Portable Changing Table

Abstract

A rolling backpack can be opened to support a diaper changing surface and hung by a gripping device from an elevated surface, such as a door. The gripping device is supported by an extendable handle connected to the back of the backpack that can also be used to pull the backpack behind the user. A folding table for changing can be opened to support a diaper changing surface and hung by a gripping device from an elevated surface, such as a door. The gripping device is supported by an extendable handle connected to the back of the table. When the backpack or table is opened, the front can be extended by telescoping to support a changing surface supported by upward-extending straps connected to the gripping device. A removable folded changing surface is unfolded onto the front to support and secure a child for changing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents of infants and toddlers wearing diapers need a changing surface, and when not in their home, may have to find one to use. A changing surface helps to keep the child clean and prevent the child from rolling off, if the child is elevated during the process. A backpack permits the parent to carry supplies, such as diapers, diaper cream, skin wipes, and clean clothes. A combination backpack and changing table and a portable collapsible changing table each solves both needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rolling backpack includes pack covering, and a frame inside the covering to add strength and to safely support the weight of the child. There is a handle extending from the pack to help a person to pull the rolling bag behind them that can be collapsed or otherwise stowed for use of the backpack on a person's shoulders, or extended for supporting the backpack for changing the child. The handle includes a gripping device such as a hook or clamp to hold the backpack securely on, for example, the top of a door. The bag may open, to expose and support a removable changing table surface, and hang to place the changing table surface above the ground to make it easier to change the child. The backpack has pockets inside and outside to hold baby products or other supplies.

The front of the backpack can unzip from the rest of the backpack and fold down 90 degrees, either when hanging or when on backpack's wheels and feet. The front can be extended, such as by unfolding or telescoping, to support a larger changing surface. This exposes the removable changing table surface to allow for a clean surface or changing table to allow changing of a child or other types of activities during which the child should be kept clean, such as when a child may be seated in a sitting position.

A portable foldable changing table includes table covers, and a frame inside the covering to add strength and to safely support the weight of the child. There is an extensible handle, with a gripping device, for supporting the changing table for changing the child that can be collapsed for easy transportation and storage of the changing table. The front can be extended, such as by unfolding or telescoping, to support a larger changing surface. The changing table may open, to expose and support a removable changing table surface, and hang to place the changing table surface above the ground to make it easier to change the child. The changing table includes a pocket inside.

The front of the changing table or backpack can unfold from the back thereof and fold down 90 degrees, either when hanging or when on the changing table's bottom surfaces. This exposes the removable changing surface to allow for a clean surface to allow changing of a child or other types of activities during which the child should be kept clean, such as when a child may be seated in a sitting position. A structure supports the front at or about a 90-degree angle in an open orientation to the back and/or handle to support the weight of the child on the changing table surface. A locking hinge between the front and back frames or straps under tension supporting the weight can support the front. Hinge may comprise one or more molded holes on each side thereof connected by a hinge-pin, or a piano hinge, or a bendable fabric connection. In a closed orientation, the front is substantially parallel to the back and/or handle.

The covers and coverings can be of any materials, such as fabrics, carbon fiber, metal, fiberglass, nylons, plastics, paper, organic material, or hempen materials. A frame can be made of metal or plastics, fibers, or a combination thereof, e.g. nylon, aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. The frames may be fully or substantially rigid and resistant to deformation, and may include hollow or tubed sections so as to decrease weight without unreasonably decreasing rigidity. Tubed or hollow sections may be attached to molded sections to form handles, hinges or other connections. The handle can be made with any metal, carbon fiber, or fabric material. The handle can slide or unfold out the top of the backpack or changing table and hang on any doors, such as a bathroom stall, household door, car or truck door.

The changing surface for the changing table may lock onto the front of the backpack or changing table, or may be taken off the backpack or changing table for cleaning, or independent use. The changing surface includes safety belts to hold the child thereon during the changing process. The changing surface may be covered with one or more different materials, such as easily cleanable, non-absorbent coverings. The changing surface may be padded, puffy, and/or entirely flat. As the changing surface extends outward, away from the door or other surface and the rest of the backpack or changing table, a person may change the child from any angle, front or rear or either side.

This application expressly incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 62/801,903.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E are, respectively, a front view, left side view, bottom view, front right perspective view, and rear left perspective view (in an open state) of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table, all in a backpack state.

FIGS. 2A & 2B are, respectively, a front view, and front right perspective view, of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table, all in a changing table state.

FIGS. 3A & 3B are, respectively, a left side view, and front right perspective view, of a skeleton of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table, all in a changing table state.

FIGS. 4A & 4B are top perspective views of an embodiment of a removable changing surface in an open state and a closed state.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table in use, and FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 6A-6D are, respectively, a front view, left side view, top view, and front right perspective view of an embodiment of a folding changing table.

FIGS. 7A & 7B are, respectively, a front view, and front right perspective view, of an embodiment of an embodiment of a folding changing table.

FIGS. 8A & 8B are, respectively, a left side view, and front right perspective view, of a skeleton of an embodiment of a folding changing table.

FIGS. 9A-9C are front right perspective views of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table in differing steps of opening.

FIGS. 10A-10C are front right perspective views of an embodiment of a folding changing table in differing steps of opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1E, in an embodiment of a combination backpack and changing table with the changing table in a stowed position, backpack 1 includes front 5, back assembly 11, left and right sides 9, bottom 7 and top assembly 6. Back assembly 11 includes back covering 12, left & right shoulder straps 14, and back face 16. Top assembly 6 includes top flap 3 hinged to back assembly 11, and front flap 4, hinged to top flap 3, and carrying handle 15. Changing table 201 also includes left & right feet 21 and left & right roller wheels 23 on the bottom of bottom 7. Changing table 201 also includes closure 10 and zipper 8 between each of left & right side 9 and front 5, and closure 13 between front flap 4 and front 5. Changing table 201 also includes zippered pockets 19 and open pockets 17 on each of left & right side 9. Changing table 201 also includes skeleton 2, shown in FIGS. 2A-2B & 3A-3B.

In use, left & right shoulder straps 14 may be exposed by rolling up includes back covering 12, or rolled down and secured by a closure (as shown in FIGS. 1B & 1C). In use, zipper 8 and closure 10 may be zipped to secure the left & right sides of front 5 on each side to side 9 and close front 5, or unzipped to allow front 5 to drop to open and expose the inside of backpack 1 (as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B). In use, closure 13 may be closed to secure front flap 4 and top flap 3 to front 5, or opened to permit front flap 4 to lift from front 5 and top flap 3 to lift from left & right side 9 to open and expose the inside of backpack 1 (as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B), including table support assembly 70, changing table assembly 80, and extendable handle assembly 30. In a secured state, extendable handle assembly 30 (shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B & 3A & 3B) is in a collapsed state (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D for changing table 201).

Turning to FIGS. 2A & 2B, backpack 1 is shown with top assembly 6 and front 5 both opened to expose the inside of backpack 1 and parts of skeleton 2. And turning also to FIGS. 3A & 3B, the sides and back structures are removed to expose skeleton 2. In this embodiment, skeleton 2 includes table support assembly 70, extendable handle assembly 30, back frame assembly 90, and bottom assembly 100. In this embodiment, changing table assembly 80 is opened and supported by table support assembly 70, which is partially supported by extendable handle assembly 30 and, on an opposing end, by bottom assembly 100.

Extendable handle assembly 30 includes handle assembly 40, connected on its left & right sides to telescoping tubes 33. Handle assembly 40 includes pull handle 46, telescoping release 48, hook 41, and hook spring 42. Extendable handle assembly 30 also includes left & right strap attachment point 37 for left & right flexible support straps 74. Telescoping tubes 33 include lower tubes 32, middle tubes 34, and top tubes 36. Top tubes 36 are smallest and can telescope into middle tubes 34, which can in turn telescope into lower tubes 32, which are largest (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D for changing table 201). As extended, as shown in FIGS. 3A & 3B, top tubes 36 connect to handle assembly 40, and are locked into position into middle tubes 34 which are, in turn, locked into position in lower tubes 32. Lower tubes 32 are fixed into back frame assembly 90. Telescoping release 48 is a button to unlock top tubes 36 and middle tubes 34 to allow them to telescope into lower tubes 32. Hook spring 42 holds hook 41 in a down position (not shown) until upward force is applied (e.g. hook 41 is hung over a door, as shown in FIG. 5), where it locks in a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 3A.

Back frame assembly 90 includes upper spreader 91 with holes 92 to fix the upper ends of left & right lower tube 32, and lower spreader 93 with holes 94 to fix the lower ends of left & right lower tube 32. Holes 92 and holes 94 are inward of the outer ends of upper spreader 91 and lower spreader 93. Fixed left & right struts 96 connect the left & right outer end of upper spreader 91 to the respective left & right end of lower spreader 93.

Back frame assembly 90 connects to bottom assembly 100 via curved ends 101 of fixed struts 96. Curved ends 101 extend fixed struts 96 through lower spreader 93 and curve from a vertical to a horizontal direction to form the bottom of backpack 1. Bottom assembly 100 left & right side bracket supported from each curved ends 101.

Table support assembly 70 includes handle end 71, connected on its left & right sides to left & right distal telescoping tubes 72, which are in turn connected to respective left & right proximal telescoping tube 73. Handle end 71 includes telescoping release 75. Table support assembly 70 also includes left & right flexible support straps 74. Distal telescoping tubes 72 are smaller and can telescope into proximal telescoping tubes 73 (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D for changing table 201). As extended, as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B and 3A & 3B, distal telescoping tubes 72 connect to handle end 71 on its left & right ends and are locked into position into proximal telescoping tubes 73. Proximal telescoping tubes 73 are fixed at the left & right ends of bracket 79 to form a collapsible open frame to support changing table assembly 80. Bracket 79, in turn, is connected to hinge 78 which connects table support assembly 270 at left & right bracket 102 of bottom assembly 100. Telescoping release 75 is a button to unlock distal telescoping tubes 72 to allow them to telescope out of or into proximal telescoping tubes 73. Proximal telescoping tubes 73 of table support assembly 70 are fixed to front 5, so that lifting or lowering one does the same for the other. Left & right flexible support strap 74 each connect at their lower ends to each distal end 77 of proximal telescoping tube 73 and at their upper ends to each of left & right strap attachment point 37 on extendable handle assembly 30. Each of support strap 74 is sized to permit table support assembly 70 to extend to approximately a 90-degree angle from extendable handle assembly 30, to form a horizontal changing surface via changing table assembly 80 when backpack 1 is hung from hook 41 or resting on feet 21 and wheels 32.

Changing table assembly 80 includes flat distal pad 81 connected to flat proximal pad 82 by hinge 84. Referring also to FIGS. 4A & 4B, proximal pad 82 includes safety strap assembly 85, which includes straps 86 and buckle 87 (which are not shown for clarity in FIGS. 2A & 2B). Distal pad 81 also includes pocket 88 which is sized to hold supplies, such as skin wipes. Proximal pad 82 is removably fixed to bracket 79 of table support assembly 70, and optionally to proximal telescoping tubes 73 and distal pad 81 is able to rotate on hinge 84 to sit on distal telescoping tubes 72 and handle end 71, or to fold up along hinge 84 to sit on proximal pad 82 (as shown in FIG. 4B) and be secured by safety strap assembly 85.

As shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B, backpack 1 also includes interior finishing. These include bottom interior 54 and bottom supports 56 (to close off bottom assembly 100), back interior 52 which covers up back assembly 90 but allows extendable handle assembly 30 to extend upward between back interior 52 and back face 16, and several interior pockets 18.

Turning to FIGS. 5 & 5A, in one embodiment, backpack 1 is hung from an elevated structure, here with hook 41 placed over top edge 121 of door 120. Back assembly 11 is supported by door face 122, and in turn supports hinge 79 and bracket 78, which support table support assembly 70. And left & right support strap 74 also support table support assembly 70 from extendable handle assembly 30. Changing table assembly 80 is supported by table support assembly 70. Child 124 (shown as a polygon model) is supported by changing table assembly 80, resting on distal pad 81 and proximal pad 82, and secured by safety strap assembly 85. In another embodiment, backpack 1 can be opened and used as shown in FIG. 2B, with feet 21 and wheels 32 and cover 5 resting on the ground or floor.

Turning to FIGS. 9A-9C, unfolding backpack 1 to form a changing surface (shown in skeleton views as in FIG. 3B, and in reference to FIG. 2B), begins in FIG. 9A with table support assembly 70 folded down at hinge 78 to lay flat, and preferably forming a 90-degree angle to extendable handle assembly 30. Distal telescoping tubes 72 remain telescoped inside proximal telescoping tubes 73 and handle end 71 is near or flush to left & right distal end 77 of proximal telescoping tube 73. Changing table assembly 80 remains attached to table support assembly 70 at proximal pad 82, with distal pad 81 folded thereon via hinge 84. Telescoping release 75 is pressed to unlock distal telescoping tubes 72 to extend outward from proximal telescoping tubes 73, which is shown as fully extended and locked in FIG. 9B. Changing table assembly 80, once unbuckled, is unfolded at hinge 84 to open distal pad 81 and lay it flat on distal telescoping tubes 72 and handle end 71, as shown in FIG. 9C.

Another embodiment is a changing table 201, which provides a safe clean changing surface but without a backpack. Structures described for changing table 201 follow the same reference numbering system (incremented by 200) if they operate the same; new items bear new numbers.

In an embodiment of a folding changing table (shown in FIGS. 6A-6D with the changing table in a stowed position, and in FIGS. 7A-7B in an open position), changing table 201 includes skeleton 202 (also shown in FIGS. 8A-8B), and table cover panels 276 and back cover panels 295. Skeleton 202 includes table support assembly 270, changing table assembly 280, extendable handle assembly 230 and back frame assembly 290.

In use, pull handle 46 and handle end 271 may be pulled apart to permit table support assembly 270 and changing table assembly 280 to separate from back frame assembly 290 to open and expose the inside of changing table 201 (as shown in FIGS. 7A & 7B). In a secured state (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D), extendable handle assembly 230 is in a collapsed state.

Turning to FIGS. 7A & 7B, changing table 201 is shown in an open state, and turning also to FIGS. 8A & 8B, the sides and back structures are removed to expose skeleton 202. In this embodiment, changing table assembly 280 is opened and supported by table support assembly 270, which is partially supported by extendable handle assembly 230 and and, on an opposing end, by back assembly 290.

Extendable handle assembly 230 includes handle assembly 240, connected on its left & right sides to telescoping tubes 233. Handle assembly 240 includes pull handle 246, telescoping release 248, hook 241, and hook spring 242. Extendable handle assembly 230 also includes left & right strap attachment point 237 for left & right flexible support straps 274. Telescoping tubes 233 include lower tubes 232, middle tubes 234, and top tubes 236. Top tubes 236 are smallest and can telescope into middle tubes 234, which can in turn telescope into lower tubes 232, which are largest (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D). As extended, as shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, top tubes 236 connect to handle assembly 240, and are locked into position into middle tubes 234 which are, in turn, locked into position in lower tubes 232. Lower tubes 232 are fixed into back frame assembly 290. Telescoping release 248 is a button to unlock top tubes 236 and middle tubes 234 to allow them to telescope into lower tubes 232. Hook spring 242 holds hook 241 in a down position (not shown) until upward force is applied (e.g. hook 241 is hung over a door, as shown in FIG. 5 for backpack 1), where it locks in a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 8A.

Back frame assembly 290 includes upper spreader 291 with holes 292 to fix the upper ends of left & right lower tube 232, and lower spreader 293 with holes 294 to fix the lower ends of left & right lower tube 232. Holes 292 and holes 294 are inward of the outer ends of upper spreader 291 and lower spreader 293. Fixed left & right struts 296 connect the left & right outer end of upper spreader 291 to the respective left & right end of lower spreader 93. Back cover panels 295 cover the rear and front sides of back frame assembly 290, leaving top and bottom open for extendable handle assembly 230 and a connection to hinge 278.

Table support assembly 270 includes handle end 271, connected on its left & right sides to left & right distal telescoping tubes 272, which are in turn connected to respective left & right proximal telescoping tube 273. Handle end 271 includes telescoping release 275. Table support assembly 270 also includes left & right flexible support straps 274. Distal telescoping tubes 272 are smaller and can telescope into proximal telescoping tubes 273 (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D). As extended, as shown in FIGS. 6A & 6B and 7A & 7B, distal telescoping tubes 272 connect to handle end 271 on its left & right ends, and are locked into position into proximal telescoping tubes 273. Proximal telescoping tubes 273 are fixed at the left & right ends of bracket 279 to form a collapsible open frame to support changing table assembly 280. Bracket 279, in turn, is connected to hinge 278 which connects table support assembly 270 at lower spreader 293 of back assembly 90. Telescoping release 275 is a button to unlock distal telescoping tubes 272 to allow them to telescope out of or into proximal telescoping tubes 273. Proximal telescoping tubes 273 of table support assembly 270 are fixed to front and back table cover panels 276. Left & right flexible support strap 274 each connect at their lower ends to each distal end 277 of proximal telescoping tube 273 and at their upper ends to each of left & right strap attachment point 237 on extendable handle assembly 230. Each of support strap 274 is sized to permit table support assembly 270 to extend to approximately a 90-degree angle from extendable handle assembly 230, to form a horizontal changing surface via changing table assembly 280 when changing table 201 is hung from hook 241 or resting on front cover panel 276 and table end 271.

Changing table assembly 280 includes flat distal pad 281 connected to flat proximal pad 282 by hinge 284. FIGS. 4A & 4B are incorporated from the backpack 1 embodiment to describe changing table assembly 280. Proximal pad 82 includes safety strap assembly 85, which includes straps 86 and buckle 87 (which are not shown for clarity in FIGS. 6A & 2B). Distal pad 81 also includes pocket 88 which is sized to hold supplies, such as skin wipes. Proximal pad 82 is removably fixed to bracket 279 of table support assembly 270 and optionally proximal telescoping tubes 273, and distal pad 81 is able to rotate on hinge 84 to sit on distal telescoping tubes 272 and handle end 271, or to fold up along hinge 84 to sit on proximal pad 82 (as shown in FIG. 4B) and be secured by safety strap assembly 85.

FIGS. 5 & 5A are incorporated from the backpack 1 embodiment. In one embodiment, changing table 201 may be hung from an elevated structure in the same manner as shows in FIGS. 5 & 5A.

Turning to FIGS. 10A-10C, unfolding changing table 201 to form a changing surface (in reference to FIG. 7B), begins in FIG. 10A with table support assembly 270 folded down at hinge 278 to lay flat, and preferably forming a 90-degree angle to extendable handle assembly 230. Distal telescoping tubes 272 remain telescoped inside proximal telescoping tubes 273 (here, hidden within table cover panels 276) and handle end 271 is near or flush to left & right distal end 277 of proximal telescoping tube 273. Changing table assembly 280 remains attached to table support assembly 270 at proximal pad 282, with distal pad 281 folded thereon via hinge 284. Telescoping release 275 is pressed to unlock distal telescoping tubes 272 to extend outward from proximal telescoping tubes 273, which is shown as fully extended and locked in FIG. 10B. Changing table assembly 280, once unbuckled, is unfolded at hinge 284 to open distal pad 281 and lay it flat on distal telescoping tubes 272 and handle end 271, as shown in FIG. 10C.

Claims

1. A portable changing system, comprising:

a back section;

a substantially rigid front section; said front section rotatable between a closed orientation and an open orientation;

a hinge rotatably connecting the front section and the back section; and

a front section support structure; said front section support structure supporting said front section at about a 90-degree angle to said back section in said open orientation; and

a child-changing surface; the child-changing surface attached to said front section.

2. The portable changing system of claim 1,

said back section comprising a telescoping handle assembly; said telescoping handle assembly having a bottom end and a handle end; said bottom end attached to said back section and; said handle end comprising a gripping structure.

3. The portable changing system of claim 2,

said gripping structure comprising a hook extendable substantially transverse to said telescoping handle assembly.

4. The portable changing system of claim 1,

the front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps;

said set of flexible straps connecting said back section to said front section.

5. The portable changing system of claim 1,

said front section further comprising a proximal section attached to said back section; said proximal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element; a distal section; said distal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element; and one of said at least one substantially rigid elements capable of being reversibly telescoped relative to another of said at least one substantially rigid elements; said front section possessing a collapsed orientation and an extended orientation.

6. The portable changing system of claim 5,

the front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps;

said set of flexible straps connecting said back section to the proximal section.

7. The portable changing system of claim 6,

said back section comprising a telescoping handle assembly; and

said set of flexible straps connecting the telescoping handle assembly to said proximal section.

8. The portable changing system of claim 1,

said child-changing surface comprising a bottom section; a top section; and a hinged portion between the bottom section and top section; said bottom section reversibly attached to said front section.

9. The portable changing system of claim 1, further comprising:

a telescoping handle assembly;

wheels; and

a set of shoulder straps.

10. The portable changing system of claim 1,

said front section extendable outward from said back section to a child-changing position; and

said back section comprising a telescoping handle assembly extendable to an extended position.

11. The portable changing system of claim 10,

said telescoping handle assembly comprising a handle end; and

the front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps; said set of flexible straps connecting the handle end to said front section; and said set of flexible straps supporting said front section at about a 90-degree angle to said back section when said front section is in said open orientation.

12. The portable changing system of claim 1,

said front section further comprising a proximal section attached to said back section; said proximal section comprising proximal rigid tubing connected to said hinge; a distal section comprising a front handle; and distal rigid tubing connected to said front handle; said proximal rigid tubing and distal rigid tubing forming a telescoping joint between said distal section and said proximal section.

13. A method of using a portable changing system, comprising:

rotating a substantially rigid front section relative to a back section between a closed orientation and an open orientation about a hinge rotatably connecting the front section and the back section; a child-changing surface attached to said front section; and

supporting said front section at about a 90-degree angle to said back section in said open orientation; said supporting step including operating a front section support structure.

14. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13,

said supporting step further comprising extending a telescoping handle assembly attached to said back section; said telescoping handle assembly having a bottom end and a handle end; said bottom end attached to said back section and; said handle end comprising a gripping structure.

15. The method of using a portable changing system of 14,

said gripping structure comprising a hook; and

said supporting step further comprising fixing said hook over an elevated supporting structure.

16. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13,

the front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps;

said operating step comprising allowing said set of flexible straps to tension between said back section and said front section.

17. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13,

said front section further comprising a proximal section attached to said back section; said proximal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element; a distal section; said distal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element; and one of said at least one substantially rigid elements capable of being reversibly telescoped relative to another of said at least one substantially rigid elements; and

and said supporting step further comprising extending said distal section from a collapsed orientation to an extended orientation.

18. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13, further comprising extending a telescoping handle assembly; and

pulling the portable changing system on a set of wheels.

19. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13,

said supporting step further comprising extending said front section extendable outward from said back section to a child-changing position; and extending a telescoping handle assembly on said back section to an extended position.

20. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 19,

said telescoping handle assembly comprising a handle end; and

the front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps; said set of flexible straps connected between the handle end and said front section; and

the operating step comprising allowing said set of flexible straps to carry tension to support said front section at about a 90-degree angle to said back section when said front section is in said open orientation.