Folding changing table

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a folding changing table to be used with a child's play yard.

Description

FOLDING CHANGING TABLEInventor: Henry F. ThorneCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION.

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 458,547, filed April 11, 2023, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is directed to a changing table, some embodiments of which can be attached to a child’s folding play yard. Some embodiments of the present invention are variations on a changing table that folds longitudinally. The present invention also encompasses a play yard with an attached folding changing table that remains attached for easy use, storage, and transport. Finally, the present invention encompasses a changing table with an attached accessory caddy The present invention also is directed to various embodiments of systems, devices, and mechanisms that facilitates securing a changing table to a play yard.Description of Related Art

[0003] Foldable playpens, play yards, playyards, playards, pack and plays, and transportable crib devices (herein collectively referred to as “play yard(s)”) are well known and have been manufactured and sold for years. Play yards have long been a necessary or highly desired device for childcare. Today’s play yards provide a safe area for children to occupy that is collapsible for storage and portable to travel with the child. Play yards can be used on their own, but they often are used with attachable / detachable accessories. Play yard accessories include attachable bassinets (also known as nappers), changing tables,music players, toys, mobiles, canopies, entertainment centers featuring lights and sound, and storage options.

[0004] One of the most used play yard accessories is a changing pad, station, or table (collectively “changing table”). There is a market need for play yards and accessories to be combined in a safe and secure way, with assembly being as simple and intuitive as possible to limit the chances for assembly error and mishaps. In addition, there is a need for play yards and accessories to be quickly and easily reconfigured from a deployed / open / in-use configuration to a stored / closed configuration, without requiring the disassembly or removal of multiple parts and / or accessories.

[0005] Today’s childcare is complex, and most parents and caregivers employ a multitude of toys, devices, accessories, cribs, etc. to aid in safely and conveniently caring for young children. There is an ongoing market need for childcare devices that are simple; intuitive to set up / take down / use / transport / store; able to be deployed while the user is holding a child; and that do not require extra storage space or hands to manage a variety of separate parts. The present invention is directed to a changing table that attaches to a child’ s play yard and addresses many, if not all, of these needs. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention changing table can be attached to an open play yard. For some embodiments, the table hangs out of the way when not in use and then deploys quickly and easily into a useable changing surface without having to attach the entire changing table structure prior to each use and then remove the entire structure after each use. The present invention changing table also provides a high, secure, stable, and easy- to-clean changing surface to simplify caregivers’ lives.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a foldable changing table that is comprised of two panels pivotably connected to one another and that are operable to form a substantially horizonal changing surface when fully unfolded, with the unfolded changing surface having a first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides that define a rectangular perimeter. Additionally, this folding changing table has a rectangular upper edge configured to be located above the changing surface when fully unfolded, with the upper edge having a first pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the second pair of changing surface opposing sides. A first pair of struts pivotably connects one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. A second pair of struts pivotably connects the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. A first pair of straps connects one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. Finally, a second pair of straps connects the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is a foldable changing table that comprises a changing surface that folds along a first longitudinal axis and has a changing surface perimeter. Additionally, this embodiment has an upper edge rail that folds along a second longitudinal axis and has a perimeter that approximates the changing surface perimeter. A plurality of struts connect the changing surface to the upper edge rail and secure the upper edge rail in a deployed or open configuration. Additionally, a pluralityof straps connect the changing surface to the upper edge rail and provide a flexible cupping response to a child’s weight against the upper edge rail in the deployed or open configuration.

[0008] A third embodiment of the present invention is a foldable changing table that comprises two panels pivotably connected to one another that are operable to form a substantially horizonal changing surface when fully unfolded, with the unfolded changing surface having a first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides that define a rectangular perimeter. This embodiment also has a rectangular upper edge having a first pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the second pair of changing surface opposing sides. A first pair of struts pivotably connect one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. A second pair of struts pivotably connects the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. A first pair of straps connects one of the second pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface. Additionally, a second pair of straps connects the other one of the second pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface.

[0009] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a changing table for use with a play yard wherein the play yard has four connected upper rails each upper rail having a top. The changing table of this embodiment comprises a relatively flat bottom surface and at least two securing mechanisms that are attached to the changing table and configured to secure the changing table when that the bottom surface of the changing table rests on the tops of three adjacent upper rails.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings and descriptions illustrate certain preferred embodiments thereof, from which the invention, various embodiments of its structures, construction and method of operation and many advantages may be understood and appreciated. The accompanying drawings are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a one embodiment of a changing table structural frame according to the present invention in the collapsed configuration;

[0012] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a changing table structural frame in the open configuration, without the material cover, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 shows a collapsed and folded changing table structural frame according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention changing table fully expanded with an attached accessories caddy;

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table structural frame according to the present invention in the opened / deployed / unfolded configuration according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table according to the present invention attached to and hanging from the side of an open play yard;

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table structural frame of the present invention that is fully expanded and sitting on top of the upper rails of an open play yard;

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table, with material cover and attached accessories caddy, in the deployed state and sitting on top of the upper rails of an open play yard;

[0019] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a changing table structural frame according to the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 10 shows a changing table based upon the structural frame of Figure 9 sitting on the upper arms of an open play yard.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following describes example embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. This invention, however, may be embodied in many ways and the description provided herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Among other things, the following invention may be embodied as systems, methods, or devices. The following detailed descriptions should not be taken in a limiting sense. The accompanying drawings are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0022] The phrases “in some embodiments”, “in one embodiment”, “in various embodiments”, “according to various embodiments”, “in the embodiments shown”, “in other embodiments”, and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments.

[0023] If the specification states a component, element, part, or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0024] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or ” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0025] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative orientations, variations, and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It also is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in this specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “pivot” and “pivot point”, when used as nouns (and “pivotably” and “foldably” when used as an adjective) mean a structural and functional connection between at least two components which allows at least partial rotation of the at least two components relative to one another. For example, a pivot between two panels means a physical connection between the two panels that permits at least partial rotation of one panel relative to the other panel, and vice versa. The pivot may include a hole in one or both of panels and an axial member extending through the hole(s)to constrain the panels to each other about a rotational axis. The axial member may include a pin, bolt, screw, bearing, bushing, wheel, or combination thereof to facilitate rotation of the first and second links relative to each other. A pivot may be created or achieved by using one or more hinges 136 or hinge-type mechanisms or structures 136. While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that this application covers modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Similarly, the terms “hinge” and “hinged”, etc. mean a structural and functional connection between at least to components which allows for at least partial rotation of the two components relative to one another with that rotation having a secure limit or stopping point. There are many mechanical ways to achieve this movement, including but not limited to the use of one or more hinges, and all such mechanical alternatives are included within the use of the word “hinge” and variations thereof. Again, while the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that this application covers modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0028] While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that this application covers modifications andvariations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0029] The present invention encompasses various embodiments of a changing table, various embodiments of a changing table with attached accessories caddy, and various embodiments of a play yard with an attached changing table that solve several problems that occur with changing tables that are currently on the market. First, some embodiments of the present invention changing table are pivotably connected to one side of the play yard and flip between a hanging and a deployed position (shown in Figs. 6 through 8). In a hanging position, some embodiments of the present invention’s changing table hang along the side of the open play yard, out of the way of both the child and the adult (shown in Figure 6). As such, it does not require separate storage when it is not in use. Nor does it require elaborate attachment to the play yard each time it is needed. A user merely needs to flip the changing table from the hanging position to the deployed position and open the rails to begin using the changing table.

[0030] Some embodiments of the present invention are foldable changing tables 100 and the mechanisms, devices, and configurations thereof to create a foldable changing table 100. Frequently, but not necessarily, various embodiments of folding changing tables 100 of the present invention can be configured to work with the general shape, size, and structure of many standard play yards 1, namely, a rectangular play yard 1. However, some embodiments of the present invention comprise a foldable changing table 100 that can be used on its own, without being connected to a play yard 1, such as a changing table 100 that can be unfolded and set on the floor or another flat surface for changing a child’s diaper or clothing.

[0031] As is known in the prior art, most play yards 1 have four upper rails 10 that connect to four corner posts 15 to form a rectangular play yard structure 1 (see Figures 6through 8 and 10). For most play yards 1, there are two opposing rails 15 that are longer than the other two opposing rails 15 (thus creating a rectangular shape). Various embodiments of the present invention changing table 100 described and illustrated herein are described for use with a standard rectangularly-shaped play yard 1. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that these various embodiments can be adjusted to accommodate play yards 1 of different sizes and shapes, including but not limited to, square play yards 1. Also, as mentioned previously, various embodiments of the present invention can be configured for use without a play yard 1.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention changing table 100 is shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates a changing table structural frame 110. The structural frame 110 is a changing table 100 without a material cover 115 or mattress or pad 300 on it. The changing table 100 of this embodiment has a changing surface 120 with four sides 124a and 124b and 126a and 126b and is sized and configured to support a child of an appropriate age for a play yard changing table 100 and meet any regulatory standards, such as supporting 100 lbs. on the center of the changing table 100. Figure 4 also shows the attached accessories caddy 400, which is connected to an attachment strip 500. The attachment strip 500 connects to the accessories caddy 400 on one of the strip’s long sides and to the changing table 100 on the opposite long side the attachment strip 500. The strip 500 also attaches to one of the upper rails 10 of an open play yard 1. The attachment between the strip 500 and the changing table 100 is configures so that the changing table 100 can fold or pivot between a deployed position (sitting on top of the open play yard 1 as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10) and an undeployed hanging position (as shown in Figure 6). Also as shown in Figure 5, the four sides 124a and 124b and 126a and 126b of this embodiment include a first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124 and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides 126 with four changing surface corners 128. Forclarification herein, reference character 124 refers to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides, with the individual sides identified as 124a and 124b. The same reference character scheme is used for the second pair of changing surface opposing sides 126, with the individual sides labeled 126a and 126b. This scheme is also used for the first and second pairs of upper edge opposing sides 146 and 147, with the individual sides labeled as 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b. The changing surface 120 of this embodiment is comprised of two hinged / pivotable / moveable / foldable panels 130 that pivot or rotate around a first longitudinal axis 340. The four sides 124a and 124b and 126a and 126b of this embodiment define the perimeter 135 of the changing surface 120.

[0033] Also shown in Figure 5 is an upper edge 140 or hoop structure 140 that defines an upper edge rail perimeter 148 and side edges for the changing table 100 to prevent a child from rolling off of the changing surface 120. As shown in Figure 5, the upper edge 140 is comprised of four sides 146a and 146b and 147a and 147b. In many but not all embodiments of the present invention, the size, shape, and perimeter 148 of the upper edge 140 is similar to the perimeter 135 of the changing surface 120. However, the size, shape, and perimeter 148 of the upper edge 140, in alternative embodiments, can be larger or smaller than the changing surface perimeter 135. The upper edge 140 is configured to pivot or rotate around a second longitudinal axis 350, also shown in Figure 5. In most embodiments of the present invention, the first and second longitudinal axes 340 and 350 are parallel to one another. Therefore, the upper edge 140 can be comprised of a plurality of upper edge component structures 145, which are moveably connected to provide rotation at the second longitudinal axis 350. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the upper edge 140 is comprised of a plurality of component structures 145 connected to create a continuous, yet foldable, upper edge 140 or “hoop” near, above, and / or around the entire perimeter 135 of the changing table surface 120. The upper edge140 of one embodiment of the changing table 100 is hinged or pivots in various locations to enable the upper edge to fold (usually, but not always, in half) around the second longitudinal axis 350 when collapsed with the folding of the changing surface 120. Alternative embodiments of an upper edge 140 can be configured to be comprised of two component structures 145 hinged to one another at the second longitudinal axis 350.

[0034] The changing surface 120 and the upper edge 140 as described for various embodiments of the present invention are configured and operable to move, hinge, rotate, and / or pivot around a first and a second longitudinal axes 340 and 350. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that this movement can be accomplished by any number of structural mechanisms, most commonly a wide variety of hinges 136 or hinge-type structures 136.

[0035] Figure 5 also illustrates one embodiment and arrangement of straps 150 and struts 155 according to the present invention. In Figure 5, the combination of straps 150 and struts 155 are shown on the shorter sides of the changing table structural frame 110 (also referred to herein without regard to relative size as the “first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124” and the “first pair of upper edge opposing sides 146” or individually as a “changing surface opposing side 124a and / or 124b” and an “upper edge opposing side 146a and / or 146b”). As shown in Figure 5, there are two struts 155 connecting each upper edge opposing sides 146a and 146b to each corresponding changing surface opposing side 124a and 124b. The struts 155 both movably attach the upper edge 140 to the changing surface 120 and secure the upper edge 140 in the deployed configuration. Each strut 155 has an upper end 156 and a lower end 157. The upper end 156 of each strut 155 attaches to the upper edge 140 of the changing table structural frame 110. The lower end 157 of each strut 155 attaches to the changing surface 120, usually but not always at one of the first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124a and 124b. In one embodiment, the lower end 157 of each strut 155 attaches to the changing surface 120 near or towards a comer128. Each strut 155 is pivotably or movable connected to both the upper edge 140 and the changing surface 120 to enable the upper edge 140 to close or collapse down closer to the changing surface 120 for more compact storage and easier transport of the changing table 100

[0036] Additionally, with respect to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 10, there are two straps 150 on each of the first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124a and 124b. Each strap 150 has an upper end 151 and a lower end 152. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 8, the upper end 151 of each strap 150 originates near the upper end 156 of a strut 155 on the upper edge 140 of the changing table structural frame 110 (see Figure 5). The lower end 152 of each strap 150 connects to a changing surface opposing side 124a or 124b at or near where the two panels 130 meet (near the first longitudinal axis 340). As will be described in more detail with respect to Figures 9 and 10 (below), the present invention also includes embodiments in which the struts 155 and straps 150 attach in different locations than those illustrated in Figs. 1 through 8.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the straps 150 are pivotably connected to the upper edge 140 and the changing surface 120 to facilitate the movement of the upper edge 140 between the open and collapsed configurations 310 and 320. However, for embodiments in which the straps 150 are made from a flexible material, the connection at the upper edge 140 and / or changing surface 120 can be static, permanent, or not movable. For those embodiments, the straps 150 collapse, fold, or bend in the manner of any flexible material when the upper edge 140 moves from the opened to collapsed configurations 310 and 320 and vice versa.

[0038] Figures 2, 5 through 7, and 9 illustrate a third strap, or a securing strap 153, that is centrally located and runs from the upper edge 140 to the changing surface 120 andto a securing mechanism 200. This securing strap 153 also has an upper end 151 and a lower end 152. These optional elements of some embodiments of the present invention together prevent a child, located inside of an open play yard 1 having a deployed changing table 100 on top of it, from lifting the changing table 100. The combination of a securing strap 153 attached to a securing mechanism 200 secures an open changing table 100 to the upper rails 10 of an open play yard 1 and are configured to withstand a child underneath the changing table 100 who is trying to press his / her head or hands up between the changing table 100 and upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 or trying to lift the changing table 100. For regulatory compliance, a head probe pressed with twenty -five pounds of force must not be able to get between the changing surface 120 and the play yard upper rails 10.

[0039] While the struts 155 provide the stability that the upper edge 140 of the changing table 100 requires when in its deployed configuration 310, the straps 150 provide somewhat flexible structure and / or support to enable the upper edge 140 of the changing table 100 to absorb the force of a child rolling against either of the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147a and 147b of the changing table 100, as shown by the arrows “B” in Fig. 7. As a result of the nature of a strap 150, which has both strength and elasticity to it, each of the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147a and 147b of the changing table 100 can move slightly to “cup” a child who is rolling against them 147a and 147b. The configuration of the struts 155 contributes to this “cupping.” As a result of the struts 155 being angled between the changing surface 120 and the upper edge 140 of the changing table 100 (instead of being at a 90-degree angle to the changing surface 120 when deployed for certain embodiments), the struts 155 also have some movement available to them to contribute to this cupping / movement / expansion of the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147a and 147b of the changing table 100 to accommodate weight being pressed against them (illustrated in Figures 1 through 8). Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment ofthe present invention in which the longitudinal axis 360 of each strut 155 is at a less than 90-degree angle a to a longitudinal axis 370 through the center of the corresponding upper edge side 146a and / or 146b and at a less than 90-degree angle a to a longitudinal axis 380 formed by the fully opened changing surface 120. The congruent angles are labeled a in Figure 2.

[0040] The struts 155, straps 150, changing surface 120, and upper edge 140 of the changing table 100 of the present invention are configured to enable the changing table 100 to transition between three states: fully opened, deployed, or unfolded configuration 310, collapsed configuration 320, and folded or closed configuration 330. Various embodiments of the present invention changing table 100 and changing stable structural frame 110 are shown in the fully deployed configuration 310 in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 7 through 10 in which the changing surface 120 is substantially horizontal. Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table structural frame 100 in the collapsed configuration 320. Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention changing table structural frame 110 in the folded or closed configuration 330. The collapsed configuration 320 is the compression or closing of the upper edge or hoop 140 of the changing table 100 so that the upper edge or hoop 140 is nearer, flatter, or closer to the changing surface 120. Once the upper edge 140 has been collapsed, then the changing table 100 can be folded (Figure 3) into a more compact form that can be easier to transport, carry, and store.

[0041] The straps 150, struts 155, and upper edge 140 of any embodiment of a changing table 100 of the present invention are configured to prevent a child (of an appropriate age and weight for the changing table 100) from rolling off of the changing table 100.

[0042] One embodiment of the present invention is a foldable changing table 100 that has a changing surface 120 comprised of two pivotably connected panels 130. Thepanels 130 unfold to create an almost flat or flat changing surface 120 upon which to lay a child. The panels 130 can fold to create a smaller changing table 100 for easy use, transport, or storage. The changing surface 120 of this embodiment has a first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124 and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides 126 that define the perimeter 135 of the changing surface 120. In many embodiments of the present invention, this changing surface perimeter 135 is rectangular in shape and is sized to accommodate a child and / or to fit on top of a play yard 1. Additionally, this embodiment of the present invention foldable changing table 100 has an upper edge 140 with a first pair of upper edge opposing sides 146 that corresponds to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124 and a second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147 that corresponds to the second pair of changing surface opposing sides 126. A first pair of struts 155, with each strut 155 having an upper end 156 and a lower end 157, pivotably connects one of the first pair of opposing upper edge sides 146a to one of the first pair of opposing changing surface sides 124a. A second pair of struts 155, with each having an upper end 156 and a lower end 157, pivotably connects the other of the first pair of opposing upper edge sides 146b to the other one of the first pair of opposing changing surface sides 124b. A first pair of straps 150, with each having an upper end 151 and a lower end 152, connects one of the first pair of opposing upper edge sides 146a to one of the first pair of opposing changing surface sides 124a. A second pair of straps 150, with having an upper end 151 and a lower end 152, connects the other of the first pair of opposing upper edge sides 146b to the other one of the first pair of opposing changing surface sides 124b.

[0043] The struts 155 of one embodiment of the present invention are configured to pivot to enable the upper edge 140 to collapse down and into a collapsed configuration320, which brings the upper edge 140 closer to the changing surface 120 (see Figure 1).

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two panels 130 of the changing surface 120 are pivotably connected to one another along a first longitudinal axis 340. Additionally, the first pair of opposing upper edge sides 146 are foldable or hinged to fold, pivot, or rotate along a second longitudinal axis 350 in conjunction with the folding of the two panels 130. The first and second longitudinal axes 340 and 350 of this embodiment are parallel one another. Once the upper edge 140 is in the collapsed state 320, the pivoting of the panels 130 and the upper edge 140 enable the changing table 100 to fold in half along these longitudinal axes 340 and 350.

[0045] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative arrangement of struts 155 and straps 150 that accomplish the same goals as the arrangements illustrated in Figures 1 through 8. As illustrated in Figure 9, the upper end 151 of each strap 150 attaches directly to one of the upper edges 147a and 147b in the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147. One advantage of this embodiment is that the upper edge comers 141 are eliminated from the load path or do not bear as much of the load when a child puts weight against the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147. In other words, when the child tried to roll out, the straps 150 hold directly to the portion of the upper edge 140 that the child is rolling against and attach that load-bearing portion nearly directly down into the play yard upper rails 10 through the configuration of straps 150 and 153 and struts 155 illustrated in Figure 9. Therefore, in most embodiments of the present invention, the upper end 151 of each strap 150 is configured to attach at or near a strut upper end 156 or anywhere between that and a location on one of the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147 near an upper edge comer 141

[0046] For configurations similar to that illustrated in Figure 9, the lower end 152 of each strap 150, attaches at or near a securing mechanism 200 that is employed by the particular changing table configuration. For the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, thestrap lower ends 152 attach to the changing surface 120 near the first longitudinal axis 340. This also is the location of the securing mechanism 200 in Figure 9. This arrangement transfers the force of a child rolling against the second pair of upper edge opposing sides 147 to the play yard upper rails 10. Additionally, for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 (and by comparison to angle a shown in Figure 2), the struts 155 are positioned so that the same angle a in this embodiment is at an approximate 90-degree angle. As such, when the strut 155 is viewed by someone directly facing opposing side 146a, the strut 155 appears as being substantially perpendicular in orientation to opposing side 146a. This configuration is the same for all of the struts 155 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9. As can be seen from the various embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 10 and the descriptions provided herein, the exact configuration of struts 155 and straps 150 in any particular embodiment of the present invention changing table 100 can vary depending upon the attachment locations of the struts 155 and straps 150 with respect to the upper edge 140 and the changing surface 120 and the location of any securing mechanism 200 used with a particular embodiment. The various configurations of struts 155 and straps 150 also are impacted by the materials from which the struts 155 and straps 150 are made. These variation are configured to provide the “cupping” aspect of the present invention that enables the upper edge 140 to respond to the weight or pressure from a child against it.

[0047] For various embodiments of the present invention, the struts 155 can be made from one or more materials that provide flexible strength to hold the upper edge 140 in the open configuration 310 while withstanding a reasonably anticipated amount of force from a child rolling against the upper edge 140 and imparting a strain to the struts 155. Some nonlimiting examples of materials from which the struts 155 can be made include metals and sturdy plastics.

[0048] For many embodiments of the present invention, the straps 150 provide more give, movement, or flexibility to the upper edge 140 in response to the weight or force of a child rolling against the upper edge 140. As explained previously, the straps 150 are configured to provide for the novel “cupping” aspect of the present invention. Some nonlimiting examples of materials from which the straps 150 can be made to enable the straps 150 to act like strong springs, include: cotton, linen, hemp, and synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene (and any combinations thereof). It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are many combinations and configurations of these materials that will satisfy the requirements that the present invention disclosed for the straps 150. One non-limiting example is a webbing made from any individual or combination of the materials previously identified including nylon or polypropylene webbing. Similarly, one skilled in the art will understand that there are a wide variety of ways to connect the straps 150 to the frame 110. One example of which is the use of rivets for the connections.

[0049] The cupping aspect of the present invention also is contributed to by the non-perpendicular configuration of the struts 155 of some embodiments of the present invention (see Figures 1 through 8). For these embodiments, the strut 155 is not at a 90- degree angle to the plane of one of the changing surface side 124a or 124b nor to the plane of one of the upper edge sides 146a or 146b when the changing table 100 is unfolded. The struts 155 are at an angle between the upper edge 140 and the plane of the changing surface 120 such that each strut lower end 157 is closer to the corresponding changing surface comer 128 than each strut’s upper end 156. In some embodiments of the present invention, the struts 155 are configured to have some limited movement available to them to respond to the movement of a child against one of the second opposing upper edge sides 147a and 147b (thus further contributing to the cupping action). Some non-limiting examples of how to configure the struts 155 for these embodiments include locating each stmt upper end 156so that it is within about one half-inch to about three inches from each corresponding upper edge corner 141 as shown in Figures 2, 5 through 7, and 9.

[0050] Various embodiments of the present invention can have slightly different attachment points and configurations for the struts 155 and straps 150. The various locations involve an interplay of various factors including but not limited to: (i) the folded size of the changing table 10, (ii) ease of opening the changing table 100, and (iii) rigidity of the upper edge 140. In general, the closer the strut 155 is to the corner 128 and 141, the stronger the upper edge 140 is but the larger the folded size of the changing table 100 will be. The angle of the strut 155 between the upper edge 140 and the changing surface 120 is one way to control the folded size of a changing table 100 according to the present invention. When the struts’ orientation is closer to vertical (closer to a ninety-degree angle with the upper edge 140 and the changing surface 120 (see Fig. 9)), then the folded size of the changing table 100 is larger. Angling the struts 155 so that they are not at ninetydegrees angles (see Figs. 1 through 8), allows for a smaller folded size to the changing table 100 and provides more of the “cupping” effect. Moving the struts 155 away from the comers 128 and 141 creates a smaller folded changing table 100.

[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention is a foldable changing table 100 that has a changing surface 120 that folds (usually, but not always, in half) along a first longitudinal axis 340. This changing surface 120 has a perimeter 135 as well. The foldable changing table 100 of this embodiment has an upper edge rail 140 that folds in half along a second longitudinal axis 350 and has a perimeter 148 that approximates the changing surface perimeter 135. There are a plurality of stmts 155 that connect the changing surface 120 to the upper edge rail 140 and secure the upper edge rail 140 in an unfolded configuration 310. Additionally, there are a plurality of straps 150 that connect the changing surface 120 to the upper edge rail 140 and provide a flexible cupping response toa child’s weight against the upper edge rail 140 in the unfolded configuration 310 (see Figures 2, 5 through 7, and 9).

[0052] Another embodiment of the present invention is a foldable changing table 100 wherein a user applies downward pressure to the upper edge rail 140 to cause the upper edge rail 140 to collapse closer to the changing surface 120 through the movement of the struts 155 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the collapsed upper edge rail 140 and 320 and the changing surface 120 can be folded along the first 340 and second longitudinal axes 350 (see Figure 3).

[0053] Some embodiments of the present invention utilize a securing mechanism 200 to secure the changing table 100 to the upper rails 10 of a play yard 1. For most embodiments utilizing a securing mechanism 200, there will be one securing mechanism 200 on each of the first pair of changing surface opposing sides 124, near the first longitudinal axis 340. These securing mechanisms 200 accomplish several goals. First, the securing mechanisms 200 prevent the deployed changing table 100 from flipping up or moving when in use. Second the securing mechanism 200 prevent a child who is in the play yard 1 while the changing table 100 is sitting on the tops of the rails 10 from pushing up on the changing table 100 from underneath and creating an entrapment risk between the changing table 100 and the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1. These forces are illustrated by the “A” arrows in Figure 7. Third, the securing mechanisms 200 help to transfer the force of a child against the upper edge 140 (said force illustrated by the “B” arrows in Figure 7) to the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1. There are a wide variety of acceptable structures, mechanisms and configurations that can be used as securing mechanisms 200. Figures 1 through 8 illustrate a latching structure that is configured to connect to a corresponding receptacle on the play yard upper rails 10. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate atightening strap 210 and lever 220 configuration that tightens against the play yard upper rails 10 to secure the changing table in the deployed configuration 310.

[0054] Another advantage of the various embodiments of changing table 100 of the present invention is that the bottom surface 105 of the changing table 100 is relatively flat (see Figures 2 and 6). This relatively flat bottom surface 105 can rest on top of the play yard upper rails 10, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10. Most play yards on the market today, are designed with knobby lower comers that prevent the changing table from sitting on top of the upper rails 10 and, instead require that the existing changing tables sit just below and / or within the upper rails 10 of most play yards 1 currently on the market. There are many advantages to configuring a changing table 100 to rest upon the upper rails 10. One advantage of the present invention changing table 100 over those currently on the market is the height of the changing table 100. The present invention changing table 100 has a changing surface 120 that is at least as high as the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 because the bottom surface 105 of the changing table 100 rests on top of the upper rails 10. This provides a higher surface upon which to change a child, which reduces the need for an adult to bend over to change the child thus making the process more comfortable and easier on the adult. One embodiment of a changing table 100 according to the present invention uses an attachment strip 500 to secure the changing table 100 to one of the longer sides (of the second pair of changing surface opposing sides 126) of the changing table 100. This attachment strip 500 connects to one of the upper rails 10 of a play yard 1 and is shown in Figure 2 and 4 through 8. The strip 500 secures the changing table 100 to one of the upper arms 10 of a play yard 1 and enables the changing table 100 to fold, flip, or pivot to a hanging position when not in use (as shown in Figure 6). The strip 500 also can be configured to serve as the attachment location for an optional accessory caddy 400 so that the accessory caddy 400 hangs along the side of the open play yard 1 and can fold with thefolded changing table for easy transport and storage. The strip 500 is configured to secure and removably attach to an upper rail 10 of a play yard 1.

[0055] The changing table 100 components can be made of any of a variety of materials including but not limited to metal, plastic, honeycomb board, corrugated plastic, or Medium Density Fiberboard (“MDF”), or any other material that meets functional and / or safety requirements. The materials should be chosen to provide a safe and secure changing table 100 that can support a child. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the changing surface 120 and any exposed surfaces are made from a smooth, easy to clean materials.

[0056] Figure 6 also illustrates the forces that a changing table 100 must be designed to withstand in today’s regulatory environment. The “roll out load” refers to the pressure or force put against the side of a changing table by a child rolling against the side (shown by arrows “B” in Fig. 6). The “head protrusion loads” refers to the forces that a child could exert upward against the underside of the changing table if a child is in the play yard while the changing table is in the deployed position (shown by arrows “A” in Fig. 6).

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table according to the present invention with a cover 115 over the structural frame 110. Various embodiments of a changing table 100 of the present invention can be designed to meet the regulatory requirements as to roll out load and head protrusion load.

[0058] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the various attributes of the present invention can be combined in a variety of ways and all such combinations remain within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A foldable changing table, comprising: two panels pivotably connected to one another and that are operable to form a substantially horizonal changing surface when fully unfolded, with the unfolded changing surface having a first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides that define a rectangular perimeter; a rectangular upper edge configured to be located above the changing surface when fully unfolded, with the upper edge having a first pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the second pair of changing surface opposing sides; a first pair of struts that pivotably connect one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; a second pair of struts that pivotably connect the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; a first pair of straps that connect one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; and a second pair of straps that connect the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to a corresponding one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface.

2. The changing table of Claim 1, wherein the first and second pair of struts pivot to enable the upper edge to collapse into a closed configuration.

3. The changing table of Claim 2, whereinthe two panels are pivotably connected to one another along a longitudinal axis, and the first pair of opposing upper edge sides are hinged to fold in conjunction with the folding of the two panels to enable the changing table to fold in half along the longitudinal axis.

4. The changing table of Claim 1 , wherein the struts are configured to secure the upper edge in a deployed configuration.

5. The changing table of Claim 1 , wherein the straps are configured to provide flexible support whereby the upper edge of the changing table is operable to absorb the force of a child against one of the second opposing sides of the changing surface.

6. The changing table of Claim 1, wherein each strut is connected to the changing surface side and to the connected upper edge at an angle that is less than 90-degrees when the changing table is fully opened.

7. A foldable changing table, comprising: a changing surface that folds along a first longitudinal axis and has a changing surface perimeter; an upper edge rail that folds along a second longitudinal axis and has a perimeter that approximates the changing surface perimeter; a plurality of struts that connect the changing surface to the upper edge rail and secure the upper edge rail in a deployed configuration; and a plurality of straps that connect the changing surface to the upper edge rail and provide a flexible cupping response to a child’s weight against the upper edge rail in the deployed configuration.

8. The foldable changing table of Claim 7, wherein a user applying downward pressure to the upper edge rail causes the upper edge rail to collapse closer to the changing surfaceand wherein the collapsed upper edge rail and the changing can be folded along the first and second longitudinal axes.

9. A foldable changing table, comprising: two panels pivotably connected to one another that are operable to form a substantially horizonal changing surface when fully unfolded, with the unfolded changing surface having a first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of changing surface opposing sides that define a rectangular perimeter; a rectangular upper edge having a first pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the first pair of changing surface opposing sides and a second pair of upper edge opposing sides that corresponds to the second pair of changing surface opposing sides; a first pair of struts that pivotably connect one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; a second pair of struts that pivotably connect the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; a first pair of straps that connect one of the second pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface; and a second pair of straps that connect the other one of the second pair of opposing sides of the upper edge to the other one of the first pair of opposing sides of the changing surface.

10. The changing table of Claim 9, wherein the first and second pair of struts pivot to enable the upper edge to collapse into a closed configuration.

11. The changing table of Claim 10, wherein the two panels are pivotably connected to one another along a longitudinal axis, and the first pair of opposing upper edge sides hinged to fold in conjunction with the folding of the two panels to enable the changing table to fold along the longitudinal axis.

12. The changing table of Claim 9, wherein the struts are configured to secure the upper edge in a deployed configuration.

13. The changing table of Claim 9, wherein the straps are configured to provide flexible support to enable the upper edge of the changing table to absorb the force of a child against one of the second opposing changing surface sides.

14. The changing table of Claim 9, wherein each strut is connected one of the changing surface sides and to the corresponding upper edge side at an angle that is less than 90- degrees when the changing table is fully open.

15. The changing table of Claim 9, wherein each strut is connected to one of the changing surface sides and to the corresponding upper edge side at an approximately 90- degree angle when the changing table is fully open.

16. The changing table of Claim 9, also comprising at least one securing strap that connects one of the sides from the first pair of upper edge opposing sides to a securing mechanism that is configured to secure the changing table to the play yard.

17. A changing table for use with a play yard wherein the play yard has four connected upper rails each upper rail having a top, the changing table comprising: a relatively flat bottom surface; and at least two securing mechanisms that are attached to the changing table and configured to secure the changing table to the upper rails when that the bottom surface of the changing table rests on the tops of three adjacent upper rails.

18. The changing table of Claim 17, wherein the securing mechanisms latch to the upper rails.

19. The changing table of Claim 17, wherein the securing mechanism is a combination of a securing strap and a lever that tightens against the upper rails.

20. A changing table for use with a play yard having four upper rails, the changing table comprising: a rectangular changing surface having a relatively flat bottom surface that is configured to sit on top of at three adjacent upper rails; and a rectangular upper edge connected to the changing surface and configured to be located above the changing surface and to prevent a child from rolling off of the changing surface.

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