Diaper changing table assembly and method of use
View Patent ↗A diaper changing table assembly for elevating and supporting a user requiring a diaper change includes a frame, which comprises a plurality of linear elements. The linear elements are mutually pivotally attached so that the frame is reversibly positionable in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the linear elements are substantially parallel and proximally positioned. In the deployed configuration, the frame is substantially cuboid. A top panel, which is resiliently flexible, is attached to an upper limit of the frame. The top panel is substantially compacted and substantially planar with the frame in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration, respectively. The frame is deployable upon a substantially horizontal surface so that the top panel is substantially horizontally positioned. The top panel thus can support a user who requires a diaper change.
1. A diaper changing table assembly comprising:
a frame comprising a plurality of linear elements, the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements being mutually pivotally attached, such that the frame is reversibly positionable in a stowed configuration, wherein the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements are substantially parallel and proximally positioned, and a deployed configuration, wherein the frame is substantially cuboid;
a top panel attached to an upper limit of the frame, the top panel being resiliently flexible, such that the top panel is substantially compacted and substantially planar with the frame in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration, respectively, wherein the frame is configured for deployment upon a substantially horizontal surface, such that the top panel is substantially horizontally positioned, wherein the top panel is configured for supporting a user requiring a diaper change; and
a screen configured for deployment around the frame, wherein the screen is configured for shielding the user from view of passersby during the diaper change, wherein the screen comprises
a plurality of endless rods, the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods being mutually hingedly attached, such that the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods are selectively positionable in a folded configuration, wherein the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods are substantially parallel planarly positioned and in substantial abutment, and an extended configuration, wherein the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods surround the frame, the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods comprising resiliently bendable wire, such that the plurality of endless rods, when in the folded configuration, are reversibly twistable and foldable into a compacted configuration, and
a plurality of flexible panels, each flexible panel of the plurality of flexible panels being attached to a respective endless rod of the plurality of endless rods.
2. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises:
a center member comprising two linear elements, the linear elements of the center member being mutually pivotally attached such that the center member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration;
a pair of end members, each end member of the pair of end members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the end member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration; and
a set of side members, each side member of the set of side members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the side member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration, each side member of the set of side members being hingedly attached to and extending between a respective opposed side of the center member and a respective opposing side of a respective end member of the pair of end members.
3. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 2 , further including:
a first fastener attached to one of the linear elements comprising a respective one of the end members of the pair of end members; and
a second fastener attached to the other of the linear elements comprising the respective one of the end members of the pair of end members, the second fastener being complementary to the first fastener, such that the second fastener is positioned for selectively engaging the first fastener with the frame in the deployed configuration for removably securing the frame in the deployed configuration.
4. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 1 , further including a pad attached to the top panel, such that the pad is configured to be positioned between the top panel and the user, wherein the pad is configured for cushioning the user.
5. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 4 , further including a sheet selectively attachable to the pad, such that the sheet covers the pad with the sheet being configured to be positioned between the pad and the user, the sheet comprising elastomer, such that the sheet is substantially impermeable to water, wherein the sheet is configured for protecting the pad from soiling during the diaper change.
6. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 2 , further including a plurality of feet hingedly attached to a lower limit of the frame, the feet of the plurality of feet being resiliently compressible, wherein the feet of the plurality of feet are configured for limiting sliding of the frame upon the substantially horizontal surface.
7. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 6 , wherein the feet of the plurality of feet comprises rubber, silicone, or elastomer.
8. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 1 , further including a safety belt attached to the frame, wherein the safety belt is configured for removably securing the user in position upon the top panel.
9. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 1 , further including:
a sack sized to contain the frame, with the frame in the stowed configuration, the screen, with the plurality of endless rods in the compacted configuration, and a plurality of diapers;
a flap attached to the sack, such that the flap is positioned for selectively closing an opening in the sack; and
a closure attached to the sack and being positioned for selectively attaching to the flap for reversibly securing the flap over the opening.
10. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 9 , wherein the closure comprises a zipper.
11. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 9 , further including a pair of straps attached to the sack, such that the sack is configured as a backpack.
12. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 1 , further including:
a first coupler attached to the frame; and
a second coupler attached to the screen, the second coupler being complementary to the first coupler, such that the second coupler is positioned for selectively attaching to the first coupler for removably securing the screen to the frame.
13. The diaper changing table assembly of claim 12 , wherein the second coupler and the first coupler comprise a hook and loop strap.
14. A diaper changing table assembly comprising:
a frame comprising a plurality of linear elements, the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements being mutually pivotally attached, such that the frame is reversibly positionable in a stowed configuration, wherein the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements are substantially parallel and proximally positioned, and a deployed configuration, wherein the frame is substantially cuboid;
a top panel attached to an upper limit of the frame, the top panel being resiliently flexible, such that the top panel is substantially compacted and substantially planar with the frame in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration, respectively, wherein the frame is configured for deployment upon a substantially horizontal surface, such that the top panel is substantially horizontally positioned, wherein the top panel is configured for supporting a user requiring a diaper change;
wherein the frame comprises
a center member comprising two linear elements, the linear elements of the center member being mutually pivotally attached such that the center member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration,
a pair of end members, each end member of the pair of end members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the end member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration, and
a set of side members, each side member of the set of side members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the side member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration, each side member of the set of side members being hingedly attached to and extending between a respective opposed side of the center member and a respective opposing side of a respective end member of the pair of end members;
a first fastener attached to one of the linear elements comprising a respective one of the end members of the pair of end members;
a second fastener attached to the other of the linear elements comprising the respective one of the end members of the pair of end members, the second fastener being complementary to the first fastener, such that the second fastener is positioned for selectively engaging the first fastener with the frame in the deployed configuration for removably securing the frame in the deployed configuration;
wherein the second fastener comprises a pin, the pin being spring loaded; and
wherein the first fastener comprises a sleeve slidably attached to the one of linear elements, such that the pin is positioned for insertion into a hole positioned in the sleeve for removably securing the frame in the deployed configuration.
15. A diaper changing table assembly comprising:
a frame comprising a plurality of linear elements, the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements being mutually pivotally attached, such that the frame is reversibly positionable in a stowed configuration, wherein the linear elements of the plurality of linear elements are substantially parallel and proximally positioned, and a deployed configuration, wherein the frame is substantially cuboid, the frame comprising:
a center member comprising two linear elements, the linear elements of the center member being mutually pivotally attached such that the center member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration,
a pair of end members, each end member of the pair of end members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the end member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration, and
a set of side members, each side member of the set of side members comprising two linear elements, the linear elements being mutually pivotally attached such that the side member is X-shaped when the frame is in the deployed configuration, each side member of the set of side members being hingedly attached to and extending between a respective opposed side of the center member and a respective opposing side of a respective end member of the pair of end members;
a first fastener attached to one of the linear elements comprising a respective one of the end members of the pair of end members;
a second fastener attached to the other of the linear elements comprising the respective one of the end members of the pair of end members, the second fastener being complementary to the first fastener, such that the second fastener is positioned for selectively engaging the first fastener with the frame in the deployed configuration for removably securing the frame in the deployed configuration, the second fastener comprising a pin, the pin being spring loaded, the first fastener comprising a sleeve slidably attached to the one of linear elements, such that the pin is positioned for insertion into a hole positioned in the sleeve for removably securing the frame in the deployed configuration;
a top panel attached to an upper limit of the frame, the top panel being resiliently flexible, such that the top panel is substantially compacted and substantially planar with the frame in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration, respectively, wherein the frame is configured for deployment upon a substantially horizontal surface, such that the top panel is substantially horizontally positioned, wherein the top panel is configured for supporting a user requiring a diaper change;
a pad attached to the top panel, such that the pad is configured to be positioned between the top panel and the user, wherein the pad is configured for cushioning the user;
a sheet selectively attachable to the pad, such that the sheet covers the pad with the sheet being configured to be positioned between the pad and the user, the sheet comprising elastomer, such that the sheet is substantially impermeable to water, wherein the sheet is configured for protecting the pad from soiling during the diaper change;
a plurality of feet hingedly attached to a lower limit of the frame, the feet of the plurality of feet being resiliently compressible, wherein the feet of the plurality of feet are configured for limiting sliding of the frame upon the substantially horizontal surface, the feet of the plurality of feet comprising rubber, silicone, or elastomer;
a safety belt attached to the frame, wherein the safety belt is configured for removably securing the user in position upon the top panel;
a screen configured for deployment around the frame, wherein the screen is configured for shielding the user from view of passersby during the diaper change, the screen comprising:
a plurality of endless rods, the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods being mutually hingedly attached, such that the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods are selectively positionable in a folded configuration, wherein the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods are substantially parallel planarly positioned and in substantial abutment, and an extended configuration, wherein the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods surround the frame, the endless rods of the plurality of endless rods comprising resiliently bendable wire, such that the plurality of endless rods, when in the folded configuration, are reversibly twistable and foldable into a compacted configuration, and
a plurality of flexible panels, each flexible panel of the plurality of flexible panels being attached to a respective endless rod of the plurality of endless rods;
a sack sized to contain the frame, with the frame in the stowed configuration, the screen, with the plurality of endless rods in the compacted configuration, and a plurality of diapers;
a flap attached to the sack, such that the flap is positioned for selectively closing an opening in the sack;
a closure attached to the sack and being positioned for selectively attaching to the flap for reversibly securing the flap over the opening, the closure comprising a zipper;
a pair of straps attached to the sack, such that the sack is configured as a backpack;
a first coupler attached to the frame; and
a second coupler attached to the screen, the second coupler being complementary to the first coupler, such that the second coupler is positioned for selectively attaching to the first coupler for removably securing the screen to the frame, the second coupler and the first coupler comprising a hook and loop strap.