Changing table

Abstract

The invention provides a changing table for supporting an infant or child. The changing table may include a frame having a plurality of pivotally coupled tubes, the frame being expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation. The changing table may also include a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child upon which the infant or child may be placed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 438,746 filed Feb. 2, 2011, entitled “Changing Table,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to foldable structures, and more specifically to foldable structures having a mat or surface upon which an infant or child may be placed for various purposes.[0003]Young children have various needs that parents or guardians must fulfill. For example, young children often need their clothing changed one or more times per day due to the child not being potty trained or due to the child spilling food and / or drink on their clothes, or otherwise soiling their clothes during play time. Children, especially young children like infants and toddlers, often take one or more naps per day and need a comfortable place to lay down.[0004]Provid...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Embodiments of the invention provide a table configured to support an infant or child placed atop a mat of the table, preferably at an elevated position above the ground. The table may allow a parent or guardian of the infant or child to quickly and easily change a diaper and / or other clothing of the infant or child, or may provide a comfortable surface atop which the infant or child can rest or nap. The table may be expandable from a collapsed state or configuration that allows easy transport and / or storage to an expanded position having a wide base that supports the child.

[0011]In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for providing a changing table for supporting an infant or child. The method may include providing a plurality of tubular members and pivotally coupling each of the tubular members with at least one other tubular member to form a frame that is expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation. The method may also include providing a mat that is configured to be detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child.

Problems solved by technology

For example, young children often need their clothing changed one or more times per day due to the child not being potty trained or due to the child spilling food and / or drink on their clothes, or otherwise soiling their clothes during play time.

Providing for or fulfilling these need may be challenging in public places due to a lack of, or otherwise insufficient, facilities.

Not all public structures or locations, however, provide such facilities and / or some of these facilities may be dirty, unsanitary, broken, and the like.

Further, public structures or locations rarely offer satisfactory facilities for a child to lay down and take a nap.

The floor or ground, however, may be dirty or unsanitary and / or may not be comfortable for the child.

In addition, placing the child on the floor or ground normally requires the parent or guardian to bend over, which may stress the parent / guardian's body, such as the back.

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