GB2457804A

GB2457804A - Portable and collapsible baby changing table

Info

Publication number: GB2457804A
Application number: GB0902924A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fu-Sian Yu; Chih-Wei Wang
Original assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co Ltd
Current assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-22
Filing date: 2009-02-20
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-20
Also published as: GB0902924D0; CN101513311B; CN101513311A; GB2457804B

Abstract

A portable and collapsible baby changing table 10,20 comprises an upper support frame 12,22 formed from two support members which are detachably or rotatably connected by a connecting mechanism 16,26, and a lower support frame 14,24 which is detachably connected to the upper support frame. The connecting mechanism may take various forms including a lockable pivotal connection 16 which connects the upper and lower frame members in an X-frame configuration (Fig 3). Alternatively, the connecting mechanism may be sliding sheath 26 which connects together the ends of two U-shaped upper frame members 220,222 in a detachable manner (Fig. 7). Alternatively, the connecting mechanism may connect the upper frame members in a rotatable manner [36, Fig. 13]. Also disclosed is a changing table in which the upper support frame comprises two support members pivotally connected to each other, and two lower support frame members which are pivotally coupled to each other and to the upper frame members [Fig. 14].

Description

PORTABLE CHANCING TABLE

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a portable changing table and, more particularly, to a portable changing table capable of using along with a playpen or by itself.

2. Description of the Prior Art

When away from home, and accompanied by an infant or small child in diapers, a parent or other care giver typically carries a diaper bag with various child care products, such as extra diapers, an extra set of clothes, baby wipes, baby powder, and the like. It is frequently the case that the child will require care, such as a diaper change, during the trip.

Unfortunately, while at home a fully outfitted changing table is frequently available in order to conveniently change the child's diaper.

Sometimes, a relatively clean public restroom facility, with built-in wall mounted changing tables is available. However, oftentimes a child's "timing" is inconvenient, to say the least, and either no facility is available, or the available facility is not clean. Therefore, portable changing tables have been developed for the fulfillment of care giver's requirements.

Known prior arts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,462,773; 6,378,445; 6,389,624; and 6,581,228. In the prior arts, a conventional changing table is used along with a playpen frame structure or used by itself independently. Once the playpen is taken off, the conventional changing table cannot be used alone or match with other different playpen resulting in inconvenient for a user. Furthermore, the accessories cannot be detached from the conventional changing table easily by the user, or a support leg frame cannot be folded along with an upper frame. Accordingly, after folding the conventional changing table, the size is still too large for the purpose of transportation or storage.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a portable changing table comprising an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a connecting mechanism. The upper support frame comprises a first support member and a second support member. The lower support frame is detachably connected to the upper support frame. The connecting mechanism is detachably or rotatably connected to the first and second support members of the upper support frame.

The connecting mechanism of the invention can comprise a first connecting member, a second connecting member, an engaging member, and a driving member. The first connecting member is connected to the first support member. The second connecting member is pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member. The first connecting member is capable of pivoting with respect to the second connecting member, so as to make the upper support be situated at an expanded position and a folded position. The engaging member is slidably disposed between the first and second connecting members. The engaging member is engaged with the first and second connecting members when the upper support is situated at the expanded position. The driving member is movably disposed on the first connecting member and capable of making the engaging member be disengaged from the first connecting member.

Furthermore, the connecting mechanism can further comprise a

I

resilient member disposed between the engaging member and the second connecting member. The resilient member provides the engaging member with an elastic force when the driving member makes the engaging member be disengaged from the first connecting member.

The lower support frame of the invention can comprise two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the first and second connecting members. The lower support member can comprise a bottom tube and at least one connecting tube, and the connecting tube is detachably connected to the bottom tube and the first or second connecting member. Moreover, the portable changing table can further comprise a plurality of bottom pads, wherein each bottom pad is attached on a bottom side of the lower support frame.

The invention discloses another connecting mechanism comprising an engaging member and a sliding sheath. The engaging member is disposed on the first support member. A first end of the sliding sheath is slidably connected to the first support member and detachably engaged with the engaging member. A second end of the sliding sheath is slidably connected to the second support member. In this embodiment, the engaging member can be, but not limited to, a spring leaf. Furthermore, the second support member has an elongated groove formed thereon, and the connecting mechanism further comprises a sliding member disposed through the sliding sheath and capable of moving within the elongated groove. The portable changing table can further comprises a plurality of connecting members respectively disposed on the first and second support members. The lower support frame comprises two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the connecting member correspondingly. More particularly, each lower support member can be detachably connected to the connecting members on the first and second support members respectively.

The invention discloses another connecting mechanism comprising a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is connected to the first support member. The second connecting member is pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member, such that the second support member is capable of pivoting with respect to the first support member. In this embodiment, the portable changing table can further comprises a plurality of pivoting members respectively disposed on the first and second support members. The lower support frame comprises two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the pivoting member correspondingly. More particularly, each lower support member is detachably connected to the pivoting members on the first and second support members respectively.

The invention provides another portable changing table comprising an upper support frame, a lower support frame, a connecting mechanism, and a pivoting mechanism. The upper support frame comprises a first support member and a second support member. The lower support frame comprises a third support member and a fourth support member. The connecting mechanism is pivotally connected to the first and second support members. The pivoting mechanism is pivotally connected to the third and fourth support members. A first end of the third support member is pivotally connected to the first support member, and a second end of the third support member is connected to the pivoting mechanism. A third end of the fourth support member is pivotally connected to the second support member, and a fourth end of the fourth support member is connected to the pivoting mechanism.

The aforesaid connecting mechanism can comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is connected to the first support member. The second connecting member is pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member. The aforesaid pivoting mechanism can comprise a third connecting member and a fourth connecting member. The third connecting member is connected to the third support member. The fourth connecting member is pivotally connected to the third connecting member and connected to the fourth support member. When the first and second support members are folded with each other by the connecting mechanism, the third and fourth support members are folded with each other between the first and second support members by the pivoting mechanism since the third support member is pivotally connected to the first support member and the fourth support member is pivotally connected to the second support member.

The portable changing table of the invention is capable of using along with a playpen or by itself. Furthermore, the portable changing table of the invention is foldable and detachable from a playpen frame structure for the purpose of transportation or storage.

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of the invention situated at an expanded position.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the first embodiment of the invention situated at a folded position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a driving member of the connecting mechanism before being pushed on according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the driving member of the connecting mechanism after being pushed on according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sliding sheath of a connecting mechanism before sliding according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sliding sheath of the connecting mechanism after sliding according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 0 is a perspective view illustrating an expanded state according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a folded state according to the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the portable changing table without the lower support frame according to the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the upper support frame being folded according to the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an expanded state according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lower support frame being folded according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an upper support frame and the lower support frame being folded according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIGs. ito 3, the portable changing table 10 comprises an upper support frame 12, a lower support frame 14, and two connecting mechanisms 1 6. In this embodiment, the two connecting mechanisms 1 6 are symmetrically disposed and have the same structures. Alternatively, the invention can install a single connecting mechanism 1 6 on one side of the upper support frame 1 2 and the lower support frame 1 4 and install other connecting mechanisms on the other side. The upper support frame 1 2 and the lower support frame 1 4 are respectively connected to the connecting mechanism 1 6, such that a cross-shaped frame is formed. The portable changing table 10 can be expanded as shown in FIG. 1 or be folded as shown in FIG. 2 by operating the connecting mechanism 1 6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper support frame 12 comprises a first support member 1 20 and a second support member 1 22, the lower support frame 1 4 comprises two lower support members 1 40 and 142, and each connecting mechanism 1 6 comprises a first connecting member 160, a second connecting member 162, an engaging member 1 64, a driving member 1 66, and a resilient member 1 68.

The first support member 120 and the lower support member 140 are detachably connected to the first connecting member 1 60, and the second support member 1 22 and the lower support member 1 42 are detachably connected to the second connecting member 1 62. For example, one end of the first connecting member 1 60, which is connected to the first support member 1 20, can be designed as a hollow tube, and the outside diameter of a corresponding end of the first support member 1 20 can be smaller than the inside diameter of the hollow tube of the first connecting member 1 60, such that the end of the first support member 1 20 can be detachably inserted into the corresponding end of the first connecting member 1 60. Furthermore, a spring leaf can be further disposed on the connection between the first support member 1 20 and the first connecting member 1 60, so as to fix the both. The aforesaid design manner also can be applied to the second support member 1 22, the lower support member 1 40, and the lower support member 1 42, so as to achieve detachable connection. It should be noted that, the aforesaid design manner is just one example for illustrative purpose and the invention is not limited to that.

In this embodiment, the second connecting member 1 62 is pivotally connected to the first connecting member 1 60, so the first connecting member 1 60 can pivot with respect to the second connecting member 162, so as to drive the first support member 1 20 away from or close to the second support member 1 22 and drive the lower support member 1 40 away from or close to the lower support member 1 42. Afterwards, the portable changing table 1 0 can be situated at the expanded position as shown in FIG. 1 or at the folded position as shown in FIG. 2. The expanded angle between the first support member 1 20 and the second support member 122 or between the lower support member 140 and the lower support member 1 42 can be determined by the connection structure between the first connecting member 160 and the second connecting member 162. When a user operates the connecting mechanism 16 to expand the portable changing table 10 (as shown in FIG. 1), the lower support frame 1 4 can support the portable changing table 10 on the ground or any supporting surface. Accordingly, the portable changing table 1 0 can be used independently or can be placed on a bassinet (not shown) to use along with the playpen. The operation of the connecting mechanism 1 6 will be depicted in the following.

Furthermore, when the user wants to transport or store the portable changing table 1 0, he or she can operate the connecting mechanism 1 6 to fold the portable changing table 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). Since the first support member 120 and the lower support member 140 are detachably connected to the first connecting member 1 60 and the second support member 122 and the lower support member 142 are detachably connected to the second connecting member 1 62, the user can further detach the first support member 1 20, the second support member 122, the lower support member 140, and the lower support member 142 from the connecting mechanism 16. Accordingly, the portable changing table 10 can be transported or stored without occupying much space.

Moreover, the portable changing table 1 0 can further comprise a plurality of bottom pads 1 8. Each of the bottom pads 1 8 is attached on a bottom side of the lower support member 1 40 or 1 42 of the lower support frame 1 4. The bottom pads 1 8 can help the portable changing table 1 0 to stand stably on the ground or any supporting surface, so as to prevent the lower support frame 14 from sliding with respect to the ground or any supporting surface, or prevent the lower support frame 14 from scraping the ground or any supporting surface while being dragged.

The lower support member 140 or 142 can be a tube formed integrally or a combination including a bottom tube and at least one connecting tube. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower support member 140 comprises a bottom tube 1400 and two connecting tubes 1402, wherein each connecting tube 1 402 is detachably connected to the first connecting member 1 60 and the bottom tube 1400 respectively. Also, the lower support member 1 42 comprises a bottom tube 1 420 and two connecting tubes 1422, wherein each connecting tube 1422 is detachably connected to the second connecting member 1 62 and the bottom tube 1420 respectively. When the user wants to transport or store the portable changing table 10, he or she not only can detach the first support member 1 20, the second support member 1 22, the lower support member 140, and the lower support member 142 from the connecting mechanism 16 but also can detach the connecting tubes 1402, 1422 from the bottom tubes 1400, 1420, so as to reduce the occupied space while transporting or storing the portable changing

table 10.

The operation of the connecting mechanism 1 6 will be depicted in the following. Referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a driving member 166 of the connecting mechanism 16 before being pushed on according to the first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the driving member 1 66 of the connecting mechanism 1 6 after being pushed on according to the first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first connecting member 1 60 is connected to the second connecting member 162 by a pivot 161. The engaging member 164 is slidably disposed between the first connecting member 160 and the second connecting member 162. The driving member 1 66 is movably disposed on the first connecting member 160. The resilient member 168 is disposed between the engaging member 164 and the second connecting member 162. In practical applications, the engaging member 1 64 can be, but not limited to, a sliding gear, the driving member 1 66 can be, but not limited to, a button, and the resilient member 1 68 can be, but not limited to, a spring.

When the portable changing table 10 is situated at the expanded position as shown in FIG. 1 and the driving member 166 does not be pushed on by a user, the engaging member 1 64 is engaged between the first connecting member 1 60 and the second connecting member 1 62 (as shown in FIG. 4). That is to say, the first connecting member 160 cannot pivot with respect to the second connecting member 162.

Accordingly, the portable changing table 10 can stand on the ground or any supporting surface by the lower support frame 1 4. When the user pushes on the driving member 1 66 to overcome the elastic force of the resilient member 1 68, the driving member 1 66 will make the engaging member 164 be disengaged from the first connecting member 160.

Afterward, the user can pivot the first connecting member 1 60 with respect to the second connecting member 162, so as to fold the portable changing table 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). When the driving member 166 makes the engaging member 164 be disengaged from the first connecting member 1 60, the resilient member 1 68 is compressed to deform and provides the engaging member 1 64 with an elastic force.

When the user pivots the first connecting member 1 60 with respect to the second connecting member 1 62 again and releases the driving member 1 66, the elastic force of the resilient member 1 68 will push the engaging member 164 and the driving member 166 to move.

Consequently, the engaging member 164 is engaged between the first connecting member 1 60 and the second connecting member 1 62 again.

Referring to FIGs. 6 to 9 according to a second embodiment of the invention, when the portable changing table 20 stands on the ground or any supporting surface, it substantially has an inversed U shape. The portable changing table 20 comprises an upper support frame 22, a lower support frame 24, two connecting mechanisms 26, and four connecting members 28. In this embodiment, the two connecting mechanisms 26 are symmetrically disposed and have the same structures. Alternatively, the invention can install a single connecting mechanism 26 on one side of the portable changing table 20 and install other connecting mechanisms on the other side. Furthermore, the amount of the connecting members 28 is based on practical applications and not limited to four. As shown in FIGs. 6 to 9, the upper support frame 22 comprises a first support member 220 and a second support member 222, the lower support frame 24 comprises two lower support members 240 and 242, and the connecting mechanism 26 comprises an engaging member 260, a sliding sheath 262, and a sliding member 264.

Each of the connecting members 28 is respectively disposed on the first support member 220 or the second support member 222. As shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, the four connecting members 28 are disposed on four corners of the upper support frame 22. The lower support member 240 or 242 of the lower support frame 24 is detachably connected to two connecting members 28 correspondingly. For example, one end of the connecting member 28 can be designed as a hollow tube, and the outside diameter of a corresponding end of the lower support member 240 can be smaller than the inside diameter of the hollow tube of the connecting member 28, such that the end of the lower support member 240 can be detachably inserted into the corresponding end of the connecting member 28. Furthermore, a spring leaf can be further disposed on the connection between the lower support member 240 and the connecting member 28, so as to fix the both. The aforesaid design manner also can be applied to the lower support member 242, so as to achieve detachable connection. It should be noted that, the aforesaid design manner is just one example for illustrative purpose and the invention is not limited to that.

As shown in FIGs. 8 and 9, the engaging member 260 is disposed in the first support member 220 and the second support member 222 has an elongated groove 2220 formed thereon. One end of the sliding sheath 262 is slidably connected to the first support member 220 and detachably engaged with the engaging member 260, and the other end of the sliding sheath 262 is slidably connected to the second support member 222. That is to say, the first support member 220 is connected to the second support member 222 by the sliding sheath 262. The sliding member 264 is disposed through the sliding sheath 262 and capable of moving within the elongated groove 2220. In this embodiment, the engaging member 260 can be, but not limited to, a spring leaf, and the sliding member 264 can be, but limited to, a rivet.

Moreover, the portable changing table 20 can further comprise a plurality of bottom pads 29. Each of the bottom pads 29 is attached on a bottom side of the lower support member 240 or 242 of the lower support frame 24. The bottom pads 29 can help the portable changing table 20 to stand stably on the ground or any supporting surface, so as to prevent the lower support frame 24 from sliding with respect to the ground or any supporting surface, or prevent the lower support frame 24 from scraping the ground or any supporting surface while being dragged.

When a user wants to use the portable changing table 20, he or she can place the portable changing table 20 on the ground or any supporting surface by the lower support frame 24. On the other hand, when the user wants to transport or store the portable changing table 20, he or she can detach the lower support members 240 and 242 from the connecting members 28, release the sliding sheath 262 from the engaging member 260, and then slide the sliding sheath 262 toward the second support member 222. The sliding member 264 will slide along the elongated groove 2220 till the sliding sheath 262 departs from the first support member 220 (as shown in FIG. 9). Consequently, the first support member 220 completely departs from the second support member 222. Afterward, the user can stack up the accessories of the portable changing table 20 for the purpose of transportation or storage.

In this embodiment, since the lower support member 240 is connected to the connecting members 28 on the first support member 220 and the second support member 222 respectively, and the lower support member 242 is also connected to the connecting members 28 on the first support member 220 and the second support member 222 respectively, the user has to detach the lower support members 240 and 242 from the corresponding connecting members 28 before operating the connecting mechanism 26 to separate the first support member 220 from the second support member 222. Based on this connecting manner, the connecting mechanism 26 will not be misoperated by a user, so as to prevent the first support member 220 from being separated from the second support member 222 while using the portable changing table 20.

Referring to FIGs. 1 0 and 11 according to a third embodiment of the invention, when the portable changing table 30 stands on the ground or any supporting surface, it substantially has an inversed U shape. The portable changing table 30 comprises an upper support frame 32, a lower support frame 34, two connecting mechanisms 36, and four pivoting members 38. In this embodiment, the two connecting mechanisms 36 are symmetrically disposed and have the same structures. Alternatively, the invention can install a single connecting mechanism 36 on one side of the portable changing table 30 and install other connecting mechanisms on the other side. As shown in FIGs. 10 and 11, the upper support frame 32 comprises a first support member 320 and a second support member 322, the lower support frame 34 comprises two lower support members 340 and 342, and the connecting mechanism 36 comprises a first connecting member 360 and a second connecting member 362.

Each of the pivoting members 38 is respectively disposed on the first support member 320 or the second support member 322. As shown in FIGs. 1 0 and 11, the four pivoting members 38 are disposed on four corners of the upper support frame 32. The lower support member 340 or 342 of the lower support frame 34 is detachably connected to two pivoting members 38 correspondingly. For example, one end of the pivoting member 38 can be designed as a hollow tube, and the outside diameter of a corresponding end of the lower support member 340 can be smaller than the inside diameter of the hollow tube of the pivoting member 38, such that the end of the lower support member 340 can be detachably inserted into the corresponding end of the pivoting member 38. Furthermore, a spring leaf can be further disposed on the connection between the lower support member 340 and the pivoting member 38, so as to fix the both. The aforesaid design manner also can be applied to the lower support member 342, so as to achieve detachable connection. It should be noted that, the aforesaid design manner is just one example for illustrative purpose and the invention is not limited to that. When the lower support members 340 and 342 are connected to the pivoting members 38 correspondingly, the lower support members 340 and 342 can pivot with respect to the upper support frame 32 by operating the pivoting members.

Furthermore, the first connecting member 360 is connected to one end of the first support member 320, the second connecting member 362 is connected to one end of the second support member 322, and the second connecting member 362 is pivotally connected to the first connecting member 360, such that the second support member 322 can pivot with respect to the first support member 320.

Similar to the aforesaid first embodiment, the first connecting member 360 can be connected to the second connecting member 362 by a pivot as the pivot 161 shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. The engaging member 1 64 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be slidably disposed between the first connecting member 360 and the second connecting member 362. The driving member 1 66 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be movably disposed on the first connecting member 360. The resilient member 1 68 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be disposed between the engaging member 164 and the second connecting member 362. It should be noted that the principle and function of the engaging member 1 64, the driving member 1 66, and the resilient member 1 68 in this third embodiment are substantially the same as those in the aforesaid first embodiment, so the related description does not be depicted here again.

In this embodiment, the portable changing table 30 can further comprise a plurality of bottom pads 39. Each of the bottom pads 39 is attached on a bottom side of the lower support member 340 or 342 of the lower support frame 34. The bottom pads 39 can help the portable changing table 30 to stand stably on the ground or any supporting surface, so as to prevent the lower support frame 34 from sliding with respect to the ground or any supporting surface, or prevent the lower support frame 34 from scraping the ground or any supporting surface while being dragged.

When a user wants to use the portable changing table 30, he or she can expand the lower support members 340 and 342 downwardly. The pivoting members 38 will lock the lower support members 340 and 342, such that the portable changing table 30 can stand on the ground or any supporting surface by the lower support frame 34. On the other hand, when the user wants to transport or store the portable changing table 30, he or she has to unlock the pivoting members 38 and then pivots the lower support members 340 and 342 with respect to the upper support frame 32, as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGs. 1 2 and 1 3, FIG. 1 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the portable changing table 30 without the lower support frame 34, and FIG. 1 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the upper support frame 32 being folded. If the user wants to folded the portable changing table 30 to reduce the occupied space, he or she has to detach the lower support members 340 and 342 from the corresponding pivoting members 38 and then pivots the first support member 320 or the second support member 322 with respect to the connecting mechanism 36, as shown in FIGs. 12 and 13. Accordingly, the size of the portable changing table 30 can be further reduced.

In this embodiment, since the lower support member 340 is connected to the pivoting members 38 on the first support member 320 and the second support member 322 respectively, and the lower support member 342 is also connected to the pivoting members 38 on the first support member 320 and the second support member 322 respectively, the user has to detach the lower support members 340 and 342 from the corresponding pivoting members 38 before operating the connecting mechanism 36 to pivot the first support member 320 with respect to the second support member 322. Accordingly, the connecting mechanism 36 will not be misoperated by a user, so as to prevent the first support member 320 from pivoting with respect to the second support member 322 while using the portable changing table 30.

Referring to FIGs. 14 to 1 6 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, when the portable changing table 40 stands on the ground or any supporting surface, it substantially has an inversed U shape. The portable changing table 40 comprises an upper support frame 42, a lower support frame 44, two connecting mechanisms 46, and two pivoting mechanisms 48. In this embodiment, the two connecting mechanisms 46 and the two pivoting mechanisms 48 are symmetrically disposed and have the same structures. Alternatively, the invention can install a single connecting mechanism 46 and a single pivoting mechanism 48 on one side of the portable changing table 40 and install other connecting mechanisms and pivoting mechanisms on the other side. As shown in FIGs. 14 to 1 6, the upper support frame 42 comprises a first support member 420 and a second support member 422, the lower support frame 44 comprises a third support member 440 and a fourth support member 442, each of the connecting mechanisms 46 comprises a first connecting member 460 and a second connecting member 462, and each of the pivoting mechanisms 48 comprises a third connecting member 480 and a fourth connecting member 482.

In this embodiment, the first connecting member 460 is connected to one end of the first support member 420, the second connecting member 462 is connected to one end of the second support member 422, and the second connecting member 462 is pivotally connected to the first connecting member 460, such that the second support member 422 can pivot with respect to the first support member 420.

Similar to the aforesaid first embodiment, the first connecting member 460 can be connected to the second connecting member 462 by a pivot as the pivot 161 shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. The engaging member 1 64 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be slidably disposed between the first connecting member 460 and the second connecting member 462. The driving member 1 66 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be movably disposed on the first connecting member 460. The resilient member 168 mentioned in the above and shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be disposed between the engaging member 164 and the second connecting member 462. It should be noted that the principle and function of the engaging member 1 64, the driving member 1 66, and the resilient member 1 68 in this fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those in the aforesaid first embodiment, so the related description does not be depicted here again.

A first end El of the third support member 440 is pivotally connected to the first support member 420, and a second end E2 of the third support member 440 is connected to the third connecting member 480. A third end E3 of the fourth support member 442 is pivotally connected to the second support member 422, and a fourth end E4 of the fourth support member 442 is connected to the fourth connecting member 482. Furthermore, the fourth connecting member 482 is pivotally connected to the third connecting member 480. Accordingly, the third support member 440 and the fourth support member 442 can pivot with respect to the upper support frame 42, and the fourth support member 442 can pivot with respect to the third support member 440.

When a user wants to use the portable changing table 40, he or she can expand the third support member 440 and the fourth support member 442 downwardly, such that the portable changing table 40 can stand on the ground or any supporting surface by the lower support frame 44, as shown in FIG. 1 4. On the other hand, when the user wants to transport or store the portable changing table 40, he or she has to pivot the lower support frame 44 toward the upper support frame 42, as shown in FIG. 1 5. Afterward, the user has to release the connecting mechanism 46 and then folds the first support member 420, the second support member 422, the third support member 440, and the fourth support member 442, as shown in FIG. 16. In other words, when the first support member 420 and the second support member 422 are folded by the connecting mechanism 46, the third support member 440 and the fourth support member 442 are folded between the first support member 420 and the second support member 422 by the pivoting mechanism 48 since the third support member 440 is pivotally connected to the first support member 420 and the fourth support member 442 is pivotally connected to the second support member 422.

Accordingly, the size of the portable changing table 40 can be reduced.

Compared to the prior art, the portable changing table of the invention is capable of using along with a playpen or by itself.

Furthermore, the portable changing table of the invention is foldable and detachable from a playpen frame structure for the purpose of transportation or storage.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: 1. A portable changing table comprising: an upper support frame comprising a first support member and a second support member; a lower support frame detachably connected to the upper support frame; and a connecting mechanism detachably or rotatably connected to the first and the second support members.
2. The portable changing table of claim 1, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: a first connecting member connected to the first support member; a second connecting member pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member, the first connecting member being capable of pivoting with respect to the second connecting member, so as to make the upper support be situated at an expanded position from a folded position; an engaging member slidably disposed between the first and second connecting members, the engaging member being engaged with the first and second connecting members when the upper support is situated at the expanded position; and a driving member movably disposed on the first connecting member and capable of making the engaging member be disengaged from the first connecting member.
3. The portable changing table of claim 2, wherein the connecting mechanism further comprises a resilient member disposed between the engaging member and the second connecting member.
4. The portable changing table of claim 2, wherein the lower support frame comprises two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the first and second connecting members.
5. The portable changing table of claim 4, wherein the lower support member comprises a bottom tube and at leas one connecting tube, and the connecting tube is detachably connected to the bottom tube and one of the first and second connecting members.
6. The portable changing table of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bottom pads, wherein each bottom pad is attached on a bottom side of the lower support frame.
7. The portable changing table of claim 1, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: an engaging member disposed on the first support member; and a sliding sheath, a first end of the sliding sheath being slidably connected to the first support member and detachably engaged with the engaging member, a second end of the sliding sheath being slidably connected to the second support member.
8. The portable changing table of claim 7, wherein the engaging member is a spring leaf.
9. The portable changing table of claim 7, wherein the second support member has an elongated groove formed thereon, and the connecting mechanism further comprises a sliding member disposed through the sliding sheath and capable of moving within the elongated groove.
10. The portable changing table of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connecting members respectively disposed on the first and second support members, the lower support frame comprises two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the connecting member correspondingly.
11. The portable changing table of claim 10, wherein each lower support member is detachably connected to the connecting members on the first and second support members respectively.
12. The portable changing table of claim 1, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: a first connecting member connected to the first support member; and a second connecting member pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member, such that the second support member is capable of pivoting with respect to the first support member.
1 3. The portable changing table of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pivoting members respectively disposed on the first and second support members, the lower support frame comprises two lower support members, and each lower support member is detachably connected to the pivoting member correspondingly.
1 4. The portable changing table of claim 1 3, wherein each lower support member is detachably connected to the pivoting members on the first and second support members respectively.
1 5. A portable changing table comprising: an upper support frame comprising a first support member and a second support member; a lower support frame comprising a third support member and a fourth support member; a connecting mechanism pivotally connected to the first and second support members; and a pivoting mechanism pivotally connected to the third and fourth support members, a first end of the third support member being pivotally connected to the first support member, a second end of the third support member being connected to the pivoting mechanism, a third end of the fourth support member being pivotally connected to the second support member, and a fourth end of the fourth support member being connected to the pivoting mechanism.
1 6. The portable changing table of claim 1 5, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises: a first connecting member connected to the first support member; and; a second connecting member pivotally connected to the first connecting member and connected to the second support member.
1 7. The portable changing table of claim 1 5, wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises: a third connecting member connected to the third support member; and; a fourth connecting member pivotally connected to the third connecting member and connected to the fourth support member.
1 8. The portable changing table of claim 1 5, wherein when the first and second support members are folded by the connecting mechanism, the third and fourth support members are folded between the first and second support members by the pivoting mechanism since the third support member is pivotally connected to the first support member and the fourth support member is pivotally connected to the second support member.