WO2022082083A1 - Play yard changing table - Google Patents

Play yard changing table Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022082083A1
WO2022082083A1 PCT/US2021/055350 US2021055350W WO2022082083A1 WO 2022082083 A1 WO2022082083 A1 WO 2022082083A1 US 2021055350 W US2021055350 W US 2021055350W WO 2022082083 A1 WO2022082083 A1 WO 2022082083A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rails
changing
play yard
edge
attached
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/055350
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Henry F. Thorne
Original Assignee
Thorne Henry F
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thorne Henry F filed Critical Thorne Henry F
Publication of WO2022082083A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022082083A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
    • A47D13/06—Children's play- pens
    • A47D13/061—Children's play- pens foldable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
    • A47D13/06—Children's play- pens
    • A47D13/066—Children's play- pens dismountable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D5/00—Dressing-tables or diaper changing supports for children

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a changing table that attaches to a child’ s folding play yard and remains attached for easy use, storage, and transport.
  • the present invention also encompasses a play yard with an attached folding changing table that remains attached for easy use, storage and transport.
  • Play yard(s) Foldable playpens, play yards, playyards, playards, play -yards, 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 (see for example U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20200187673 and 20200146465 for Play Yards to Thome). 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. Many of these accessories need to be attached after the play yard has been deployed into the open position, see for example United States Patents 9,907,411 and 9,351,588 for a Child Support Unit for a Play Yard to Burns, et al. and United States Patent 9,888,788 for Playards, Changing Table Assemblies, and Methods of Operating the Same to Thomas, et al., and then they need to be removed before the play yard is closed.
  • One of the most commonly used play yard accessories is a changing surface, station or table.
  • Some currently available play yards have changing stations that attach to one or more of the play yard’s top or upper rails after the play yard is opened. Some of these changing stations hang from or attach to the play yard’s longer set of upper side rails.
  • Childcare today 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.
  • childcare devices There is an ongoing market and use need for childcare devices that are simple; intuitive to set up/take-down/use/transport/ store; are able to be deployed while the user is holding a child; and do not require extra storage space or multiple people 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, the changing table of the present invention can be attached to an open play yard.
  • 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 removing the entire structure after each use. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a changing table, all or part of which can remain attached to the play yard regardless of whether the play yard is open, in use, closed, in storage or being transported.
  • the present invention changing table also provides a high, secure, stable and easy-to-clean changing surface to simplify caregivers’ lives.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails.
  • the changing table of this embodiment comprises a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides. Additionally, the changing table of this embodiment has two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail.
  • the changing surface of this embodiment securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails.
  • This embodiment of a changing table also has two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails. Additionally, this embodiment has at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is a pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails.
  • the changing table of this embodiment comprises a rectangular changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two longer opposing sides and a second set of two shorter opposing sides.
  • This embodiment also has two end rails, each associated with one of the two shorter opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected shorter edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected shorter edge rails.
  • This embodiment of a changing table also has two longer edge rails that are each attached to one of the two longer opposing sides of the changing surface.
  • this embodiment has at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two shorter edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
  • a third embodiment of the present invention is a folding play yard assembly with an attached pivoting changing table.
  • the assembly comprises a play yard structure having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails and connected to a central hub and a changing table structure.
  • the changing table structure comprises a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides; two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails.
  • the changing table of this embodiment also has two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails and at least two arm hinges.
  • Each arm hinge has a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
  • Figure 1 shows a fully open changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention resting on the upper rails of an open play yard;
  • Figure 2 shows a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention hanging along the side of an open play yard
  • Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the end rails of the present invention, with attached shorter edge rails, each connected to a play yard’s corner post via an arm hinge and in the deployed position;
  • Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the changing table of the present invention resting on a play yard with the shorter edge rails in the deployed position and the longer edge rails in the closed position;
  • Figures 5A through 5C illustrate an arm and double hinge structure according to one embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position
  • Figure 6 illustrates a play yard in the closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention with two attached pivotable arms and a double hinge construction
  • Figure 7 shows the play yard of Figure 6 with attached end rails and shorter edge rails in the hanging position according to the present invention
  • Figure 8 shows the same embodiment of a closed play yard depicted in Figure 7 about to be opened
  • Figure 9 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 8 an intermediate position
  • Figure 10 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 9 almost fully opened according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 11 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 10 fully opened according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 12 illustrates the movement of one end rail with attached shorter edge rail from the hanging position to the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 13 shows one end rail in the fully deployed position and one end rail in the hanging position attached to a fully opened play yard according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 14 illustrates the movement of the second attached end rail from the hanging position to the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 15 shows a fully opened play yard with two attached end rails and shorter edge rails in the deployed positions according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 16 illustrates the placement of a changing surface on the deployed end rails according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 17 shows a changing surface attached to two deployed end rails and shorter edge rails with the longer edge rails still in the closed or folded positions according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 18 shows the changing surface attached to two deployed end rails with one longer edge rail in the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 19 illustrates the movement of the second longer edge rail from the closed to the open or deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 20 illustrates the closing or folding of the longer edge rails of the changing table of one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 21 illustrates the pivoting or flipping of a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention from the deployed position to the hanging position;
  • Figure 22 also illustrates the pivoting or flipping of a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention from the deployed position to the hanging position;
  • Figure 23 illustrates one embodiment of the changing table hanging of the present invention along the side of an open play yard;
  • Figure 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the changing table of the present invention in the fully deployed position
  • Figures 25A and 25B show a changing surface with possible locations for longitudinal and latitudinal folding or pivoting of changing surface panels.
  • the terms “pivot” and “pivot point”, when used as nouns (and “pivotably” 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.
  • a pivot between an edge rail 140 and a changing surface 130 means a mechanical pivoting connection between the edge rail 140 and the changing surface 130 that permits at least partial rotation of the edge rail 140 relative to the changing surface 130, and vice versa, such pivoting movement is illustrated in Figures 17 to 20, which show the longer edge rails 142 pivoting between a closed and an open position.
  • a pivot may be created or achieved by using one or more hinges.
  • 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.
  • hinges 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.
  • the arm hinges 110 that connect the end rails 120 to the corner posts 20 in one embodiment of the changing table 100 of the present invention can be achieved by using a double arm hinge 110 structure. All combinations and/or variations of one or more than one arm hinges 110 are included within the use of the word “arm hinge 110” herein.
  • the double arm hinge 112 shown in Figures 5 A through 5C enables the movement of all vertical or protruding elements out of the way of the child when the changing table 100 is in the hanging position 200 (shown in Figures 6 and 11).
  • the double arm hinge structure 112 minimizes the presence of any surface upon which a child’s clothing could get caught.
  • the double arm hinge structure 112 also locates the hanging changing table 100 and the arm hinges 110 below the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 and farther out of reach of a child in the play yard 1 (see Figures 6, 11 and 23).
  • the play yard 1 is designed to better withstand upside down drops when in transit.
  • the arm hinges 110 are no longer the topmost or protruding pieces of the closed play yard 1 and, thus, do not have to withstand the drop loads in the upside-down state (should the closed play yard 1 be dropped upside- down).
  • the aesthetics of having smooth upper rails 10 on the play yard 1 that are uninterrupted by protruding arm hinges 110 is desirable. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are numerous structures and mechanisms that can be used to create pivot points or arm hinged connection points between two or more elements of the present invention to achieve the structural goals of the present invention and all such structures and mechanism are included within the scope of this application.
  • the present invention encompasses various embodiments of a pivoting changing table 100 and various embodiments of a play yard 1 with an attached pivoting changing table 100 that solve several problems that occur with changing tables 100 that are currently on the market.
  • the changing table 100 remains attached to the play yard 1 when the play yard 1 is in the open position 310 but the changing table 100 is not in use ( Figures 2 and 21 through 23).
  • the changing table 100 is pivotably connected to one side of the play yard 1 and flips between a deployed position 210 and a hanging position 200 (shown in Figures 20 through 23). In the hanging position 200, the changing table 100 hangs along the side of the open play yard 1, out of the way of both the child and the adult ( Figures 2 and 23).
  • the changing table 100 does not require separate storage when it is not in use. Nor does the changing table 100 require elaborate attachment to the play yard 1 each time it is needed. A user merely needs to flip the changing table 100 from the hanging position 200 to the deployed position 210 and open the edge rails 140 to begin using the changing table 100.
  • Another advantage to the changing table 100 is that at least some or all parts of the changing table 100 remain attached to the play yard 1 even when the play yard 1 is in the closed/stored/folded position 300 ( Figures 6 through 8).
  • a supporting framework of just the pivotable arms 150 or the entire changing table 100 can remain attached to the play yard 100 at all times. No longer does the user have to remove the entire changing table 100 prior to folding up the play yard 1, nor does the user have to transport and/or store both large items separately.
  • the present invention is designed to allow the user to open, use, close, transport and store both the play yard 1 and the changing table 100 together, without having to remove the entire changing table 100 from the play yard 1.
  • the present invention encompasses various embodiments of a changing table 100 and of a folding play yard 1 with an attached changing table 100, in which all or portions of the changing table 100 remain attached to the play yard 1 regardless of whether the play yard 1 is in the open 310 or closed position 300 and remain attached to the play yard 1 when a child is in the play yard 1.
  • the present invention is designed to work with the general shape and structure of many standard play yards 1, namely, rectangular play yards 1, as shown in Figures 1 through 25. As can be seen in the prior art, most play yards 1 have four upper rails 10 that connect to four comer posts 20 to form a rectangular play yard structure 1.
  • the changing surface 130 will be rectangular with longer and shorter sides as well.
  • the four edge rails 140 are referred to herein as being comprised of two longer edge rails 142 and two shorter edge rails 144. As such, the various embodiments of the present described and illustrated herein are described in the context of a standard rectangularly- shaped play yard 1.
  • Play yards 1 of different sizes and shapes may require or work best with changing tables 100 and changing surfaces 130 that are different sizes and shapes including but not limited to squares and trapezoids.
  • two opposing edge rails 142 will be parallel to one of the upper rails 10.
  • the phrases “longer edge rails” 142 and the “two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rail” 142 refer to the same set of edge rails 142.
  • the phrase “longer edge rails” 142 is used throughout to represent the two edge rails 142 that may be longer than the other two edge rails 144. Alternatively, if the “longer edge rails” 142 are not actually longer than the other two edge rails 144, then the “longer edge rails” 142 are, at a minimum, parallel to one of the upper rails 10. Similarly, changing tables 100 that are rectangular in shape will have two shorter edge rails 144. However, changing tables 100 that are not rectangular in shape will have two edge rail 144 that are associated with or integral two the two end rails 120.
  • the changing table 100 of the present invention is designed to work with a play yard 1 that folds or closes by having a central hub 30 that moves or is pulled upward, four comer posts 20 that move in towards the central hub 30 and four upper rails 10 that fold or bend downward towards or near their center to accommodate the movement of the central hub 30 and the corner posts 20.
  • the changing table 100 of this embodiment has a changing surface 130 that, in most embodiments, is a four-sided square or rectangular changing surface 130 that is sized and designed to support a child of an appropriate age for a play yard 1 and meet any regulatory standards, such as supporting 30 lbs. or 100 lbs. on the center of the changing table 100, or whatever the current requirements may be.
  • the changing surface 130 has a perimeter defined by four edge rails 140 that run along the four sides or edges 132 of the changing surface 130, as shown in Figure 1.
  • edge rails 140 will be grouped in two groups: (1) two opposing longer edge rails 142; and (2) two opposing shorter edge rails 144. This designation is for clarity when discussing the various edge rails 140 herein.
  • the four edge rails 140 can be the same or approximately the same length.
  • the two longer edge rails 142 move from a folded or closed position (shown in Figures 4 through 5C and 16 and 17), in which the longer edge rails 142 are adjacent and substantially parallel to the changing surface 130, to an open or deployed position in which the longer edge rails 142 stand upright and substantially perpendicular to the changing surface 130 to create a safety barrier that makes it more difficult for a child to roll off of the changing table 100 (shown in Figures 1, 19 and 24).
  • the edge rails 140 should be designed to meet all safety requirements. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rails 140 are approximately 3.25” tall from the topmost surface of the edge rails 140 to the changing surface 130.
  • edge rails 140 will depend in part upon the current safety requirements, the material from which the edge rails 140 are made, the expected span of the edge rail 140, the depth of the edge rail 140, aesthetics of the play yard 1, and the anticipated size of the child. All such variations are included within the scope of this invention and application.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 also fold down in a closed position.
  • Folding shorter edge rails 144 have a design similar to that of the folding longer edge rails 142 in that they fold to rest upon underlying longer edge rails 142 or the changing surface 130, depending upon whether the embodiment is designed to have either the longer edge rails 142 or the shorter edge rails 144 fold down first.
  • the changing surface’s perimeter is defined by four edge rails 140.
  • the two longer edge rails 142 generally run along the longer two sides 132 of a rectangular changing table 100 and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are pivotably attached or hinged to the changing surface 130 (shown in Figures 1, 4 through 5C, 16 through 20).
  • the two shorter edge rails 144 run along the shorter ends of a rectangular changing surface 130 (shown in Figures 1 through 5 A, 16 through 20, and 24).
  • the shorter edge rails 144 are removably connected to the changing surface 130 (as shown in Figures 1 through 24.)
  • the shorter edge rails 144 can be designed to remain attached to the changing surface 130 and be removably attached to the end rails 120.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 are integral to the end rails 120 and are connected to arm hinges 110, which connect to two of the play yard’s comer posts 20.
  • end rails 120 and shorter edge rails 144 may be the same structure, separate structures or separate but attached structures and all other combinations and variations.
  • the four edge rails 140 can be of a variety of sizes, shapes, designs to accommodate any functional or aesthetic preferences.
  • Figures 1 through 24 illustrate longer edge rails 142 and shorter edge rails 144 having different designs, with the shorter edge rails 144 being solid and creating a smooth curved transition from the changing surface 130 to the shorter edge rails 144 and the longer edge rails 142 having a more open design (in Figures 1 through 20) that folds flat to the changing surface 130 in the closed or folded position.
  • Figure 24 shows yet another embodiment of a play yard 1 according to the present invention having four solid edge rails 140.
  • the four edge rails 140 can have any open or solid design and when deployed are at close to a 90° angle to the changing surface 130.
  • transitions between the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 can be continuous, at soft curves or at angles that are greater or less than 90°, or they can be discontinuous and, again, at any of a variety of angles (but in a preferred embodiment are at close to 90°).
  • each of the longer edge rails 142 are pivotably attached or hinged to one of the sides 132 of the changing surface 130 such that each longer edge rail 142 pivots or moves between an open position ( Figures 1, 9, and 24) and a closed position ( Figures 4 through 5C, 16, and 17).
  • This movement between the open and closed positions of the longer edge rails 142 is illustrated in Figures 17 through 20.
  • the open position securely stops at an angle roughly approximating 90° (but alternative embodiments may have wider or narrower angles as long as they provide for a safe and secure changing table 100).
  • each edge rail 140 will run the length of the side 132 to which it is attached and/or adjacent and either fold nearly flush to the changing surface 130 in the closed position or, fold to accommodate and to be nearly flush with the first pair of edge rails 140 that have folded into the closed position.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 do not fold but remain in an open position at all times.
  • Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment in which the longer edge rails 142 are folded into the closed position first and reside near the changing surface 130.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 remain in an open, fixed or upright position.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 fold into the closed position and will accommodate and reside close to the longer edge rails 142 in the closed position.
  • the play yard 1 has two end rails 120 pivotably attached to two adjacent comer posts 20.
  • the two end rails 120 are the same structure as the two shorter edge rails 144. In other embodiments, these structures are removably distinct from one another.
  • each connection between an end rail 120 or a shorter edge rail 144 and a corner post 20 uses an arm hinge 110.
  • each arm hinge 110 is a double hinge structure 112 (shown in Figures 5A through 25).
  • the combination of an end rail 120, shorter edge rail 144 and an arm hinge 110 creates a pivotable arm 150 that is connected to the play yard corner post 20 and rotates between a stored position 200 and a deployed position 210, in which a changing surface 130 can be attached to the pivotable arm 150 for use.
  • the end rails 120 hang down near the play yard’s comer posts 20 (shown in Figures 6 through 8).
  • the play yard 1 After the play yard 1 is fully opened, the user then flips the end rails 120 up and into the deployed position 210 (shown in Figures 12 to 15). As shown in Figures 16 through 20, the changing surface 130 (having two pivotably attached longer edge rails 142) is then set onto the deployed end rails 120 and secured to the end rails 120 using any of a variety of securing mechanisms discussed herein. Finally, the two pivotably connected longer edge rails 142 are unfolded into the open or deployed position 210 and the changing table 100 is ready to be used (shown in Figurel9). This sequence is then reversed to transition the changing table 100 to the hanging position 200 as shown in Figures 20 through 23.
  • the pivotable arms 150 initially can be separate from the play yard 1 and attached for the first time by the user or the play yard 1 can be designed and sold with the pivotable arms 150 already attached.
  • the end rails 120 flip by way of the arm hinges 110 into the deployed position 210 first.
  • the changing surface 130, with longer edge rails 142 attached is connected to the end rails 120 or to the shorter edge rails 144.
  • This connection can be accomplished by a variety of structural and mechanical means, including but not limited to Velcro®, snaps, and/or pivoting or translating latches with either spring or friction forces holding the changing surface 130 to the shorter edge rails 144.
  • the end rails 120, longer edge rails 142 and changing surface 130 are one structural assembly that is pivotably attached to the play yard 1.
  • the present invention changing table 100 pivotably attaches to one side of the play yard 1 using at least one arm hinge 110.
  • the changing table 100 attaches to one of the shorter sides of the play yard 1, but in other embodiments the changing table 100 attaches to a longer side of the play yard 1.
  • One embodiment of the present invention changing table 100 which is shown in Figures 1 through 24, employs two pivoting arm hinges 110 with each arm hinge 110 located at or near a corner post 20 of a play yard 1.
  • each arm hinge 110 has a first end 114 that attaches to one of comer posts 20 of the play yard 1 and a second end 116 that attaches to either the shorter edge rails 144 or to one of the end rails 120. While the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 24 use an arm hinge 110, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are numerous mechanical structures that can be substituted for the shown arm hinge 110 to enable the changing table 100 to flip from a stored position 200 to a deployed position 210 and vice versa. Those structures include but are not limited to other types of pivoting structures, hinges, a double hinge structure, and all such structures are included within the scope of this invention and application.
  • the attachment to the comer post 20 can be located on the top, the inside, or the outside of the corner post 20.
  • the arm hinge 110 can be permanently or removably secured to the corner post 20 or even to an upper rail 10.
  • the arm hinge 110 (or analogous structure) enables the changing table 100 to move between the deployed 210 and hanging positions 200, enables the unused changing table 100 to hang along the side of the play yard 1, and is designed to avoid pinch-points or structures that would be a danger to a child in the play yard 1.
  • Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table 100 according to the present invention hanging along the side of an open play yard 1.
  • the changing table 100 When a user uses the changing table 100, the user flips the changing table 100 from the stored or hanging position 200 shown in Figure 2 to a deployed position 210 in which the changing table 100 is resting on at least two of the play yard’s upper rails 10 (shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4). Then, the user moves any closed edge rails 140 into the open or deployed position 210 and the changing table 100 is ready for use.
  • One advantage of the changing table 100 of the present invention over those currently on the market is the relative positional height of changing table 100. Many currently available changing tables 100 that attach to play yards 1 have a changing or changing surface 130 that sits below the upper rails of the play yard 1.
  • the changing table 100 of the present invention has a changing surface 130 that is even with or higher than the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 because 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 and thus makes the process more comfortable and easier on the adult.
  • another advantage of the changing table 100 of the present invention is that, in various embodiments, all or at least a supporting framework of the changing table 100 is designed to remain attached to the play yard 1 when the play yard 1 is folded into the closed position 300). In one embodiment, this is accomplished by designing and configuring the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 so that both the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 are comprised of movable segments 160 that enable the closed/stored changing table 100 to wrap around the outside of a closed play yard 1.
  • One embodiment of the present invention uses a changing surface 130 that is comprised of at least three panels 170 that are movably connected to each other and enable the changing surface 130 to wrap around the closed play yard 1.
  • a similar design can be used for the edge rails 140 wherein they are comprised of movable segments 160 that fold around the closed play yard 1.
  • the changing surface 130 is removed from the end rails 120 prior to folding the play yard 1 into the closed position 300.
  • the end rails 120 and arm hinges 110 remain attached to the closed play yard 1 (as shown in Figure 6).
  • One embodiment of the changing surface 130 shown in Figure 1 and 2 is designed and configured to be a solid structure with no ability to fold or pivot to have smaller dimensions.
  • the changing surface 130 can be designed to be comprised of a number of pivotably connected panels 170 running in either direction to enable the user to fold the changing surface 130 into a smaller form for transport and storage.
  • Figure 25 A illustrates a changing surface 130 having two longitudinal panels 170, which would enable the changing surface 130 to fold in half longitudinally for transport or storage.
  • Figure 25B illustrates a changing surface 130 with three latitudinal panels 170 that enable the illustrated changing surface 130 to fold latitudinally into thirds for storage or transport.
  • any permanently-attached edge rails 140 are segmented to fold with the attached changing surface 130.
  • the shorter edge rails 144 are not segmented because the shorter edge rails 144 remain attached to and hang along and hug the length of the corner posts 20 in the closed position 300 of play yard 1.
  • the components of changing table 100 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic, honeycomb board, corrugated plastic, or Medium Density Fiberboard (“MDF”), or any other material that meets safety requirements.
  • the edge rails 140 and the changing surface 130 may be made of the same material or of different materials. The material should be chosen to provide a safe and secure changing table 100 that can support a child.
  • the changing table 100, the changing surface 130, and rails 140 are made from easy-to-clean materials.
  • the changing table 100 can be used with or without a cover.
  • a soft material cover may be used on both or either the rails 140 and/or the changing surface 130 for a child’s comfort or for the aesthetics of the changing table 100.
  • covers can be designed to fit over all or some of the rails 140 with pockets to hold changing supplies.
  • An alternative embodiment of the present invention as described above and shown in Figures 7 to 25 is a play yard 1 having permanent or non-removable end rails 120 pivotably secured to play yard 1.
  • An additional embodiment of the invention is a play yard 1 with a non-removably attached changing table 100, having at least end rails 120 and arm hinges 110 that remain attached for easy use, storage, and transport.
  • the play yard 1 has the standard structure discussed herein and the changing table 100 can be any of the variety of designs discussed herein.

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a changing table to be used with a foldable play yard and that can remain attached to the play yard when the play yard is being used or folded for storage. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails. The changing table of this embodiment comprises a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides.

Description

PLAY YARD CHANGING TABLE
Inventor: Henry F. Thorne
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a PCT International Application claiming priority to U. S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/092,546, filed on October 16, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a changing table that attaches to a child’ s folding play yard and remains attached for easy use, storage, and transport. The present invention also encompasses a play yard with an attached folding changing table that remains attached for easy use, storage and transport.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Foldable playpens, play yards, playyards, playards, play -yards, 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 (see for example U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20200187673 and 20200146465 for Play Yards to Thome). 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. Many of these accessories need to be attached after the play yard has been deployed into the open position, see for example United States Patents 9,907,411 and 9,351,588 for a Child Support Unit for a Play Yard to Burns, et al. and United States Patent 9,888,788 for Playards, Changing Table Assemblies, and Methods of Operating the Same to Thomas, et al., and then they need to be removed before the play yard is closed.
[0004] One of the most commonly used play yard accessories is a changing surface, station or table. Some currently available play yards have changing stations that attach to one or more of the play yard’s top or upper rails after the play yard is opened. Some of these changing stations hang from or attach to the play yard’s longer set of upper side rails. 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 to be quickly and easily reconfigured from a deployed and in-use configuration to a stored and closed configuration, without requiring the disassembly or removal of multiple parts and/or accessories. Also, there is a market and user need for a play yard and related accessories (including a changing table) that can remain attached to one another for easy transport and storage, thus eliminating the need to carry multiple devices separately and to store them separately.
[0005] Childcare today 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 and use need for childcare devices that are simple; intuitive to set up/take-down/use/transport/ store; are able to be deployed while the user is holding a child; and do not require extra storage space or multiple people 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, the changing table of the present invention can be attached to an open play yard. 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 removing the entire structure after each use. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a changing table, all or part of which can remain attached to the play yard regardless of whether the play yard is open, in use, closed, in storage or being transported. 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] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails. The changing table of this embodiment comprises a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides. Additionally, the changing table of this embodiment has two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail. The changing surface of this embodiment securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails. This embodiment of a changing table also has two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails. Additionally, this embodiment has at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is a pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails. The changing table of this embodiment comprises a rectangular changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two longer opposing sides and a second set of two shorter opposing sides. This embodiment also has two end rails, each associated with one of the two shorter opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected shorter edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected shorter edge rails. This embodiment of a changing table also has two longer edge rails that are each attached to one of the two longer opposing sides of the changing surface. Additionally, this embodiment has at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two shorter edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
[0008] A third embodiment of the present invention is a folding play yard assembly with an attached pivoting changing table. The assembly comprises a play yard structure having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails and connected to a central hub and a changing table structure. The changing table structure comprises a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides; two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails. The changing table of this embodiment also has two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails and at least two arm hinges. Each arm hinge has a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent corner posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings and descriptions illustrate 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.
[0010] Figure 1 shows a fully open changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention resting on the upper rails of an open play yard;
[0011] Figure 2 shows a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention hanging along the side of an open play yard;
[0012] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the end rails of the present invention, with attached shorter edge rails, each connected to a play yard’s corner post via an arm hinge and in the deployed position; [0013] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the changing table of the present invention resting on a play yard with the shorter edge rails in the deployed position and the longer edge rails in the closed position;
[0014] Figures 5A through 5C illustrate an arm and double hinge structure according to one embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position;
[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a play yard in the closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention with two attached pivotable arms and a double hinge construction;
[0016] Figure 7 shows the play yard of Figure 6 with attached end rails and shorter edge rails in the hanging position according to the present invention;
[0017] Figure 8 shows the same embodiment of a closed play yard depicted in Figure 7 about to be opened;
[0018] Figure 9 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 8 an intermediate position;
[0019] Figure 10 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 9 almost fully opened according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 11 shows the play yard depicted in Figure 10 fully opened according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 12 illustrates the movement of one end rail with attached shorter edge rail from the hanging position to the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 13 shows one end rail in the fully deployed position and one end rail in the hanging position attached to a fully opened play yard according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0023] Figure 14 illustrates the movement of the second attached end rail from the hanging position to the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 15 shows a fully opened play yard with two attached end rails and shorter edge rails in the deployed positions according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 16 illustrates the placement of a changing surface on the deployed end rails according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 17 shows a changing surface attached to two deployed end rails and shorter edge rails with the longer edge rails still in the closed or folded positions according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 18 shows the changing surface attached to two deployed end rails with one longer edge rail in the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 19 illustrates the movement of the second longer edge rail from the closed to the open or deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 20 illustrates the closing or folding of the longer edge rails of the changing table of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 21 illustrates the pivoting or flipping of a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention from the deployed position to the hanging position;
[0031] Figure 22 also illustrates the pivoting or flipping of a changing table according to one embodiment of the present invention from the deployed position to the hanging position; [0032] Figure 23 illustrates one embodiment of the changing table hanging of the present invention along the side of an open play yard;
[0033] Figure 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the changing table of the present invention in the fully deployed position; and
[0034] Figures 25A and 25B show a changing surface with possible locations for longitudinal and latitudinal folding or pivoting of changing surface panels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The following describes example embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. This invention, however, may be embodied in many different 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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 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.
[0038] As used herein, the terms “pivot” and “pivot point”, when used as nouns (and “pivotably” 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 an edge rail 140 and a changing surface 130 means a mechanical pivoting connection between the edge rail 140 and the changing surface 130 that permits at least partial rotation of the edge rail 140 relative to the changing surface 130, and vice versa, such pivoting movement is illustrated in Figures 17 to 20, which show the longer edge rails 142 pivoting between a closed and an open position. A pivot may be created or achieved by using one or more hinges. 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] As a nonlimiting example of the wide variety of structures that can be used or combined to achieve a functional goal of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5A through 5C, the arm hinges 110 that connect the end rails 120 to the corner posts 20 in one embodiment of the changing table 100 of the present invention can be achieved by using a double arm hinge 110 structure. All combinations and/or variations of one or more than one arm hinges 110 are included within the use of the word “arm hinge 110” herein. According to this embodiment, the double arm hinge 112 shown in Figures 5 A through 5C enables the movement of all vertical or protruding elements out of the way of the child when the changing table 100 is in the hanging position 200 (shown in Figures 6 and 11). Should a child attempt to climb out of the play yard 1, the double arm hinge structure 112 minimizes the presence of any surface upon which a child’s clothing could get caught. The double arm hinge structure 112 also locates the hanging changing table 100 and the arm hinges 110 below the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 and farther out of reach of a child in the play yard 1 (see Figures 6, 11 and 23). In this embodiment, the play yard 1 is designed to better withstand upside down drops when in transit. By using a double arm hinged structure 112, the arm hinges 110 are no longer the topmost or protruding pieces of the closed play yard 1 and, thus, do not have to withstand the drop loads in the upside-down state (should the closed play yard 1 be dropped upside- down). Additionally, for some embodiments of the present invention, the aesthetics of having smooth upper rails 10 on the play yard 1 that are uninterrupted by protruding arm hinges 110 is desirable. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are numerous structures and mechanisms that can be used to create pivot points or arm hinged connection points between two or more elements of the present invention to achieve the structural goals of the present invention and all such structures and mechanism are included within the scope of this application.
[0042] 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 the invention covers modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0043] The present invention encompasses various embodiments of a pivoting changing table 100 and various embodiments of a play yard 1 with an attached pivoting changing table 100 that solve several problems that occur with changing tables 100 that are currently on the market. The changing table 100 remains attached to the play yard 1 when the play yard 1 is in the open position 310 but the changing table 100 is not in use (Figures 2 and 21 through 23). The changing table 100 is pivotably connected to one side of the play yard 1 and flips between a deployed position 210 and a hanging position 200 (shown in Figures 20 through 23). In the hanging position 200, the changing table 100 hangs along the side of the open play yard 1, out of the way of both the child and the adult (Figures 2 and 23). As such, the changing table 100 does not require separate storage when it is not in use. Nor does the changing table 100 require elaborate attachment to the play yard 1 each time it is needed. A user merely needs to flip the changing table 100 from the hanging position 200 to the deployed position 210 and open the edge rails 140 to begin using the changing table 100.
[0044] Another advantage to the changing table 100 is that at least some or all parts of the changing table 100 remain attached to the play yard 1 even when the play yard 1 is in the closed/stored/folded position 300 (Figures 6 through 8). For example, but without limitation, a supporting framework of just the pivotable arms 150 or the entire changing table 100 can remain attached to the play yard 100 at all times. No longer does the user have to remove the entire changing table 100 prior to folding up the play yard 1, nor does the user have to transport and/or store both large items separately. The present invention is designed to allow the user to open, use, close, transport and store both the play yard 1 and the changing table 100 together, without having to remove the entire changing table 100 from the play yard 1.
[0045] The present invention encompasses various embodiments of a changing table 100 and of a folding play yard 1 with an attached changing table 100, in which all or portions of the changing table 100 remain attached to the play yard 1 regardless of whether the play yard 1 is in the open 310 or closed position 300 and remain attached to the play yard 1 when a child is in the play yard 1. The present invention is designed to work with the general shape and structure of many standard play yards 1, namely, rectangular play yards 1, as shown in Figures 1 through 25. As can be seen in the prior art, most play yards 1 have four upper rails 10 that connect to four comer posts 20 to form a rectangular play yard structure 1. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, for many play yards 1, there are two opposing upper rails 10 that are longer 10A than the other two adjacent opposing rails 10B (thus creating a rectangular shape). For many rectangular play yards 1 the changing surface 130 will be rectangular with longer and shorter sides as well. For ease of explanation herein, the four edge rails 140 are referred to herein as being comprised of two longer edge rails 142 and two shorter edge rails 144. As such, the various embodiments of the present described and illustrated herein are described in the context of 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, play yards 1 that are squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, and polygons. Play yards 1 of different sizes and shapes may require or work best with changing tables 100 and changing surfaces 130 that are different sizes and shapes including but not limited to squares and trapezoids. For a changing table 100 of any shape, two opposing edge rails 142 will be parallel to one of the upper rails 10. The phrases “longer edge rails” 142 and the “two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rail” 142 refer to the same set of edge rails 142. However, for brevity herein the phrase “longer edge rails” 142 is used throughout to represent the two edge rails 142 that may be longer than the other two edge rails 144. Alternatively, if the “longer edge rails” 142 are not actually longer than the other two edge rails 144, then the “longer edge rails” 142 are, at a minimum, parallel to one of the upper rails 10. Similarly, changing tables 100 that are rectangular in shape will have two shorter edge rails 144. However, changing tables 100 that are not rectangular in shape will have two edge rail 144 that are associated with or integral two the two end rails 120. For clarity herein, these two edge rails 144 that are associated with or integral two the two end rails 120 are collectively referred to as the “shorter edge rails” 144 while recognizing that for changing tables 100 that are not rectangular this second set of edge rails may not always be shorter than the edge rails 142 that are parallel to an upper rail 10. Finally, the changing table 100 of the present invention is designed to work with a play yard 1 that folds or closes by having a central hub 30 that moves or is pulled upward, four comer posts 20 that move in towards the central hub 30 and four upper rails 10 that fold or bend downward towards or near their center to accommodate the movement of the central hub 30 and the corner posts 20.
[0046] One embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 through 4. The changing table 100 of this embodiment has a changing surface 130 that, in most embodiments, is a four-sided square or rectangular changing surface 130 that is sized and designed to support a child of an appropriate age for a play yard 1 and meet any regulatory standards, such as supporting 30 lbs. or 100 lbs. on the center of the changing table 100, or whatever the current requirements may be. The changing surface 130 has a perimeter defined by four edge rails 140 that run along the four sides or edges 132 of the changing surface 130, as shown in Figure 1. As explained previously, for purposes of present discussion and for ease of identifying the edge rails 140 in the accompanying figures, the edge rails 140 will be grouped in two groups: (1) two opposing longer edge rails 142; and (2) two opposing shorter edge rails 144. This designation is for clarity when discussing the various edge rails 140 herein. In any embodiment of the present invention, the four edge rails 140 can be the same or approximately the same length.
[0047] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 24, the two longer edge rails 142 move from a folded or closed position (shown in Figures 4 through 5C and 16 and 17), in which the longer edge rails 142 are adjacent and substantially parallel to the changing surface 130, to an open or deployed position in which the longer edge rails 142 stand upright and substantially perpendicular to the changing surface 130 to create a safety barrier that makes it more difficult for a child to roll off of the changing table 100 (shown in Figures 1, 19 and 24). The edge rails 140 should be designed to meet all safety requirements. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rails 140 are approximately 3.25” tall from the topmost surface of the edge rails 140 to the changing surface 130. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the dimensions of the edge rails 140 will depend in part upon the current safety requirements, the material from which the edge rails 140 are made, the expected span of the edge rail 140, the depth of the edge rail 140, aesthetics of the play yard 1, and the anticipated size of the child. All such variations are included within the scope of this invention and application.
[0048] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the shorter edge rails 144 also fold down in a closed position. Folding shorter edge rails 144 have a design similar to that of the folding longer edge rails 142 in that they fold to rest upon underlying longer edge rails 142 or the changing surface 130, depending upon whether the embodiment is designed to have either the longer edge rails 142 or the shorter edge rails 144 fold down first.
[0049] The changing surface’s perimeter is defined by four edge rails 140. The two longer edge rails 142 generally run along the longer two sides 132 of a rectangular changing table 100 and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are pivotably attached or hinged to the changing surface 130 (shown in Figures 1, 4 through 5C, 16 through 20). The two shorter edge rails 144 run along the shorter ends of a rectangular changing surface 130 (shown in Figures 1 through 5 A, 16 through 20, and 24). Again, in one embodiments of the present invention, the shorter edge rails 144 are removably connected to the changing surface 130 (as shown in Figures 1 through 24.) However, one skilled in the art will understand that the shorter edge rails 144 can be designed to remain attached to the changing surface 130 and be removably attached to the end rails 120. However, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 24, the shorter edge rails 144 are integral to the end rails 120 and are connected to arm hinges 110, which connect to two of the play yard’s comer posts 20. The combination of end rails 120, optionally with attached or integral shorter edge rails 144, form pivotable arms 150 that can remain attached to a play yard 1 in both the open 310 and closed positions 300 (shown in Figures 3 through 15). Additionally, in some embodiments, end rails 120 and shorter edge rails 144 may be the same structure, separate structures or separate but attached structures and all other combinations and variations.
[0050] The four edge rails 140 can be of a variety of sizes, shapes, designs to accommodate any functional or aesthetic preferences. Figures 1 through 24 illustrate longer edge rails 142 and shorter edge rails 144 having different designs, with the shorter edge rails 144 being solid and creating a smooth curved transition from the changing surface 130 to the shorter edge rails 144 and the longer edge rails 142 having a more open design (in Figures 1 through 20) that folds flat to the changing surface 130 in the closed or folded position. Figure 24 shows yet another embodiment of a play yard 1 according to the present invention having four solid edge rails 140. In alternative embodiments, the four edge rails 140 can have any open or solid design and when deployed are at close to a 90° angle to the changing surface 130. The transitions between the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 can be continuous, at soft curves or at angles that are greater or less than 90°, or they can be discontinuous and, again, at any of a variety of angles (but in a preferred embodiment are at close to 90°).
[0051] In the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 24, each of the longer edge rails 142 are pivotably attached or hinged to one of the sides 132 of the changing surface 130 such that each longer edge rail 142 pivots or moves between an open position (Figures 1, 9, and 24) and a closed position (Figures 4 through 5C, 16, and 17). This movement between the open and closed positions of the longer edge rails 142 is illustrated in Figures 17 through 20. The open position securely stops at an angle roughly approximating 90° (but alternative embodiments may have wider or narrower angles as long as they provide for a safe and secure changing table 100). The dimensions of the four edge rails 140 can vary but, again, all four edge rails 140 should be sized to provide for the safety and security of the child and meet any regulatory requirements for changing tables 100. For most embodiments, each edge rail 140 will run the length of the side 132 to which it is attached and/or adjacent and either fold nearly flush to the changing surface 130 in the closed position or, fold to accommodate and to be nearly flush with the first pair of edge rails 140 that have folded into the closed position. Again, for those embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 24, the shorter edge rails 144 do not fold but remain in an open position at all times. Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment in which the longer edge rails 142 are folded into the closed position first and reside near the changing surface 130. Then, in that same embodiment, the shorter edge rails 144 remain in an open, fixed or upright position. In an alternative embodiment (not shown in Fig. 4), the shorter edge rails 144 fold into the closed position and will accommodate and reside close to the longer edge rails 142 in the closed position.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the play yard 1 has two end rails 120 pivotably attached to two adjacent comer posts 20. In some embodiments of the present invention, the two end rails 120 are the same structure as the two shorter edge rails 144. In other embodiments, these structures are removably distinct from one another.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, each connection between an end rail 120 or a shorter edge rail 144 and a corner post 20 uses an arm hinge 110. In a preferred embodiment, each arm hinge 110 is a double hinge structure 112 (shown in Figures 5A through 25). The combination of an end rail 120, shorter edge rail 144 and an arm hinge 110 creates a pivotable arm 150 that is connected to the play yard corner post 20 and rotates between a stored position 200 and a deployed position 210, in which a changing surface 130 can be attached to the pivotable arm 150 for use. In the closed, hanging and/or stored position 200, the end rails 120 hang down near the play yard’s comer posts 20 (shown in Figures 6 through 8). After the play yard 1 is fully opened, the user then flips the end rails 120 up and into the deployed position 210 (shown in Figures 12 to 15). As shown in Figures 16 through 20, the changing surface 130 (having two pivotably attached longer edge rails 142) is then set onto the deployed end rails 120 and secured to the end rails 120 using any of a variety of securing mechanisms discussed herein. Finally, the two pivotably connected longer edge rails 142 are unfolded into the open or deployed position 210 and the changing table 100 is ready to be used (shown in Figurel9). This sequence is then reversed to transition the changing table 100 to the hanging position 200 as shown in Figures 20 through 23.
[0054] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the pivotable arms 150 initially can be separate from the play yard 1 and attached for the first time by the user or the play yard 1 can be designed and sold with the pivotable arms 150 already attached. In either embodiment (with pivotable arms 150 initially attached or separate), the end rails 120 flip by way of the arm hinges 110 into the deployed position 210 first. Then, the changing surface 130, with longer edge rails 142 attached, is connected to the end rails 120 or to the shorter edge rails 144. This connection can be accomplished by a variety of structural and mechanical means, including but not limited to Velcro®, snaps, and/or pivoting or translating latches with either spring or friction forces holding the changing surface 130 to the shorter edge rails 144. In an alternative embodiment, and instead of the end rails 120 and the changing surface 130 being removably separate structures, the end rails 120, longer edge rails 142 and changing surface 130 are one structural assembly that is pivotably attached to the play yard 1.
[0055] The present invention changing table 100 pivotably attaches to one side of the play yard 1 using at least one arm hinge 110. In aa preferred embodiment for a rectangular play yard 1, the changing table 100 attaches to one of the shorter sides of the play yard 1, but in other embodiments the changing table 100 attaches to a longer side of the play yard 1. One embodiment of the present invention changing table 100, which is shown in Figures 1 through 24, employs two pivoting arm hinges 110 with each arm hinge 110 located at or near a corner post 20 of a play yard 1. For this embodiment, each arm hinge 110 has a first end 114 that attaches to one of comer posts 20 of the play yard 1 and a second end 116 that attaches to either the shorter edge rails 144 or to one of the end rails 120. While the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 24 use an arm hinge 110, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are numerous mechanical structures that can be substituted for the shown arm hinge 110 to enable the changing table 100 to flip from a stored position 200 to a deployed position 210 and vice versa. Those structures include but are not limited to other types of pivoting structures, hinges, a double hinge structure, and all such structures are included within the scope of this invention and application. The attachment to the comer post 20 can be located on the top, the inside, or the outside of the corner post 20. In various embodiments, the arm hinge 110 can be permanently or removably secured to the corner post 20 or even to an upper rail 10. The arm hinge 110 (or analogous structure) enables the changing table 100 to move between the deployed 210 and hanging positions 200, enables the unused changing table 100 to hang along the side of the play yard 1, and is designed to avoid pinch-points or structures that would be a danger to a child in the play yard 1. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a changing table 100 according to the present invention hanging along the side of an open play yard 1.
[0056] When a user uses the changing table 100, the user flips the changing table 100 from the stored or hanging position 200 shown in Figure 2 to a deployed position 210 in which the changing table 100 is resting on at least two of the play yard’s upper rails 10 (shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4). Then, the user moves any closed edge rails 140 into the open or deployed position 210 and the changing table 100 is ready for use. [0057] One advantage of the changing table 100 of the present invention over those currently on the market is the relative positional height of changing table 100. Many currently available changing tables 100 that attach to play yards 1 have a changing or changing surface 130 that sits below the upper rails of the play yard 1. The changing table 100 of the present invention has a changing surface 130 that is even with or higher than the upper rails 10 of the play yard 1 because 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 and thus makes the process more comfortable and easier on the adult.
[0058] As shown in Figure 6, another advantage of the changing table 100 of the present invention is that, in various embodiments, all or at least a supporting framework of the changing table 100 is designed to remain attached to the play yard 1 when the play yard 1 is folded into the closed position 300). In one embodiment, this is accomplished by designing and configuring the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 so that both the changing surface 130 and the edge rails 140 are comprised of movable segments 160 that enable the closed/stored changing table 100 to wrap around the outside of a closed play yard 1. One embodiment of the present invention uses a changing surface 130 that is comprised of at least three panels 170 that are movably connected to each other and enable the changing surface 130 to wrap around the closed play yard 1. A similar design can be used for the edge rails 140 wherein they are comprised of movable segments 160 that fold around the closed play yard 1. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the changing surface 130 is removed from the end rails 120 prior to folding the play yard 1 into the closed position 300. However, even in this embodiment, the end rails 120 and arm hinges 110 remain attached to the closed play yard 1 (as shown in Figure 6). [0059] One embodiment of the changing surface 130 shown in Figure 1 and 2 is designed and configured to be a solid structure with no ability to fold or pivot to have smaller dimensions. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 25 A and 25B, the changing surface 130 can be designed to be comprised of a number of pivotably connected panels 170 running in either direction to enable the user to fold the changing surface 130 into a smaller form for transport and storage. Figure 25 A illustrates a changing surface 130 having two longitudinal panels 170, which would enable the changing surface 130 to fold in half longitudinally for transport or storage. Figure 25B illustrates a changing surface 130 with three latitudinal panels 170 that enable the illustrated changing surface 130 to fold latitudinally into thirds for storage or transport. For embodiments of the changing surface 130 in which the changing surface 130 folds to a smaller size, any permanently-attached edge rails 140 are segmented to fold with the attached changing surface 130. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 through 25, the shorter edge rails 144 are not segmented because the shorter edge rails 144 remain attached to and hang along and hug the length of the corner posts 20 in the closed position 300 of play yard 1.
[0060] The components of changing table 100 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic, honeycomb board, corrugated plastic, or Medium Density Fiberboard (“MDF”), or any other material that meets safety requirements. The edge rails 140 and the changing surface 130 may be made of the same material or of different materials. The material should be chosen to provide a safe and secure changing table 100 that can support a child. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the changing table 100, the changing surface 130, and rails 140 are made from easy-to-clean materials.
[0061] The changing table 100 can be used with or without a cover. In some embodiments, a soft material cover may be used on both or either the rails 140 and/or the changing surface 130 for a child’s comfort or for the aesthetics of the changing table 100. Additionally, covers can be designed to fit over all or some of the rails 140 with pockets to hold changing supplies.
[0062] An alternative embodiment of the present invention as described above and shown in Figures 7 to 25 is a play yard 1 having permanent or non-removable end rails 120 pivotably secured to play yard 1. An additional embodiment of the invention is a play yard 1 with a non-removably attached changing table 100, having at least end rails 120 and arm hinges 110 that remain attached for easy use, storage, and transport. For both of these embodiments of the present invention, the play yard 1 has the standard structure discussed herein and the changing table 100 can be any of the variety of designs discussed herein.
[0063] 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

What is claimed is:
1. A pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails, the changing table comprising: a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides; two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails; two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails; and at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent comer posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
2. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails are pivotably attached to the changing surface to move between an open position and a closed position.
23
3. The changing table of claim 1, wherein each arm hinge has a double arm hinge structure that positions the end rails and arm hinges lower than the upper rails of the play yard when the arm hinges and end rails are in the hanging position.
4. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the changing surfact is attached to the end rails and the two associated connected edge rails pivot from an open position to a closed position.
5. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the edge rails are configured in size and shape to prevent a baby from rolling off of the changing table.
6. The changing table of claim 2, wherein the open position of the edge rails is at an approximately 90-degree angle from the changing surface and the closed position is parallel to the changing surface.
7. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the end rails and arm hinges are configured in size and shape to remain attached to the play yard when the play yard folds into a closed position.
8. The changing table of claim 1, wherein each associated connected edge rail is either integral with one of the end rails or is separate and connected to one of the end rails.
9. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the changing surface connects to the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails using an engagement mechanism selected from the group consisting of Velcro, snaps, pivoting latches, translating latches, springlatches, and friction between the changing surface and either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails.
10. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the changing surface is comprised of a plurality of movably connected latitudinal panels and the two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails are movably segmented, whereby, when the play yard is folded into a closed position and the changing table is in the hanging position, the changing surface and all four edge rails fold around the closed play yard.
11. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the changing surface is comprised of a plurality of movably connected longitudinal panels and the associated connected edge rails are movably segmented, whereby the changing surface folds longitudinally.
12. A pivoting changing table configured for fixable attachment to a folding play yard having a plurality of comer posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails, the changing table comprising: a rectangular changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two longer opposing sides and a second set of two shorter opposing sides; two end rails, each associated with one of the two shorter opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected shorter edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected shorter edge rails; two longer edge rails that are each attached to one of the two longer opposing sides of the changing surface; and at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent comer posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two shorter edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
13. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the longer edge rails move between an open position and a closed position.
14. The changing table of claim 12, wherein each arm hinge has a double arm hinge structure that positions the end rails and arm hinges lower than the upper rails of the play yard when the arm hinges and end rails are in the hanging position.
15. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the changing surface is attached to the end rails and the two shorter edge rails pivot from an open position to a closed position.
16. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the edge rails are configured in size and shape to prevent a baby from rolling off of the changing table.
17. The changing table of claims 13, wherein the open position of the edge rails is at an approximately 90-degree angle from the changing surface and the closed position is parallel to the changing surface.
18. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the end rails and arm hinges are configured in size and shape to remain attached to the play yard when the play yard folds into a closed position.
19. The changing table of claim 12, wherein each shorter edge rail is either integral with one of the end rails or is separate and connected to one of the end rails.
20. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the changing surface connects to the end rails or to the shorter edge rails using an engagement mechanism selected from the group consisting of Velcro, snaps, pivoting latches, translating latches, spring-latches, and friction between the changing surface and either the end rails and shorter edge rails.
21. The changing table of claim 12, wherein the changing surface is comprised of a plurality of movably connected latitudinal panels and the two longer edge rails are movably segmented, whereby, when the play yard is folded into a closed position and the changing table is in the hanging position, the changing surface and all four edge rails fold around the closed play yard.
26
22. The changing table of claim 1, wherein the changing surface is comprised of a plurality of movably connected longitudinal panels and the shorter edge rails are movably segmented, whereby the changing surface folds longitudinally.
23. A folding play yard assembly with an attached changing table, the assembly comprising: a play yard structure having a plurality of corner posts interconnected by a plurality of upper rails and connected to a central hub; a changing table structure comprising, a changing surface with a perimeter defined by a first set of two opposing sides that are parallel to an upper rail and a second set of opposing sides; two end rails, each associated with one of the two sides of the second set of opposing sides and each end rail further comprising an associated connected edge rail, wherein the changing surface securely attaches to either the end rails or to the associated connected edge rails; two opposing edge rails that are each attached to one of the two opposing sides of the changing surface that are parallel to the upper rails; and at least two arm hinges, with each arm hinge having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm hinge first end is attached to the one of two adjacent comer posts and each arm hinge second end is attached to either one of the two end rails or to one of the two associated connected edge rails, whereby the end rails and the attached changing surface are capable of pivoting from a hanging position to a deployed position in which the changing surface is substantially horizontal and the end rails rest respectively upon two upper rails of the play yard.
27
PCT/US2021/055350 2020-10-16 2021-10-18 Play yard changing table WO2022082083A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202063092546P 2020-10-16 2020-10-16
US63/092,546 2020-10-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022082083A1 true WO2022082083A1 (en) 2022-04-21

Family

ID=81209378

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2021/055350 WO2022082083A1 (en) 2020-10-16 2021-10-18 Play yard changing table

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WO (1) WO2022082083A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PL131200U1 (en) * 2023-01-16 2024-07-22 Ceba Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Baby changing table
US12127690B2 (en) 2019-03-05 2024-10-29 Thorley Industries, Llc Foldable child enclosure

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080034506A1 (en) * 2006-08-14 2008-02-14 Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd. Changing table for playard
US20130086750A1 (en) * 2011-10-05 2013-04-11 Pao-Hsien Cheng Rotating diaper changing side frame of baby play yard
US20150113728A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-04-30 Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited Changing carrier for a playard
US20200281369A1 (en) * 2019-03-05 2020-09-10 Thorley Industries, Llc Foldable child enclosure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080034506A1 (en) * 2006-08-14 2008-02-14 Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd. Changing table for playard
US20130086750A1 (en) * 2011-10-05 2013-04-11 Pao-Hsien Cheng Rotating diaper changing side frame of baby play yard
US20150113728A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-04-30 Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited Changing carrier for a playard
US20200281369A1 (en) * 2019-03-05 2020-09-10 Thorley Industries, Llc Foldable child enclosure

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12127690B2 (en) 2019-03-05 2024-10-29 Thorley Industries, Llc Foldable child enclosure
PL131200U1 (en) * 2023-01-16 2024-07-22 Ceba Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Baby changing table

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