Strap-retraction slowing mechanism and diaper-changing table incorporating same

Abstract

A changing table comprising a strap-retraction slowing mechanism which allows for slower, more controlled security strap retraction so a child on a changing table is not injured by a fast-retracting strap. One embodiment of a security strap-retraction slowing mechanism comprises a mounting bracket, a strap reel assembly, a constant force spring, a first speed reduction gear, a second speed reduction gear, a rotary speed damper, wherein the damper is bi-directional so it damps the rotation in one direction and in the other direction it does not damp the rotation. One embodiment of a retractable security-strap system comprises a strap-retraction slowing mechanism housed in a cavity, a retractable strap, a strap end fitting, and a strap-securing means.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A changing table comprising a retractable security strap. 
     
     
         2 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , further comprising a strap-retraction slowing mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The changing table according to  claim 2 , wherein the strap-retraction slowing mechanism comprises:
 a mounting bracket;   a strap reel assembly;   a constant force spring;   a first speed reduction gear and a second speed reduction gear; and   a rotary speed damper.   
     
     
         4 . The changing table according to  claim 3 , wherein the damper is bi-directional so it damps rotation in one direction and in the other direction it does not damp rotation. 
     
     
         5 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cushion. 
     
     
         6 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , wherein the table is mounted on a wall. 
     
     
         7 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , wherein the table comprises at least one handle or hook for hanging items. 
     
     
         8 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , further comprising a UV light source. 
     
     
         9 . The changing table according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a wall assembly comprising:
 a wall housing, 
 a transparent-to-UV-light panel, 
 a UV light source positioned between the wall housing and the transparent-to-UV-light panel; and 
   a tray assembly comprising:
 an exterior first surface; and 
 an interior second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to receive an infant and at least a portion of UV light generated by the UV light source. 
   
     
     
         10 . The changing table according to  claim 9 , wherein the second surface is concave. 
     
     
         11 . The changing table according to  claim 9 , wherein the second surface has a non-porous surface finish. 
     
     
         12 . The changing table according to  claim 9 , wherein the second surface has a hydrophobic surface finish. 
     
     
         13 . The changing table according to  claim 9 , wherein the second surface is a cushion layer. 
     
     
         14 . The changing table according to  claim 9 , wherein the second surface has a plurality of grooves. 
     
     
         15 . The changing table according  claim 9 , wherein the second surface is made, at least in part, with foam material. 
     
     
         16 . A diaper-changing table comprising:
 a security strap for securing a child to the changing table;   a cavity for storing the security strap when it is in a retracted position; and   a strap-retraction slowing mechanism that allows the security strap to retract back into the cavity slower than it extends out from the cavity.   
     
     
         17 . The diaper-changing table according to  claim 16 , further comprising a UV light source. 
     
     
         18 . The diaper-changing table according to  claim 16 , further comprising a wall assembly and a tray assembly, wherein the tray assembly comprises a cushion. 
     
     
         19 . A strap-retraction slowing mechanism comprising:
 a mounting bracket;   a strap reel assembly;   a constant force spring;   a first speed reduction gear and a second speed reduction gear; and   a rotary speed damper.   
     
     
         20 . The strap-retraction slowing mechanism according to  claim 19 , wherein the damper is bi-directional so it damps the rotation in one direction and in the other direction it does not damp the rotation.