EP1068822A1

EP1068822A1 - Multi-Purpose domestic apparatus for use as a child changing table, clothes dryer or bath

Info

Publication number: EP1068822A1
Application number: EP99113901A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giorgio Bertoli
Original assignee: Narvik Srl
Current assignee: Narvik Srl
Priority date: 1999-07-16
Filing date: 1999-07-16
Publication date: 2001-01-17

Abstract

A multi-purpose apparatus comprising a foldable support structure (P) able to support a bath tub (16) removably positioned on the structure. Hinged to one of the sides of this structure there is a part, closable onto this latter or onto the bath tub (16) if present, for supporting a mattress (for use as a child changing table) and provided with two hinged side panels (12). This supporting part is structured in such a manner as to enable clothes and the like to be hung thereon (Figure 1).

Description

This invention relates to a domestic apparatus which is multi-purpose in the sense that the same support structure is suitable for different uses, namely as a child and baby bath, as a child changing table and as a conventional clothes dryer.
Generally, each of these applications or uses requires a specific apparatus. In the case considered, three different apparatus would therefore be required, with corresponding space requirements and costs.
The main object of the invention is to provide a simple multi-purpose apparatus able to be used for different functions, namely as a child changing table, clothes dryer and bath by using accessory parts but on the same support structure.
This and further objects which will be more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter are attained by an apparatus in accordance with the accompanying claims.
The invention will be more apparent from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a preferred embodiment thereof and on which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus when used as a clothes dryer; the figure shows by dashed lines a bath tub, which is removed when using the apparatus as a clothes dryer;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the apparatus when used as a bath for children and babies;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view to an enlarged scale showing the apparatus when used as a bath; this figure serves to highlight some details of the apparatus;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus when used as a child changing table.
In the figures the reference numeral 1 indicates overall the multi-purpose apparatus of the invention. It comprises a support structure P formed from two tubular components of inverted U-shape, indicated by 2 and 3, which are positioned in a crossed arrangement and hinged together at the two coaxial crossing points 4 and 5. The two components 2 and 3 can be closed together by rotation about the pivot or opened out into their utilization position, which is limited by the stoppage of a pin 6 (carried by one of the two components 2, 3, namely the component 3 on the drawing) against the end of a long hole 7 provided in a plate 8 hinged at 8A to the other of said components 2, 3 (to the component 2 on the drawing).
In the vicinity of the (horizontal) transverse portion 2A of the inverted U-shaped component 2 there is hinged to each of its arms (legs) 2B at 9 a bar 9A, these two bars supporting a tubular rectangular frame 10, to which they are connected. Hinged to at least one of the bars 9A there is a right-angled stop member 9B which by engaging (see Figure 3) the leg 2B of the corresponding component 2, retains the frame 10 in the outwardly rotated position to enable the apparatus to be used as a bath.
The frame 10 is subtended by a series of parallel wires or rods 11 and has a pair of symmetrically positioned side panels 12 formed from a perimetral U-shaped tube 14 hinged at 13 to said frame and also comprising parallel wires or rods 14A, which are however positioned perpendicular to those of the frame 10.
The two side panels 12 can be closed (arrows X of Figure 1) onto the frame 10, which supports them when this is positioned horizontally on its two components 2 and 3.
When the apparatus is to be used as a bath, the two horizontal portions 2A and 3A of the two tubular components 2 and 3 can support corresponding longitudinal parallel edges 15A, 15B of a conventional small removable plastic bath tub 16 in which the child can be bathed. The bath tub 16 can comprise a pluggable base discharge connected to a pipe for discharging the bath water for example into a sanitary appliance.
As stated heretofore, the frame 10 with its side panels 12 is supported laterally by the component 2 such as to be able to be rotated about the hinging points 9 until it rests on the horizontal portion 3A of the component 3 either directly or indirectly via the bath tub 16 if this has not been removed. By such a rotation a stable support surface is created for a mattress or similar means 17 to enable the apparatus to be used as a changing or general support table for attending to and dressing the child.
By removing the mattress 17 and bath tub 16, resting the frame on the components 2 and 3 and rotating its side panels 12 outwards, the apparatus of the invention assumes the configuration of Figure 1, ie that of a clothes dryer.
It should be noted that if required, the side panels 12 can be rotated outwards before positioning the mattress or the like 17. In that case the externally located side panels 12 (see the dashed-line representation of Figure 1) can be usefully used for supporting towels or clean or used clothes of the child while this latter lies on the changing table.
The special characteristic which makes the apparatus multi-purpose lies in the fact that the frame 10 (with or without side panels) for use on the one hand as a support surface and on the other hand as an essential element of the clothes dryer is hinged to one of the two constituent components 2 and 3 of the apparatus structure structure, so as to be able to be rotated outwards from the support structure P in one direction and into a horizontal position in the other direction.

Claims

A multi-purpose domestic apparatus for use as a child changing table, clothes dryer and bath for children and babies, comprising a support structure (P), characterised in that the structure (P) comprises two tubular components (2, 3) of inverted U-shape positioned in a crossed arrangement and hinged together (at 4, 5), to one of which (for example 2) a frame (10), preferably with plastic-coated metal wires or rods (11), is hinged in such a manner as to be able to be rotated outwards from the support structure (P) from a horizontal position in which it is also supported, either directly or indirectly, on the other (3) of said components (2, 3) of the support structure (P).
A multi-purpose apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (10) comprises two hinged side panels (12).
A multi-purpose apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claims 1 and 2, wherein the side panels (12) comprise parallel wires or rods (14A) which are perpendicular to those (11) of the frame (10).
A multi-purpose apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein on the horizontal sides (2A, 3A) of the components (2, 3) of the support structure there rest the corresponding edges (15A, 15B) of a removable bath tub (16).
A multi-purpose apparatus as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein as an accompanying part acting for example as a child changing table there is provided a mattress or the like (17) to be rested on the frame (10) when positioned horizontally.