BABY CHANGE TABLE

Abstract

A baby change table which is to be mounted on a wall so that it can be folded up against the wall when not in use or lowered about a hinge axis when required, has a platform for a baby which can be installed either extending parallel to the wall, or at right angles to the wall. The orientation of the platform may be fixed at the time of installing the table, as the platform can be installed either orientation while maintaining a generally constant distance from the wall.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to baby change tables.

Baby change tables are commonly provided in locations such as public toilets and changing rooms to enable a baby to be changed safely when away from the home. For reasons of space, such tables are often mounted on a hinged mount so that they can be folded up against a wall, when not in use, but can be easily lowered when required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a baby change table is provided for mounting to a fixed structure, the table comprising a bracket adapted to be attached to the fixed structure, a platform supporting member hinged to the bracket, and a baby change platform mounted on the supporting member, wherein the platform can be mounted on and secured to the supporting member in more than one position.

Preferably, the platform can be secured with its longer dimension either parallel to the bracket hinge axis, or at right angles to the axis. The effect of this is that the table can be set up so that, when mounted on a fixed structure (typically a wall), it either lies parallel to the wall, or extends out from the wall.

Installers of baby change tables sometimes need to locate the platform one way, sometimes the other way. This may depend on available space in the changing room, or the preference of the owner of the premises where the table is being installed. By allowing the platform to be installed either way round, installers only need to use one table, knowing that it can be fitted with the platform either “vertical” or “horizontal”. This means that manufacturers only have to offer one product, instead of the two currently available.

The means for securing the platform to the supporting member preferably are of a form which allows the installer to attach the platform in either position, but which are thereafter inaccessible to users of the table. The securing means may be a series of bolts, with security heads which require a special tool to unscrew them, or a bayonet or clip type joint with inter-engaging formations on the platform and the supporting member, possibly with a final locking member to prevent the joint being opened again.

In an exemplary embodiment a baby change table assembly for mounting to a wall is provided. The assembly includes a mounting assembly adapted to be attached to the wall, a table supporting member hingeably coupled to the mounting assembly for rotating about an axis, and a baby change table for supporting a baby. The baby change table is mounted on the supporting member. The table includes one of a projection and a depression and the supporting member includes the other of the projection and a depression. The projection is received in the depression for mounting the table on the supporting member. The depression has a length longer than a length of the projection allowing the projection to slide along its length relative to the depression along the depression length between a first position and second position. The table is mountable and securable to the supporting member in more than one orientation, such that when mounted in a first orientation the projection is at the first position relative to the depression, and when mounted in a second orientation the projection is in a second position relative to the depression. When in the first position, the projection is closer to the axis than when in the second position. In another exemplary embodiment, the table includes a length and a width, such that the length of the table is longer than the width of the table. With this embodiment, when in the first orientation, the length is generally parallel to the axis, and wherein when in the second orientation, the width is generally parallel to the axis. In a further exemplary embodiment, the projection extends from the table, and wherein the depression is formed on the table supporting member. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a first and a second arm, the arms being rotatable about the axis and being coupled to the table supporting member. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, each of the arms include a channel shaped section such that a first edge of the supporting member is received within the channel shaped section of one of the arms and a second edge of the supporting member opposite the first edge is received in the channel shaped section of the other of the arms. In one exemplary embodiment, the depression is an opening. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the table includes a lengthwise side and a widthwise side, and the table further includes a channel shaped member fitted over one of the sides closet to the wall for reacting a load from the table to the mounting assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the lengthwise and widthwise sides includes a portion in relief and the channel shaped member fits over one such portion in relief. In another exemplary embodiment the table further includes a rail mountable to the wall and the mounting assembly is mounted to the rail. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the rail includes a projection defined along an end thereof, the mounting assembly includes a hook portion extending at an end thereof, and the projection is received within the hook portion. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the rail projection is defined along an upper end of the rail, the mounting assembly hook portion is defined at an upper end thereof, the mounting assembly also includes a lip extending along a lower end thereof, and the lip extends below lower edge of the rail, the rail lower edge being below the rail upper end. In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a lip extending along an end thereof for engaging an end of the rail. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the projection extends from the table supporting member, and the depression is foamed on the table.

In another exemplary embodiment a baby change table assembly for mounting to a wall is provided. The assembly includes a mounting assembly adapted to be attached to the wall, a table supporting member hingeably coupled to the mounting assembly for rotating about a hinge axis, and a baby change table for supporting a baby. The baby change table has a lengthwise side and a widthwise side shorter than the long side by a length, a lengthwise axis and a widthwise axis generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis. The baby change table is mounted on the supporting member. The table is mountable and securable to the supporting member in more than one orientation. When mounted in a first orientation, the lengthwise axis is generally parallel to the hinge axis, and when mounted in a second orientation, the widthwise axis is generally parallel to the hinge axis. The difference in the horizontal distance between the lengthwise side and a point on the hinge axis when mounted in the first orientation and the horizontal distance between the widthwise side and the point on the hinge axis when mounted in the second orientation is less than the length. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the horizontal distance between the lengthwise side and the point on the hinge axis when mounted in the first orientation is the same as the horizontal distance between the widthwise side and the point on the hinge axis when mounted in the second orientation. In a further exemplary embodiment, each of the lengthwise and widthwise sides includes a portion in relief, and a channel shaped member fits over one of the portions in relief. In one exemplary embodiment, the table further includes a rail mountable to the wall and the mounting assembly is mounted to the rail. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the rail includes a projection defined along an end thereof, the mounting assembly includes a hook portion extending at an end thereof, and the projection is received within the hook portion. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the rail projection is defined along an upper end of the rail, the mounting assembly hook portion is defined at an upper end thereof, the mounting assembly also includes a lip extending along a lower end thereof, and the lip extends below lower edge of the rail, the rail lower edge being below the rail upper end. In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a lip extending along an end thereof for engaging an end of the rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baby change table according to the invention, in the lowered position.

FIG. 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the table in the folded position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the table, from below.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 but viewed from above.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views corresponding to FIGS. 3 and 4 but showing the table installed in a different orientation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a baby change table according to the invention incorporating an exemplary embodiment two-member bracket for mounting onto a wall.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the two-member bracket depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment baby change table according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the baby change table shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are top perspective views of an exemplary embodiment baby change table of the present invention mounted with a table longer axis parallel to the wall and with a table shorter axis parallel to the wall, respectively.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly and rail for mounting a baby change table of the present invention to a wall.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly with rail shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an end cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly and rail shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial cut-away view of a baby change table according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows the table in the folded down position when it is ready to support a baby, typically when a baby's nappy needs to be changed. The table has a bracket 10 which will be fixed to a wall or other supporting structure, a platform 12 on which the baby will be laid and a platform supporting member 14 hinged to the bracket 10 on an axis 16, and on which the platform 12 is supported. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a safety strap 18 which can be fastened over the baby on the table to prevent the baby from rolling off.

The platform 12 will typically be a plastic molding with rounded edges and a wipe-clean surface. It may be formed by injection molding, roto-molding, or another appropriate manufacturing method.

FIG. 2 shows the table folded up against a wall. It will be seen from this figure that the supporting member 14 has an arm 20 extending from the hinges 16, and a circular collar 22 into which a circular boss 24 of the platform 12 can be fitted.

The exploded view of FIG. 3 shows the platform 12 with the circular boss 24 on its underside, and the bracket 14 with the circular collar 22. As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the boss 24 fits into the collar 22, and the two parts are then secured together by four screws 26 which will pass through holes 28 in the collar 22 and into corresponding sockets 30 in the platform 12. Also seen in FIG. 3 is a cover plate 32 which encloses a part of the supporting member 14 between the hinge axis 16 and the collar 22.

It will be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 (in particular FIG. 4), that the lengthwise dimension of the platform 12 is at right angles to the wall to which it will be secured by the bracket 10. In this case, the person attending the baby can work from either side of the table, as the table extends away from the wall at right angles.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are substantially the same as FIGS. 3 and 4, but they show the table (see in particular FIG. 6) assembled on the supporting member 14 with its length dimension parallel to the wall.

The positions of the holes 28 in the collar 22 and the sockets 30 in the platform 12 are arranged so that the platform and supporting member can be secured together in either of those two positions, and the orientation of the table (either the FIG. 4 orientation or the FIG. 6 orientation) will be set at the time that the platform is mounted on the supporting member.

It is intended that the platform 12 and supporting member 14 will be assembled together by whoever installs the table, and that the screws 26 (or whatever fastenings are used) will in some way be protected from unauthorized removal. However, if for any reason it is subsequently desired to change the orientation, then by using a suitable tool, the screws 26 can be removed, the platform rotated through 90 degrees, and the screws then reinserted.

Although the figures all show the platform and supporting member being connected by means of threaded fasteners, it is also envisaged that other methods of connecting the platform and the supporting member may be provided to avoid the use of multiple threaded fasteners. For example, the outer rim of the boss 24 and the inner rim of the collar 22 may be provided with inter-engaging formations which allow the platform to be initially engaged in the supporting member at a position (say) 45° from its final position and then rotated to its final position where the inter-engaging formations ensure that the table remains connected. In this type of arrangement, it may be necessary to include a grub screw or similar to prevent unauthorized subsequent rotation of the table.

In this embodiment, the inter-engaging formations will be provided to enable the platform to be mounted in the two alternative positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The inter-engaging formations can be similar to a bayonet joint.

It is expected that the supporting member 14 will be made of metal, possibly a sintered metal component.

In another exemplary embodiment, the bracket 10 may be provided as a two-member bracket having a first member 30 for mounting onto a wall and a second member 32 on to which are attached the hinges 16, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The second member is coupled to the first member, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In an exemplary embodiment, the first member which is mountable onto a wall includes two generally parallel horizontal tracks 34 which are designed to mate with two rails 36 formed on the second member. The rails 36 are complementary in cross-section to the cross-section of their corresponding tracks 34. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the track 34 is a channel in cross-section bounded on four sides and having an outlet 38. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the track 34 is a channel in cross-section bounded by walls 40, 42, 44 and 46. The opening 38 extends adjacent to wall 46. The track 36, as in the shown exemplary embodiment, has a first generally horizontal member 48 which penetrates the opening 38 and a second generally vertical member 50 extending from the first generally horizontal member, so as to form generally an “L” shape in cross-section. In this regard, the rail 36 generally vertical leg 50 is received in the channel 34 and the generally horizontal leg 48 extends through the opening 38 of the track 34. As such, the wall 46 defining the channel restrains the rail from moving perpendicularly along direction 52 out of the track 34, while allowing the rail to slide along the track 34. Thus, the bracket first member 30 is mounted onto a wall and then the second member 32, along with the baby changing platform, is slid onto the first member 30 by sliding the rails 36 of the second member into the tracks 34 formed on the first member.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 30 has a sufficient length so as to allow it to be mounted on strong points of the wall, such as the wall studs or beams. The second member may then be mounted onto the first member and slid to a desired location relative to the first member. In this regard, the second member, and thus the baby changing platform may be slid along the first member to a desired location such the baby change platform is not aligned with the wall studs or beams. In this regard, the exemplary embodiment two-member bracket allows for the load of the baby change platform to be reacted through the strong points of the wall, i.e., the studs or beams of the wall, even though the baby change platform is not aligned with such studs.

In a further exemplary embodiment, other accessories, such as a diaper hook 56, may be provided with an appropriate track 58 for sliding into one of the rails 34. In this regard, such other accessories may be mounted on the first member 30 of the bracket 10. It should be understood that while the two-member bracket has been described as having two tracks and two rails, it should be understood that the same can be accomplished using a single rail and a single track or using multiple rails and multiple tracks having the described cross-sectional shapes or other complementary cross-sectional shapes that would allow one member to slide relative to the other.

In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the first member of the bracket may be provided with a section 60 extending above the tracks that can accommodate a plate 62 for providing messages, as for example providing the appropriate warnings in relation to the use of the baby change platform.

End caps 64 may be provided at the ends of the bracket first member 30 to prevent the sliding of the second member beyond the first member, and thus prevent the decoupling of the second member from the first member. In addition, if the first member is much longer than the second member, spacer(s) (not drawn) may be slid into the tracks 34 once the second member has been slid into the first member to take up the space in the rail, not taken up by the tracks, and thus limit the travel of the second member relative to the first member and to restrain the second member in a desired location relative to the first member. As can be seen from FIG. 7A, in another exemplary embodiment, the bracket first member 30 may be provided with openings 66 and/or key hole openings 68 to facilitate fastening of the bracket onto a wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the openings are spaced at the same spacing of the studs or beams of the wall onto which the bracket will be mounted. The brackets in an exemplary embodiment are pre-fabricated with the openings spaced at the same spacing as the studs in a typical wall.

In another exemplary embodiment, the track or tracks may be formed in the second member and the rail or rails may be formed in the first member.

In another exemplary embodiment, in lieu of the circular collar, a support plate (i.e., a platform supporting member) 100 having a depression 102 defining a tray 104 is provided, as shown in FIG. 9. The depression is an oblong depression. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the depression is a rectangular depression having rounded corners 106. With this exemplary embodiment, a generally square boss (i.e., a projection) 108 extends from the underside 112 of the table (also referred to as a “baby changing platform”) 101 and it also has rounded corners 110 that are complementary to the rounded corners 106 formed on the depression of the support plate 100. With this exemplary embodiment, when the table is arranged with its long direction parallel to the wall 101, as for example shown in FIG. 11A, the boss 108 is slid in the depression 102 to a proximal side 112 of the depression so as to be closer to the wall. When the table is mounted with its short direction parallel to the wall 101, as for example shown in FIG. 11B, the boss is moved to a distal side 114 of the depression. In this regard, by being able to slide along the depression, a gap 116 between the wall and the edge of the table closer to the wall or between the axis of rotation of the table and an edge of the table closer to the wall can be maintained constant or relatively short. The gap may be a horizontal distance between such edge and a point in the wall or the axis of rotation. For example, the difference in the length of the gap when mounted with the long direction parallel to the wall and when mounted with the short side parallel to the wall is less than the difference in length between the long and the short side. With this exemplary embodiment, the boss may be provided with a threaded opening 120 midway along one of the boss' edges 122 parallel to a long axis 124 of the table and a threaded opening 126 at the center of the boss (FIG. 10). The support plate depression also has an opening 128. The opening 128 is positioned along a longitudinal center line 130 of the support plate and is located in a location such that when the boss 108 is in the depression 102 with the long axis 124 of the table parallel to the wall and the boss is moved so that it is positioned against the proximal edge 112 of the depression, the opening 120 (which in this exemplary embodiment is proximate a distal side 121 of the boss 108) of the boss is aligned with the opening 128 in the depression. In this regard, a fastener 134 may be used to fasten the support plate to the boss. Similarly, when the table is rotated such that its short axis 136 is parallel to the wall and the boss is moved against the distal edge 114 of the depression, the opening 126 at the center of boss is aligned with the opening 128 through the depression, and the fastener 134 may be used to fasten the support plate to the boss. In other exemplary embodiments, other ways of fastening the boss or the platform to the supporting plate at the two positions may be used. Moreover, in another exemplary embodiment, rather than a depression, a bracket with an elongated, as for example a generally rectangular, collar is provided, such that the generally square boss can be slid along the collar and fastened to the collar at the different locations. Furthermore, the table and/or the support plate may be made from a translucent material so that one can easily see and adjust the position of the boss extending from the table in the support plate depression.

With this exemplary embodiment, the support plate with a depression is mounted to a wall mounting assembly 144 via two arms 140, as for example shown in FIG. 9. The wall mounting assembly is mounted to a wall. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the two arms are provided having a channel shape 142 in cross-section to receive opposite edges 142 of the support plate 100. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the arms are contoured to be complementary to the contour shape of the support plate edges received in the arms.

The arms 140 are rotationally coupled to the mounting assembly 144. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a base 146 and a cover 148 and two end caps 150 (FIGS. 12 and 14). The cover extends from an upper end 150 of the base to a lower end 152 of the base, as for example shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. The cover in combination with the base define a generally airfoil shape that is hollow in cross-section having opposite ends defining opposite openings 156. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the cover and base are formed integrally together. An upper edge of the base above the cover defines a hook 158. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the hook spans the length of the base. End caps 150 are fitted in such openings. Each of the end caps has a portion 160 that has a shape complementary to the opening inner surface 162 defined by the inner surfaces of the base and cover. A lip 164 extends beyond such shape. When the complementary shaped portion is fitted in the opening, the lip abuts the edges of the wall and cover.

Extending from each end cap is a generally cylindrical inner bearing surface and an inner generally cylindrical bearing surface 172, which is within and concentric to an outer generally cylindrical bearing surface 174 (FIGS. 12 and 13). An annular path 176 is defined between the outer and the inner bearing surfaces. Two stop members 178 are located diametrically spaced apart and extend to divide the annular path into two annular patent section (FIG. 12). A central threaded opening 180 is formed in the end cap within the inner bearing surface. A small opening 182 to receive an end of a spring is formed adjacent to such threaded opening on the end cap.

At a proximal end, each arm includes a cylindrical depression 184 defined by a generally cylindrical wall 186. Two projections 188 extend from the depression and spaced apart from the wall 184. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the two projections are diametrically spaced apart. An opening 190 is formed through a base wall 192 of each depression to accept a coupling pin 194 (FIG. 13). A smaller opening 196 is formed adjacent to such opening on the wall. To connect the arm to the end cap, a torsion spring having two engagement legs 198 extending axially from the spring in opposite directions is placed within the inner 172 bearing surface, such that one of the engagement legs penetrates the opening 182 formed in the end cap. The arm is then slid such that the wall 186 defining the depression abuts the outer bearing surface and the opposite torsion spring leg 198 is fitted within the opening 196. The projections 188 are each fitted in the opposite annular path sections defined between the outer and inner bearing surfaces of the end cap. The pin 194 is fitted through the opening 140 in the arm, and is threaded into the opening 180 formed on the end cap. A slide bearing 200 may be fitted between a head 202 of the pin and the base wall 192 of the arm. The projections engage the stop members 178 formed between the outer and inner bearing walls to limit the rotational travel of the arm. The torsion springs provide torsional resistance for dampening the opening movement of the table from the closed position to the open position. Thus, it would be understood by one skilled in the art that the two torsional springs have to provide torsional resistance in opposite directions, such that when they are placed on opposite ends of the mounting assembly, they provide bearing torsional resistance in the same direction. The arms and the end caps, as well as the bracket, may be formed from a metallic material, such an aluminum, or may be formed from Ivex which is a glass-filled nylon material, or may be formed from other materials, plastic or otherwise, of sufficient strength.

A rail 300, which in the shown exemplary embodiment has a length 302 which is longer than a length 304 of the mounting assembly 144, is mounted onto a wall 301 and typically is bolted to the studs of the wall. The rail has an upper portion 306 extending away from the wall, and then upwards such that when the rail is mounted on a wall, such portion in combination with the wall define a hook 305 (FIG. 14). In an exemplary embodiment, an edge 306 of such portion is bulbous in cross-section having a shape complementary to an inner surface shape of the hook 158 formed on the base (FIG. 14).

The rail includes a track 310 which, in an exemplary embodiment, spans the length 302 of the rail. The track is “C” shaped in cross-section defining a slot 312 forming an access to the track. A fastener 314 which, in an exemplary embodiment is a nut is slidably fitted within the track. The fastener is wider than the slot. In this regard, while the fastener can slide along to the track, it is retained within the track. Transverse projections 315 (FIG. 10) extend externally from either end cap. Each projection has an opening and a fastener 316, such as a bolt, is fitted through such opening. The opening may be threaded or not threaded. In addition, the opening may be a slot that is opened to an edge of the projection.

To mount the mounting assembly onto a wall, the hook 158 of the mounting assembly is slid across the rail upper portion 306 already fixed to the wall. The fasteners 316 penetrate the slot 312 formed on the rail. The mounting assembly with (or without) the baby change table can be slid relative to the mounting assembly to a desired position. Once in a desired position, the fasteners 316 may be fastened to fasteners 314 in the track 310 such that they force the mounting assembly against the rail and lock the mounting assembly in position relative to the rail. With this exemplary embodiment, mounting assembly base 146 in cross-section has a shape complementary to the rail outer surface, i.e., the rail surface opposite the wall. In this regard, the mounting assembly reacts all of its load on the rail which is then reacted to the studs of the wall to which the mounting assembly is typically bolted or otherwise fastened to. In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a lower lip 330 which engages a lower edge surface 332 of the rail (FIG. 14). In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the lip is shorter than the thickness of the rail at the location of engagement, such that the lip does not engage the wall 301. In this regard, the forces provided by the bed on the mounting assembly are reacted against the rail, and the lip provides an upward force generally clamping the mounting assembly onto the rail. As can be seen with this exemplary embodiment, the rail is mounted in the structural members of the wall (e.g., the studs) and the mounting assembly can be slid and locked at any desired position along the rail.

In another exemplary embodiment, as for example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the table 101 is provided with relieved sections 400, as for example shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 15, in the middle of opposite edges thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the relieved sections may be formed on one of the longer edges of the table parallel to the long axis 124 and on one of the shorter edges of the table parallel to the short axis 136. The relieved section is relieved to defined a section 404 having a generally rectangular shape in cross-section (FIG. 15). A channel-shaped member 406 which in an exemplary embodiment is made from a semi-rigid grade polyurethane (about 60 Shore hardness with a 16 standard wire gage press steel core) is fitted over the section 404. The channel shaped member fits snuggly over the section 404 defined by the relieved section. When fitted over section 404 of the relieved section closer to wall along the edge parallel to the wall, the channel shaped member closes the gap between the table and the cover 148 of the mounting assembly 144 so as to react the cantilevered load from the table to the cover 148 of the rail at a location closer to the pivot axis to the table. The channel shaped member is removable and may be mounted on the short or the long edge relieved section.

In yet a further exemplary embodiment, one or more pieces (i.e., plates) 500 providing graphic art, or even advertisements, may be snapped into place along the rail (FIG. 12). In an exemplary embodiment, the rail includes a bulbous trim piece 502 and the piece 500 providing the graphic art including projection defining a slot 504 for receiving the bulbous trim piece. In an exemplary embodiment, the bulbous trim piece is snapped into place into the slot 504 for connecting the piece 500 to the rail. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the bulbous trim piece may be formed in the piece 500, and the slot may be defined on the rail.

The invention thus allows a manufacturer to manufacture just one baby change table to satisfy requirements of customers who wish to have the table mounted parallel and the requirements of customers who wish to have the table at right angles to the wall, with the installer being in a position to install the platform on the support in either of these two positions. This is of significant benefit to the manufacturer in terms of parts stocking and support costs.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in respect to an exemplary embodiment, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the design may be reversed such the boss extends upwardly from the support plate and depression is formed at the bottom of the table to accommodate the boss. In another exemplary embodiment instead of a depression an opening is formed through the support plate into which is fitted the boss.

Claims

1. A baby change table assembly, the assembly comprising: a mounting assembly adapted to be attached to the wall;a table supporting member hingeably coupled to the mounting assembly for rotating about an axis; anda baby change table for supporting a baby, the baby change table mounted on the supporting member, wherein the table comprises one of a projection and a depression and wherein the supporting member comprises the other of said projection and depression, wherein the projection is received in the depression for mounting the table on the supporting member, wherein the depression has a length longer than a length of the projection allowing the projection to slide along its length relative to the depression along the depression length between a first position and second position, wherein the table is mountable and securable to the supporting member in more than one orientation, wherein when mounted in a first orientation the projection is at the first position relative to the depression, and wherein when mounted in a second orientation the projection is in a second position relative to the depression, wherein when in the first position, the projection is closer to the axis than when in the second position.

2. The table assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the table comprises a length and a width, wherein the length of the table is longer than the width of the platform, wherein when in the first orientation, the length is generally parallel to said axis, and wherein when in the second orientation, said width is generally parallel to said axis.

3. The table assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein the projection extends from the table, and wherein the depression is formed on said table supporting member.

4. The table assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said mounting assembly comprises a first and a second arm, said arms being rotatable about said axis and being coupled to the table supporting member.

5. The table assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein each of the arms comprise a channel shaped section wherein a first edge of the supporting member is received within the channel shaped section of one of said arms and wherein a second edge of the supporting member opposite the first edge is received in the channel shaped section of the other of said arms.

6. The table assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said depression is an opening.

7. The table assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said table comprises a lengthwise side and a widthwise side, said table further comprising a channel shaped member fitted over one of said sides closest to the wall for reacting a load from said table to said mounting assembly.

8. The table assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein each of said lengthwise and widthwise sides comprises a portion in relief, wherein said channel shaped member fits over one of said portions in relief.

9. The table assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a rail mountable to said wall, wherein said mounting assembly is mounted to said rail, wherein said rail comprises a projection defined along an end thereof and wherein said mounting assembly comprises a hook portion extending at an end thereof, wherein said projection is received within said hook portion.

10. The table assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said rail projection is defined along an upper end of said rail, and wherein said mounting assembly hook portion is defined at an upper end thereof, and wherein said mounting assembly comprises a lip extending along a lower end thereof, wherein said lip extends below lower edge of said rail, said rail lower edge being below said rail upper end.

11. The table assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said mounting assembly comprises a lip extending along an end thereof for engaging an end of said rail.

12. The table assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein the projection extends from the table supporting member, and wherein the depression is formed on said table.

13. The table assembly as recited in claim 1 where at least one of the table and supporting member is translucent.

14. A baby change table assembly for mounting to a wall, the assembly comprising: a mounting assembly adapted to be attached to the wall;a table supporting member hingeably coupled to the mounting assembly for rotating about an a hinge axis; anda baby change table for supporting a baby, the baby change table having a lengthwise side and a widthwise side shorter than the long side by a length, a lengthwise axis and a widthwise axis generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis, wherein the baby change table is mounted on the supporting member, wherein the table is mountable and securable to the supporting member in more than one orientation, wherein when mounted in a first orientation, the lengthwise axis is generally parallel to the hinge axis, and wherein when mounted in a second orientation, the widthwise axis is generally parallel to the hinge axis, wherein the difference in a horizontal distance between the lengthwise side and a point on the hinge axis when mounted in the first orientation and a horizontal distance between the widthwise side and said point on the hinge axis when mounted in the second orientation is less than said length.

15. The table assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein the horizontal distance between the lengthwise side and the point on the hinge axis when mounted in the first orientation is the same as the horizontal distance between the widthwise side and said point on the hinge axis when mounted in the second orientation.

16. The table assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein each of said lengthwise and widthwise sides comprises a portion in relief, wherein a channel shaped member fits over either of said portions in relief.

17. The table assembly as recited in claim 14 further comprising a rail mountable to said wall, wherein said mounting assembly is mounted to said rail, and wherein said rail comprises a projection defined along an end thereof and wherein said mounting assembly comprises a hook portion extending at an end thereof, wherein said projection is received within said hook portion.

18. The table assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said rail projection is defined along an upper end of said rail, and wherein said mounting assembly hook portion is defined at an upper end thereof, and wherein said mounting assembly comprises a lip extending along a lower end thereof, wherein said lip extends below lower edge of said rail, said rail lower edge being below said rail upper end.

19. The table assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said mounting assembly comprises a lip extending along an end thereof for engaging an end of said rail.

20. The table assembly as recited in claim 14 where at least one of the table and supporting member is translucent.