Convertible Diaper Changing Bench

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is subject to U.S. provisional application No. 61/769,728 Please incorporate by reference all information in said provisional application into this instant application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present invention generally relates to children's room furniture and in particular to a bench that can be converted into a diaper-changing bench that accommodates both the baby and the caregiver. Caring for young children is a physically demanding work. It involves unhealthy repetitive movements like bending, lifting and carrying. As the child grows and is more active tending him/her adds more strain and stress to the body of the caregiver resulting in pain and movement limitations. Diaper changing is one of these routines that distress the lower back while lifting the child up to high changing tables. Being active on feet most of the day caretakers hardly get a chance to change their posture including during diaper change, which might lead to musculoskeletal disorders in the long run.

Once babies start to roll, there is always a potential risk for fall from changing tables. Falling from such a high platform may result in serious injury and it only takes a momentary distraction of the caregiver. In addition, an active and curious toddler would try to climb up to the changing tables stepping on the shelves underneath, which is very dangerous.

Through different developmental stages children's rooms require frequent modifications to meet changing needs. Children grow out of their belongings very often and need different ones. Toys, clothing and furniture are a few to count. Keeping up with these changes is time consuming and costly for caretakers. If there is a limited living space it can be frustrating. Being aware of these challenges, manufacturers produce convertible and multifunctional children's items. Diaper changing tables can be safely used only for about four months till a baby starts to roll, which is a very short period for the investment made. Therefore, there is a considerable need for changing tables to be replaced by safer, longer useful, and multifunctional furniture that makes the best use of space it takes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to infant and childcare and children's furniture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There is another diaper changing bench designed for use in public restrooms. It is U.S. Pat. No 7,131,155 issued to Fernandez, et al. on Nov. 7,2006.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is children's furniture that is easily converted from a bench to a diaper-changing bench. One aspect of this invention is a bench consisting of an elongate planar member with upright support members, a storage shelf parallel to the top planar member running between supporting members and pull out extension members. These extension members increase the width of the planar member of the bench where the child is placed for a diaper change. The extension members are stored underneath the top member, can be pulled out, lifted up and fixed to level with the top member. Since diaper-changing bench is pretty low, caregiver can place the child on it comfortably without straining her/his back. Once the child is capable s/he can climb the bench her/himself for being cleaned. While changing diaper caregiver sits on one end with both legs on each side, knees bent and feet on the ground. This neutral sitting position helps stabilize the body and keep the back straight while tending the child. The caregiver gets a chance to relax his/her feet and knees. In this position she can easily care for the child and can turn diaper changing routine into a bonding time that babies need. The storage shelf under the top member provides easy to reach space for supplies.

Children are close to floor on diaper changing bench, which is much safer than being high. Since caregivers are sitting they can contain the child better, and they can't step away even for a moment.

When the extension members are closed this bench with a sturdy structure and proper height for children can be used for many years for variety of purposes. It can be a center for socializing, reading, physical activity and pretend play. It can be used for sitting, storing and leaning on while changing clothes. This multifunctional diaper-changing bench saves living space and means by serving different uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the invention in use.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the invention in closed position

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the invention in opened position

FIG. 4 is the top view of the base frame with extension members in closed position

FIG. 5 is the top view of the base frame with extension members in opened position

FIG. 6 is the exploded view the invention.

FIG. 7 is the exploded partial view of the extension mechanism.

FIG. 8 is the partial view detailing the cushion in closed configuration.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

Top Member 8 Diaper changing bench 10 Middle Piece 11 Top member Support 12 Base frame 13 Base Member 14 Short sides of Base frame 15 Long sides of the Base frame 16 Base Member Supports 17 Extension members 18 Storage Shelf 19 Longitudinal Supports 20 Screws 21 Horizontal Supports 22 Extension rail 24 Extension Stopper 26 Slots in the base frame 28 Cushion flaps 27 Cushion 29 Straps 30 Baby 31 Caretaker 32 Attachment point between top member and middle piece 33 Attachment point between middle piece and base member 34

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS WITH DRAWINGS

Disclosed herein are preferred embodiments of a bench convertible to a baby-changing bench or station. The bench has two expandable surface areas that fit underneath the upper surface area. These are capable of sliding out from under the upper surface area to create a larger overall working surface that functions as a baby changing station, and may comprise other baby changing suitable elements such as a body contoured portion or straps to hold an infant in place. The components necessary to enable the invention are largely out of view underneath the center top and the extendable surface areas. The extendable surface areas when pushed or pulled, either one or both, slide out from their stored position to enhance the overall surface area. Means for deploying the extendable surface areas in some embodiments comprise sliding rails on top of which are the extendable surfaces.

The bench in some embodiments provides for store space underneath the top sitting area. The bench may be of a multitude of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments the bench is “L shaped” so that it can be easily fitted into a corner of a room. In other it is substantially straight. Further modifications include a cushion or other accessory, that can be placed on the top surface area, and when the surfaces are tucked under in the bench formation, have flaps that hang downward over the sides, that serve as an extension of the cushion or accessory itself that can be lifted up and placed on top of the extendable surfaces areas when they are pulled out. In some embodiments this cushion accessory is substantially flat in the portion covering the bench use, and the flap areas that hang over the sides are contoured such that when lifted up on top of the extendable surfaces create a single contoured cushion surface over the main surface and the extensions. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and these many embodiments are part of the object of the invention herein.

The overall shape and design of the bench and the changing table formation when the extensions are pulled out may take many different forms. As described a substantially straight style bench may be employed, as well as an L shaped version well suited to placing in a corner of a room or area. Other alternative embodiments include a circular or oval shaped design which may well suited for use in the center of a room. The shape and size of both the top surface area and the extendable surface may take many forms such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal and many other examples that will apparent. The disclosure herein is not limited by any particular shape or size.

It will be apparent the many means for providing the extendable surfaces. In some embodiments rails attached to the extendable surfaces fit into grooves in the frame and slide along said grooves until the extensions are fully realized. A means for catching the rails may be provided for in some embodiments by L shaped brackets secured underneath.

By connecting one side of the extending surfaces with the other through levers and gears the extendable surfaces may be both extended at the same time, enabling the user to operate with one hand. There are numerous engineering paradigms that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that may be employed with the current disclosure to enable the easy extension and retraction of the extendable surfaces, in some embodiments both sides being coupled to each other. Gears, hinges, latches, slides, and the many other mechanical engineering methods may be applied in certain embodiments of the present invention to capture the force applied by the user and transfer it to push and pull the extendable lateral surfaces. In some embodiments having a base that is wider than the upper portions further stabilizes the furniture. Particularly, in the embodiments comprised of a straight bench design, the base touching floor may be wider than the width at the top surface to stabilize while a user is seated at one end of the bench and using the diaper-changing bench. The base may be wider at one or both ends.

A cushion and other surface materials or accessories may be secured to the top through numerous means such as stapling, upholstered, Velcro, tie downs, fasteners, buckles, clasps and many others.

Numerous materials will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention herein is not limited to embodiments shown comprised of wood. Metals, aluminum, plastics, rubbers and any other material used in furniture structures and coverings may also be used with the current invention.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described in this summary and the detailed description are not all inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the following description. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

In this respect, by explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described in this summary and the detailed description are not all inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the detailed description.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. This present invention disclosing a convertible diaper-changing bench 8 enabling caretakers 32 change soiled diapers of children 31 while sitting in a neutral way so handling the child 31 easily. The storage shelf 19 will provide easy to reach place for supplies like diapers, ointments and wipes. The cushion 29 covering the top member 10 and the extension members 18 will provide comfort for both the child 31 and the caretaker 32. The seat belt straps 30 will secure the child on the bench 8 to prevent any falls.

FIG. 2 shown therein is the front perspective view of the convertible diaper-changing bench 8 in a closed configuration. In this closed position the bench can serve versatile functions in a child's room, It can be a center for socializing, reading, physical activity and pretend play. It can be used for sitting, storing and leaning on while changing clothes. The upright base member supports 17 are disposed under the short sides 15 of base frame 13 of base member. Top member support 12 has a widened bottom for increased stability of the bench.

FIG. 3 shown therein is the front perspective view of the convertible diaper-changing bench in opened configuration. The extension members 18 will be pulled out, lifted up then pushed back in to level them with the top member 10 providing a wider surface area for a child to lie down. The middle piece 11 between the top member and the base frame 13 creates the space to store the extension members in closed configuration.

FIG. 4 shown therein is the top view of the extension members 18 in closed position over the base frame 13. The long sides 16 of base frame harbor the slots 28 for longitudinal 20 and horizontal supports 22 of extension members. The middle piece 11 is attached on the base frame 13 with screws 21. The longitudinal supports 20 are attached underneath the extension members 18 with screws 21.

FIG. 5 shown therein is the top view of the base frame 13 with extension members 18 in opened position. When extension members are opened, the horizontal supports rest 22 on the base frame to keep the extension members on the level of top member. The tip of longitudinal supports 20 leaning against the bottom of the middle piece provides additional support for the extension members in opened position.

FIG. 6 shown therein is the exploded view of the convertible diaper-changing bench. The top member 10 will be screwed onto middle piece 11 at the attachment points 33. The base frame 13 will be screwed onto the middle piece 11 at the attachment points 34. The extension members 18 are stored in the space created by middle piece 11 between top member 10 and base frame 13. The longitudinal supports 20 and horizontal supports 22 of extension members 18 are accommodated in the slots 28 in the long sides of base frame 15. When extension member is pulled out all the way it is lifted up and pushed back in so that horizontal supports rest on the base frame 13 and longitudinal support lean against the bottom of middle piece 11 holding the extension members on the same level as top member.

FIG. 7 shown therein is the partial exploded view of lateral extension mechanism. The railings 24 hardware screwed underneath the middle piece 11 hold and guide the longitudinal supports while they are pulled out and pushed in. The Stoppers 26 hits the railings 24 when extension member 18 is pulled all the way out, preventing over extension of the extension members 18. The horizontal supports 22 are placed through longitudinal supports 20.

FIG. 8 shown therein is the partial view of the cushion when the bench is in closed position. The cushion flaps 27 are attached to the cushion 29 on the top member. Cushion flaps 27 cover the extension members in opened configuration. The straps 30 are disposed on the top member to secure the child during diaper change.