the angle α is returned to zero degrees from a non-zero angle, the method800receives the indication described in805.

Method800includes810counting, by the processor, a first time period of the changing table remaining in the closed position. The first time period is a period to make sure that the changing table is not in use and is ready to receive UV deactivation of pathogens.

Method800includes815activating, by the processor, a UV light source when the first time period is longer than a first time threshold. After the changing table remains in the closed position long enough, i.e., longer than a first time threshold, the UV light can be activated. In one embodiment, the first time threshold can be from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

Method800includes820counting, by the processor, a second time period of the UV light source being activated. At820, the UV light source is activated to deactivate the pathogen.

Method800includes825deactivating, by the processor, the UV light source if the changing table no longer remains in the closed position, disregarding the counting of the second time period. The action of825is a safety feature making sure no user is exposed to the UV light. In one embodiment, if a user pulls the assembly tray open (e.g., the changing table is no longer in the closed position), the processor will immediately deactivate the UV light source. At825, the deactivation of UV light source at825is irrelevant to the counting of the second time period at820. At825, the deactivation of UV light source at825is irrelevant to whether the second time period is longer than the second time threshold at830.

Method800includes830deactivating, by the processor, the UV light source if the second time period is longer than a second time threshold. The second time threshold is a time period determined to be effective to deactivate the pathogen with the UV light provided by the changing table. In one embodiment, the second time threshold can be from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

In another embodiment as shown inFIGS.9-12, the wall assembly10includes a reflector306is in front of the bulbs312and312′. Transparent windows302made of any suitable material such as quartz, fused silica, polymers, or any other suitable material that allows for the transmission of UV light are provided in front of the bulbs312and312′ to allow for the UV light to pass through. By placing the reflector306and the windows302in front of the bulbs312and312′, inadvertent contact with the bulbs312and312′ is prevented. The UV light from the bulbs312and312′ reflects off the tray assembly20to the reflector306and is returned to the tray assembly20.

As shown inFIG.12a switch346is located within circuitry housing354. The switch346is activated when the tray assembly20is rotated up and closed. In one embodiment a reed switch346and magnet358mounted on magnet arm360may be used. The reed switch346is activated by the magnet358that is brought in proximity to the reed switch346when the tray assembly20is rotated upward. Other types of switches may be used in place of the reed switch346.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.13and14, transparent window402covers substantially all of the front of the wall assembly10, although the transparent window402could cover a smaller portion of the wall assembly10. Bulbs412and412′ are located behind transparent window402. Bulb sockets410and410′ are mounted to the wall assembly10with mounting hardware410. A reflector406is behind the bulbs412and412′.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the present invention, disclosure, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.