Changing table

Abstract

The invention provides a changing table for supporting an infant or child. The changing table may include a frame having a plurality of pivotally coupled tubes, the frame being expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation. The changing table may also include a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child upon which the infant or child may be placed.

1 . A changing table for supporting an infant or child comprising:
 a frame including a plurality of pivotally coupled tubes, the frame being expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation; and   a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child.   
     
     
         2 . The changing table of  claim 1 , further comprising a top sheet detachably coupled with the mat. 
     
     
         3 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tubes each crisscross at least one other tube. 
     
     
         4 . The changing table of  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of tubes crisscrosses only one other tube. 
     
     
         5 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the mat does not include any rigid members. 
     
     
         6 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the mat is foldable and securable around the collapsed frame for storage or transportation. 
     
     
         7 . The changing table of  claim 6 , wherein the mat includes a handle for transportation. 
     
     
         8 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises six base members and six top members, each base member and each top member being coupled with two tubes, and wherein each tube crisscrosses with one other tube. 
     
     
         9 . The changing table of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the top members is pivotally coupled with the two tubes. 
     
     
         10 . The changing table of  claim 8 , wherein the frame comprises a front face comprising three top members and three bottom members and a back face comprising three top members and three bottom members, and wherein the front face and back face are coupled together on opposing ends with crisscrossing tubes such that a middle top and bottom member of the front face and a middle top and bottom member of the back face are not coupled with crisscrossing tubes. 
     
     
         11 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the mat comprises at least one pocket or strap throughwhich a top member of the frame is inserted to secure the mat with respect to the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the mat further comprises a pair of straps placeable around the infant or child to secure the infant or child with respect to the mat. 
     
     
         13 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein in the expanded state the supportive surface is between about 16 inches and about 24 inches above the ground. 
     
     
         14 . The changing table of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is biased toward the expanded state when an infant or child is placed atop the mat. 
     
     
         15 . A method for providing a changing table for supporting an infant or child, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of tubular members;   pivotally coupling each of the tubular members with at least one other tubular member to form a frame that is expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation; and   providing a mat configured to be detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for the infant or child.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein each of the tubular members comprises a longitudinal length, and wherein each of the tubular members are coupled with another tubular member near a central portion of the longitudinal length and coupled at opposing ends with a respective top member and bottom member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the changing table comprises six top members that are each coupled with two tubular members and also coupled with the mat, and wherein at least one of the top members is pivotally coupled with respective tubular members. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising inserting at least one top member of the frame into a pocket or strap of the mat to couple the mat with the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 placing a first strap over an infant or child placed atop the mat, the first strap being coupled near a first edge of the mat;   placing a second strap over the infant or child, the second strap being coupled near a second edge of the mat opposite the first edge; and   coupling the first strap with the second strap to secure the child to the mat.   
     
     
         20 . A changing table for supporting an infant or child comprising:
 a frame including a plurality of pivotally coupled crisscrossing tubes such that the frame is expandable between an expanded state for supporting the infant or child and a collapsed state for storage or transportation;   a mat detachably coupled with the frame to provide a supportive surface for an infant or child placed upon the mat, the supportive surface being elevated above the ground; and   a top sheet detachably coupled with the mat.