US20180070742A1

US20180070742A1 - Changing table with barrier

Info

Publication number: US20180070742A1
Application number: US15/705,240
Authority: US
Inventors: Ling Yang
Original assignee: Dooki Free LLC
Current assignee: Dooki Free LLC
Priority date: 2016-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-14
Publication date: 2018-03-15

Abstract

A changing station includes base portions pivotally attached to a joining portion that also define receptacles for receiving arms of a barrier. A gap between the arms of the barrier is sized to receive the torso of an infant. A deformable insert secures to the barrier and engages the torso of the infant. A mat rests on the base portions and joining portions. The mat and base portions may be folded against the barrier for storage and transport. An actuator on the barrier is coupled to latches on the arms for releasing the barrier from the joining portion. In one embodiment, push rods couple the actuator to pins that disengage spring-loaded hooks from tabs protruding into the receptacles.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/394,656 filed Sep. 14, 2016, and entitled CHANGING TABLE WITH BARRIER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to changing mats and tables for changing diapers of an infant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As infants develop they become much more mobile and curious. This creates problems when changing diapers. The infant may move around while the soiled diaper is being removed and while soiled areas of the infant are cleaned. Infants may even attempt to grab the soiled diaper or touch soiled areas.
The apparatus disclosed herein provides an improved changing mat for active infants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a changing station includes a first base portion; a second base portion pivotably secured to the first base portion such that the first and second base portions are pivotable relative to one another, the first and second base portion defining an open opposition wherein a first surface of the first base portion and a second surface of the second base portion are coplanar; and a mat positioned over the first and second surfaces and defining an indentation sized to receive an infant. A barrier is secured to the first and second base portions, the barrier defining an opening between a lower edge thereof and the mat, the opening sized to receive a torso of the infant.
In some embodiments, the first portion, second portion, and barrier define a closed position wherein the first surface is parallel to and facing the second surface and the barrier is positioned parallel to and between the first and second surfaces.
In some embodiments, the first base portion defines a first indentation and the second base portion defines a second indentation, the first and second indentations sized to receive the mat, the first surface being defined by a bottom of the first indentation and the second surface defined by a bottom of the second indentation.
In some embodiments, a sizing insert that is a separate member is engaged with the lower surface of the barrier. The sizing insert may have a concave lower surface such that the sizing insert and mat define a gap therebetween. The sizing insert and mat are formed of deformable foam.
In some embodiments, the changing station includes a joining portion comprising an oblong member having first and second ends offset from one another along a transverse direction. The first base portion may be pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a first axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction. The second base portion may be pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction. The barrier may include a first arm removably fastened to the joining portion and a second arm removably fastened to the joining portion such that the first arm and second arm are offset from one another in the transverse direction and such that the opening is defined between the first and second arms, the lower edge, and the mat.
In some embodiments, the mat further includes a groove on at least one side of the mat positioned over the joining portion and extending parallel to the transverse direction effective to facilitate folding of the mat along the groove.
In some embodiments, a first receptacle and a second receptacle are secured to the joining portion and offset from one another along the transverse direction having the mat positioned therebetween, the first arm being releasably securable within the first receptacle and the second arm being releasably securable within the second receptacle.
In some embodiments, the changing station includes a first latch mechanism mounted on the first arm and a second latch mechanism mounted on the second arm. A first engagement member is mounted on the first receptacle and is sized to engage the first latch mechanism and a second engagement member mounted on the second receptacle and sized to engage the second latch mechanism. An actuator is mounted to the barrier. A first coupler extends between the actuator and the first latch mechanism. A second coupler extends between the actuator and the second latch mechanism. The actuator is configured to transfer force through the first coupler to the first latch mechanism and through the second coupler to the second latch mechanism effective to disengage the first latch mechanism from the first engagement member and to disengage the second latch mechanism from the second engagement member in response to actuation by a user.
In some embodiments, the actuator includes a button slidably mounted to the barrier and defining a first ramp and a second ramp. The first coupler comprises a first wedge engaging the first ramp, a first transfer member coupling the first ramp to the first latch mechanism. The second coupler comprises second wedge engaging the second ramp and a second transfer member coupling the second ramp to the second latch mechanism. The first and second transfer member may each include a curved solid rod.
In some embodiments, the button is a first button and the actuator further includes a second button slidably mounted to the barrier opposite the first button, the second button defining a third ramp engaging the first wedge opposite the first ramp and a fourth ramp engaging the second wedge opposite the second ramp. A biasing member may be positioned between the first button and the second button.
In some embodiments, the first button defines one or more pins and the second button defines one or more channels having the one or more pins slidably positioned therein.
In some embodiments, the first latch mechanism includes first and second hook arms pivotally secured to the first arm, the first hook arm including a first hook and the second hook arm including a second hook. A biasing member is positioned between the first and second hook arms and urges the first and second hook arms outwardly. A slider includes a first retraction member and a second retraction member, the slider being mounted to the first coupler, the first retraction member engaging the first hook arm and the second retraction member engaging the second hook arm when subject to an outward force from the first transfer member effective to retract the first and second hooks inwardly. The first engagement member includes a first tab and a second tab positioned to engage the first and second hooks, respectively, when not retracted by the slider and when the first latch mechanism is positioned within the first receptacle.
In some embodiments, the slider is a box including a first slot and a second slot on an opposite side of the first slot, a pivot mounted to the first arm extending through the first and second slots, the first and second hook arms being pivotally mounted to the pivot, the box further defining a first opening and a second opening, the biasing member urging the first hook to protrude outwardly through the first opening and urging the second hook to protrude outwardly through the second opening.
In some embodiments, the first retraction member is a first round pin extending across an interior volume defined by the box parallel to the pivot and the second retraction member is a second round pin extending across the interior volume parallel to the pivot.
In some embodiments, the first base portion defines a first pivot point and the second base portion defines a second point, the first base portion being foldable about the first pivot point and the second base portion being foldable about the second pivot point.
In another aspect of the invention, a changing station includes a first base portion and a second base portion. A joining portion includes an oblong member having first and second ends offset from one another along a transverse direction, the first base portion being pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a first axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction and the second base portion being pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction. A mat is positioned extending over the first base portion, joining portion, and second base portion and defines an indentation extending over the first base portion, second base portion, and joining portion for receiving an infant. A barrier including a first arm and a second arm is removably secured to the joining portion. The first and second arms are offset from one another along the transverse direction. The barrier defines an opening between a lower edge thereof and the mat, the opening sized to receive a torso of the infant. A sizing insert includes a separate member engaged with the lower surface of the barrier, the sizing insert having a concave lower surface such that the sizing insert and mat define a gap therebetween, the sizing insert and mat being formed of deformable foam.
In some embodiments, the mat further includes a groove on at least one side of the mat positioned over the joining portion and extending parallel to the transverse direction effective to facilitate folding of the mat along the groove.
In some embodiments, the changing station includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle each secured to the joining portion and offset from one another along the transverse direction having the mat positioned therebetween. The first arm is releasably securable within the first receptacle and the second arm is releasably securable within the second receptacle.
In some embodiments, a first latch mechanism is mounted on the first arm and a second latch mechanism is mounted on the second arm. A first engagement member is mounted on the first receptacle and is sized to engage the first latch mechanism and a second engagement member mounted on the second receptacle and sized to engage the second latch mechanism. An actuator is mounted to the barrier. A first coupler extends between the actuator and the first latch mechanism and a second coupler extends between the actuator and the second latch mechanism. The actuator is configured to transfer force through the first coupler to the first latch mechanism and through the second coupler to the second latch mechanism effective to disengage the first latch mechanism from the first engagement member and to disengage the second latch mechanism from the second engagement member in response to actuation by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are isometric views of a changing station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a side elevation view of the changing station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a changing station in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a changing station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is front view of an interior of the barrier for the changing station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4B and 4C are isometric vies of an actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are isometric views of a latching mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are side elevation views illustrating operation of the latching mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a changing station 10 as described herein may be understood with respect to a longitudinal direction 12 a, horizontal direction 12 b, and vertical direction 12 c that are mutually orthogonal. The changing station 10 includes a first base portion 14 a and a second base portion 14 b that are pivotably secured to one another. A mat 16 secures to, or rests on both of the first and second base portions 14 a, 14 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the mat defines a recess 18 sized to receive an infant and reduce the possibility of an infant rolling of the mat 16. The base portions 14 a, 14 b may each define recesses or an upwardly projecting lip to help maintain the mat 16 on the base portions 14 a, 14 b. In other embodiments, the base portions 14 a, 14 b may simply have flat upper surfaces. The mat 16 is formed of a padding material, such as polyurethane foam, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), memory foam, or other type of padding material. The mat 16 may have a synthetic outer liner that prevents entry of bacteria or other microorganisms into the foam.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first base portion 14 a pivotably secures to the second base portion 14 b by both pivotably securing to a joining portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 14 a pivotably secures to the joining portion 20 by means of hinges 22 a and the base portion 14 b pivotably secures to the joining portion 20 by means of hinges 22 b. The base portions 14 a, 14 b may be pivotably mounted to the joining portion 20 such that they are pivotable about an axis of rotation parallel to the horizontal direction 12 b. As is apparent in FIG. 1A, the joining portion 20 is much narrower, e.g. less than 10%, than the base portions 14 a, 14 b along the longitudinal axis 12 a but may have a width in the horizontal direction 12 b that is less than or equal that of the base portions 14 a, 14 b.
In some embodiments, the base portions 14 a, 14 b and joining portion 20 are not pivotable with respect to one another and may include a single rigid member. In some embodiments, the mat 16 is removable from the base portions 14 a, 14 b. In others, the mat 16 is omitted or is secured to the base portions 14 a, 14 b (such as in separate pieces secured to the base portions) by means of glue or some other fastening mechanism.
In typical use, the infant will be positioned on the mat 16 aligned with the longitudinal direction 12 a, i.e. the infant's legs and spine aligned with the longitudinal direction 12 a. A barrier 24 is mounted to the base portions 14 a, 14 b such that the arms and torso of the infant are positioned on one side of the barrier 24 and the legs and bottom of the infant positioned on the opposite side of the barrier 24, thereby limiting the infant's hands to contact a diaper, feces, or the infant's soiled bottom. When finished, the barrier 24 may then be removed and the infant removed from the mat 16. The barrier 24 and base portions 14 a, 14 b may be formed of a rigid plastic such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic.
In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 24 extends in the horizontal and vertical directions 12 b, 12 c such that the vertical extent of the barrier 24 is sufficiently high to inhibit access of the infant to soiled areas and items. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 24 includes arms 26 a, 26 b that connect to the joining portion 20. A lower edge of the barrier 24 and inner surfaces of the arms 26 a, 26 b define an archway for receiving the torso of the infant placed on the mat. In some embodiments, an insert 28 may secure to the lower edge and/or arms 26 a, 26 b in order to reduce the vertical and/or horizontal extent of an opening between the barrier 24 and the mat 16 and to provide cushioning to avoid harm to the infant. The insert 28 may be formed of a padding material such as EVA foam, memory foam, or other type of foam. The insert 28 may include foam having a synthetic outer liner that prevents bacteria or other microorganisms from entering the foam. The insert 28 may secure to the barrier 24 by any removable fastening means known in the art, such as clips, snaps, hook-and-loop fastening elements, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 28 inserts within a slot 30 defined by the barrier.
Referring specifically to FIG. 1B, the arms 26 a, 26 b may insert along the vertical direction 12 c within receptacles 32 a, 32 b on the joining portion 20. Accordingly, the arms 26 a, 26 b may each include a latching mechanism 34 a, 34 b that engages the corresponding receptacle 32 a, 32 b. Alternatively, the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b may be secured to the joining portion 20 along with the receptacles 32 a, 32 b. In still other embodiments, receptacles 32 a, 32 b may be formed on the arms 26 a, 26 b and engage latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b mounted to the joining portion 20. Any removable fastening system known in the art may be used to implement the receptacles 32 a, 32 b and latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b. An example of which is described below.
FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrates the completed assembly with the mat 16 positioned over the base portions 14 a, 14 b and the joining portion 20 and the barrier 24 secured within the receptacles 32 a, 32 b, leaving an opening between the insert 28 and mat 16 for receiving the torso of an infant. As shown in FIG. 1D, in this state, the barrier 24 extends outwardly from the joining portion in the vertical direction 12 c and the base portions 14 a, 14 b extend outwardly from the joining portion 20 in the horizontal direction 12 a. In use, the base portions 14 a, 14 b and joining portion 20 will rest on a support surface such as a counter, table, floor, lawn, car seat, pavement, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mat 16 may include a horizontal groove 36. The groove 36 is positioned over the joining portion 20 when the mat is in its operational position shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C and extends across the mat 16 in the horizontal direction 12 b. In some embodiments, a corresponding groove 36 may be formed in an opposite side of the mat 16. In either case, the groove 36 results in a reduced thickness of the mat 16 over the joining portion 20. The extent of the groove 36 in the longitudinal direction 12 a may be the same as or less than the longitudinal extent of the joining portion 20. The groove 36 may have a rectangular, rounded, or any other shape in the vertical-longitudinal plane parallel to longitudinal and vertical directions 12 a, 12 b.
As shown in FIG. 2, the changing station 10 may be folded into the illustrated configuration for transport and storage. The base portions 14 a, 14 b are pivoted upward in the vertical-longitudinal plane about hinges 22 a, 22 b such that the base portions 14 a, 14 b are substantially parallel (e.g., within 5 degrees) to the barrier 24. The mat 16 may remain on the base portions 14 a, 14 b and be bent into the illustrated configuration, facilitated by the groove 36.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, handle openings 38 may be formed in some or all of the base portion 14 a, the base portion 14 b, the portion of the mat 16 over the base portion 14 a, and the portion of the mat 16 over the base portion 14 b. In particular, when in the position of FIG. 2, openings 38 in the base portions 14 a, 14 b and the portions of the mat over the base portions 14 a, 14 b may be aligned such that a user may pass the hand through all of these members. A strap may also be passed through the openings 38 in all of these members to secure them in the stowed arrangement of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiment, the base portions 14 a, 14 b may be foldable along additional hinges 40 a, 40 b about an axis of rotation that is parallel to the horizontal direction 12 b. As shown, distal portions 42 a, 42 b of each base portion 14 a, 14 b are pivotably mounted to proximal portions 44 a, 44 b of the base portions 14 a, 14 b, which are pivotally mounted to the joining portion 20. In the illustrated implementation, the distal portions 42 a, 42 b fold inward toward the barrier 24 and are positioned between the barrier 24 and the proximal portions 44 a, 44 b when in the stowed position. In other embodiments, the distal portions 42 a, 42 b fold away from the barrier 24 and the proximal portions 44 a, 44 b are positioned between the barrier 24 and the distal portions 42 a, 42 b when in the stowed position.
Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C, the barrier 24 may be embodied as two shell portions 50 that fasten to one another to form the barrier 24. FIG. 4A illustrates the barrier 24 with one shell portion 50 removed and the interior of the other shell portion visible. The shell portions 50 may be generally identical or mirrored versions of one another, e.g., identical or mirrored except for fastening structures or alignment structures at an interface between the two shell portions to enable them to fasten to one another. In other embodiments, the other shell portion 50 that is not shown may simply be a cover and lack some or all of the features describe below for the illustrated shell portion 50.
Each shell portion 50 may define an arcuate lower edge 52 that is offset from a mating plane of the shell portions 50 when fastened to one another. In this manner, the insert 28 may be positioned between the shell portions 50 and extend through the lower edges 52 of the shell portions 50 in order to engage the torso of an infant resting on the mat 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell portions define ledges 54 protruding inwardly from the arms 26, 26 b. The insert 28 includes corresponding shoulders 56 that rest on the ledges 54 in order to support the insert 28 and maintain its position. The insert 28 may have a thickness such that when fastened between the shell portions 50, the shell portions 50 exert pressure thereon and resist movement of the insert 28. In some embodiments, the insert 28 is able to move upwardly between the shell portions 50 subject only to friction. In some embodiments, one or more structures on the shell portions 50 engage an upper edge of the insert 28 and prevent upward movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 28 includes rows of perforations that facilitate compression of the insert 28 thereby increasing comfort for the infant.
One or more of the shell portions 50 may define one or more structures for mounting an actuator for the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b and couplers for transferring force between the actuator and the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b.
In the illustrated embodiment, one or both of the shell portions 50 defines an aperture 58 that slidably receives an actuator implemented as a button 60. The button 60 exerts force on couplers, embodied as push rods 62 in the illustrated embodiment, for disengaging the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b. The push rods 62 may pass through channels 64 formed on or secured to at least one of the shell portions 50. This increases the amount of displacement on one end of the push rod 62 that will be transferred to a second end of the push rod 64 by reducing or preventing buckling of the push rods 62. In some embodiments, the channels 64 are formed on both shell portions 50 such that both function to contain and prevent buckling of the push rods 62. The push rods 62 may be made of a rigid plastic, metal, or other material that is able to transfer force. The channels 64 may define a path such that the push rods 62 must deform when pushed through the channels 64. Accordingly, the push rods 62 are preferably sufficiently compliant to permit this deformation.
Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, in the illustrated embodiment, wedges 66 are formed on ends of the push rods 62. As is apparent in FIG. 4B, the wedges 66 widen with distance from a center of the button 60. As shown in FIG. 4C, the button 60 may define ramps 68 that each engage one surface of one of the wedges 66. In some embodiments, each shell portion includes a button 60. Accordingly, by pushing the buttons 60 together, the ramps 68 urge the wedges 66 outwardly from the buttons 60, thereby exerting a force on the push rods 62 and a corresponding displacement adjacent the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b. Where only one button is present, ramps 68 may be formed or secured to the shell portion 50 positioned opposite the button 60 in order to facilitate urging the wedges 66 outwardly upon pressing of the button 60.
A spring 70 or other biasing member may be positioned between the buttons or between a single button and an opposing surface on an opposing shell portion 50. This urges the buttons 60 outwardly in the absence of an external force. As discussed below, a restoring force exerted at the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b or by a separate biasing member may urge the wedges 66 inwardly when the ramps 68 are not exerting an outward force on the wedges 66.
A button 60 may include one or more pins 72 that engage corresponding holes 74 in the other button 60 or an opposing shell portion 50. In the illustrated embodiment, each button 60 includes both pins 72 and holes 74 for engaging corresponding holes 74 and pins 72 in an opposite button 60. This facilitates smooth sliding of the buttons 60 relative to one another and reduced binding with respect to one another or with respect to the shell portions 50.
FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate one example of a latching mechanism 34 a, 34 b. A slider box 80 defines slots 82 that receive one or more pivot pins 84 fixed within the arms 26 a, 26 b, for example, the portion of each shell portion 50 defining part of one arm 26 a, 26 b may include half of a pivot pin 84 for insertion into one of the slots 82 of the slider box 80. The slots 82 permit sliding of the box 80 with respect to the pivot pin 84. Hook arms 86 a, 86 b are positioned within the slider box 80 and include hooks 88 for engaging the receptacles 32 a, 32 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook arms 86 a, 86 b are identical with one being rotated 180 degrees with respect to the other.
The hook arms 86 define apertures 90 for rotatably mounting to the pivot pin 84. As is apparent in FIG. 5B, each hook arm 86 a, 86 b includes a first stop surface 92 and a second stop surface 94 protruding radially (parallel to the axis of rotation about the pivot pin 84). The stop surface 92 of one hook arm 86 a engages the stop surface 94 of the other hook arm 86 b in order to limit outward movement of the ends of the hook arms 86 a, 86 b bearing the hooks 88. A biasing member 96 engages the hook arms 86 a, 86 b and urges them outwardly from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 96 is a wire spring. The hook arms 86 a, 86 b may define grooves 98 in which straightened portions of the wire spring seat.
The slider box 80 further includes release pins 100 positioned on either side of the hook arms 86 a, 86 b. The slider box 80 engages one of the push rods 62. When the slider box 80 is pushed downwardly by the push rod 62, the release pins 100 engage the hook arms 86 a, 86 b and urge the hook arms 86 a, 86 b inwardly in order to disengage the hooks 88 from the receptacle 32 a, 32 b.
In the illustrated embodiment, the slider box 80 is assembled in two pieces 80 a, 80 b that may be identical to one another. Each piece 80 a, 80 b includes a vertical member defining one of the slot 82 s and having one of the pins 100 extending outwardly therefrom. On an opposite side of the slot 82 from the pin 100, the vertical member 102 is an aperture 104 for receiving a fastener 106 that secures to the pin 100 of the other piece 80 a, 80 b. The securement of each pin 100 of each piece 80 a, 80 b to the aperture 104 of the other piece 80 a, 80 b may be sufficient to secure the pieces 80 a, 80 b to one another.
In the illustrated embodiment, each piece 80 a, 80 b defines a portion of a push rod seat 108 that extends outwardly from the vertical member 102 along the longitudinal direction 12 a. The push rod seats 108 of the pieces 80 a, 80 b are positioned adjacent one another and define a recess 110 for receiving a flange 112 on the push rod 62. Each push rod seat 108 may define an aperture 114 for receiving a fastener securing the flange 112 to the seat 108. The securement of the seats 108 to the push rod flange 112 may also serve to secure the pieces 80 a, 80 b to one another.
In the illustrated embodiment, each piece 80 a, 80 b further defines a bottom flange extending inwardly from the vertical member and positioned between the hook arms 86 a, 86 b. The bottom flanges 116 overlap one another and may define an angled surface 118 that engages one of the hook arms 86 a, 86 b. The bottom flanges 116 may therefore limit inward movement of the hook arms 86 a, 86 b. The vertical member 102 of each piece 80 a, 80 b may define a flange seat 120 that receives an end of the bottom flange 116 of the other piece 80 a, 80 b.
As shown in FIG. 5C, each receptacle 32 a, 32 b may define two tabs 122 protruding inwardly and that engage the hooks 88 of the hook arms 86 a, 86 b.
FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate the functionality of the latching mechanisms 34 a, 34 b. As shown in FIG. 6A, when separated from the receptacles 32 a, 32 b and in the absence of actuation of the buttons 60, the hook arms 86 a, 86 b and hooks 88 thereof are in the illustrated position. The release pins 100 are positioned close to, or aligned with the pivot pin 84 and the hook arms 86 a, 86 b are allowed to pivot outwardly such that the hooks 88 protrude outwardly from the slider box 80.
Referring to FIG. 6B, when attaching the barrier 24 to the receptacles 32 a, 32 b the arms 26 a, 26 b, including the slider box 80 and hook arms 86 a, 86 b are inserted within the receptacles 32 a, 32 b. Sloped surfaces 124 opposite the hooks 88 guide the hook arms 86 a, 86 b over tabs 122 protruding inwardly into the receptacle 32 a, 32 b. Once past the tabs, the hook arms 86 a, 86 b spring outwardly and the hooks 88 engage the tabs 122.
Referring to FIG. 6C, when the push rod 62 is urged downwardly due to depression of the button 60, the release pins 100 are pushed against the hook arms 86 a, 86 b, urging them inwardly and out of engagement with the tabs 122. The arm 26 a, 26 b may then be removed from the receptacle 32 a, 32 b. When the buttons 60 are released, the biasing member 96 urges the hook arms 86 a, 86 b against the release pins 100 and urges the slider box upward. This urges the push rods 62 upward, resulting in the wedges 66 being repositioned between the ramps 68 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C).
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A changing station comprising:

a first base portion;

a second base portion pivotably secured to the first base portion such that the first and second base portions are pivotable relative to one another, the first and second base portion defining an open opposition wherein a first surface of the first base portion and a second surface of the second base portion are coplanar; and

a barrier secured to the first and second base portions, the barrier defining an opening between a lower edge thereof and the first and second base portions, the opening sized to receive a torso of the infant.

2. The changing station of claim 1, wherein the first portion, second portion, and barrier define a closed position wherein the first surface is parallel to and facing the second surface and the barrier is positioned parallel to and between the first and second surfaces.

3. The changing station of claim 1, further comprising a mat, the first base portion defining a first indentation and the second base portion defining a second indentation, the first and second indentations sized to receive the mat, the first surface being defined by a bottom of the first indentation and the second surface defined by a bottom of the second indentation.

4. The changing station of claim 1, further comprising a sizing insert comprising a separate member engaged with the lower surface of the barrier.

5. The changing station of claim 4, further comprising a mat positioned over the first and second base portions, the sizing insert having a concave lower surface such that the sizing insert and the mat define a gap therebetween, wherein the sizing insert and mat are formed of deformable foam.

6. The changing station of claim 1, further comprising:

a mat positioned over the first and second base portions;

a joining portion comprising an oblong member having first and second ends offset from one another along a transverse direction;

wherein the first base portion is pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a first axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction;

wherein the second base portion is pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction; and

wherein the barrier comprises a first arm removably fastened to the joining portion and a second arm removably fastened to the joining portion such that the first arm and second arm are offset from one another in the transverse direction and such that the opening is defined between the first and second arms, the lower edge, and the mat.

7. The changing station of claim 6, wherein the mat further includes a groove on at least one side of the mat positioned over the joining portion and extending parallel to the transverse direction effective to facilitate folding of the mat along the groove.

8. The changing station of claim 6, further comprising a first receptacle and a second receptacle each secured to the joining portion and offset from one another along the transverse direction having the mat positioned therebetween, the first arm being releasably securable within the first receptacle and the second arm being releasably securable within the second receptacle.

9. The changing station of claim 8, further comprising:

a first latch mechanism mounted on the first arm and a second latch mechanism mounted on the second arm;

an first engagement member mounted on the first receptacle and sized to engage the first latch mechanism and a second engagement member mounted on the second receptacle and sized to engage the second latch mechanism;

an actuator mounted to the barrier; and

a first coupler extending between the actuator and the first latch mechanism and a second coupler extending between the actuator and the second latch mechanism, the actuator configured to transfer force through the first coupler to the first latch mechanism and through the second coupler to the second latch mechanism effective to disengage the first latch mechanism from the first engagement member and to disengage the second latch mechanism from the second engagement member in response to actuation by a user.

10. The changing station of claim 9, wherein:

the actuator comprises a button slidably mounted to the barrier and defining a first ramp and a second ramp;

the first coupler comprises a first wedge engaging the first ramp and a first transfer member coupling the first ramp to the first latch mechanism; and

the second coupler comprises a second wedge engaging the second ramp and a second transfer member coupling the second ramp to the second latch mechanism.

11. The changing station of claim 10, wherein the first and second transfer member each include a curved solid rod.

12. The changing station of claim 10, wherein the button is a first button, the actuator further comprising:

a second button slidably mounted to the barrier opposite the first button, the second button defining a third ramp engaging the first wedge opposite the first ramp and a fourth ramp engaging the second wedge opposite the second ramp; and

a biasing member positioned between the first button and the second button.

13. The changing station of claim 12, wherein the first button defines one or more pins and the second button defines one or more channels having the one or more pins slidably positioned therein.

14. The changing station of claim 9, wherein the first latch mechanism comprises

first and second hook arms pivotally secured to the first arm, the first hook arm including a first hook and the second hook arm including a second hook;

a biasing member positioned between the first and second hook arms and urging the first and second hook arms outwardly; and

a slider including a first retraction member and a second retraction member, the slider being mounted to the first coupler, the first retraction member engaging the first hook arm and the second retraction member engaging the second hook arm when subject to an outward force from the first transfer member effective to retract the first and second hooks inwardly;

wherein the first engagement member includes a first tab and a second tab positioned to engage the first and second hooks, respectively, when not retracted by the slider and when the first latch mechanism is positioned within the first receptacle.

15. The changing station of claim 14, wherein the slider comprises a box including a first slot and a second slot on an opposite side of the first slot, a pivot mounted to the first arm extending through the first and second slots, the first and second hook arms being pivotally mounted to the pivot, the box further defining a first opening and a second opening, the biasing member urging the first hook to protrude outwardly through the first opening and urging the second hook to protrude outwardly through the second opening.

16. The changing station of claim 14, wherein the first retraction member is a first round pin extending across an interior volume defined by the box parallel to the pivot and the second retraction member is a second round pin extending across the interior volume parallel to the pivot.

17. The changing station of claim 1, wherein the first base portion defines a first pivot point and the second base portion defines a second point, the first base portion being foldable about the first pivot point and the second base portion being foldable about the second pivot point.

18. A changing station comprising:

a base;

a barrier including a first arm and a second arm removably secured to the base and offset from one another along a transverse direction, the barrier defining an opening between a lower edge thereof and the mat, the opening sized to receive a torso of the infant; and

a sizing insert comprising a separate member engaged with the lower surface of the barrier, the sizing insert having a concave lower surface such that the sizing insert and mat define a gap therebetween, the sizing insert and mat being formed of deformable foam.

19. The changing station of claim 18, wherein the base comprises:

a first base portion;

a second base portion; and

a joining portion comprising an oblong member having first and second ends offset from one another along the transverse direction, the first base portion being pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a first axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction and the second base portion being pivotably secured to the joining portion such that the first base is pivotable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction, the first and second arms of the barrier removable securable to the joining portion.

20. The changing station of claim 19, further comprising a mat positioned extending over the base and defining an indentation extending over the first base portion, second base portion, and joining portion for receiving an infant.

21. The changing station of claim 20, wherein the mat further includes a groove on at least one side of the mat positioned over the joining portion and extending parallel to the transverse direction effective to facilitate folding of the mat along the groove.

22. The changing station of claim 19, further comprising a first receptacle and a second receptacle each secured to the joining portion and offset from one another along the transverse direction having the mat positioned therebetween, the first arm being releasably securable within the first receptacle and the second arm being releasably securable within the second receptacle.

23. The changing station of claim 22, further comprising:

a first engagement member mounted on the first receptacle and sized to engage the first latch mechanism and a second engagement member mounted on the second receptacle and sized to engage the second latch mechanism;

an actuator mounted to the barrier; and