Collapsible child enclosure

Abstract

A child enclosure includes a hub member including a crank link, a substantially four-bar articulated link operably connected to the crank link, a push rod connected to the substantially four-bar articulated link such that linear movement of the crank link effects linear drive motion of the push rod through the substantially four-bar articulated link, and a sliding wedge coupled to the push rod, the sliding wedge including a slider and a pivot surface that biases the slider transverse to the linear drive motion of the push rod, wherein the linear drive motion of the push rod extends and retracts the slider.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on Chinese invention patent application No. 201980096144.2, filed on November 7, 2019, entitled "Foldable Child Fence".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications This application is a non-provisional application and claims the rights of the following: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 814,219, filed March 5, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 837,578, filed April 23, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 852,657, filed May 24, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 902,263, filed September 18, 2019, all of which are entitled “Foldable Child Enclosure” and whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The exemplary embodiments generally relate to child fences, and more particularly to foldable child fences. Background Technology

[0004] Collapsible child playpens (also known as play areas, play fences, and crib units) typically form a fairly compact package when compressed or folded, which can be carried or transported by the user. However, due to their often inflexible operating mechanisms, collapsible child playpens can be difficult to handle when folding and unfolding.

[0005] Typically, to fold a child fence, the user pulls upwards on the central lower mechanism, releasing the upper rail latch (the upward movement of the central lower mechanism causes the fence to fold). In some cases, a release mechanism may be provided that releases the cables from the upper rail latch, allowing the fence to fold from the unfolded configuration; however, these cables may not be used to latch the upper rail when the fence is unfolded to the open configuration. The lower structure of a child fence (including the central lower mechanism) may also include diagonal braces and side members, making the fence complex and heavy.

[0006] Child playpen designs typically involve complex interconnections of linkages, cables, and / or gear assemblies to provide easy operation and compact folding. However, such designs are often expensive to manufacture and assemble, with each playpen being corrected during assembly to ensure proper folding.

[0007] In addition to the above, existing collapsible child playpens typically include a bed frame structure with uprights forming the frame of the bed structure and fabric sheets attached between these uprights to form the playpen walls. The playpen members or walls are generally rectangular fabric pieces that include sleeves pulled through the uprights to form a taut, extended wall between the tube members. Alternatively, the playpen members can be attached to the tubes using fastening members such as screws, pins, nails, or U-bolts. The uprights support the playpen members and keep them taut to form the walls of the child playpen. In one example of fastening the fabric playpen members to the uprights of a collapsible child playpen, the fabric members are held within the uprights such that they extend from the uprights through longitudinal slits in the uprights. For example, positioning posts mounted along the edges of the fabric playpen members can be inserted into the uprights. In this case, the attachment mechanism can be enclosed within the upright structure. However, such a system for attaching fabric playpen members to the frame or uprights of a child playpen can be aesthetically unappealing. Furthermore, currently available fastening mechanisms often cause fence components to stretch or tear when the game fence structure is folded or opened. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the following description, the foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A This is a schematic illustration of a foldable fencing device in an open or unfolded configuration, incorporating various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1B The illustrations schematically depict various aspects according to this disclosure. Figure 1A Flexible fencing for foldable fencing equipment; Figure 1C The illustration schematically depicts the open or unfolded configurations incorporating various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A The frame of the foldable fence equipment; Figure 2A The illustration schematically depicts a partially folded configuration incorporating various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A The frame of the foldable fence equipment; Figure 2B The illustration schematically depicts a flexible fence in a folded configuration, attached to a frame, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A Foldable fencing equipment; Figure 2C The illustration schematically depicts a folded configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A The frame of the foldable fence equipment; Figure 3 An exemplary cross-section of the uprights of the frame of the foldable fence device of FIG1 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 4A The diagram schematically illustrates the connection between the flexible fence and the frame of a foldable fence device according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4B The diagram schematically illustrates the connection between the flexible fence and the frame of a foldable fence device according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4C The diagram schematically illustrates the connection between the flexible fence and the frame of a foldable fence device according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figures 5A-5C Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figures 6A-6C Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 7 It is in a folded configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a portion of the four-bar linkage and push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figure 8 It is in an open configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a portion of the four-bar linkage and push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D and Figure 9E According to various aspects of this disclosure, they are respectively shown in a folded configuration, a partially extended configuration, and a locked configuration. Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figures 10A-10C The illustrations schematically depict various aspects according to this disclosure. Figure 1A It is part of the frame of a foldable fencing device, which includes a central hub, a four-bar linkage, and a push rod system; Figure 11A and Figure 11B Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figure 12 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a cradle for a foldable fence device; Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a schematic diagram of a changing station for a foldable fence device in both an unfolded and a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figures 15A-15C Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a mattress system for a foldable fencing device; Figure 16A and Figure 16B yes Figures 5A-5C Based on the various aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 17 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 18 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 19 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 20 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 21 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 22 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the central hub of a foldable fence device; Figure 23 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figure 24 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the push rod system of a foldable fence device; Figure 25 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 26 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 27 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 28 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 29 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 30 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figures 31A-31C Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 32 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 33 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 34 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic illustration of a portion of the upper corner assembly of a foldable fence device; Figure 35A-35G This is a schematic diagram of a changing station for a foldable fence device in both an unfolded and a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 36A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the corner of a foldable fence device according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 36B , Figure 36C and Figure 36D Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 36A An exemplary perspective view of several sections of a corner; and Figures 37A-37E This is a schematic diagram of a changing station for a foldable fence device in both an unfolded and a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Figure 1AAn exemplary collapsible fence device 10 in the form of a children's fence (also referred to as a playground or play fence) according to aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. Although aspects of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of element or material may be used.

[0010] refer to Figure 1A-1C The foldable fencing device 10 is portable and therefore foldable, closable, or compressible to accommodate open (e.g., open or unfolded) configurations. Figure 1A (as shown in the image) and folded (e.g., closed) configurations (in...) Figure 2B (As shown in the diagram) can be easily converted between the two. The foldable fence device 10 includes a frame 12 connected to a flexible fence 14 having one or more sheets 14S forming the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 of the foldable fence device 10. The sheets 14S can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., woven fabric, mesh, or a combination thereof) that is flexible enough to be folded but strong enough to avoid tearing, puncturing, or stretching during prolonged use.

[0011] Frame 12 includes an upper assembly 123, side structures 121, a base structure 122, and a central hub member 716 (referred to herein as hub member 716). The upper assembly includes, for example, eight upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, four upper corner assemblies 38, 40, 42, 44, and four reinforcing members 46, 48, 50, 52. In other respects, frame 12 may include any suitable number of arms, corner assemblies, and reinforcing members, depending on the shape and number of sides of the collapsible fence device 10 (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, octagonal, etc.). Reinforcing members 46, 48, 50, and 52 allow adjacent upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 to pivotally connect with each other, while providing joint points between adjacent upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36, so that when the foldable fence device 10 is folded and unfolded, adjacent upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 can pivot and fold relative to each other (see...). Figure 2A For example, also refer to Figure 2A The reinforcing member 48 pivotally connects the upper arms 22 and 24 to each other, allowing adjacent upper arms 22 and 24 to be folded in a folding configuration (in Figure 2C (as shown in) or partially folded configuration (in) Figure 2A (as shown in the image) and open configurations (such as...) Figure 1C The upper arms 22, 24 are hinged together as shown in the diagram. In one aspect, the upper arms 22, 24 can be connected via a push bar system 1000 of the foldable child fence 10 as described herein. Figure 10A The upper arms 22 and 24 may be locked in the open configuration using a biased locking member, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,836,530 entitled “Foldable Child Enclosure”, issued November 23, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0012] The side structure 121 is connected to the upper assembly 123 in any suitable manner (such as that described herein) and includes four generally vertically arranged uprights 56, 58, 60, 62. Each upright includes struts 56S, 58S, 60S, 62S and wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 (see...). Figure 1A and Figure 1C Wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, and 108 may be referred to as compact and are configured to support corresponding struts 56S, 58S, 60S, and 62S, provide connection points for the base structure 122, and form corresponding feet for the collapsible fencing device 10 to rest on or be supported thereon. The base structure 122 is coupled to the side structure 121 in any suitable manner, such as at the wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, and 108 (as described herein) or to the struts 56S, 58S, 60S, and 62S. The base structure is also coupled to the hub member 716 in any suitable manner (such as those described herein) and includes a plurality of substantially four-bar hinged links 125.

[0013] To avoid redundancy, only one or more parts of frame 12 will be described in detail. All other similar structures of frame 12 are configured in the same manner. All pivotal connections between the components of frame 12 can be formed by any suitable mechanical connection, such as rivets, bolts, rods, pins, or any other suitable structure. In some respects, the mechanical connections form corresponding axes of rotation (e.g., relative to upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 as described herein, the plurality of substantially four-bar hinged links 125, and the push rod system 1000), and are configured to pivotally connect the components to each other (e.g., by means of threaded fastening, interference fit, retaining clips, etc.) with or without bushings between the mechanical connections and frame components.

[0014] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1C The upper arm 22 is pivotally connected to the corresponding upper corner assembly 40 (e.g., via... Figure 9AThe bracket 933 shown is connected to the reinforcing member 48 by any suitable mechanical connector (such as those described above). The remaining upper arms 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 are connected in a similar manner to their respective upper corner assemblies 40, 38, 42, 44 and reinforcing members 46, 48, 50, 52.

[0015] The upright column 56 includes a base 64 (where the wheel assembly 104 is disposed) and a top 68 connected to a corresponding upper corner assembly 40. In one aspect, the upper corner assembly 40 may be integral with or connected to the upright column 56 in any suitable manner to form part of the upright column 56. The upright columns 56, 58, 60, 62 may pivot or tilt outwards, simultaneously pulling the corresponding upper corner assemblies 38, 40, 42, 44 outwards or separating them from each other. In one aspect, reference is also made to… Figure 3 For illustrative purposes only, the upright column 56 is shown as having a generally L-shaped cross-section, with two side portions 70, 72 extending outward from the central portion 74. In other aspects, the upright column 56 may have a configuration to accommodate the push rod system 1000. Figure 10A The push rod system connects the upper component 123 to the base structure 122 for actuation (e.g., folding and opening) of the upper arms 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 as described herein, for any suitable cross section.

[0016] Clamps 76 are attached to one or more sides 70, 72 of the upright post 56 and extend longitudinally along each side 70, 72 of the upright post 56. Clamps 76 are configured to hold and secure the flexible fence 14 to the upright post 56 as described herein.

[0017] In the aspects illustrated in the figure, the flexible fence 14 has a generally rectangular or square shape, corresponding to the shape of the frame 12 of the foldable fence device 10; however, in other aspects, the shape of the fence may depend on the shape of the frame 12 and may be, for example, rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, octagonal, etc. In this respect, the flexible fence 14 is formed of four connected sheets 14S, which, when connected to the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 of the frame 12, become the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 of the foldable fence device 10. The flexible fence 14 has four vertical corners 80, 82, 84, 86, which correspond to the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 of the frame 12.

[0018] In one aspect, each vertical corner 80, 82, 84, 86 includes two edges 88, 90. Each edge 88, 90 is configured in any suitable manner (e.g., double-stitched, reinforced, etc.) to receive within clamps 76, 78 of the corresponding upright 56 ​​to support the flexible fence 14 by providing structural stability to the walls 16, 18, 20, 21. The flexible fence 14 may be formed from any suitable flexible material that can be folded or rolled up, such as natural or synthetic polymer fabrics, including but not limited to nylon, polyester, etc. The flexible fence 14 may be made from multiple sheets that are separate from each other when attached to the frame 12 of the foldable fence device 10, or it may be formed from a single sheet that is folded to form the walls 16, 18, 20, 21. In some aspects, the central portion of the sheet of the flexible fence 14 may be formed from a softer mesh material, thereby allowing children or other occupants of the foldable fence device 10 to observe objects outside the flexible fence 14 through the walls 16, 18, 20, 21.

[0019] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4A The illustration shows one aspect of the clamps 76, 78 used to attach the edge 88 of the flexible fence 14 to the uprights 56. Again, to avoid redundancy, the structure of clamp 76 is described herein; however, clamp 78 is similarly configured, and it should be understood that substantially the same clamps are included on each side of each upright 56, 58, 60, 62. Thus, in one aspect, the foldable fence device 10 of the present invention will include eight clamps (again, depending on the number of sides formed by the frame 12) for securing the flexible fence 14 to four corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62.

[0020] In one aspect, the clamp 76 includes a U-shaped housing 110 having a proximal arm 112 and a distal arm 114. As used herein, "proximal" refers to the portion of the clamp closest to the respective upright 56; and "distal" refers to the portion of the clamp 76 furthest from the respective upright 56. Arms 112, 114 are attached together at a hub member 116 and extend away from the hub member 116 to define a slit / groove opening 118 (referred to herein as slit opening 118) at the end of the housing 110 opposite to the hub member 116. Slit opening 118 extends longitudinally along the length of the housing 110, wherein the longitudinal length of the housing 110 extends at least partially along the length of the respective upright 56 ​​between the bottom end 64 and the top end 68 of the respective upright 56. The proximal arm 112 is connected to a respective side 70 of the respective upright 56. In one aspect, the housing 110 may be integrally formed with the corresponding upright 56, such that the side 70 of the corresponding upright 56 ​​forms the proximal arm 112 of the clamp housing 110; while in other aspects, the clamp 76 may be a separate structure attached to the corresponding upright 56 ​​in any suitable manner (e.g., by fasteners or adhesives). The space between the arms 112, 114 of the housing 110 defines an internal channel 120, which is configured (e.g., having shaped and sized internal surfaces or walls) to receive and retain at least an edge 88 of the flexible fence 14. In this respect, the edge 88 extends from the clamp housing 110 through the slit opening 118. As previously described, the edge 88 forms the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 ( ) between adjacent uprights 56, 58, 60, 62. Figure 1A and Figure 1B ).

[0021] Still referencing Figure 3 and Figure 4A In one aspect, flag-shaped members 130 are attached to each edge 88 of the flexible fence 14. Flag-shaped members 130 can be attached to the edges 88 of the flexible fence 14 via any suitable connector 131 (such as stitching, fasteners, or adhesives). Flag-shaped members 130 are configured to be held within the clamp housing 110 as described herein and are positioned adjacent to the distal arm 114. Flag-shaped members 130 have a wider spherical end 132 that corresponds in shape to the rear portion of the clamp 76 closest to the hub member 116. A narrower end 134 of flag-shaped members 130 extends from the spherical end 132 and corresponds to the shape of the distal arm 114 of the clamp housing 110. The narrower end 134 of flag-shaped members 130 may further include a protrusion 136 and a recess 138. Figure 3 and Figure 4AIn one aspect depicted, the protrusion 136 is located at the slit opening 118 closest to the housing 110, and the recess 138 is located within the housing 110 between the protrusion 136 and the wider spherical end 132. However, it should be understood that the orientations of the protrusion 136 and the recess 138 may be reversed, such that the recess 138 is positioned closest to the slit opening 118.

[0022] The flag-shaped member 130 may also include a cutout 140 located near the slit opening 118 of the housing 110, the cutout being configured to receive a lip 377 extending from the distal arm 114 of the housing 110. The connection between the cutout 140 and the lip 377 allows the flag-shaped member 130 to be at least partially held within the housing 110 and to resist any forces applied to the edge 88 (such as if a child pushes against the respective walls 16, 18, 20, 21).

[0023] Clamps 76, 78 further include a locking member 150 positioned adjacent to the proximal arm 112 of the housing 110. The locking member 150 also includes a protrusion 152 and a recess 154 oriented opposite to the protrusion 136 and recess 138 of the flag-shaped member 130. The recess 154 is located at the slit opening 118 closest to the clamp housing 110, and the protrusion 152 is located within the clamp housing 110, extending from the recess 138 of the flag-shaped member 130 across the internal channel 120. The locking member 150 may further include a rib 156 extending from the proximal side 158 of the locking member 150 and adapted to be secured within a corresponding cutout 124 in the proximal arm 112 of the housing 110. The rib 156 and the corresponding cutout 124 are illustrated as semicircular, but may otherwise have any suitable shape. Ribs 156 and cutouts 124 effectively retain the locking member 150 in place, at least partially, within the clamp housing 110 and resist forces that pull the edge 88 from the clamp 76.

[0024] When inserted into the clamp housing 110, the combined flag 130 and locking member 150 are generally adapted to the shape of the internal channel 120, which extends from the slit opening 118 to the spherical end 132 of the flag 130. In one aspect, the internal channel 120 is curved or hook-shaped. Therefore, the edge 88 held within the clamp 76 follows a curved or hook-shaped path through the internal channel 120. Here, the edge 88 is configured to be held within the internal channel 120 and at least partially retained in place by frictional engagement between the edge 88, the locking member 150, and the flag 130. The edge 88 exits the clamp 76 through the slit opening 118, which extends longitudinally along the length of the upright 56. The locking member 150 and / or the flag 130 may also include structures for biasing the edge when the edge 88 exits the clamp housing 110 at the slit opening 118, in order to guide the sheet in the direction of the respective fence wall. For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4A As shown, the locking member 150 may include a flange 160 located near the slit opening 118 to guide the curvature of the edge 88 as it exits the clamp housing 110. The end of the flag member 130 may also include a similar curved end structure 142 to support the curvature of the fabric. By biasing the fabric in this way, a more aesthetically pleasing connection is created between the upright 56 ​​and the flexible fence 14. This connection prevents the material of the flexible fence 14 from clumping together, preventing unsightly twists or folds, and it creates a flat and taut fabric wall on each side of the playpen or child safety fence device, inspiring parents' confidence in the safety and reliability of the foldable fence device 10.

[0025] Also refer to Figure 4B and Figure 4C The illustration shows a clamp 76 according to other aspects of this disclosure. In these other aspects, clamp 76 is substantially similar to the clamp described above. Figure 3 and Figure 4A The described clamp; however, in these respects, the flags 130A, 130B and the locking elements 150A, 150B have configurations different from those of the flag 130 and locking element 150 described above. For example, in Figure 4B and Figure 4CAs illustrated, flag members 130A and 130B have an extended curved end structure 142E that extends to the outside of the slit opening 118 to form a snubbing anchor, where the edge 88 of the flexible fence 14 is connected to the flag members 130A and 130B at a location outside or outside the housing 110 and the slit opening 118 via any suitable connector 131. In these aspects, locking members 150A and 150B form a locking stop. The running clearance (or space) between the flags 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B is configured (e.g., sized) to provide a sliding fit between the flags 130A, 130B, the locking members 150A, 150B and the housing 110 to enable installation (e.g., sliding the flags 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B into the housing along the longitudinal direction, such that a portion of the flags 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B extends out of the slit opening 118) and free insertion of the flags 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B into the housing when mounted / assembled to the frame 12, while preventing one or both of the flags 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B from being removed through the slit opening 118.

[0026] exist Figure 4B and Figure 4C As illustrated in the figure, the running clearance between the flag-shaped members 130A, 130B and the locking members 150A, 150B can be appropriately sized / configured (two examples of this configuration are illustrated in the figure). Figure 4B and Figure 4C (Note that other configurations are possible and within the scope of this disclosure) The locking elements 150A, 150B are achieved through one or more of the protrusions 152 and ribs 156 and / or one or more of the spherical ends 132, recesses 138, protrusions 136, and cutouts 140. It should be noted that the gap between the flags 130A, 130B and the locking elements 150A, 150B can be reduced at least at the protrusions 152, such that the protrusions 152 push or stop the flags 130A, 130B to a position substantially abutting against or adjacent to the distal arm 114, so that at least partially, one or more of the flags 130A, 130B and the locking elements 150A, 150B are locked within the housing 110 by at least the lip 377 of the distal arm 114.

[0027] In another respect, refer to Figure 1A and Figures 36A-36DThe vertical corners 80, 82, 84, and 86 of the flexible fence 14 form sleeves or tubular covers 3600, through which at least corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, and 62 of the frame 12 are inserted. Referring only to vertical corner 80 (note that vertical corners 82, 84, and 86 are substantially similar), vertical corner 80 forms a sleeve 3600, which includes an outer peripheral cover portion 3601 and an inner cover portion 3602. The outer perimeter covering portion 3601 covers the struts 56S of the uprights 56 such that the outer surface 56SS of the struts 56S (the term "outer" is used relative to the occupant or enclosed space of the fence device 10) is entirely covered between the wheel assembly 104 and the upper corner assembly 40 (i.e., the uprights 56 extending between the wheel assembly 104 and the upper corner assembly 40 are substantially entirely unexposed). Note that the upper corner assembly 40 is mentioned herein for illustrative purposes only, and the upper corner assembly may have any suitable configuration (such as those described herein). The inner cover portion 3602 of the sleeve 3600 covers the strut 56S of the upright 56, such that the inner surface 56SN of the strut 56S (the term "inner" is used relative to the occupant or enclosed space of the fence device 10) is entirely covered between the base pad or mattress 100 and the upper corner assembly 40 (i.e., no part of the upright extending between the base pad or mattress 100 and the upper corner assembly 40 is exposed). In one aspect, the flexible fence may extend below the base pad or mattress 100 to extend between the base pad or mattress 100 and the frame 12, such as where the base pad or mattress 100 can be removed from the flexible fence 14.

[0028] Sleeve 3600 may form a passage 3610 together with the upright, through which a portion of the push rod system described herein extends for actuating (e.g., folding and opening) the upper arms 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 by coupling the upper assembly 123 to the base structure 122.

[0029] Refer again Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 36B and Figure 36CThe flexible fence 14 described herein may further include covers 92, 94, 96, 98 for covering the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 of the frame 12 and for providing additional structural stability to the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 of the collapsible fence device 10 (wherein the corner sleeve 3600 is integral with the walls 16, 18, 20, 21). The flexible fence 14 may further include a base pad or mattress 100. Any suitable side filler may also be placed around the interior of the collapsible fence device 10. The upper portion 3600U of the sleeve 3600 (or generally the vertical corner 80) may be at least partially held in place adjacent to the top end 68 of the upright post 56 by means of connectors formed between the covers 92, 94, 96, 98 and the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. In other respects, the upper corner assembly 40 may press the sleeve 3600 (or generally the vertical corner 80) against the upright 56, or otherwise mechanically hold (e.g., by means of a screw or pin extending through a flexible fence, friction, etc.) the upper portion 3600U of the sleeve 3600 adjacent to the top end 68 of the upright 56. In still other respects, the upper portion 3600U of the sleeve 3600 may include one or more connecting members (such as, for example, tabs or latches 3630, 3631) that abut against one or more fasteners 3620, 3621 of the upper corner assembly 40 such that the fasteners 3620, 3621 pass through the corresponding tabs or latches 3630, 3631 to retain the upper portion 3600U of the sleeve 3600 adjacent to the top end 68 of the upright 56.

[0030] Similarly, refer to Figure 36B and 36D The bottom portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600 (or generally the vertical corner 80) can be held in place adjacent to the bottom end 64 of the upright 56 ​​by means of the wheel assembly 104. For example, the wheel assembly can press the sleeve 3600 (or generally the vertical corner 80) against the upright 56, or otherwise mechanically hold the bottom portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600 adjacent to the bottom end 64 of the upright 56 ​​by means of a screw or pin extending through the flexible fence, friction, etc. In other respects, the bottom portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600 may include one or more connecting members or fabric anchors (such as, for example, tabs or latches 3632) that abut against one or more fasteners 3622 of the wheel assembly 104 or the upright 56, such that the fasteners 3622 pass through the corresponding tabs or latches 3632 to retain the bottom portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600 adjacent to the bottom end 64 of the upright 56. The tabs or latches 3630, 3631, 3632 may be attached to the sleeve 3600 in any suitable manner, such as by stitching 3670 (see...). Figure 36D ( ), bonding, chemical adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc. In other respects, the upper portion 3600U and the lower portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600 can be connected to the upright 56 ​​in any suitable manner, such as by clips, snaps, bonding, chemical adhesives, etc., so that the upright 56 ​​extending between the wheel assembly 104 and the upper corner assembly 40 is substantially not exposed.

[0031] The tabs or latches 3630, 3631, and 3632 may have any suitable construction, such as plastic sheets, plastic rings, metal rings, metal tabs, etc., configured such that the corresponding fasteners 3620, 3621, and 3622 pass through them. The tabs or latches 3630, 3631, and 3632 may also be sized and shaped to extend or "tuck" between the upright 56 ​​and the corresponding wheel assembly 104 (where the tab or latch is on the bottom portion 3600B of the sleeve 3600) or between the upright 56 ​​and the corresponding upper corner assembly 40 (where the tab or latch is on the upper portion 3600U of the sleeve 3600).

[0032] Now for reference Figures 5A-5C The illustration shows an example of a hub member 716 according to various aspects of this disclosure. In this aspect, the hub member 716 is configured as a rack and pinion hub. In this aspect, the hub member 716 includes a frame or mounting structure 510 and a crank connecting rod 500. In one aspect, the mounting structure 510 may be covered in any suitable manner to form a substantially enclosed or at least partially enclosed housing 510H. The crank connecting rod 500 forms or is formed by one or more racks 501A-501F (note that racks 501D and 501E are not shown, and racks 501A-501F are generally referred to as rack 501). The crank connecting rod 500 includes a frame 500F, and racks 501A-501F may be integrally formed with or coupled to the frame 500F in any suitable manner. In this respect, the crank connecting rod 500 is illustrated as having six racks 501A-501F; however, in other respects, any suitable number of racks can be provided. In one respect, the number of racks may depend on the shape of the collapsible fence device 10.

[0033] Mounting structure 510 includes any suitable linear bearing 515 along which crank connecting rod 500 reciprocates (e.g., in direction 599). The travel of crank connecting rod 500 along linear bearing 515 can be limited to a predetermined range of motion in direction 599 by any suitable means (e.g., using stop members 520, 521 (e.g., pins, planar surfaces, etc.) at the ends defining the range of motion). Any suitable handle 280 and / or cover 511 (e.g., a cover such as that of mounting structure 510) can be coupled to crank connecting rod 500, wherein handle 280 allows a user to manipulate crank connecting rod 500 along linear bearing 515 to fold and unfold the collapsible fence device 10 as described herein (FIG. 1). The handle 280 can be pivotally coupled to the crank link 500 so as to be substantially folded within the cover 511 (e.g., within a recess 511R of the cover 511) to retract the handle 280, such as when the foldable fence device 10 is in use or occupied.

[0034] Multiple support members 530A-530F (note that support members 530D and 530E are not shown, and support members 530A-530F are generally referred to as support members 530) are pivotally coupled to mounting structure 510 such that each support member 530 is substantially aligned with a corresponding rack and pinion 501 for rotational drive by the corresponding rack and pinion 501 as described herein. Each of the support members 530 has a distal end 531 and a proximal end 532, wherein the proximal end 532 is coupled to mounting structure 510 for pivoting about a corresponding pivot axis 533 (e.g., axis of rotation). The proximal end includes a pinion 535 that meshes with the corresponding rack and pinion 501 such that the crank connecting rod 500 folds the support member 530 along the linear movement of the linear bearing 515 (e.g., as described herein). Figure 5C (as shown) and opening support member 530 (as shown) Figure 5B (as shown in the diagram). In this respect, the crank connecting rod 500 is pushed into the mounting structure 510 in direction 599A to engage the gear rack 501 with the pinion 535, so that the support member 530 is rotated in direction 598 to open or extend the support member 530, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5B As shown (e.g., to open the foldable fence device 10). Pulling the crank connecting rod 500 from the mounting structure 510 in direction 599B causes the rack and pinion 501 to engage the pinion 535, thereby rotating the support member 530 in direction 597 to fold or retract the support member 530, as shown. Figure 5C As shown in the figure (e.g., foldable fence device 10).

[0035] refer to Figure 1C and Figures 5A-5CAs described above, hub member 716 is connected to the plurality of substantially four-bar hinged links 125 of base structure 122. In this respect, mounting structure 510 forms one of the links in each substantially four-bar hinged link 125; corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 form one of the links in each substantially four-bar hinged link 125 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ); and each essentially four-bar articulated link 125 also includes upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 (see Figure 1C , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This completes the substantially four-bar articulated link 125. Each of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 is connected to the corresponding support member 530 in any suitable manner, such that the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 extend from the hub member 716 to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62. The upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 are connected to the corresponding support member 530 so that they are driven to rotate together with the corresponding support member 530 under the actuation of the crank connecting rod 500 (e.g., along directions 598 and 597). Note that in the extended or open configuration, the support member 530 and / or the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 may provide support for the base pad or mattress 100. In some respects, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, one or more pad support members 199 ( Figure 1C It can be connected to the corresponding support member 530 (e.g., support members 530B and 530E) so as to fold and unfold together with the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556.

[0036] Each lower base leg 560, 562, 564, 566 is pivotally connected to the mounting structure 510 about a corresponding pivot axis 534 (e.g., a rotation axis) so as to extend from the hub member 716, for example, alongside the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62, thereby forming a corresponding substantially four-bar hinged link 125 together with the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62, and the mounting structure 510. See also Figure 7 and Figure 8The upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 in any suitable manner (e.g., by means of corresponding mechanical connections forming the corresponding pivot axes 824, 860, as described above) (Note that, for illustrative purposes, in...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 Only the upright column 56, the upper base leg 550, and the lower base leg 560 are shown, and the other upper base legs 552, 554, 556 and the other lower base legs 562, 564, 566 are connected to their respective upright columns 58, 60, 62 in a similar manner.

[0037] Now for reference Figures 6A-6C The illustration shows another example of a hub member 716 according to various aspects of this disclosure. In this respect, the hub member 716 includes a frame or mounting structure 286 and a crank connecting rod 282 movably coupled to the mounting structure 286 for reciprocating motion in direction 599. In this respect, the mounting structure 286 includes an upper ring support 288, four brackets 290, 292, 294, 296 mounted to the upper ring support 288 (the number of brackets may depend on the shape of the collapsible fence device 10, such that there is one bracket at each corner of the collapsible fence device), a lower support plate 300, four beams 302, 304, 306, 308 connecting the upper ring support 288 and the lower support plate 300, and a linear bearing 310 (e.g., an axis or other linear guide along which the crank connecting rod 282 slides). Note that the configuration of the mounting structure 286 is exemplary, and in other respects, the mounting structure may have any suitable configuration for coupling with components of a frame as described herein. In one aspect, the cover can be disposed on the mounting structure 286, and the cap for the cover can be disposed on the crank connecting rod 282 (to be compatible with). Figures 5A-5C (Similar to the method shown).

[0038] The crank connecting rod 282 is configured as a sleeve that slides along the linear bearing 310 of the mounting structure 286, and its movement is guided by the linear bearing 310 of the mounting structure 286. The handle 280 (basically similar to the one described above) Figures 5A-5C The described handle is coupled to the crank connecting rod 282 in any suitable manner, allowing a user to manipulate the movement of the crank connecting rod 282 along the linear bearing 310 in the direction 599. The crank connecting rod 282 includes a collar 284 which may be integrally formed with or coupled to the crank connecting rod 282 in any suitable manner, such that the collar 284 and the crank connecting rod 282 together reciprocate as a single unit along the linear bearing 310.

[0039] In this respect, four links 320, 322, 324, and 326 are pivotally connected to collar 284 via corresponding mechanical connectors 312, 314, 316, and 318. Note that each of the four links corresponds to and is substantially angularly aligned with the corresponding brackets 290, 292, 294, and 296, wherein the number of links may depend on the shape of the foldable fence device 10 as described above. The four links 320, 322, 324, and 326 are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, and 556 via corresponding mechanical connectors 330, 332, 334, and 336, so as to connect the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, and 556 to the collar 284 of the crank connecting rod 282. Each of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 is further pivotally connected to four supports 290, 292, 294, 296 via corresponding mechanical connections 340, 342, 344, 346, so as to extend from the mounting structure 286 to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62. Here, movement of the crank connecting rod 282 in direction 599 drives the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 about a pivot axis (e.g., a rotation axis) defined by the corresponding mechanical connections 340, 342, 344, 346 (e.g., via corresponding connecting rods 320, 322, 324, 326) to fold the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 (as shown in the image). Figure 6B (as shown) and opening the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 (as shown) Figure 6C As shown in the image).

[0040] The four corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, and 566 are pivotally connected to the four beams 302, 304, 306, and 308 via corresponding mechanical connectors 350, 352, 354, and 356. In this regard, reference is also made to… Figure 7 and Figure 8 The lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 extend from the mounting structure 286 next to the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, for example, to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62, so as to form a corresponding substantially four-bar hinged link 125 together with the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62, and the mounting structure 286.

[0041] Also refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 in any suitable manner (e.g., by means of corresponding mechanical connections forming the corresponding pivot axes 824, 860, as described above) (Note that, for illustrative purposes, in...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 Only the upright column 56, upper base leg 550, and lower base leg 560 are shown; other upper base legs 552, 554, 556 and other lower base legs 562, 564, 566 are connected to their respective upright columns 58, 60, 62 in a similar manner. In this example, pushing the crank connecting rod 282 into the mounting structure 286 along direction 599A causes the collar 284 to pivot the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 about the brackets 290, 292, 294, 296 via connecting rods 320, 322, 324, 326 (e.g., the pivot axis is formed by corresponding mechanical connections) so that rotating the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 along direction 598 opens or extends the substantially four-bar hinged link 125, as shown. Figure 6C As shown. Pulling the crank connecting rod 282 from the mounting structure 286 along direction 599B causes the collar 284 to pivot the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 about the brackets 290, 292, 294, 296 via connecting rods 320, 322, 324, 326 (e.g., the pivot axis is formed by corresponding mechanical connections), so that rotating the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 along direction 597 folds or retracts the substantially four-bar hinged connecting rod 125, as shown. Figure 5C As shown in the image.

[0042] refer to Figure 16A and Figure 16B In another example, the hub member 716 is configured with at least one cam surface for folding and opening the foldable fence device 10 as described herein. For example, refer to... Figure 16AHub 716 includes a housing 1600 (which may be substantially similar to housing 510H described above), to which upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected. The lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 extend into housing 1600. Each of the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 includes a roller, pin, or other cam surface (referred to herein as roller 1610 for convenience) rotatably coupled to an end 560E of the corresponding lower base leg 560, 562, 564, 566. Hub 716 includes a pusher cam link 1620 that reciprocates within housing 1600 in direction 599. The cam link 1620 includes any suitable handle 280 configured to allow a user to move the cam link 1620 along direction 599. The cam link 1620 includes a cam surface 1625 configured to engage a roller 1610 such that when the cam link 1620 is pushed along direction 599A, the roller 1610 also moves along direction 599A, causing the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate along direction 1699 to open the collapsible fence device 10. If feasible, with the parallel link configuration of corresponding pairs of upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 also rotate along direction 1699 together with the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566. To fold the foldable fence device 10, a cam link 1620 is pulled along direction 599B, ​​which also allows the roller 1610 to move along direction 599B by the weight of, for example, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 (and the weight of the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 and all other parts of the foldable fence device 10 that depend on the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62), such that the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 and the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 rotate along direction 1698 to achieve folding of the foldable fence device 10.

[0043] refer to Figure 16B Hub component 716 is basically similar to the above-mentioned... Figure 16AThe described hub member, however, includes, in this respect, a push-pull cam link 1650 that reciprocates within the housing 1600 along direction 599. The cam link 1650 includes any suitable handle 280 configured to allow a user to move the cam link 1650 along direction 599. The cam link 1650 includes a cam groove 1660 (e.g., having an upper cam surface 1660U and a lower cam surface 1660L) configured to engage a roller 1610 such that when the cam link 1620 is pushed along direction 599A, the roller 1610 engages the upper cam surface 1660U and also moves along direction 599A, thereby causing the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate along direction 1699 to open the foldable fence device 10. If feasible, by means of the parallel linkage configuration of the corresponding pairs of upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 also rotate together with the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 in direction 1699. In order to fold the foldable fence device 10, the cam link 1620 is pulled in direction 599B, ​​wherein the roller 1610 engages the lower cam surface 1660L and moves in direction 599B, ​​thereby causing the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 and upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 to rotate in direction 1698 to achieve the folding of the foldable fence device 10.

[0044] refer to Figure 17 In another example, hub member 716 is configured to use, for example, a cable and pulley system to achieve the folding and unfolding of the collapsible fence device 10 in a push-pull manner (as described herein). For example, refer to Figure 17The hub member 716 includes a housing 1600 (which may be substantially similar to the housing 510H described above), to which upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected. In this respect, each of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 includes a pulley 1750 connected thereto. The pulley 1750 may be connected to the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 at an axis of rotation between the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the housing 1600. In other respects, the pulley 1750 may be positioned at any suitable location along the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556. In other respects, pulley 1750 may be arranged on each of the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 in a manner substantially similar to that described herein. Hub member 716 includes push-pull crank link 1720 that reciprocates within housing 1600 in direction 599. Any suitable cable 1730 (e.g., wire, rope, strap, etc.) is coupled to crank link 1720 at one end 1730E1 on one side (e.g., above) of the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, and at the other end 1730E2 on the opposite side (e.g., below) of the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556. Cable 1730 is wound around pulley 1750 (e.g., in a manner similar to that of a bow drill) such that when crank connecting rod 1720 moves in direction 599, cable 1730 causes pulley 1750 to rotate in order to rotate one of the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 in directions 1698, 1699. For example, when crank connecting rod moves in direction 599A, it causes pulley 1750 to rotate in direction 1699 (and the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 rotate together with the pulley in direction 1699) to open the collapsible fence device 10. When the crank connecting rod moves in direction 599B, ​​it causes the pulley 1750 to rotate in direction 1698 (and the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 rotate together with the pulley in direction 1698) to fold the foldable fence device 10.

[0045] On another front, hub 716 is configured to fold and open the foldable fence device 10 via a push-pull mechanism without substantially any mechanically advantageous means (e.g., reducing the force necessary to fold or open the foldable fence device 10) (as described herein). For example, upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to hub 716 and wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108, respectively, to form corresponding pairs of parallel links. When hub 716 is pushed along direction 599, upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 rotate along direction 1699 to open the foldable fence device 10. When the hub member 716 is pushed along direction 599A, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 rotate along direction 1699 to open the foldable fence device 10. When the hub member 716 is pulled along direction 599B, ​​the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 rotate along direction 1698 to fold the foldable fence device 10.

[0046] refer to Figure 19 In one aspect, hub 716 is configured with a gear train for folding and unfolding the collapsible fence device 10 (as described herein). For example, hub 716 includes a housing 1600 (which may be substantially similar to housing 510H described above), to which upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally coupled. Hub 716 includes a rack link 1920 comprising gears for each upper base leg / lower base leg pair (for illustrative purposes, in...) Figure 19 The diagram illustrates a drive rack 1921 having an upper base leg 550 and a lower base leg 560, with other pairs similarly configured. A driven rack 1925 is pivotally connected to a corresponding upper base leg / lower base leg pair (e.g., ...). Figure 19As illustrated, the driven rack 1925 is pivotally connected at a first end to an upper base leg 550 and at a second end to a lower base leg 560. In one aspect, the drive rack 1921 and the driven rack 1925 are substantially parallel to each other. A cluster gear 1930 is rotatably connected to the housing and positioned between the respective drive rack 1921 and the respective driven rack 1925, such that movement of the rack link 1920 in direction 599A causes the cluster gear 1930 to rotate in direction 1930A, thereby causing the driven rack 1925 to move in direction 599B. Movement of the driven rack 1925 in direction 599B causes the respective upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the respective lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate in direction 1699 to open the foldable fence device 10. The movement of the rack and pinion linkage 1920 in direction 599B causes the connecting gear 1930 to rotate in direction 1930B, which in turn causes the driven rack 1925 to move in direction 599A. The movement of the driven rack 1925 in direction 599A causes the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate in direction 1698, so as to fold the foldable fence device 10.

[0047] refer to Figure 19In one aspect, hub 716 is configured as a helical drive for folding and unfolding the collapsible fence device 10 (as described herein). For example, hub 716 includes a housing 1600 (which may be substantially similar to housing 510H described above), to which upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected. Hub 716 includes a screw link 2020 that forms a lead screw 2020S that rotates within housing 1600 in direction 2099. Lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 may extend into housing 1600 such that an end 560E of each lower base leg 560, 562, 564, 566 forms part (e.g., thread) of a virtual nut 2050 engaging the lead screw 2020S. Upper base legs 550, 552, 554, and 556 extend into the housing 1600 such that the end 550E of each upper base leg 550, 552, 554, and 556 forms part (e.g., threaded) of the virtual nut 2060 engaging the lead screw 2020S. In other respects, only the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, and 556 engage the lead screw 2020S; and in still other respects, only the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, and 566 engage the lead screw. As described herein, the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, and 566 and the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, and 556 have a parallel linkage arrangement. Here, rotation of the screw link 2020 in direction 2099B (e.g., by the user rotating the handle 280) causes the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate in direction 1699 to open the collapsible fence device 10. Rotation of the screw link 2020 in direction 2099A causes the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 to rotate in direction 1698 to fold the collapsible fence device 10.

[0048] refer to Figure 21In one aspect, hub member 716 is configured as a torsional drive for folding and unfolding the collapsible fence device 10 (as described herein). For example, hub member 716 includes a drive link 2120 that reciprocates within housing 1600 along direction 599. In this aspect, the first ends 550A of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to drive link 2120 via pivot block 2130 about axis 2130X, such that the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 rotate along direction 2199. The second ends 550B of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to the corresponding wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 via pivot blocks 2140 about axis 2140X, such that the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 rotate in direction 2199. The first end 550A includes a first pinion 2150, which engages a corresponding first rack 2151 on the hub member 716. The second end 550B includes a second pinion 2152, which engages a second rack 2153 on the corresponding wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108. Note that only the upper base leg 550 is illustrated for illustrative purposes, but the upper base legs 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are similarly configured. Here, when the hub member 716 is pushed along direction 599A, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 pivot about axis 2130X along direction 1699 to open the foldable fence device 10. When the hub member 716 is pulled along direction 599B, ​​the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 pivot about axis 2130X along direction 1698 to fold the foldable fence device 10. When the hub member 716 is pushed along direction 599A or pulled along direction 599B, ​​the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 also rotate along direction 2199 to maintain the spatial relationship between the hub member 716 and the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 (e.g., the wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 (and the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62) are substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the hub member 716 along direction 599).In one respect, since the pivotal movement of wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 (and corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62) relative to hub assembly 716 is limited by the rack and pinion configuration of upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556, the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 can be omitted (or vice versa).

[0049] refer to Figure 22The hub member 716 can be configured to maintain the spatial relationship between the hub member 716 and the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62 using a cable system (e.g., the wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 (and the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62) are substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the hub member 716 along direction 599). For example, the hub member 716 includes a drive member 2220 that reciprocates within the housing 1600 along direction 599. In this respect, the first ends 550A of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected to the housing about their respective axes 2241. The second ends 550B of the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are pivotally connected about axis 2240 to the corresponding wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108. With respect to the upper base leg 550 (note that the other base legs are similarly configured), any suitable cable 2210 (such as those described herein) is routed from the drive member 2220 to the corresponding wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 to maintain the spatial relationship between the hub member 716 and the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62. For example, the housing 1600 includes a first pulley 2211 rotatably connected to the housing 1600 above the upper base leg 550. A second pulley 2212 is pivotally connected to the housing 1600 at, for example, axis 2241. The third pulley 2213 is pivotally connected to the upper base leg 550. The cable 2210 is anchored at its first end 2210E1 to the drive member 2220 and wound along a meandering path on pulleys 2211, 2212, 2213 to extend through (or along) the upper base leg 550. The second end 2210E2 of the cable is anchored to the wheel assembly 102 at any suitable location 2214. Here, when the hub member 716 and the drive member 2220 are pushed along direction 599A, the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 pivot along direction 1699 about their respective axes 2241 to open the collapsible fence device 10. When the hub assembly 716 and drive assembly 2220 are pulled along direction 599B, ​​the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 pivot along direction 1698 about the corresponding axis 2241 to fold the foldable fence device 10. In one aspect, since the pivotal movement of the wheel assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108 (and the corresponding uprights 56, 58, 60, 62) relative to the hub assembly 716 is restricted by cable 2210, the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 can be omitted (or vice versa).

[0050] Now for reference Figure 1C , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figures 9A-9E and Figures 10A-10C And as described above, the pushrod system 1000 connects the upper assembly 123 to the base structure 122 for use in the crank connecting rod 500 ( Figure 5A ), 282 ( Figure 6A When moved along direction 599, the upper arms 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 are actuated (e.g., folded and unfolded). According to various aspects of this disclosure, the push rod system 1000 may be provided at each of the uprights 56, 58, 60, 62, such that each of these uprights has a corresponding push rod assembly 1001. Each push rod assembly 1001 (described herein with respect to upright 56, but uprights 58, 60, 62 have similar push rod assemblies 1001) includes a push rod 1050 slidably coupled to upright 56 ​​in any suitable manner for linear reciprocating motion along upright 56. The push rod 1050 is connected to a substantially four-bar articulated link 125, such that the crank link 500 ( Figure 5A ), 282 ( Figure 6A The linear movement of the push rod 1050 is achieved by a hinged link 125 consisting of essentially four bars, along the length of the upright column 56 in the direction 999. Figure 9A Linear driven motion.

[0051] In one respect, reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Essentially, the four-bar hinged link 125 is connected to the push rod 1050 via the connecting link 750 of the push rod assembly 1001. The connecting link 750 is pivotally connected to the push rod 1050 at one end at a pivot axis 751 (e.g., a rotation axis), and pivotally connected to the upper base leg 550 at the other end at a pivot axis 752 (e.g., a rotation axis). The connecting rod 750 is connected to the upper base leg 550 on the side of the pivot axis 824 opposite to the hub member 716, such that when the hub member 716 moves in direction 599B, ​​the connecting rod causes the push rod 1050 to move in direction 999A and vice versa (e.g., when the substantially four-bar hinged link 125 is folded in direction 599B toward the corresponding upright 56, the upper arms 22, 26 are folded in direction 799A toward the corresponding upright 56, and vice versa). Figure 7 and Figure 8As can be seen, a portion 56P of the upright post 56 may be scalloped or cut off to form a recess, in which the pivot axis 752 (e.g., rotation axis) between the upper base leg 550 and the connecting rod 750 is located when the push rod assembly 1001 is in the extended configuration (the extended configuration of the push rod assembly 1001 corresponds to the open configuration of the foldable fence device 10).

[0052] exist Figure 7-8 As illustrated in the diagram, any suitable support member 877 (lubricated sliding pad, roller, etc.) (in) Figure 7 (As shown in the figure) can be positioned between push rod 1050 and upright column 56 so as to at least partially guide the reciprocating movement of push rod 1050 against upright column 56 when the connecting link 750 pivots and causes push rod 1050 to reciprocate in direction 999.

[0053] In one respect, reference Figure 1C , Figures 9A-9E and Figures 10A-10C Each push rod assembly 1001 includes a sliding wedge 900 coupled to a push rod 1050. For example, the push rod 1050 may terminate in or be otherwise coupled to a carriage 950, which is slidably coupled to the upright 56 ​​in any suitable manner for reciprocating motion along the upright 56. The carriage 950 couples the push rod 1050 to the upper arms 22, 26 of the corresponding upright 56, such as... Figures 10A-10C As shown in the diagram. The push rod assembly 1001 includes a sliding wedge 900 for each of the upper arms 22, 26. Each sliding wedge 900 includes a wedge 901, a slider 902, and at least one connecting rod 903. The wedge 901 is fixedly coupled to the upright 56 ​​so as to be in a stationary position relative to the upright 56. The wedge 901 includes any suitable guide member 904 (e.g., pin, ball joint, etc.) for guiding the slider 902 to reciprocate along direction 999, which extends generally along the length of the upright 56. The guide member 904 may also form a corresponding pivot surface that biases the corresponding slider 902 transversely to the linear drive motion of the corresponding push rod 1050 and provides the corresponding slider 902 along direction 996 (… Figure 9B The pivoting relative to the corresponding wedge 901, wherein such pivoting can be compared Figures 9A-9C It is possible to see and at least partially lock the upper arms 22 and 26 in the extended configuration.

[0054] Slider 902 is pivotally connected at one end to carriage 950 about pivot axis 920 (e.g., rotation axis). Slider 902 is pivotally connected at the other end to connecting link 903 about pivot axis 921 (e.g., rotation axis). Roller 910 or other suitable support member may also be connected at pivot axis 921, wherein roller 910 rides along cam surface 901S of wedge 901. Connecting link 903 extends from slider 902 and is pivotally connected about pivot axis 923 (e.g., rotation axis) to corresponding upper arms 22, 26.

[0055] Notice, Figure 9A The upper arms 22 and 26 are shown in a substantially folded configuration. (The above text is about...) Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6C , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the manner described, the movement of crank connecting rods 282 and 500 along direction 599A causes the connecting rod 750 to rotate, resulting in the push rod 1050 moving substantially linearly along the upright column 56 along direction 999B, as... Figure 9B As shown in the diagram. The movement of pushrod 1050 along direction 999B continues until the crank connecting rods 282, 500, 500 and hub member 716 are at their lowest positions relative to the upper corner assemblies 38, 40, 42, 44, for example, such as when the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LAX of the linear bearings 310, 515. Figure 5A and Figure 6C )hour.

[0056] The movement of push rod 1050 in direction 999B causes roller 910 to ride along the ramp surface 901SR of cam surface 901S, such that roller 910 substantially contacts and / or rides along the surface 56S of column 56 and is positioned within recess 944. Recess 944 is formed by the ramp surface 901SR of wedge 901 and the upper corner bracket 933 connecting upper arms 22, 26 to column 56, or otherwise defined by the ramp surface 901SR of wedge 901 and the upper corner bracket 933 connecting upper arms 22, 26 to column 56. In one aspect, the movement of push rod 1050 in direction 999B also... Figure 9CThe stop surface 933S, which causes the connecting rod 903 to contact the upper corner bracket 933, compresses at least one of the connecting rod 903, slider 902, carriage 950, push rod 1050, and any mechanical connections therebetween. The placement of the roller 910 against the ramp surface 901SR within the recess 944, the fixed extended position of the push rod 1050 (e.g., achieved by the downward locking position of the hub member 716), and / or the compression of the push rod assembly 1001 achieves over-center locking of the slider 902 and connecting rod 903. This over-center locking of the slider 902 and connecting rod 903 at least partially retains the upper arms 22, 26 in an open or extended configuration.

[0057] In one aspect, the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 may be provided with at least some compliance, wherein movement of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 is impeded or otherwise blocked, for example, during the opening of the foldable fence device 10. For example, refer to... Figure 9D A compression spring 985 or other biasing member (in one aspect, which may act as tension rather than compression) may be provided in each of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 (upper arms 22 and 26 are shown for illustrative purposes), wherein the compression spring 985 is held between a holding member 986 (such as a pin) and a mechanical connection 987 forming a pivot axis 923. A slot 988 may be provided in the upper arms 22 and 26, in which the pivot axis 923 moves linearly against the bias of the compression spring 985 along a direction 991 (e.g., along the length of the upper arms 22 and 26). When the upper arms 22 and 26 are open and their movement is impeded, the push rod assembly 101 may continue to extend such that the pivot axis 923 moves against the bias of the compression spring 985 from a predetermined base position 981 (where the upper arms 22 and 26 are fully open) along a direction 991A. Once the obstruction is removed, the compression spring 985 returns the pivot axis 923 to the predetermined base position, causing the upper arms 22, 26 to fully open and lock into the open configuration, as described above.

[0058] In another respect, refer to Figure 9EThe compliance of the upper arm can be provided by a hinged connecting link 903A comprising at least links 956 and 957. Links 956 and 957 are pivotally connected to each other at a pivot axis 958 (e.g., a rotation axis). Link 956 is connected to the upper arm at a pivot axis 923, and link 957 is connected to the slider 902 at a pivot axis 921. One or more of links 956 and 957 can be bent (in the illustrated aspect, link 956 is bent) to cause a predetermined folding movement of the hinged connecting link 903A. In this respect, the pivot axis 958 causing the hinged connecting link to move in direction 959A when the upper arms 22 and 26 are folded and in direction 959B when the upper arms 22 and 26 are open.

[0059] In one aspect, any suitable biasing member (such as a torsion spring 951) may be provided at one or more of the pivot axes 921, 923, 958 (e.g., rotation axes) to bias the articulated connecting link 903A in an extended position where the upper arms 22, 26 are fully open. In this aspect, when the upper arms 22, 26 are open and their movement is impeded, the push rod assembly 101 may continue to extend such that the extension of the articulated connecting link 903A stops or reverses against the bias of the torsion spring 951 (i.e., remains folded or further folded, wherein the pivot axis 958 moves relative to the upright 56 ​​in direction 959A). Once the obstruction is removed, the torsion spring 951 causes the articulated connecting link 903A to extend (e.g., open), such that the upper arms 22, 26 are fully open and locked into the open configuration as described above. In other aspects, the articulated connecting link 903A may be coupled with… Figure 9D The compression spring 985 was used together with it.

[0060] In one respect, reference Figure 1C , Figure 11A and Figure 11BEach push rod assembly 1001 includes a rack assembly 1100. The rack assembly 1100 includes a gear rack 1105 coupled to or integrally formed with the upper end of the push rod 1050 (e.g., adjacent to the corresponding upper corner assemblies 38, 40, 42, 44) in direction 999, for reciprocating with the push rod 1050. The rack assembly 1100 also includes a hinged driven link 1130 comprising a pinion link 1110 and a connecting link 1120. The pinion link 1110 is rotatably coupled at its first end 1110E1 to, for example, a bracket 933 via any suitable mechanical connection. The first end 1110E1 of the pinion link 1110 has a pinion 1115 integrated therewith or coupled thereto, which meshes with the gear rack 1105 such that the gear rack 1105 drives the pinion link 1110 to rotate. The connecting rod 1120 is rotatably connected to the second end 1110E2 of the pinion connecting rod 1110 and to the upper arms 22, 26 via any suitable mechanical connector. In one aspect, the connecting rod 1120 can be connected to the upper arms 22, 26 such that the connection is compliant, as described above regarding... Figure 9D As described; however, in other respects, the connection may be non-compliant. In this respect, when the push rod 1050 moves in direction 999A, the corresponding movement of the gear rack 1105 causes the pinion linkage 1110 to rotate in direction 1199, so as to fold the hinged driven linkage 1130 and lower the upper arms 22, 26 to Figure 2A-2C The folding configuration is illustrated in the diagram. When the push rod 1050 moves along direction 999B, the corresponding movement of the gear rack 1105 causes the pinion linkage 1110 to rotate along direction 1198, thereby opening the articulated driven linkage 1130 to... Figure 11A The configuration shown in the figure raises or opens the upper arms 22 and 26 to... Figure 1C and Figure 11B The open configuration is shown in the figure. The upper arms 22, 26 are locked in the open position by the meshing engagement between the corresponding push rod assembly 1001 (e.g., the meshing engagement between the gear rack 1105 and the pinion 1115 to prevent the upper arms 22, 26 from folding until the hub member 716 is lifted or moved in the direction 599B to fold the foldable fence device 10).

[0061] refer to Figures 14A-14C The corresponding upright columns are 56, 58, 60, and 62 (for illustrative purposes only). Figures 14A-14CThe upright column 56 is illustrated as being transparent, but the upright columns 58, 60, and 62 are similarly configured. The struts 56S, 58S, 60S, and 62S include walls 1400 that form an internal space 1410 with an elongated guide surface 1415. A groove 1450 is formed at least by the walls 1400 and extends along the elongated internal space 1410. In this respect, the push rod system 1000 includes a sliding member 1460, a push rod 1050, and a drive link 1465.

[0062] A sliding member 1460 is disposed within the interior space 1410 to reciprocate within the interior space 1410 along directions 999A and 999B. The movement of the sliding member 1460 is guided within the interior space 1410 by an elongated guide surface 1415. For example, the sliding member 1460 is shaped and sized to conform to the cross-section of the interior space 1410 and has a predetermined length 1499, which provides stable and free sliding movement (i.e., substantially unimpeded movement) of the sliding member 1460 within the interior space 1410. A push rod 1050 is disposed within the interior space 1410 to be concealed from the user's view.

[0063] In relation to the above text Figure 7 and Figure 8 In a similar manner to that described, push rod 1050 is connected at one end to a substantially four-bar hinged link 125. The other end of push rod 1050 is connected to sliding member 1460 to achieve linear drive motion of sliding member along directions 999A, 999B, so that sliding member reciprocates within internal space 1410.

[0064] Upper arm 26 (in) Figures 14A-14COnly upper arm 26 is shown in the figure, but upper arms 22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 are similarly configured. In a manner similar to that described above, the end of upper arm 26 is pivotally connected to upright column 56 at, for example, pivot axis 1455. One end of drive link 1465 is connected to upper arm 26 at pivot axis 1456, and the other end of drive link 1465 is connected to sliding member 1460 at pivot axis 1457. In this respect, the reciprocating movement of sliding member 1460 within the frame enables the folding and unfolding of the upper arm relative to the corresponding upright column 56 via the corresponding drive link 1465. For example, when push rod 1050 is driven along direction 999B as described above, push rod 1050 drives sliding member 1460 along direction 999B. Movement of the sliding member 1460 along direction 999B causes the drive link 1465 to push the upper arm 26 and rotate the upper arm 26 about the pivot axis 1455 along direction 1499B, so as to open the upper arm 26 relative to the upright column 56. Folding of the upper arm occurs in a substantially reverse manner. For example, when the push rod 1050 is driven along direction 999A, the push rod 1050 drives the sliding member 1460 along direction 999A. Movement of the sliding member 1460 along direction 1499A causes the drive link 1465 to pull the upper arm 26, causing the upper arm to rotate about the pivot axis 1455 along direction 1499A, so as to fold the upper arm 26 relative to the upright column 56.

[0065] In this respect, the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 may be provided with at least some compliance, wherein movement of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 is impeded or otherwise blocked, for example, during the opening of the foldable fence device 10. For example, the push rod 1050 has an elongated body 1050B. The elongated body 1050B is flanged (see flange 1478) to form a support surface 1478S for the resilient member 1480. In other aspects, the support surface 1478S can be any suitable clamp, washer, compression fitting, etc., which is fixed to the elongated body 1050B and provides a surface or frame for holding the resilient member 1480. In one aspect, a washer 1481 may be provided on the push rod 1050 between the support surface 1478S and the resilient member 1480. An elastic member 1480 (such as a coil spring) is placed on a push rod 1050 (e.g., the push rod 1050 extends through the center of the coil spring to guide its compression). The elastic member 1480 is compressed to preload it (e.g., such that the elastic member 1480 is under a predetermined amount of compression). A bracket 1482 is placed on the push rod 1050 to move along the push rod 1050 in directions 999A, 999B. The push rod 1050 is flanged in a second position (see flange 1479) to form a stop surface 1479S, such that the elastic member 1480 and the bracket 1482 (and the washer 1481 when provided) are trapped between the support surface 1478S and the stop surface 1479S and the elastic member 1480 is in a preloaded state.

[0066] The push rod 1050 extends through the sliding member 1460, causing the bracket 1482 to contact and support the sliding member 1460, while allowing relative movement between the push rod 1050 and the sliding member 1460 along directions 999A and 999B. For example, when the upper arm 26 encounters an obstruction during its unfolding rotation along direction 1499B (driven by the push rod's movement along direction 999B), the rotation of the upper arm 26 may stop due to the obstruction, while the push rod 1050 continues to move along direction 999B against the resistance of the elastic member 1480 (i.e., the elastic member 1480 is compressed as the push rod 1050 moves relative to the sliding member 1460 along direction 999B). Once the obstruction is removed, the elastic member decompresses to move the sliding member 1460 along direction 999B until the bracket 1482 encounters the stop surface 1479S, thereby allowing the upper arm 26 to rotate into the unfolded configuration along direction 1499B. In other respects, any suitable resilient member may be connected to the push rod 1050 in any suitable manner (such as to the end of the push rod, in an offset parallel relationship with the push rod, etc.) to allow relative movement between the push rod 1050 and the sliding member 1460, thereby providing compliance to the upper arm 26.

[0067] In one aspect, wall 1400 also includes a cam groove 1420. This cam groove extends along the length of the upright 56 ​​and includes a cam surface 1421 that, in the deployed configuration, extends at least substantially perpendicular to the angle of the drive link 1465 (see [link]). Figure 14B In other respects, the cam surface 1421 may form an obtuse angle with the drive link 1465 when the drive link 1465 is in the extended configuration. One or more of the sliding member 1460 and the drive link 1465 are configured to engage the cam groove 1420 to lock the drive link 1465 at least partially in the extended position (i.e., lock the drive link 1465 in the extended configuration). For example, the drive link 1465 is pivotally coupled to the sliding member 1460 about axis 1457. Hinge pin 1423 ( Figure 14B A hinge pin 1423 extends at axis 1457 through both sliding member 1460 and drive link 1465 to pivotally connect sliding member 1460 and drive link 1465. Hinge pin 1423 extends into cam groove 1420 to engage cam surface 1421 when upper arm 26 is in an extended configuration, thereby at least partially and substantially preventing undesirable folding of upper arm 26 relative to upright post 56. Sliding member 1460 includes an elongated slot 1424 at axis 1457. Figure 14B The drive link 1465 is moved in direction 1498 to offset the hinge pin 1423 from the hinge pin transverse axis 1425 defined by the cam groove 1420. During the extension of the drive link 1465 from the upright 56 ​​(movement of the hinge pin 1423 in direction 999B) and the retraction of the drive link 1465 into the upright 56 ​​(movement of the hinge pin 1423 in direction 999A), the hinge pin transverse axis 1425 engages the sliding member 1460 to guide the movement of the drive link 1465. The movement of the sliding member 1460 in direction 999A pulls the hinge pin 1423 from the cam surface 1421, allowing the upper arm 26 to fold.

[0068] refer to Figures 23-34 The upper corner components 38, 40, 42, and 44 according to other aspects of this disclosure will be described herein. Note that the description of upper corner components 38, 40, 42, and 44 will be made herein with reference to upper corner component 40, and it should be understood that the other upper corner components are configured similarly. References Figure 23 In a manner substantially similar to that described in U.S. Pre-Grant Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0168365 (titled “Connecting Rod Folding Mechanism and Cot Having Same”), published on June 21, 2018 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), the upper corner assembly 40 may be configured to fold and open the upper arm 22 by actuating one or more linkage mechanisms.

[0069] refer to Figure 24 The upper corner assembly 40 can be configured to fold and unfold the upper arm 22 using a push rod / roller mechanism. For example, the push rod 1050 (similar to the push rod described above) includes a roller 2400 rotatably coupled to the end of the push rod 1050. The roller 2400 is configured to engage and ride along the upper arm 22 such that when the push rod 1050 moves in direction 599B, ​​the roller pushes against the upper arm 22 to unfold the upper arm 22 relative to the upright 56 ​​in direction 2499B. When the push rod 1050 moves in direction 599A, the retraction of the roller 2400 in direction 999A allows the upper arm to rotate in direction 2499A to fold the upper arm 22 relative to the upright 56.

[0070] refer to Figure 24 The upper corner assembly 40 may include a freely pivotable upper arm 22. This freely pivotable upper arm may be positioned relative to the upright 56 ​​in any suitable manner by means of a reinforcing member 48 or by utilizing as described herein. Figures 31A-31C The described locking cross-pin is locked in the open position.

[0071] refer to Figure 26 A cable system 2600 can be used to fold and open the upper arm 22 relative to the upright post 56. The cable system is such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,836,530, entitled “Foldable Child Enclosure,” issued November 23, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0072] refer to Figure 27The upper arm 22 can be folded and unfolded relative to the upright post 56 using a rack and pinion system 2700. For example, the upper arm 22 is pivotally coupled to the upright post 56 about axis 2799. A rack and pinion 270 is coupled to the upper arm 22 so as to pivot together with the upper arm 22 as a unit about axis 2799. A torque lever 1050' is rotatably coupled to the upright post 56 and can be driven in any suitable manner along the direction of rotation 2780. The torque lever 1050' includes a pinion 2775 configured to engage the rack and pinion 2710. For example, any suitable transmission 2770 is connected to the upright post 56 and can be configured to convert linear / pivotal movement of the corresponding upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the corresponding lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 into rotational movement for rotating the torque lever 1050' along direction 2780. When the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are open, the transmission device 2770 drives the torque rod 1050' to rotate in direction 2780, causing the pinion 2775 to drive the rack 2710 in direction 2490 to open the upper arm 22 relative to the upright column 56. When the upper base legs 550, 552, 554, 556 and / or the lower base legs 560, 562, 564, 566 are folded, the transmission device 2770 drives the torque rod 1050' to rotate in direction 2780, causing the pinion 2775 to drive the rack 2710 in direction 2491 to fold the upper arm 22 relative to the upright column 56.

[0073] refer to Figure 28 The upper arm 22 can be folded and opened relative to the upright 56 ​​using a closed-loop cable system 2800. For example, the upper arm 22 is pivotally connected to the upright 56 ​​about axis 2799. A hinged linkage mechanism having a first link 2811 and a second link 2810 is connected to both the upper arm 22 and the upright 56. For example, the first link 2811 is pivotally connected to the upright 56 ​​at axis 2860, and the second link 2810 is pivotally connected to the upper arm 22 at axis 2861. The first link 2811 and the second link 2810 are pivotally connected to each other at axis 2862. A first pulley 2822 is mounted to the upright 56, for example for rotation about axis 2799. The first pulley can rotate independently of the upper arm 22, or rotate together with the upper arm 22 as a unit. A second pulley 2821 is mounted to the upright so as to be adjacent to axis 2862. The third pulley 2820 is mounted to the upright column 56 to guide the cable 2800C of the closed-loop cable system 2800 from the second pulley 2821 to the second pulley 2821. The cable 2800C includes a first cable leg 2800C1 having a first end 2800E1, which is located at the pivot axis 824 (see also...). Figure 7 The cable 2800C is connected to, for example, the upper base leg 550 on one side (e.g., at point 2831). The second cable leg 2800C2 of the cable 2800C has a second end 2800E2, which is connected to the upper base leg 550 on the second opposite side of the pivot axis 824 (e.g., at point 752). If feasible, the cable legs may cross each other to connect to the upper base leg 550, as described above. In other respects, the cable 2800C may be connected to the lower base leg 560. The cable 2800C may also be connected to the axis 2862, such that the axis 2862 moves together with the cable 2800C. Here, when the upper base leg 550 is open, the first cable leg 2800C1 moves in direction 2899A, while the second cable leg 2800C2 moves in direction 2898B, so that the first link 2811 and the second link 2810 open relative to each other and relative to the upright column 56 to open the upper arm 22. When the upper base leg 550 is folded, the first cable leg 2800C1 moves in direction 2899B, while the second cable leg 2800C2 moves in direction 2898A, so that the first link 2811 and the second link 2810 fold relative to each other and relative to the upright column 56 to fold the upper arm 22.

[0074] refer to Figure 29 In one respect, the upper arm 22 can be folded and opened relative to the upright column 56 via the rack and pinion system 2900. Here, the rack and pinion system can be substantially similar to the one described above regarding... Figure 27 The system described; however, the rack 2830 is rotatably connected to the column 56 about axis 2913. The crank connecting rod 2910 is pivotally connected to the rack 2830 (such as a hub 2831 or other suitable part connected to the rack 2830) about pivot axis 2912 at one end 2910E1. The crank connecting rod 2910 is pivotally connected to the upper arm 22 about pivot axis 2911 at the other opposite end 2910E2. Here, when the pinion 2775 rotates in direction 2780B, the rack 2930 rotates in direction 2991. When the rack 2930 rotates in direction 2991, the end 2910E1 of the crank connecting rod 2910 also rotates about axis 2913 in direction 2991, such that the crank connecting rod 2910 pushes the upper arm 22 to open the upper arm 22 relative to the column 56. When the pinion 2775 rotates in direction 2780A, the rack 2930 rotates in direction 2990. When the rack 2930 rotates in direction 2990, the end 2910E1 of the crank connecting rod 2910 also rotates about axis 2913 in direction 2990, causing the crank connecting rod 2910 to pull the upper arm 22 to fold the upper arm 22 relative to the upright column 56.

[0075] refer to Figure 29In one respect, the upper arm 22 can be folded and opened relative to the upright column 56 via the worm gear system 3000. Here, the worm gear system can be substantially similar to the one described above regarding... Figure 27 The system described; however, the torque lever 1050' includes a worm gear 2775' instead of a pinion 2775, and the rack 3010 is integral with or otherwise connected to the end of the upper arm 22. Here, when the worm gear 2775' rotates in direction 2780B, the rack 2930 rotates in direction 3090 to pivot the upper arm 22 about axis 2999 in direction 3090 to open the upper arm 22 relative to the upright column 56. When the worm gear 2775' rotates in direction 2780A, the rack 2930 rotates in direction 3091 to pivot the upper arm 22 about axis 2999 in direction 3091 to fold the upper arm 22 relative to the upright column 56.

[0076] refer to Figures 31A-31C The illustration shows a locking pin 3100, which can be used alone (e.g., where the upper arm 22 is rotated directly by hand rather than by a linkage or cable) or in conjunction with any aspect of this disclosure described herein. In this respect, the upper arm 22 is pivotally coupled to an upright post 56 about axis 2799. The upright post 56 includes an extension extending through it and is positioned such that the upper arm 22 is in a fully open / extended position (see [reference]). Figure 31A In the case of the orifice 3110 located below the upper arm 22, the locking pin 3100 includes a pin 3120 having a head 3120H and a shaft 3120S. The shaft 3120S includes a protrusion 3121 (or any other suitable locking member) configured to pass through a corresponding groove 3110S extending from the orifice 3110, wherein the locking pin 3100 rotates to cause misalignment between the protrusion 3121 and the groove 3110S, so as to lock the locking pin in a locked position below the upper arm 22 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 31B In this configuration, the upper arm rests on or is otherwise secured by the locking pin 3100 to prevent folding. In one aspect, a biasing member 3150 (compression or tension biasing member) is provided between the head 3120H and the upright 56 ​​to bias the locking pin in the locked position (see...). Figure 31B ) or unlock location (see Figure 31C In the unlocked position, the upper arm 22 is allowed to fold and move through the locking pin 3100. The locking pin 3100 can be held in a captured manner by the upright 56 ​​in any suitable way (clamp, misalignment of protrusion 3121, etc.) to substantially prevent the locking pin 3100 from being completely removed from the upright when in the unlocked position.

[0077] refer to Figure 32The upper arm 22 can be driven to rotate (e.g., to fold and open the upper arm 22) by converting the pushing movement of the push rod 1050 into, for example, the pulling movement of the cable 3220. For example, the upper arm 22 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 at axis 2799. A first pulley 3211 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 at, for example, a position located below the top of the push rod 1050. A second pulley 3210 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 at, for example, axis 2799. Cable anchors 3240 (such as pins) are provided within the upper arm 22. The cable 3220 is anchored at one end to the cable anchor 3240 within the upper arm 22 and wound along a meandering path around the first pulley 3211 and the second pulley 3210, such that the opposite end of the cable 3220 is anchored to the push rod 1050 at a point above the first pulley 3211 (i.e., such that the cable effectively reverses the direction of movement of the push rod). Here, when the push rod moves in direction 999B, the push rod 1050 pulls the cable 3220, causing the cable 3220 to pull the cable anchor 3240 to rotate the upper arm 22 in direction 2878, thereby opening the upper arm 22 relative to the upright post 56. When the push rod moves in direction 999A, the push rod 1050 pushes (e.g., releases) the cable 3220, allowing the upper arm 22 to rotate in direction 2879 to open the upper arm 22 relative to the upright post 56.

[0078] refer to Figure 33 The upper arm 22 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 about a pivot axis 2799, wherein a hinge 3300 connects both the upper arm 22 and the upright column 56. The hinge 3300 supports the upper arm 22 and locks it in an open or extended position.

[0079] refer to Figure 34 The upper arm 22 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 about a pivot axis 2799. Here, the upper arm includes a slot 3400 along the length of the upper arm 22 (i.e., a slotted upper arm). A pivot link 3410 is pivotally connected to the upright column 56 about an axis 3450 and pivotally connected to a sliding link 3411 disposed within the upper arm 22. A biasing member 3460 may be disposed in the upper arm 22 to bias the sliding link 3411 along a direction 3499, such that the pivot link 3410 is biased along a rotation direction 2878 to hold the upper arm 22 in an open / extended position (e.g., fully rotated about axis 2799 along direction 2878). The sliding link 3411 may be actuated in any suitable manner (e.g., by providing sufficient force along direction 3481) to move it along direction 3498, causing the pivot link 3410 to rotate along direction 2879. Rotation of pivot link 3410 in direction 2879 causes upper arm 22 to rotate in direction 2879, thereby folding upper arm 22 relative to upright column 56. If feasible, locking pin 3120 can be used to forcibly lock upper arm 22 in the open / extended position.

[0080] Now for reference Figure 12 The collapsible fence device 10 may include a cradle 1200. The cradle 1200 may be removably coupled to the upper assembly 123. The cradle 1200 includes a flexible frame 1210 (made of any suitable flexible fabric, such as those mentioned above) having an inner portion 1210A and an outer portion 1210B forming a pocket 1211 therebetween. The pocket 1211 is configured such that the inner portion 1210A is inserted into the collapsible fence device 10 to be positioned between and surrounded by the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. The bag-shaped portion 1211 is also configured such that the outer portion 1210B surrounds the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, such that the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and the upper corner assemblies 38, 40, 42, 44 are disposed within the bag-shaped portion 1211 and the cradle 1200 is supported by or suspended from the upper assembly 123. The cradle 1200 includes a cradle base mattress 1212 disposed within the collapsible fence device 10, such that the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 of the collapsible fence device 10 also form the walls of the cradle 1200, wherein the walls 16, 18, 20, 21 are covered by the inner portion 1210A of the flexible frame 1210.

[0081] In one aspect, the cradle base mattress 1212 may be substantially similar to at least a portion of the base mattress or mattress 100 and / or formed from at least a portion of the base mattress or mattress 100. For example, also refer to... Figures 15A-15C The mattress 100 includes segments 1501-1504 that are pivotally connected to each other to allow the mattress 100 to be folded and unfolded. Here, the pivotal connection between adjacent segments 1501-1504 is a hinge 1520-1522 (such as a waterproof fabric-like material including a plastic sheet) formed of fabric (e.g., woven fabric, vinyl, etc.) or other flexible material formed by the mattress cover 1530. The mattress cover 1530 forms the hinges 1520-1522 and encloses the mattress filler 1575 of each of the segments 1501-1504. At least one mattress segment 1501-1504 is configured as a mattress insert 1515 and is configured in a similar manner to the remaining segments 1501-1504. For example, see reference... Figure 15BSections 1502 and 1503 form a mattress insert 1515, wherein these sections are pivotally connected to each other by hinges formed of fabric or other flexible material by a sub-mattress cover 1531, wherein the sub-mattress cover 1531 has the same or different material as the mattress cover 1530. The sub-mattress cover 1531 encloses the mattress filler 1575 of sections 1502 and 1503 and forms a hinge 1521A between sections 1502 and 1503.

[0082] The mattress cover 1530 of the mattress 100 includes a pouch-like portion 1510, which is shaped and sized to removably receive a mattress insert 1515 such that, with the mattress insert 1515 within the pouch-like portion 1510, the hinge 1521A of the sub-mattress cover 1531 is aligned with the hinge 1521 of the mattress cover 1530 (e.g., the hinge 1521A forms a recess in which the hinge 1521 is received). Here, the mattress cover 1530 forms a single member with sections 1501, 1504 and the pouch-like portion 1510. The sub-mattress cover 1531 forms a single member with sections 1502, 1503. In one aspect, the pouch-like portion 1510 includes a closure 1540 configured to receive the mattress insert 1515 within the pouch-like portion 1510. Closure 1540 can be any suitable closure, such as zipper 1541, hook and loop fastener, buckle, clip, etc.

[0083] Although the pocket portion 1510 and the mattress insert 1515 are illustrated as being disposed between segments 1501, 1504, in other respects, the mattress insert 1515 may be formed from segments 1501, 1502, or segments 1503, 1504. In still other respects, the mattress insert 1515 may be formed from a single segment 1501-1504 or from any number of segments less than the total number of segments of the mattress 100 (e.g., in the example shown, the mattress includes four segments, such that the mattress insert 1515 may include one segment, two segments, or three segments). The mattress insert 1515 is sized and shaped for insertion into the cradle 1200 to form a child support surface of the cradle 1200.

[0084] refer to Figure 13A and Figure 13B The collapsible fence device 10 may include a changing table 1300 on which, for example, a child's diaper can be changed. The changing table 1300 may have a substantially rigid base 1300B (which may have sidewalls to prevent the changing structure from engressing off). The base 1300B may be pivotally coupled to the upper component 123 of the collapsible fence device 10 in any suitable manner (e.g., via any suitable hinged linkage mechanism 1310) so that, in the direction 1310, it can be adjusted as shown in the upper component 123 of the collapsible fence device 10. Figure 13A The unfolded configuration shown and as Figure 13B Pivoting between the collapsed configurations shown.

[0085] Also refer to Figure 35A-35G The illustration shows another exemplary changing table 35000 of a collapsible fence device 10 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this respect, the changing table 35000 includes a substantially rigid base 35000B and a peripheral wall 35010 extending from the substantially rigid base 35000B to form a substantially rigid tub in which an occupant can be placed. The peripheral wall includes a first wall section 35010A, a second wall section 35010B, a third wall section 35010C, and a fourth wall section 35010D. Although the changing table 35000 and its peripheral wall 35010 are illustrated as having a rectangular shape with outwardly inclined wall sections 35010A-35010D as described, in other respects, the changing table and its peripheral wall may have any suitable shape and configuration. Hinged hinges 35030A and 35030B connect, for example, both the first wall section 35010A and the upper assembly 123, for pivotally connecting the replacement table 35000 to the collapsible fence device 10. (This is in relation to the above...) Figure 13A and Figure 13B In a manner similar to that described, (multiple) articulated hinges 35030A and 35030B provide a changing table 35000 along direction 1310 from... Figure 35A The folding / collapse configuration / position shown is pivoted to... Figure 35B The open / deploy configuration / position is shown. The substantially rigid base 35000B may include a positioning member 35020 engaged with the bottom of the substantially rigid base 35000B (i.e., the side of the substantially rigid base 35000B opposite to the occupant seating surface 3500BS of the substantially rigid base 35000B). The positioning member 35020 is configured to engage, for example, the upper arms 26, 36 with the changing table 35000 in the deployed configuration, so as to substantially prevent the changing table from moving in the direction 35050.

[0086] Replace the 35000 with a basically flat sheet 35200 (see...) Figure 35CA sheet 35010A, 35010B, 35010C, and 35010D are provided to the user, wherein each of the first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D is hinged to a substantially rigid base 35000B via corresponding hinges 35201-35204. Hinges 35201-35204 may be fabric hinges, piano hinges, or any other suitable hinges, providing the ability to fold the first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D along corresponding directions 35210-35213 to transform the substantially flat sheet 35200 into a flat sheet 35000B. Figure 35A and Figure 35B The basin-shaped portion is illustrated in the figure. The first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D may each be a substantially rigid component, which, when folded and fastened together (as described below), forms a (substantially rigid) peripheral wall 35010. In other respects, wall sections 35010A-35010D may be flexible to form a (compliant) peripheral wall 35010 (substantially similar to the wall of the foldable fence device 10) configured to retain the occupant within the changing table 35000.

[0087] In one aspect, at least two of the first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D include a fastening flap 35060. Figure 35A and Figure 35B This is used to connect / fasten the first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D together to form a peripheral wall 35010. For example, the first wall section 35010A includes a fastening flap 35060 at each end, wherein each fastening flap 35060 is hinged to the first wall member 35010A by a corresponding hinge similar to hinges 35201-35204. The third wall section 35010C is similarly configured with a fastening flap 35060. The fastening flaps 35060 of the first wall section 35010A and the third wall section 35010C can be folded and fastened to a corresponding one of the second wall section 35010B and the fourth wall section 35010D in any suitable manner to form a basin-shaped portion. In this respect, the fastening flap 35060 can be fastened to the second wall section 35010B and the fourth wall section 35010D by hook and loop fasteners, clips, clamps, or any other suitable fasteners.

[0088] In another aspect, each of the first wall section 35010A, the second wall section 35010B, the third wall section 35010C, and the fourth wall section 35010D includes a fastener aperture 35070 adjacent to the respective end. Here, the basin-shaped corner assembly 35100 ( Figure 35D-35G This is used to connect the ends of adjacent wall sections 35010A, 35010B, 35010C, and 35010D to each other. For example, each basin-shaped corner assembly 35100 includes an outer portion 35102 and an inner portion 35101. The outer portion 35102 includes a fastening member 35103. The inner portion 35101 includes a mating fastening member 35104 configured to mate with the fastening member 35103 for connecting the outer portion 35102 to the inner portion 35101. (Reference) Figure 35E-35G And for illustrative purposes only, reference is made to the first wall section 35010A and the second wall section 35010B (other wall sections may be connected to each other in a similar manner), wherein the first wall section 35010A and the second wall section 35010B are folded along respective directions 35210, 35211, and one or more of the fastening members 35103, 35104 of the outer portion 35102 and the inner portion 35101 of the basin-shaped corner assembly 35100 extend through the fastener holes 35070 of the adjacent wall sections (i.e., adjacent wall sections 35010A, 35010B in this example). The fastening member 35103 engages with the fastening member 35104 to connect the outer portion 35102 to the inner portion 35101 and thereby connect the adjacent ends of the first wall section 35010A and the second wall section 35010B to form the corner of the basin-shaped portion, as shown below. Figure 35F and Figure 35G As shown in the diagram, the outer portion 35102 and the inner portion 35101 can be shaped and configured to form a rounded, unobstructed / smooth corner, which essentially prevents material from being captured / grabbed / stuck on the basin-shaped corner assembly 35100.

[0089] Also refer to Figures 37A-37EThe illustration shows another exemplary replacement table 37500 of a foldable fencing device 10 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this respect, the replacement table 37500 includes: a frame 37100; a hinge connecting the frame 37100 to an upper assembly 123; and at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 that releasably connects the frame 37100 to the upper assembly 123. The frame 37100 is configured to connect with any suitable occupant support / retaining device (such as the rigid base 1300B described above and / or a substantially rigid basin). In this respect, the hinge 37000 includes an upper assembly connection portion (lower hinge portion) 37000A and a frame retainer portion 37000B (upper hinge portion). In one aspect, the lower hinge portion 37000A at least partially receives at least one of the reinforcing members 46, 48, 50, 52 and includes a clamp 37300 that engages with (or otherwise joins to) one or more of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. In other aspects, the lower hinge portion 37000A may not receive the at least one reinforcing member 43, 48, 50, 52. The upper hinge portion 37000B and the lower hinge portion 37000A form a frame 37100 disposed therein with an opening 37666. For example, the frame 37100 is disposed between and held by the upper hinge portion 37000B and the lower hinge portion 37000A (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 37C This allows for rotatable connection to hinge 37000. Here, in conjunction with the above regarding... Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 35A-35G The manner described is essentially similar, with hinge 37000 pivoting relative to the frame in direction 37777.

[0090] In one aspect, frame 37100 is a multi-part frame comprising a first frame portion 37100A and a second frame portion 37100B. Each frame portion 37100A, 37100B includes an end with a stop 37199 extending therefrom. The at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 ( Figure 37DEach of the frames includes an opening 37333 into which the ends of the first frame portion 37100A and the second frame portion 37100B are inserted. The opening 37333 includes retaining features 37198 (which in one aspect is a hole, recess, etc.), each retaining feature 37198 engaging a corresponding stop 37199 to secure the first frame portion 37100A and the second frame portion 37100B within the opening 37333. Note that the configuration of the frame 37100 is essentially exemplary, and in other respects, the frame 37100 may be a single piece (a single component), and the at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 may be attached to the frame in any suitable manner (e.g., in a manner similar to the way the hinge 37000 is attached to the frame 37100). Each of the at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 includes a releasable clamp 37310 (such as a snap, clip, etc.) configured to releasably engage one or more of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36.

[0091] In operation, when not in use, the frame 37100 of the replacement unit 37500 (and any occupant supports connected to it) can be placed next to one side of the foldable fence device 10 to... Figure 13B and Figure 35A The device is folded up in a manner similar to that shown. The user of the foldable fence device 10 pivots the frame 371000 about the opening 37666 in the direction 37777, causing the releasable clamp 37310 of the at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 to engage one or more of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. An occupant can be placed within an occupant support attached to the frame 37100. When changing the occupant's diaper or other changing table work is completed, the occupant is removed from the changing table, and the releasable clamp 37310 of the at least one retaining member 37010, 37020 can be detached from one or more of the upper arms 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 in any suitable manner, and the frame 37100 of the changing table 37500 (and any occupant support attached thereto) can again be positioned beside one side of the collapsible fence device 10 to engage with... Figure 13B and Figure 35A The method shown is similar to the one shown, and it is collapsed.

[0092] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a child safety fence includes: Hub components, including crank connecting rods; Basically a four-bar articulated link, which is operably connected to the crank connecting rod; A push rod, connected to a substantially four-bar articulated link, such that the linear movement of the crank-connecting rod is achieved through the substantially four-bar articulated link, thus realizing the linear drive motion of the push rod; and A sliding wedge is connected to a push rod, the sliding wedge including a slider and a pivoting surface that biases the slider transversely to the linear drive motion of the push rod, wherein the linear drive motion of the push rod causes the slider to extend and retract.

[0093] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: The side structure has multiple side columns; and The upper component has upper arms, each of which is pivotally connected to a corresponding side post; in Each side post has a corresponding push rod connected to it for reciprocating motion along the side post in a linear drive motion. Each side post has a corresponding sliding wedge, which includes: The corresponding slider, movably connected to the side post and the push rod, reciprocates along the side post together with the push rod. The corresponding wedge-shaped connecting rod connects the corresponding slider to the corresponding upper arm.

[0094] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, adjacent upper arms are pivotally connected to each other between adjacent side posts and are at least partially and substantially locked in the extended position by a push rod extending the corresponding wedge linkage.

[0095] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a rack and a pinion, the rack forming a crank connecting rod and being linearly movable within the hub member housing, and the pinion being coupled to a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link among a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated links.

[0096] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a connecting rod that forms a crank connecting rod and connects a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0097] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the crank connecting rod is movable within a hub assembly housing and is connected to a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0098] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: A side structure with multiple side posts, which is connected to a substantially four-bar hinged link; and Fabric sidewalls are connected to adjacent side posts, with the corresponding side of the fabric sidewall connected to the corresponding side post by a locking stop anchor extending from a groove in the corresponding side post, wherein the corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the locking stop anchor outside the groove.

[0099] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, locking and preventing anchoring includes: A first locking member having a first portion disposed within a groove and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outside of the groove; and A second locking member is at least partially disposed within the slot, the second locking member abutting against each other and the slot to prevent one or both of the first locking member and the second locking member from being removed from the slot; The corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the second part of the first locking member outside the groove.

[0100] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a child safety fence includes: A frame, comprising a side structure having a plurality of side columns; and Fabric sidewalls are connected to adjacent side posts, with the corresponding side of the fabric sidewall connected to the corresponding side post by a locking stop anchor extending from a groove in the corresponding side post, wherein the corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the locking stop anchor outside the groove.

[0101] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, locking and preventing anchoring includes: A first locking member having a first portion disposed within a groove and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outside of the groove; and A second locking member is at least partially disposed within the slot, the second locking member abutting against each other and the slot to prevent one or both of the first locking member and the second locking member from being removed from the slot; The corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the second part of the first locking member outside the groove.

[0102] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: The upper component has upper arms, each of which is pivotally connected to a corresponding side post; A base structure connected to the plurality of side columns, the base structure comprising a plurality of substantially four-bar hinged links; Hub component, which includes a crank connecting rod operably connected to the plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods; A push rod, connected to a corresponding side post and a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link, such that the linear movement of the crank-connecting rod is achieved through the corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link, thus realizing the linear drive motion of the push rod; and A sliding wedge, connected to the corresponding side post and push rod, includes a slider and a pivoting surface that biases the slider transversely to the linear drive motion of the push rod, wherein the linear drive motion of the push rod causes the slider to extend and retract in order to extend and retract the corresponding upper arm.

[0103] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the sliding wedge includes: The corresponding slider, movably connected to the corresponding side post and push rod, reciprocates along the corresponding side post together with the push rod; and The corresponding wedge-shaped connecting rod connects the slider to the corresponding upper arm.

[0104] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, adjacent upper arms are pivotally connected to each other between adjacent side posts and are at least partially and substantially locked in the extended position by a push rod extending the corresponding wedge linkage.

[0105] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a rack forming a crank connecting rod and a plurality of pinions, the rack being linearly movable within a hub member housing, and each of the plurality of pinions being coupled to a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link among the plurality of substantially four-bar articulated links.

[0106] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a connecting rod that forms a crank connecting rod and connects the plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0107] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the crank connecting rod is movable within the hub assembly housing and is connected to the plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0108] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a child safety fence includes: The side structure has multiple side columns, each side column having: The walls form an internal space with elongated guiding surfaces, and a groove is formed along at least one of these walls and extends along the elongated internal guiding space. A sliding member, disposed within an internal space for reciprocating motion within the internal space and guided by an elongated guiding surface. A push rod, disposed within the internal space and connected to a sliding member, is used to achieve linear drive motion to cause the sliding member to reciprocate within the internal space, and The drive link, which is pivotally connected to the sliding member and extends through the slot; and The upper component has upper arms, each upper arm being pivotally connected to a corresponding side post and pivotally connected to a corresponding drive link, wherein the reciprocating motion of the sliding member within the frame enables the folding and opening of the upper arm relative to the corresponding side post via the corresponding drive link.

[0109] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the push rod includes: Slender body; A supporting surface, which is fixed to a slender body; A stop surface, which is fixed to the elongated body and spaced apart from the support surface; and An elastic member, which is captured on an elongated body by a supporting surface and a stopping surface and therebetween; The elastic member engages with the sliding member and is configured to provide compliant relative movement between the push rod and the sliding member.

[0110] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: Hub components, including crank connecting rods; and Basically a four-bar articulated link, which is operably connected to the crank connecting rod; The push rod is connected to a hinged link that is essentially a four-bar linkage, so that the linear movement of the crank-connecting rod is achieved through the hinged link that is essentially a four-bar linkage, thus realizing the linear drive motion of the push rod.

[0111] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a rack and a pinion, the rack forming a crank connecting rod and being linearly movable within the hub member housing, and the pinion being coupled to a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link among a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated links.

[0112] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a connecting rod that forms a crank connecting rod and connects a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0113] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the crank connecting rod is movable within a hub assembly housing and is connected to a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0114] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: a fabric sidewall coupled to an adjacent side post, a respective side of the fabric sidewall coupled to a respective side post by a locking stop anchor extending from a groove in the respective side post, wherein the respective side of the fabric sidewall is coupled to the locking stop anchor outside the groove.

[0115] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, locking and preventing anchoring includes: A first locking member having a first portion disposed within a groove and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outside of the groove; and A second locking member is at least partially disposed within the slot, the second locking member abutting against each other and the slot to prevent one or both of the first locking member and the second locking member from being removed from the slot; The corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the second part of the first locking member outside the groove.

[0116] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: a mattress having mattress sections pivotally connected to each other to enable folding and unfolding of the mattress, wherein the mattress is at least partially supported by a substantially four-bar hinged link and surrounded by fabric sidewalls.

[0117] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, at least one mattress segment is configured as a mattress insert, and the mattress includes a pouch-like portion that is shaped and sized to removably receive the mattress insert.

[0118] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the bag-shaped portion includes a closure configured to receive a mattress insert within the bag-shaped portion.

[0119] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: a cradle configured for removably attaching to a side structure, wherein a mattress insert is sized and shaped for insertion into the cradle to form a child support surface of the cradle.

[0120] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, adjacent upper arms are pivotally connected to each other between adjacent side posts and are at least partially and substantially locked in the extended position by extending the drive link by a push rod.

[0121] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the wall includes: a cam groove; one or more of a sliding member and a drive link configured to engage the cam groove to lock the drive link at least partially in an extended position.

[0122] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a child safety fence includes: The frame includes a bottom structure and a side structure, the side structure having fabric sidewalls; The cradle, configured for removable attachment to the side structure; and A mattress having mattress sections that are pivotally connected to each other to allow the mattress to be folded and unfolded, wherein the mattress is supported by a bottom structure of a frame and surrounded by fabric sidewalls. In this embodiment, at least one mattress section is configured as a mattress insert, and the mattress includes a pouch-like portion that is shaped and sized to removably receive the mattress insert, the mattress insert being sized and shaped for insertion into a cradle to form a child support surface for the cradle.

[0123] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the bag-shaped portion includes a closure configured to receive a mattress insert within the bag-shaped portion.

[0124] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes an upper arm assembly, wherein: The side structure includes multiple side pillars, each side pillar having: The walls form an internal space with elongated guiding surfaces, and a groove is formed along at least one of these walls and extends along the elongated internal guiding space. A sliding member, disposed within an internal space for reciprocating motion within the internal space and guided by an elongated guiding surface. A push rod, disposed within the internal space and connected to a sliding member, is used to achieve linear drive motion to cause the sliding member to reciprocate within the internal space, and The drive link, which is pivotally connected to the sliding member and extends through the slot; and The upper component has upper arms, each upper arm being pivotally connected to a corresponding side post and pivotally connected to a corresponding drive link, wherein the reciprocating motion of the sliding member within the frame enables the folding and opening of the upper arm relative to the corresponding side post via the corresponding drive link.

[0125] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the push rod includes: Slender body; A supporting surface, which is fixed to a slender body; A stop surface, which is fixed to the elongated body and spaced apart from the support surface; and An elastic member, which is captured on an elongated body by a supporting surface and a stopping surface and therebetween; The elastic member engages with the sliding member and is configured to provide compliant relative movement between the push rod and the sliding member.

[0126] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: Hub components, including crank connecting rods; and Basically a four-bar articulated link, which is operably connected to the crank connecting rod; The push rod is connected to a hinged link that is essentially a four-bar linkage, so that the linear movement of the crank-connecting rod is achieved through the hinged link that is essentially a four-bar linkage, thus realizing the linear drive motion of the push rod.

[0127] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a rack and a pinion, the rack forming a crank connecting rod and being linearly movable within the hub member housing, and the pinion being coupled to a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link among a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated links.

[0128] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a connecting rod that forms a crank connecting rod and connects a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0129] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the crank connecting rod is movable within a hub assembly housing and is connected to a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0130] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a respective side of the fabric sidewall is connected to a respective side post by a locking stop anchor extending from a groove in the respective side post, wherein the respective side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the locking stop anchor outside the groove.

[0131] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, locking and preventing anchoring includes: A first locking member having a first portion disposed within a groove and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outside of the groove; and A second locking member is at least partially disposed within the slot, the second locking member abutting against each other and the slot to prevent one or both of the first locking member and the second locking member from being removed from the slot; The corresponding side of the fabric sidewall is connected to the second part of the first locking member outside the groove.

[0132] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the child fence further includes: Hub components, including crank connecting rods; Basically a four-bar articulated link, which is operably connected to the crank connecting rod; A push rod, which is connected to a hinged link of essentially four bars, enables the linear movement of the crank-connecting rod to achieve the linear drive motion of the push rod through the hinged link of essentially four bars. A sliding wedge is connected to a push rod, wherein the linear drive motion of the push rod causes the sliding wedge to extend and retract.

[0133] The side structure has multiple side columns; and The upper component has upper arms, each of which is pivotally connected to a corresponding side post; in Each side post has a corresponding push rod connected to it for reciprocating motion along the side post in a linear drive motion. Each side post has a corresponding sliding wedge, which includes: A sliding member, movably connected to the side post and the push rod, so as to reciprocate along the side post together with the push rod, and The wedge-shaped connecting rod connects the sliding member to the corresponding upper arm.

[0134] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, adjacent upper arms are pivotally connected to each other between adjacent side posts and are at least partially and substantially locked in the extended position by a push rod extending the wedge linkage.

[0135] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a rack and a pinion, the rack forming a crank connecting rod and being linearly movable within the hub member housing, and the pinion being coupled to a corresponding substantially four-bar articulated link among a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated links.

[0136] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the hub member includes a connecting rod that forms a crank connecting rod and connects a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0137] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a child fence includes a frame having corner posts and a flexible fence attached to the frame. The flexible fence has a plurality of corner sleeves, each corner sleeve corresponding to a corresponding corner post, the corner sleeves being configured to substantially cover the corresponding corner post in their entirety between a wheel assembly of the child fence attached to the bottom of the corresponding corner post and an upper corner assembly of the child fence attached to the top of the corner post.

[0138] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve includes a connecting member configured to engage the bottom of the sleeve with a corresponding corner post.

[0139] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the connecting member is disposed between the wheel assembly and the corresponding corner post.

[0140] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the connecting member includes a tab connected to the corner sleeve.

[0141] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the tab includes one or more of a plastic sheet, a plastic ring, a metal ring, and a metal tab.

[0142] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the tabs are connected to the sleeve by one or more of stitching, bonding, adhesives and mechanical fasteners.

[0143] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of corner sleeves are integral with the wall of the flexible fence.

[0144] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the crank connecting rod is movable within a hub assembly housing and is connected to a plurality of substantially four-bar articulated connecting rods.

[0145] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of various aspects of this disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from these aspects of the disclosure. Therefore, these aspects of the disclosure are intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of any of the appended claims. Furthermore, the indisputable fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be advantageously used, and such combinations remain within the scope of these aspects of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable playpen device for children, the device comprising: An upper component forming the upper portion of a fence, the fence having one or more sheets; A base assembly, which is connected to the upper assembly and forms the lower portion of the fence, the lower portion supporting a base pad included in the lower portion, wherein the upper assembly and the base assembly are connected by a side structure of a post to which the upper assembly is connected to the base assembly, one or more sheets being connected to the post to form the wall of the foldable fence device, wherein the upper assembly, the base assembly, one or more sheets and the side structure are configured to allow the foldable fence device to be folded and unfolded, thereby enabling the foldable fence device to be closed and opened between closed and open positions; A flexible frame cradle, included in the upper portion and suspended above the base pad from the upper assembly, separate from and distinct from the upper portion, wherein each wall of the foldable fence device is covered by an inner portion of the flexible frame cradle and forms a corresponding wall of the flexible frame cradle; and A changing table, which is separate from and distinct from the flexible frame cradle, is connected to the upper assembly above at least one of the flexible frame cradle and the base pad; The changing table is pivotally mounted to the upper assembly via a separate and distinct mounting component from the flexible frame cradle. The mounting component includes a hinged connector and a snap-fit ​​clamp, which are arranged on the changing table to connect the changing table and the upper assembly on at least two sides of the changing table.

2. The foldable fence device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinged connector is configured such that the changing table is hinged between a retracted position outside the fence next to the side structure and an extended position above at least one of the flexible frame cradle and the base pad.

3. The foldable fence device according to claim 2, wherein, The unfolding position is above the flexible frame cradle and the base pad.

4. The foldable fence device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinged connector includes at least one snap-fit ​​clamp.

5. The foldable fence device according to claim 1, wherein, The snap-fit ​​clamp is configured to snap onto the upper arm of the upper component, either when the flexible frame cradle is mounted to the upper component or not.

6. The foldable fence device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible frame cradle has a flexible frame, a cradle pad, and a flexible wall surrounding the cradle pad, the flexible wall being defined by the flexible frame and always flexible around the cradle pad.

7. The foldable fence device according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible frame forms a sliding pocket-shaped portion in which the upper arm of the upper component is received, thereby mounting the flexible frame cradle to the fence, wherein the flexible wall of the flexible frame cradle extends around the fence.

8. The foldable fence device according to claim 7, wherein, The snap-on clamp is configured to snap onto the upper arm of the upper component, wherein the upper arm is received within a sliding pocket-like portion of the flexible frame cradle suspended from the upper part of the fence.

9. The foldable fence device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinged connector is clamped to secure the upper component to a releasable locking member, which locks the upper arm of the upper component in a folded-open state.

10. A foldable playpen device for children, the device comprising: The upper component that forms the upper part of the fence; A base assembly, which is connected to the upper assembly and forms the lower portion of the fence, the lower portion supporting a base pad included in the lower portion, wherein the upper assembly and the base assembly are connected by a side structure of a post connecting the upper assembly to the base assembly, and the upper assembly, the base assembly and the side structure are configured to allow the foldable fence device to be folded and unfolded, thereby enabling the foldable fence device to be closed and opened between closed and open positions; A sliding frame cradle, included in the upper portion and suspended above the base pad from the upper assembly, separate from and distinct from the upper portion, the sliding frame cradle comprising a sliding frame having an outer portion, an inner portion, and a sliding pocket-shaped portion, wherein the sliding pocket-shaped portion is formed by the inner portion and the outer portion and is located between the inner portion and the outer portion, and wherein the sliding frame cradle is suspended from the upper assembly, the periphery of the upper assembly being received within the sliding pocket-shaped portion, such that the outer portion is disposed on the exterior of the foldable fence device, and the inner portion is disposed on the interior of the foldable fence device, wherein the upper assembly is disposed between them; and A replacement platform connected to the upper component is separate from and distinct from the sliding frame cradle; The changing table is movably mounted to the upper assembly via a separate and different mounting component from the sliding frame cradle, and is configured such that the changing table mounted to the upper assembly can be moved from a retracted position above the side outside the fence to an extended position above at least one of the sliding frame cradle and the base pad within the fence.

11. The foldable fence device according to claim 10, wherein, The sliding frame cradle has the sliding frame, the cradle pad, and a flexible wall surrounding the cradle pad, the flexible wall being defined by the sliding frame and always flexible around the cradle pad.

12. The foldable fence device according to claim 11, wherein, The sliding pocket-shaped portion receives the upper arm of the upper component therein, thereby mounting the sliding frame cradle to the fence, wherein the flexible wall of the sliding frame cradle extends around the fence.

13. The foldable fence device according to claim 12, wherein, The mounting component includes a hinged connector and a snap-fit ​​clamp, the snap-fit ​​clamp being configured to snap onto the upper arm of the upper assembly, wherein the upper arm is received within a sliding pocket-shaped portion of the sliding frame cradle suspended from the upper portion of the fence.

14. The foldable fence device according to claim 10, wherein, The replacement table is pivotally mounted to the upper assembly, and the mounting includes a hinge connector and a snap-fit ​​clamp.

15. The foldable fence device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinged connector is configured such that the changing table is hinged between a retracted position outside the fence next to the side structure and an extended position above at least one of the sliding frame cradle and the base pad.

16. The foldable fence device according to claim 15, wherein, The unfolding position is above the sliding frame cradle and the base pad.

17. The foldable fence device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinged connector includes at least one snap-fit ​​clamp.

18. The foldable fence device according to claim 14, wherein, The snap-fit ​​clamp is configured to snap onto the upper arm of the upper component, either when the sliding frame cradle is installed onto the upper component or when it is not installed onto the upper component.

19. The foldable fence device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinged connector is clamped and secured to the releasable locking member of the upper assembly, which locks the upper arm of the upper assembly in a folded-open state.

20. A method comprising: An upper component is provided, which forms the upper portion of a fence for a foldable fence device for children, the fence having one or more sheets; The base assembly of the foldable fence device is connected to the upper assembly to form the lower portion of the fence, the lower portion supporting a base pad included in the lower portion, wherein the upper assembly and the base assembly are connected by a side structure of a post connecting the upper assembly to the base assembly, one or more sheets being connected to the post to form the wall of the foldable fence device, wherein the upper assembly, the base assembly, one or more sheets, and the side structure are configured to allow the foldable fence device to fold and unfold, thereby enabling the foldable fence device to close and open between closed and open positions; A flexible frame cradle is provided, which is included in the upper portion and hangs above the base pad from the upper assembly, is separate from and different from the upper portion, wherein each wall of the foldable fence device is covered by the interior portion of the flexible frame cradle and forms the corresponding wall of the flexible frame cradle; A replacement platform, separate and distinct from the flexible frame cradle, is connected to the upper assembly above at least one of the cradle and the base pad; and The changing table is pivotally mounted to the upper assembly via a separate and distinct mounting component from the flexible frame cradle. The mounting component includes a hinged connector and a snap-fit ​​clamp, wherein the hinged connector and snap-fit ​​clamp are arranged on the changing table to connect the changing table and the upper assembly on at least two sides of the changing table.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The hinged connector is configured such that the changing table is hinged between a retracted position outside the fence next to the side structure and an extended position above at least one of the flexible frame cradle and the base pad.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The hinge connector includes at least one snap-fit ​​clamp.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein, The flexible frame cradle is provided with a flexible frame, a cradle pad, and a flexible wall surrounding the cradle pad, the flexible wall being defined by the flexible frame and always flexible around the cradle pad.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The flexible frame forms a sliding pocket-shaped portion in which the upper arm of the upper component is received, thereby mounting the flexible frame cradle to the fence, wherein the flexible wall of the flexible frame cradle extends around the fence.

25. A method comprising: Provide an upper component that forms the upper portion of a fence for a foldable fence device for children; The base assembly of the foldable fence device is connected to the upper assembly to form the lower portion of the fence, the lower portion supporting a base pad included in the lower portion, wherein the upper assembly and the base assembly are connected by a side structure of a post connecting the upper assembly to the base assembly, and the upper assembly, the base assembly and the side structure are configured to allow the foldable fence device to be folded and unfolded, thereby enabling the foldable fence device to be closed and opened between closed and open positions; A sliding frame cradle is provided, which is included in the upper portion and hangs above the base pad from the upper assembly, is separate from and different from the upper portion, the sliding frame cradle comprising a sliding frame having an outer portion, an inner portion and a sliding pocket-shaped portion, wherein the sliding pocket-shaped portion is formed by the inner portion and the outer portion and is located between the inner portion and the outer portion, and wherein the sliding frame cradle hangs from the upper assembly, the periphery of the upper assembly is received within the sliding pocket-shaped portion, such that the outer portion is disposed on the exterior of the foldable fence device and the inner portion is disposed on the interior of the foldable fence device, wherein the upper assembly is disposed between them; A changeover table is provided for connection to the attached components, the changeover table being separate from and distinct from the sliding frame cradle; and The changing table is movably mounted to the upper assembly via a separate and distinct mounting component from the sliding frame cradle, and is configured such that the changing table mounted to the upper assembly can be moved from a retracted position above the side of the enclosure to an extended position above at least one of the sliding frame cradle and the base pad within the enclosure.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The sliding frame cradle includes the sliding frame, a cradle pad, and a flexible wall surrounding the cradle pad. The flexible wall is defined by the sliding frame and remains flexible around the cradle pad at all times.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The sliding pocket-shaped portion receives the upper arm of the upper component therein, thereby mounting the sliding frame cradle to the fence, wherein the flexible wall of the sliding frame cradle extends around the fence.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The replacement table is pivotally mounted to the upper assembly, and the mounting includes a hinged connector and a snap-fit ​​clamp.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The hinged connector is configured such that the changing table is hinged between a retracted position outside the fence next to the side structure and an extended position above at least one of the sliding frame cradle and the base pad.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The hinged connector is clamped to secure the upper component to a releasable locking member, which locks the upper arm of the upper component in a folded-open state.

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