Baby changing device

Abstract

A device providing a level surface for changing a baby is provided along with a method for the use thereof. A device providing a level surface for changing a baby may comprise: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides; a cradle surface; and an extendable member attached to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising:
 a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides;   a cradle surface; and   an extendable member coupled to the base,   wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a recessed portion of the base configured to accommodate the extendable member. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the extendable member is retractable to a position substantially within the recessed portion of the base. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the release lever is configured to lock and unlock the extendable member by using a spring component coupled to a keeper pin which may be received by any of at least one detent, such that the extendable member is unlocked when the release lever is used to withdraw the keeper pin from a detent and is locked when the release lever is used to insert the keeper pin into a detent. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extendable member is attached to the base by a pin, and wherein the extendable member is configured to pivot about the pin. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the extendable member is configured to be extended across a range of displacements from a position that is substantially within the recessed portion of the base to a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the extendable member is coupled to at least one track on a lateral side of the base. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the extendable member is coupled to at least one track on a rear side of the base. 
     
     
         11 . A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising:
 a base, wherein the base comprises a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, and wherein the rear side has a recessed portion;   a curved cradle surface configured to receive a baby; and   an extendable member coupled to the base and configured to be adjustably positioned along a range of displacement positions including at least one displacement position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the release lever is configured to lock and unlock the extendable member by using a spring component coupled to a keeper pin which may be received by any of at least one detent, such that the extendable member is unlocked when the release lever is used to withdraw the keeper pin from a detent and is locked when the release lever is used to insert the keeper pin into a detent. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the extendable member is attached to the base by a pin, and wherein the extendable member is configured to pivot about the pin. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the range of displacement positions includes a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base. 
     
     
         17 . A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising:
 a base having a plurality of lateral sides wherein at least one lateral side has a recessed portion;   a cradle surface framed by the base; and   an extendable member configured to be adjustably positioned along a range of displacement positions including at least one displacement position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a desired displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the range of displacement positions includes a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base.