DIAPER CHANGING TABLE WITH BUILT IN AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/672,167 filed on Jul. 16, 2024, entitled “Diaper Changing Table With Built In Air Filtration System,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Art

The present disclosure is related to the field of diaper changing equipment and furniture.

Discussion of the State of the Art

The issue of managing unpleasant odors and aerosolized particles during diaper changes is a significant concern, particularly for caregivers and individuals within proximity of the diaper change. The problem is not limited to the discomfort of inhaling the foul smell, but extends to the potential health risks associated with the spread of aerosolized particles of feces and urine. These particles can carry and spread diseases. This is a particularly pressing issue in environments such as child care facilities and hospitals, where the risk of disease transmission needs to be minimized.

The spread of these particles is not limited to the immediate vicinity of the diaper change. The particles can disperse throughout the room, contaminating surfaces and increasing the risk of disease transmission. This uncontrolled spread of aerosolized feces and urine particles poses a significant health risk and creates an unpleasant environment for caregivers and others within the space.

Previous attempts to address this problem have been suboptimal and come with their own set of issues. For instance, wearing face masks can provide some level of protection, but they do not fully eliminate the risk of inhaling aerosolized particles. Furthermore, masks do nothing to address the spread of particles throughout the room.

Spraying aerosolized fragrances or detergents in the air is another commonly used method to combat the unpleasant odor. However, this approach merely masks the smell without addressing the root problem of aerosolized particle spread. Moreover, these fragrances and detergents can be harmful, causing allergic reactions or respiratory issues in some individuals.

Ventilating the air out of the room is another method that has been used to mitigate the problem. However, this solution is dependent on the architecture of the building and is not always feasible. Even when it is possible, ventilating the air out of the room does not guarantee the complete removal of aerosolized particles and can result in the spread of these particles to other areas.

In summary, the problem of managing unpleasant odors and the spread of aerosolized feces and urine particles during diaper changes is a significant issue that has not been adequately addressed by existing solutions. The current methods either fail to fully address the problem, come with their own set of drawbacks, or are not universally applicable.

SUMMARY

The present invention pertains to a diaper changing table equipped with a built-in suction-based air filtration system. The diaper changing table in accordance with the present invention effectively reduces or eliminates the unpleasant odors and potentially harmful aerosolized particles of feces and/or urine that can be inhaled by caregivers or others in proximity during diaper changes.

The diaper changing table incorporates an air filtration system that features an air intake positioned near or adjacent to the peripheral edge of the diaper changing surface. The air intake is fluidly coupled to a fan apparatus and an air filter. The system draws in air at a sufficient rate and volume to filter the air before the unpleasant odors and aerosolized particles can be inhaled by those in the vicinity during a diaper change.

The diaper changing table overcomes the limitations of previous solutions by providing controlled airflow around the diaper changing area, effectively filtering out unpleasant odors and potentially harmful aerosolized particles. It eliminates the need for spraying potentially harmful aerosolized fragrances or detergents into the air and is not limited by a building's architecture.

The benefits of the diaper changing table extend beyond odor and particle control. The integration of the air filtration system fully or partially into the structural elements of the changing table reduces operating noise levels significantly and optimizes a compact, safe, and practical design. This makes it ideal for use with infants and toddlers in a variety of settings, including homes, childcare facilities, and hospitals.

In one example, the invention is a diaper changing table that includes a base having an interior compartment, a bottom surface, a changing table surface, and side surfaces extending between the bottom surface and the changing table surface. The diaper changing table may include insulation lining at least a portion of the interior compartment. The diaper changing table may include exhaust openings in the base.

The changing table further includes an air intake opening positioned adjacent to an edge portion of the changing table surface to facilitate airflow parallel or tangential to the changing table surface. In certain embodiments, the air intake opening may be positioned within either a horizontal or vertical surface adjacent to the peripheral edge of the changing table surface. For instance, the air intake opening may extend horizontally through the changing table surface adjacent to its edge or vertically through an upwardly extending sidewall adjacent to the edge. The air intake opening is in fluid communication with the interior compartment. The diaper changing table may also include a sidewall in the edge portion of the changing table surface. The sidewall may extend upwards relative to the changing table surface, and the air intake opening may extend through the sidewall. The base may be made of a first material and the sidewall may be made of a second material that is different from the first material. The diaper changing table may include a plurality of sidewalls extending upwards relative to the changing table surface, and the plurality of sidewalls may surround a periphery of the changing table surface. The air intake opening may extend through one of the sidewalls.

Still further, the changing table includes a fan in fluid communication with the air intake opening, and configured for drawing air into the interior compartment through the air intake opening. The diaper changing table may also include an air filter positioned in series with the fan, such that air drawn into the interior compartment passes through the air filter. The air filter and the fan may be positioned within the interior compartment.

It should be noted that the placement of the fan and filter within the system may vary. The fan and filter may be positioned internally within the base or externally, and the sequence in which the air encounters these components may also vary (fan followed by filter, or filter followed by fan), without deviating from the core functionality and advantages of the invention described herein.

The diaper changing table may include an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the fan and configured for turning the fan on and off. The activation mechanism may be a user-operated switch. The diaper changing table may further include a sensor, and the activation mechanism may be an automated switch configured to activate and deactivate the fan in response to a condition detected by the sensor. The sensor may be a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, a motion sensor, and/or an IR sensor.

The diaper changing table may also include a light adjacent to the changing table surface, and a switch configured for turning the light off and on. The switch may be additionally configured to turn the fan off and on.

The changing table further includes an air duct in the interior compartment. The air duct extends between the air intake opening and the fan. The air duct may include a liquid reservoir for capturing liquids thereby preventing liquids from coming into contact with the fan. The air duct may extend vertically downward from the air intake opening, and the air duct may be positioned at or adjacent to a peripheral edge of the changing table surface. The air duct may include a vertical conduit positioned beneath the changing table surface adjacent to a peripheral edge of the changing table surface. This vertical conduit arrangement may facilitate safe and efficient airflow away from the changing surface without interference or obstruction to the caregiver or child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention according to the embodiments. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the particular arrangements illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting of the scope of the invention or the claims herein in any way.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and perspective views, respectively of a diaper changing table, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective and front elevation views, respectively, of a diaper changing table with a front panel removed to illustrate an interior compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a sidewall panel having an air intake opening, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a diaper changing table with a front panel removed to illustrate an interior compartment, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a diaper changing table, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a light adjacent to a changing table surface, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a diaper changing table with a front panel removed to illustrate an interior compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of a diaper changing table having an air intake opening in the horizontal top surface thereof, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is for a diaper changing table with a built-in air filtration system. The invention is described by reference to various elements herein. It should be noted, however, that although the various elements of the inventive apparatus are described separately below, the elements need not necessarily be separate. The various embodiments may be interconnected and may be cut out of a singular block or mold. The variety of different ways of forming an inventive apparatus, in accordance with the disclosure herein, may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

One or more different embodiments may be described in the present application. Further, for one or more of the embodiments described herein, numerous alternative arrangements may be described; it should be appreciated that these are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting of the embodiments contained herein or the claims presented herein in any way. One or more of the arrangements may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as may be readily apparent from the disclosure. In general, arrangements are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the embodiments, and it should be appreciated that other arrangements may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Particular features of one or more of the embodiments described herein may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific arrangements of one or more of the aspects. It should be appreciated, however, that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all arrangements of one or more of the embodiments nor a listing of features of one or more of the embodiments that must be present in all arrangements.

Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more communication means or intermediaries, logical or physical.

A description of an aspect with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components may be described to illustrate a wide variety of possible embodiments and in order to more fully illustrate one or more embodiments. Similarly, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may generally be configured to work in alternate orders, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of described processes may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the embodiments, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. Also, steps are generally described once per aspect, but this does not mean they must occur once, or that they may only occur once each time a process, method, or algorithm is carried out or executed. Some steps may be omitted in some embodiments or some occurrences, or some steps may be executed more than once in a given aspect or occurrence.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.

The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the device itself.

Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be appreciated that particular embodiments may include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. Process descriptions or blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of various embodiments in which, for example, functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The detailed description set forth herein in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Apparatus

The present invention is for a diaper changing table 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. The diaper changing table 100 includes a base 102 having a bottom surface 104 and a top planar horizontal support surface that functions as a changing table surface 106. Side surfaces 108 extend between the bottom surface 104 and the changing table surface 106. The base 102 of the changing table 100 may further include a storage area 112 and an interior compartment covered by a front panel 110. The storage area 112 may include shelves, drawers, baskets, bins, cubbies, cupboards, or other similar storage mechanisms for storing supplies, clothes, or the like. The bottom surface 104 and changing table surface 106 are generally horizontal. The storage area 112 may include shelves that are generally horizontal. The side surfaces 108 and front panel 110 are generally vertical and are thus perpendicular to the bottom surface 104 and the changing table surface 106.

In one example, the changing table surface 106 is surrounded by safety rails that extend upwards relative to the changing table surface 106. The safety rails are sidewalls 114, 114a that are generally perpendicular to the changing table surface 106. The safety rails 114, 114a extend in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal changing table surface 106. The sidewalls 114, 114a are a safety feature that prevent the baby from rolling off of the changing table surface 106. The sidewalls 114 are at least about 2-5 inches high and extend around the periphery of the changing table surface 106. In other examples, the sidewalls 114 may extend around two or three sides of the changing table surface 106 instead of all four sides. In still another example, the table 100 does not include safety rails at all.

One of the sidewalls 114a includes an air intake opening 122, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The sidewall 114a has an increased height relative to the other sidewalls 114. With this arrangement, the air intake opening 122 is directly adjacent to the changing table surface 106. The forced ventilation system, described in further detail below, is used to draw air in the vicinity of the changing table surface 106 into the air intake opening 122, thereby eliminating or minimizing unpleasant odors. In one example, the changing table 100 may include just the air intake sidewall 114a and the other sidewalls 114 may be eliminated. In alternate embodiments, the air intake openings may be positioned horizontally in an edge portion of the changing table surface 106, vertically in sidewalls, or a combination thereof, each positioned at or near peripheral edges of the changing table surface 106.

Broadly, the air intake opening 122 is positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge portion of the changing table surface 106, and is positioned so as to facilitate airflow substantially parallel or tangential relative to the changing table surface 106, avoiding a centrally located air intake. The position of the air intake opening 122 may be within either a horizontal surface adjacent to the peripheral edge of the changing table surface 106 or within a vertically-oriented structure adjacent to the peripheral edge of the changing table surface 106. FIGS. 1A-1D depict the air intake opening 122 positioned in the vertically-oriented structure of the sidewall 114a. In another example, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the air intake opening 122 is in a horizontal surface adjacent to a peripheral edge of the changing table surface 106. Although FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the air intake opening 122 in one end of the changing table surface 106, the invention is not limited to this position and the air intake opening 122 may alternatively be in the other end and/or along the sides of the changing table surface 106. Positioning the air intake opening 122 at the peripheral edge of the changing table surface 106 minimizes direct exposure to liquids and solids, enhances user safety, simplifies cleaning, and significantly improves air quality near the diaper changing surface-none of which are achievable with central intake placements.

The sidewall panel 114a is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The air intake opening 122 is covered by a mesh, grate, screen, or panel having a plurality of small openings 124 for preventing larger solid objects from passing through the air intake opening 122. The small openings 124 allow gas and liquid to pass therethrough. Alternatively or additionally, the air intake opening 122 may be covered with a filter membrane that allows only gas to pass therethrough and prevents liquid from passing through the air intake opening 122. In one example, the sidewall 114a that includes the air intake opening 122 is made of a panel that has a portion 126 having a plurality of openings 124 and a solid portion 128.

The changing table 100 may be made of any rigid material such as materials that are typically used in the construction of household furniture. The changing table 100 may be made of wood, rigid plastic, glass, resin, or the like. In one example, the changing table 100 is made of laminated composite board or high density polyethylene (HDPE). One advantage of using HDPE for the material of the changing table 100 is that HDPE may be easier to clean and sanitize and may be more resistant to damage that may be caused by chemical disinfectants.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate the changing table 100 with the front panel 110 removed to show the interior compartment of the base 102. The interior compartment may include a fan compartment 136 housing a fan 132, a filter compartment 138 housing a filter unit 134, and an air duct 142. The air duct 142 is a vertical conduit under the changing table surface 106 that extends from the air intake openings 122 to the fan 132. It will be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the fan 132 and the filter unit 134 may be positioned in the interior compartment of the base 102 without having their own dedicated compartments. That is, the fan 132 may be positioned in a portion of the interior compartment and the filter unit 134 may be positioned in another portion of the interior compartment. In another alternative, the fan 132 and the filter unit 134 may be positioned externally to the table 100 and in fluid communication with the air duct 142 through air exhaust openings. The filter 134 is downstream of the fan 132 so that air that is pulled into the air intake opening 122 by the fan 132 flows through the filter 134 before exiting the interior compartment of the table 100. The filter unit 134 functions to filter contaminants out of the air. The filter 134 may be a carbon filter and/or a HEPA filter. In one alternative example, the positions of the fan 132 and the filter 134 may be swapped so that the fan 132 is positioned downstream of the filter 134. With this arrangement, the air is pulled through the filter 134 by the fan 132. In yet another example, the fan 132 and/or the filter 134 may be positioned externally rather than inside the base 102 of the table 100. For example, the fan 132 and/or the filter 134 may be positioned outside of the table 100 directly adjacent to an air outlet opening.

Alternative arrangements may also include external exhaust systems or alternative placements and configurations of fans and filters. For example, the fan and air filtration components may be located internally or externally relative to the changing table structure and can be arranged in either sequence, fan-first or filter-first, or alternatively the system may be configured to exhaust filtered or unfiltered air externally from the table area via a duct. These configurations are provided as illustrative and non-limiting examples of the broader inventive concept.

The fan 132 is in fluid communication with the air intake opening 122 through the air duct 142. The air duct 142 is partitioned off from the rest of the interior compartment and has a shape that is designed to keep liquids from getting into the fan compartment 136 and/or the filter compartment 138. For example, the air duct 142 may have a shepherd's hook, candy cane, or inverted J shape, such that air flowing through the air duct 142 flows upwards relative to the changing table surface 106 and then downwards towards the fan compartment 136, as shown by the arrow 144 in FIG. 1D. As such, air is drawn into the air duct 142 through the intake opening 122 and then flows through the air duct 142, the fan compartment 136, and the filter compartment 138. The shape of the air duct 142 is advantageous for preventing liquids or solids from reaching the fan compartment 136. The air duct 142 includes an upwardly extending wall 148 that creates a liquid reservoir area 146 for capturing liquids and thereby preventing liquids from entering the fan compartment 136. That is, any liquids that enter the air duct 142 through the air intake opening 122 are contained in the liquid reservoir area 146 so as not to flow into the fan compartment 136. In other examples, the liquid reservoir area 146 may be positioned at the bottom of the air duct 142, as shown in FIG. 7A, so that liquids are contained and prevented from contacting the fan 132. In one embodiment, the air duct 142 includes a substantially vertical conduit positioned beneath and adjacent to a peripheral edge of the changing table surface 106. This vertical conduit facilitates efficient movement of odors and particles downward and away from the immediate diaper-changing region, thereby minimizing turbulence and contamination of the changing surface area.

As an added precaution, the fan 132 may be water resistant and may include an automatic shut off if moisture is detected. The changing table 100 may include a moisture detector coupled to the fan 132 such that the fan 132 automatically turns off if moisture is detected. Moisture detectors may be positioned in the air duct 142, the fan compartment 136, and/or the filter compartment 138. The motor for the fan 132 may have an IP54 rating.

The changing table 100 includes an activation mechanism (not shown) coupled to the fan 132 and configured for turning the fan 132 on and off. The activation mechanism may be automatic and/or manual. In one example, the fan 132 is coupled to a user-operated activation switch and the user may turn the fan 132 on and off by operating the switch. Additionally or alternatively, the fan 132 may be coupled to a switch that is automatically activated in response to a condition detected by a sensor. The sensor may be a motion sensor for detecting motion near the changing table 100, a pressure or weight sensor for sensing when a predetermined amount of weight has been added to the changing table surface 106, and/or an IR sensor for detecting changes in infrared radiation (e.g., body heat) near the changing table 100. As such, the fan 132 may be automatically turned on in response to motion detection, weight/pressure detection, body heat detection, or the like, or any combination thereof. In yet another example, the fan 132 is configured to turn on and off automatically and the changing table 100 additionally includes a user-operated switch for overriding the automatic switch so that the user is able to turn the fan 132 off and on at desired times. The fan 132 may be wi-fi and bluetooth enabled so that the fan 132 can be operated using an app on a mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the fan 132 may be operated by using a remote controller or other wireless activation mechanism.

The activation mechanism for operating the fan 132 may further be configured for operating the fan 132 at different speeds or power levels, depending on the needs of the user. For example, the activation mechanism may include a dial for increasing and decreasing the speed of the fan 132. At increased speeds, the fan 132 will be louder and the air will be filtered more quickly. At decreased speeds, the fan 132 will be quieter and air will be drawn through the air intake 122 at a decreased rate. The changing table 100 may include pre-set modes that can be selected by a user via a manual switch or a mobile app. For example, the changing table 100 may include a diaper changing mode and a room freshening mode. In the diaper changing mode, the fan 132 is operated at a lower speed and is therefore relatively quiet. In the room freshening mode, the fan 132 is operated at a higher speed in order to quickly filter a large volume of air. The fan 132 may be relatively loud at the higher speed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the interior compartment of the base 102 may include insulation 152 for noise dampening. The insulation 152 may be antimicrobial. Although FIG. 3 depicts the changing table 100 as having insulation 152 in the air duct 142, fan compartment 136, and filter unit compartment 138, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. Rather, the changing table 100 may include insulation 152 in at least a portion of the interior compartment. As such, the air duct 142, fan compartment 136 and/or filter unit compartment 138 may include insulation 152. Insulation 152 may be added to just the air duct 142, just the fan compartment 136, just the filter unit compartment 138, both the air duct 142 and the fan compartment 136, both the air duct 142 and the filter unit compartment 138, or both the fan compartment 136 and the filter unit compartment 138.

The base 102 of the changing table 100 may include exhaust openings 162 in communication with the filter compartment 138. As shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust openings 162 may extend through the bottom surface 104 of the base 102. Notably, the bottom surface 104 of the base 102 does not touch the floor. The side surfaces 108 extend to the floor, but the bottom surface 104 is raised above the floor, thereby creating an airflow gap at the underside of the table 100. The exhaust openings may alternatively extend through the front, back or side surfaces 108 of the base 102. In yet another alternative, the exhaust openings may extend through the fan compartment 136 if the fan 132 is downstream of the filter 134, or if the filter 134 is positioned externally. In certain embodiments, the system may optionally include an exhaust duct adapted to vent air externally through a window or wall outlet, functioning similarly to portable air conditioning exhaust systems. This alternative removes the need for internal filtering and provides greater flexibility in managing airflow and odors.

The base 102 may further include an additional opening 164 for a power cord to pass therethrough. Although FIG. 4 depicts the power cord opening 164 as being positioned in the bottom surface 104, the power cord opening 164 may alternatively extend through the front, back, or side surfaces of the base 102.

It may be desirable to access the filter compartment 138 and/or the fan compartment 136 in order to change the filter 134 and/or perform maintenance on the filter 134 or the fan 132. In order to access the filter compartment 138 and the fan compartment 136, the shelf 172 that functions as the top of the compartments 136, 138 may be removed so that the filter 134 and the fan 132 can be accessed from above. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the base 102 of the changing table 100 may include an access door 174. The access door 174 is depicted as being positioned in the side surface 108 of the base 102, but may alternatively be positioned in the front surface or the back surface.

As shown in FIG. 5, the changing table 100 may include a light 176 adjacent to the changing table surface 106. The light 176 may be configured to turn on when the fan 132 is on and to turn off when the fan 132 turns off. Additionally or alternatively, the light 176 may be coupled to an ambient light sensor and may be configured to automatically turn on or off in response to conditions detected by the ambient light sensor. The light 176 may be positioned adjacent to the sidewall 114a that includes the air intake opening 122. The sidewall 114a may be made of a translucent material to allow filtered light to pass through and cast a soft glow on the changing table surface 106. For example, the sidewall panel 114a may be made of translucent HDPE. The rest of the table 100 may be made of a different material. For example, the sidewall panel 114a may be made of a first material (e.g., HDPE or other translucent material) and the rest of the table 100 may be made of a different material (e.g., laminated composite board).

The light 176 may be positioned between the sidewall 114a and a reflecting surface 178 that reflects light towards the translucent sidewall 114a. Similar to the fan 132, the light 176 may be wi-fi and/or bluetooth enabled so that the light 176 may be turned on and off by using an app on a mobile device. In one example, the user may be able to select whether the light 176 is activated in conjunction with the fan 132 or in response to an ambient light detector. The light 176 may be further configured to operate at different intensities and colors. A user may select the color and brightness of the light 176 through a user interface such as a mobile app, or through a controller operatively coupled to the light 176. The light 176 may operate in accordance with pre-set modes that may be programmed by the user and/or by the manufacturer. In this example, the user would be able to select a desired pre-set mode for operating the light 176. The pre-set mode may include predetermined values for time, brightness, color, and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the light 176 may be activated using a manual or automatic switch. As such, the table 100 may include a switch for operating the fan 132 and another switch for operating the light 176. In another example, the table 100 may include a single activation mechanism configured for operating both the fan 132 and the light 176 simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 6, the changing table 100 may optionally include an air freshener 182. The air freshener 182 may be positioned within the interior compartment in order to add a pleasing smell to the air before the air is released into the external environment. Alternatively, the filter 134 may have fragrance or deodorizer applied thereto to further enhance the treatment of unpleasant-smelling air. Although the air freshener 182 is depicted as being positioned within the filter compartment 138, it will be well understood by a person of ordinary skill that the air freshener 182 may alternatively be positioned anywhere near the air exhaust and may be positioned in the interior compartment or on an external surface of the table 100.

FIG. 6 also depicts an optional child safety restraint 192 that can be secured around the baby during a diaper change in order to prevent the baby from moving off of the changing table surface 106. The safety restraint 192 may include a sensor and a speaker associated therewith such that the speaker is configured to emit an audible alarm when the safety belt 192 is not buckled when the table 100 is in use. The speaker may further be in communication with the fan activation switch such that, when the fan 132 is on and the buckle is not buckled, the speaker emits an audible alarm. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm may be a visible alarm such as a flashing light or a tactile alarm such as a vibrating mechanism. In one example, the table 100 may be configured so that the fan 132 will activate only when the safety restraint 192 is buckled. The user may have control over various settings for the fan 132 and/or the safety restraint 192 through a mobile app. For example, the user may be able to control the intensity or timing of the alarm and may be able to over-ride the alarm.

Additional Considerations

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and/or a process associated with the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various apparent modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.