Foldable play yard

Abstract

To provide a foldable play yard having a simple and easy-to-operate function and allowing a safe and effective operation.SOLUTION: A foldable play yard includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-type frames, and a latching mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner affixed to top of the bar member, and a slider movably disposed on the bar member. Each of the X-type frames includes an inner member and an outer member crossed to each other and is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and the slider. The latching mechanism includes: a latch body including a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being disposed on an inner member of one of the vertical tubes; and a locking portion disposed on the second end and adapted to engage with and disengage from an outer member of the vertical tube in response to motion of the latch body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 883,716, filed August 7, 2019. The disclosure of the prior application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable play equipment, and more particularly to a foldable play equipment having simple and easy-to-operate functions and allowing safe and effective operation. [Background technology]

[0003] There are various means of latching the X-shaped frame of conventional play equipment via tubular members that are pivoted and arranged in a crisscross pattern. Conventional latching operations of X-shaped frames are either complicated and costly due to numerous components, or require multiple steps for consumers to fold and unfold the X-shaped frame of the play equipment. Therefore, designing a folding play equipment that has simple, easy-to-operate functions and allows safe and effective operation is an important issue in the related machine design industry. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above drawbacks, the present invention provides a foldable play equipment that has simple and easy-to-operate functions and can be operated safely and effectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the claimed invention, a foldable play equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to the top of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each X-shaped frame is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and slider. The latch mechanism includes a latch body and a locking portion. The latch body includes a first end and a second end opposite each other, the first end being disposed at a corner of one of the vertical tubes. The locking portion is disposed at the second end. The locking portion is configured to engage and disengage with one of the X-shaped frames rotatably connected to the slider on the vertical tube in response to movement of the latch body.

[0006] According to the claimed invention, the latch body is a flexible latch attached to a corner, and engagement and disengagement of the locking portion with the X-shaped frame is actuated by deformation of the flexible latch.

[0007] According to the claimed invention, the locking portion is an arc structure, and the dimension of the arc structure is consistent with the diameter of the X-frame.

[0008] According to the claimed invention, the locking portion is a hook structure adapted to hold the bottom surface of the X-shaped frame.

[0009] According to the claimed invention, the latch body is a rotatable latch pivoted at a corner, and engagement and disengagement of the locking part with the X-shaped frame is actuated by rotation of the rotatable latch.

[0010] According to the claimed invention, the locking portion is a crook structure configured to capture the X-frame.

[0011] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a releasing portion disposed at the second end and adapted to receive an external force to actuate the latch body.

[0012] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a lead-in portion connected to the locking portion and configured to slidably contact the X-shaped frame to bend the latch body.

[0013] According to the claimed invention, the locking portion includes a first locking structure, and the X-shaped frame includes a second locking structure that releasably locks with the first locking structure.

[0014] According to the claimed invention, the first locking structure is a cavity and the second locking structure is an extrusion, or the first locking structure is a protrusion and the second locking structure is a cavity.

[0015] According to the claimed invention, the foldable play equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to the top of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each X-shaped frame includes an inner member and an outer member that cross each other and are rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and the slider. The latch mechanism includes a first housing, a second housing, and a locking gear. The first housing has a first engaging portion and a first locking portion, and the first engaging portion engages with the outer member. The second housing has a second engaging portion and is rotatably assembled with the first housing. The second engaging portion engages with the inner member. The locking gear has a second locking portion movably disposed between the first housing and the second housing, the first locking portion and the second locking portion engaging and disengaging with each other in response to movement of the locking gear.

[0016] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a resilient component disposed between the second housing and the locking gear, a resilient recovering force of the resilient component urging the locking gear towards the first housing to engage the first locking portion with the second locking portion.

[0017] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a releasing portion movably disposed on the first housing, and a protrusion of the releasing portion is removably inserted into a hole in the first housing to separate the second locking portion from the first locking portion.

[0018] According to the claimed invention, the inner member and the outer member are pivoted to rotate the second housing relative to the first housing via the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion so as to align the second locking portion with the first locking portion.

[0019] According to the claimed invention, a foldable play equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to an upper portion of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each of the X-shaped frames is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and the slider. The latch mechanism includes a latch body and an actuator. The latch body is movably disposed on one of the X-shaped frames and configured to engage and disengage with a cavity formed on the bar member of one of the vertical tubes. The actuator is coupled to the latch body, disposed on the X-shaped frame, and configured to be actuated by an external force to move the latch body relative to the bar member.

[0020] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes an elastic component, both ends of which are connected to the X-shaped frame and the latch body, respectively.

[0021] According to the claimed invention, the X-shaped frame is pivoted to the slider of the vertical tube via a shaft, and the latch body comprises a track assembled with the shaft in a slidable and rotatable manner.

[0022] According to the invention described in the claims, the latch body protrudes from the X-shaped frame, is inserted into the cavity, and is disposed inside the X-shaped frame and separated from the cavity.

[0023] According to the claimed invention, a foldable play equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar portion, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to an upper portion of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each X-shaped frame is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and slider. The latch mechanism includes a latch body and a locking portion. The latch body is attached to one X-shaped frame and rotatably assembled with the slider of one vertical tube. The locking portion extends from the latch body. The locking portion is configured to engage and disengage with the slider in response to rotation of the latch body relative to the slider.

[0024] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a release portion disposed on the locking portion and configured to receive an external force to deform the locking portion.

[0025] According to the claimed invention, a notch is formed in the bottom surface of the slider, and the locking portion is flexible to engage and disengage with the notch.

[0026] According to the claimed invention, a foldable playground equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to the top of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each X-shaped frame is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and slider. The latch mechanism includes a latch body and a locking portion. The latch body includes opposite first and second ends, and the first end is attached to the slider of one vertical tube. The locking portion is disposed at the second end. The locking portion is configured to engage and disengage with the corner of the vertical tube in response to deformation of the latch body.

[0027] According to the claimed invention, the latch mechanism further includes a release portion disposed at the second end and configured to receive an external force to bend the latch body.

[0028] According to the claimed invention, the corner includes a locked portion that is matched with a locking portion of the latch mechanism, and the locking portion is a notch and the locking portion is a protrusion, or the locking portion is a protrusion and the locking portion is a notch.

[0029] According to the claimed invention, a foldable play equipment includes a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism. Each vertical tube includes a bar member, a corner, and a slider. The corner is attached to the top of the bar member. The slider is movably disposed on the bar member. Each of the X-shaped frames includes an inner member and an outer member that intersect with each other and are rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corner and the slider. The latch mechanism includes a latch body and a locking portion. The latch body has opposing first and second ends, the first end being disposed on the inner member of one X-shaped frame, and the locking portion being disposed on the second end. The locking portion is configured to engage and disengage with the outer member of the X-shaped frame in response to movement of the latch body.

[0030] The structural relationship between the vertical tubes and the X-shaped frame in the unfolded mode and the parallel mode is suitable for all embodiments of the folding play equipment of the present invention. The arrangement of the latch mechanism in each embodiment may differ from that of other embodiments depending on design requirements. In a first embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms arranged at the corners of the vertical tubes, and the latch mechanisms can be bent and deformed to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame using an arc structure of the locking portion. In a second embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms arranged at the corners of the vertical tubes to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame. However, the locking portion of the latch mechanism can be shaped as a hook structure instead of the arc structure of the first embodiment. In a third embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed at the corners of the vertical tubes to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame, and the latch bodies of the latch mechanisms can be bent and deformed to engage and disengage with the locking portion and the X-shaped frame, which means that the cavities in the locking portion can lock or unlock the protrusions of the X-shaped frame.

[0031] In a fourth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed at the corners of the vertical tubes, and the latch bodies of the latch mechanisms are rotatable to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame using a curved structure of the locking portion. In a fifth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed on the X-shaped frame to lock and unlock rotation between the inner and outer members of the X-shaped frame to unfold and fold the folding play equipment. In a sixth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed on the X-shaped frame to engage and disengage with the vertical tubes, and the latch bodies of the latch mechanisms are slidably disposed within the X-shaped frame.

[0032] In a seventh embodiment, the foldable play equipment has a latch mechanism disposed on the X-shaped frame for engaging and disengaging with the vertical tube, and the latch body of the latch mechanism is rotatably disposed on the X-shaped frame. In an eighth embodiment, the foldable play equipment has a latch mechanism disposed on a slider for engaging and disengaging with a corner of the vertical tube for constraining or releasing constraint between the slider and the corner. In a ninth embodiment, the foldable play equipment has a latch mechanism disposed on one member of the X-shaped frame, and the latch mechanism can engage with another member of the X-shaped frame to constrain rotation of the X-shaped frame and movement of the slider relative to the bar member. In conclusion, the latch mechanism of the present invention can provide a simple and easy-to-operate function to the foldable play equipment, and the latch mechanism can provide a safe and effective operation for folding and unfolding the foldable play equipment.

[0033] These and other objects of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment in an unfolded mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in a locking mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in an unlocked mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a portion of an unlocked foldable play equipment switched to parallel mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in rocking mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in unlocked mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in rocking mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in unlocked mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of a foldable play equipment according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of a portion of a foldable play equipment in rocking mode according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of a portion of a foldable play equipment in an unlocked mode according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in rocking mode according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in unlocked mode according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram of a portion of an unlocked foldable play equipment switched to parallel mode according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in rocking mode according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment in unlocked mode according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play equipment according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram of a part of a foldable play equipment according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment in parallel mode according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment 10 in an unfolded mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10 in different operation modes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The foldable play equipment 10 can be assembled with textile products to form an enclosed space to provide a protected play area for children. The foldable play equipment 10 can include a plurality of vertical tubes 12, a plurality of X-shaped frames 14, and a latch mechanism 16. Each vertical tube 12 can include a bar member 18, corners 20, and sliders 22. The corners 20 and sliders 22 can be part of the vertical tubes 12 or can be represented as elements separate from the vertical tubes 12.

[0036] The corners 20 can be attached to the top of the bar members 18. The sliders 22 can be movably positioned on the bar members 18. Each X-shaped frame 14 can include an inner member 24 and an outer member 26 that intersect with each other and are rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes 12 via the corners 20 and the sliders 22. The foldable play equipment 10 can be switched between an unfolded mode and a parallel mode (meaning a folded mode). The foldable play equipment 10 in the parallel mode can be shown in FIG. 24 below. As shown in FIG. 1, when the sliders 22 are moved upward near the corners 20, the inner member 24 and the outer member 26 are configured in an X-shape, and the foldable play equipment 10 can be locked in the unfolded mode to provide a protected play area. When the slider 22 is moved downward relative to the bar member 18, the inner member 24 rotates clockwise and the outer member 26 rotates counterclockwise, thus making the bar member 18, the inner member 24 and the outer member 26 approximately parallel, so that the foldable play equipment 10 can be locked in a parallel mode.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the latch mechanism 16 may include a latch body 28, a locking portion 30, a release portion 32, and a retraction portion 34. The latch body 28 may include opposite first and second ends 281 and 282. The first end 281 may be disposed on a corner 20 of the vertical tube 12 via a pivoting or rigid connection. In possible circumstances, the first end 281 may optionally be disposed on an upper portion of the vertical tube 12, such as an upper portion of the bar member 18. The locking portion 30 may be disposed on the second end 282 and is used to releasably engage and disengage the X-shaped frame 14 when the latch body 28 is pushed or bent. For example, the latch body 28 can be bent in a first direction D1 to disengage the locking portion 30 from the X-shaped frame 14, such as from the locking mode of FIG. 2 to the unlocked mode of FIG. 3, and the latch body 28 can be pushed in a second direction D2 to engage the locking portion with the X-shaped frame 14, such as from the unlocked mode of FIG. 3 to the locking mode of FIG. 2. The release portion 32 is disposed on the second end 282, is adjacent to the locking portion 30, and can be pushed by an external force to bend the latch body 28 to disengage the locking portion 30 from the X-shaped frame 14. The retraction portion 34 can be connected to the locking portion 30 and is used for slidable contact with the X-shaped frame 14 as a guide for bending and deforming the latch body 28 to lock the latch mechanism 16 with the X-shaped frame 14 when the X-shaped frame 14 moves upward relative to the vertical tube 12 via the slider 22.

[0038] In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the latch body 28 may be a flexible latch attached to the corner 20. The latch body 28 may be deformed and bent to actuate the engagement and disengagement of the locking portion 30 and the X-shaped frame 14. Moreover, the locking portion 30 may be an arc structure, and the dimensions (e.g., in radian measurement) of the arc structure may be similar to the diameter (e.g., in radian measurement) of the X-shaped frame 14, so that the latch mechanism 16 can engage with the X-shaped frame 14 in a tight-fitting manner and yet easily disengage from the X-shaped frame 14 by pressing the release portion 32 and bending the latch body 28. After the latch mechanism 16 is disengaged from the X-shaped frame 14, the slider 22 may be moved downward relative to the bar member 18 to rotate the inner member 24 and outer member 26 of the X-shaped frame 14 into a generally parallel mode, and the foldable play equipment 10 may be folded for easy storage. When the foldable play equipment 10 is ready to be unfolded, the slider 22 can move upward relative to the bar member 18, and the retracting portion 34 can guide the locking portion 30 of the latch mechanism 16 to lock with the X-shaped frame, thereby restricting movement of the X-shaped frame 14 relative to the vertical tube 12 and securing the foldable play equipment 10 in the unfolded mode.

[0039] It should be noted that when the folding play apparatus 10 is in the unfolded mode, the folding play apparatus 10 does not have a separate top rail that is parallel to the ground. The X-frame 14 is located on top of the vertical tubes 12, and therefore the inner member 24 and outer member 26 can optionally function as a top rail.

[0040] Please refer to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10 in different operating modes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted for simplicity's sake. In this second embodiment, the latch mechanism 16 of the second embodiment may include a locking portion 30′ shaped as a hook structure, which is used to hold the bottom surface of the X-shaped frame 14. In the second embodiment, a taper below the hook structure may be set as the release portion 32 of the latch mechanism 16, and the side of the taper adjacent to the X-shaped frame 14 may be set as the retraction portion 34 of the latch mechanism 16. The folding and unfolding operations of the foldable play equipment 10 in the second embodiment are similar to those of the foldable play equipment 10 in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted for simplicity's sake.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1, 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10 in different operation modes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, elements with the same numbers have the same structure and function as the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions will be omitted here. The latch mechanism 16 of the third embodiment does not clip the X-shaped frame 14 (meaning the first embodiment) or buckle the X-shaped frame 14 (meaning the second embodiment). In this third embodiment, the latch mechanism 16 of the third embodiment may include a locking portion 30″ having a first locking structure 36, and the X-shaped frame 14 may accordingly include a second locking structure 38. The first locking structure 36 may be removably locked with the second locking structure 38 to limit relative movement between the vertical tube 12 and the X-shaped frame 14. The first locking structure 36 and the second locking structure 38 may be a cavity and a protrusion, respectively. The protrusion is inserted into the cavity to limit relative movement between the latch mechanism 16 and the X-shaped frame 14. 6 can be pushed and deformed by an external force to separate the protrusion from the cavity, and then the X-shaped frame 14 can move freely relative to the vertical tube 12 and the latch mechanism 16. The structures of the first locking structure 36 and the second locking structure 38 can be designed according to design requirements. For example, the first locking structure 36 and the second locking structure 38 can be circular, hexagonal, or elliptical. The folding and unfolding operations of the foldable play equipment 10 in the third embodiment are similar to those of the foldable play equipment 10 in the previous embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here for simplicity.

[0042] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram of a portion of a folding play equipment 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, elements with the same numerals have similar structures and functions to those of the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here. For example, the retractable portion 34 may have an inclined surface that can slidably adjoin the X-shaped frame 14 and deform the latch body 28', and the second locking structure 38 may be a protrusion for insertion into the first locking structure 36 designed as a cavity. In this fourth embodiment, the latch mechanism 16 of the fourth embodiment may include the latch body 28' designed as a rotatable latch, which can pivot around the corner 20 of the vertical tube 12. Furthermore, the latch mechanism 16 may include a locking portion 30A designed as a curved structure. The curved structure may have two parts that are bent and connected to each other, with two opposing sides of the X-shaped frame 14 clipped by the two parts and the bottom surface of the X-shaped frame 14 held by the connection between the two parts. The latch body 28' can be rotated in a clockwise direction R1 or a counterclockwise direction R2 relative to the corner 20, and the locking portion 30A can capture or separate the X-shaped frame 14 accordingly to restrict or allow relative movement between the vertical tube 12 and the X-shaped frame 14. In the fourth embodiment, the latch body 28' is preferably rotated in the clockwise direction R1. However, if there is an appropriate gap between the latch body 28' and the vertical tube 12 (by changing the shape of the latch body 28', the corner 20, or the slider 22), the latch body 28' can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction R2 for engagement and disengagement. Furthermore, a fixing component (such as a rivet, bolt, or screw) can be optionally set to connect the latch body 28' and the corner 20, and accordingly, a gap may exist between the latch body 28' and the corner 20. The folding and unfolding operations of the foldable play apparatus 10 in the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the foldable play apparatus 10 in the previous embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here for simplicity.

[0043] It should be noted that the latch mechanism 16 and the X-shaped frame 14 in the fourth embodiment can optionally utilize protrusions and cavities for engagement and disengagement, as in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 9. However, the actual application of engagement and disengagement is not limited to the aforementioned means.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 10 to 13 and 24. Figure 10 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment 10' according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an exploded view of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10' according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 and 13 are side views of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10' in different operating modes according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 is a diagram of the foldable play equipment 10' in a parallel mode according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions will be omitted here. The foldable play equipment 10' may include a plurality of vertical tubes 12, a plurality of X-shaped frames 14, and a latch mechanism 16'. The latch mechanism 16' may be disposed at the intersection of the X-shaped frames 14. The thickness of the latch mechanism 16' can preferably be similar to the overlapping dimensions of the inner and outer members 24, 26, so that the appearance of the foldable play equipment 10' can be flattened in both the unfolded and parallel modes.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 , the latch mechanism 16′ can include a first housing 40, a second housing 42, a locking gear 44, and a resilient component 46. The first housing 40 can have a first engagement portion 48 and a first locking portion 50. The first engagement portion 48 can be a sunken structure formed on the edge of the first housing 40 and used to engage with the outer member 26. The first locking portion 50 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 ) can be a cavity structure formed inside the body of the first housing 40 and used to lock with the locking gear 44. The second housing 42 can be rotatably assembled with the first housing 40 and can have a second engagement portion 52 used to engage with the inner member 24. The second engagement portion 52 can be a sunken structure formed on the edge of the second housing 42, which can be similar to the first engagement portion 48.

[0046] The locking gear 44 can be movably disposed between the first housing 40 and the second housing 42. The locking gear 44 can have a second locking portion 54, which can be designed as a protruding structure that fits into the hollow structure of the first locking portion 50. The inner member 24 and the outer member 26 can be disposed between the first housing 40 and the locking gear 44. When the second locking portion 54 is separated from the first locking portion 50 to allow rotation between the first housing 40 and the locking gear 44, the inner member 24 can rotate relative to the outer member 26. When the second locking portion 54 is inserted into the first locking portion 50, the inner member 24 cannot rotate relative to the outer member 26. The elastic component 46 can be disposed between the second housing 42 and the locking gear 44. The elastic component 46 can be a compression spring. The elastic restoring force of the elastic component 46 can urge the locking gear 44 toward the first housing 40 to maintain engagement between the first locking portion 50 and the second locking portion 54.

[0047] The latch mechanism 16′ may have a release portion 56 movably disposed on the first housing 40, with a protrusion 58 of the release portion 56 removably insertable into a hole 60 on the first housing 40. When the release portion 56 moves into the concave portion of the first housing 40, the protrusion 58 can be inserted into the hole 60 to push the second locking portion 54 away from the first locking portion 50, and then the locking gear 44 can rotate relative to the first housing 40, thereby allowing the inner member 24 to rotate relative to the outer member 26. When the external force applied to the release portion 56 is removed, the elastic restoring force of the elastic component 46 can push the locking gear 44 to lock the second locking portion 54 with the first locking portion 50, and then the protrusion 58 can be removed from the hole 60, allowing the release portion 56 to move away from the concave portion of the first housing 40.

[0048] When the first locking portion 50 and the second locking portion 54 are unlocked, the inner member 24 and the outer member 26 can be pivoted through the first housing 40 and the second housing 42 assembly, and the slider 22 can be slid downward to prepare the foldable play apparatus 10 for folding or unfolding. When the slider 22 is slid upward to rotate the inner member 24 and the outer member 26, the second housing 42 and the locking gear 44 can be rotated relative to the first housing 40. When the second locking portion 54 aligns with the first locking portion 50, the elastic component 46 pushes the second locking portion 54 of the locking gear 44 to lock with the first locking portion 50 of the first housing 40, restricting relative rotation between the inner member 24 and the outer member 26, so that the foldable play apparatus 10 can be secured in the unfolded mode.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment 10" according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10" in different operation modes according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions will be omitted here. The foldable play equipment 10" may include a plurality of vertical tubes 12, a plurality of X-shaped frames 14, and a latch mechanism 16". The latch mechanism 16" may be disposed at the connection between the X-shaped frame 14 and the slider 22.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the latch mechanism 16″ may include a latch body 62, an actuator 64, and an elastic component 66. The elastic component 66 may be a compression spring. The latch body 62 may be movably disposed on the X-shaped frame 14, such as inside a member of the X-shaped frame 14. The actuator 64 may be coupled to the latch body 62 and slidably disposed on the X-shaped frame 14. When the actuator 64 is pressed against a member of the X-shaped frame 14 by an external force or the elastic restoring force of the elastic component 66, the latch body 62 may move simultaneously. The elastic component 66 can be disposed between the X-shaped frame 14 and the latch body 62. The elastic restoring force of the elastic component 66 can push the latch body 62 to engage with a cavity 68 formed in the bar member 18 of the vertical tube 12. The actuator 64 can be moved rearward relative to the bar member 18 by an external force to separate the latch body 62 from the cavity 68 of the bar member 18, and the elastic component 66 can be compressed to store the elastic restoring force. Meanwhile, the X-shaped frame 14 can be rotated relative to the vertical tube 12 to fold the foldable play equipment 10".

[0051] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the X-shaped frame 14 can pivot to the slider 22 of the vertical tube 12 via a shaft 70, and the latch body 62 can have a track 72 assembled with the shaft 70 in a slidable and rotatable manner. The assembly of the shaft 70 and the track 72 can allow rotation of the X-shaped frame 14 and the latch mechanism 16" relative to the slider 22 of the vertical tube 12. Thus, the latch body 62 can protrude from the X-shaped frame 14 and be inserted into the cavity 68 of the bar member 18 to constrain rotation between the vertical tube 12 and the X-shaped frame 14. The foldable play equipment 10" can be secured in the unfolded mode. When the latch body 62 is separated from the cavity 68 and positioned inside the members of the X-shaped frame 14, the X-shaped frame 14 can be rotated relative to the vertical tubes 12 to fold the foldable play equipment 10".

[0052] Please refer to Figures 18 to 20. Figure 18 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment 10" according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figures 19 and 20 are diagrams of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10" in different operation modes according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the seventh embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions will be omitted here. The foldable play equipment 10" may include a latch mechanism 16" disposed at the connection between the X-shaped frame 14 and the slider 22. The latch mechanism 16" may include a latch body 74, a locking portion 76, and a release portion 78.

[0053] The latch body 74 can be attached to the X-shaped frame 14 and rotatably assembled with the slider 22 of the vertical tube 12. The locking portion 76 can extend from the latch body 74, and the release portion 78 can be located at the front end of the locking portion 76. Also, a notch 80 can be formed in the bottom surface 221 of the slider 22. As shown in FIG. 19 , the latch body 74 can be rotated clockwise to engage the locking portion 76 with the notch 80 of the slider 22, so that the X-shaped frame 14 cannot rotate relative to the vertical tube 12 to secure the foldable play apparatus 10″ in the unfolded mode. As shown in FIG. 20 , the release portion 78 can be pressed by an external force to bend the latch body 74, so that the locking portion 76 is flexible and can deform and disengage from the notch 80 of the slider 22, and the X-shaped frame 14 can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the vertical tube 12 to fold the foldable play apparatus 10″.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 is a diagram of a foldable play equipment 10A according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is a diagram of a portion of the foldable play equipment 10A according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions will be omitted here. The foldable play equipment 10A may include a latch mechanism 16A that is disposed on a slider 22 and is used to engage with the corners 20 of the vertical tube 12.

[0055] The latch mechanism 16A may include a latch body 82, a locking portion 84, and a release portion 86. The latch body 82 may have a first end 821 and a second end 822 opposite each other. The first end 821 may be attached to the slider 22 of the vertical tube 12, and the second end 822 may be a free end of the latch body 82. The locking portion 84 may be disposed on the second end 822 and may be used to assemble with a locking portion 88 disposed on the corner 20. The release portion 86 may be disposed on the second end 822 and connected to the locking portion 84. As shown in FIG. 22 , the locking portion 84 may be designed as a notch, and the locking portion 88 may be designed as a protrusion that engages with the aforementioned notch. However, depending on design requirements, the locking portion 84 may be shaped as a protrusion, and the locking portion 88 may be shaped as a notch.

[0056] 21 and 22, when the locking portion 84 is locked with the locking portion 88, the slider 22 cannot slide downward and the inner member 24 and the outer member 26 cannot rotate relative to each other, so that the foldable play apparatus 10A can be fixed in the unfolded mode. When the release portion 86 is pressed by an external force to bend and deform the latch body 82, the locking portion 84 can be separated from the locking portion 88, the slider 22 can slide downward, and the inner member 24 can be rotated to a substantially parallel mode relative to the outer member 26 to fold the foldable play apparatus 10A.

[0057] Please refer to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a diagram of a portion of a foldable play apparatus 10 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the ninth embodiment, elements having the same numbers have the same structure and function as those in the previous embodiments, and for simplicity, detailed descriptions are omitted here. The foldable play apparatus 10 may include a plurality of vertical tubes 12, a plurality of X-shaped frames 14, and a latch mechanism 16B. The latch mechanism 16B may include a latch body 28B, a locking portion 30, a release portion 32, and a retraction portion 34. The latch body 28B may include a first end 28IB and a second end 282B opposite to each other. The first end 28IB may be disposed on the inner member 24 of one X-shaped frame 14. The locking portion 30 may be disposed on the second end 282B and may be used to removably engage with the outer member 26 of the X-shaped frame 14. When an external force is applied to the release portion 32, the latch body 28 can bend to disengage the locking portion 30 from the outer member 26, allowing the slider 22 to slide downward to fold the foldable play apparatus 10. When the slider 22 is slid upward relative to the bar member 18, the retraction portion 34 can push and bend the latch body 28B to align the locking portion 30 with the outer member 26. The locking portion 30 can then be pushed to lock with the outer member 26, securing the foldable play apparatus 10 in the unfolded mode.

[0058] The structural relationship between the vertical tubes and the X-shaped frame in the unfolded and parallel modes shown in Figures 10 and 21 is suitable for all embodiments of the folding play equipment of the present invention. The arrangement of the latch mechanism in each embodiment may differ from that of other embodiments depending on design requirements. In a first embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms located at the corners of the vertical tubes, which can be bent and deformed to utilize the arc structure of the locking portion to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame. In a second embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms located at the corners of the vertical tubes to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame. However, the locking portion of the latch mechanism can be shaped as a hook structure rather than the arc structure of the first embodiment. In a third embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed at the corners of the vertical tubes to engage and disengage with the X-shaped frame, and the latch body of the latch mechanism can be bent or deformed to engage and disengage with the locking part and the X-shaped frame, which means that the cavity of the locking part can lock or unlock the protrusion of the X-shaped frame.

[0059] In a fourth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed at the corners of the vertical tubes, and the latch bodies of the latch mechanisms can be rotated and engaged with and disengaged from the X-shaped frame using the curved structure of the locking portion. In a fifth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed on the X-shaped frame, and the rotation between the inner and outer members of the X-shaped frame is locked and unlocked to unfold and fold the folding play equipment. In a sixth embodiment, the folding play equipment has latch mechanisms disposed on the X-shaped frame for engaging and disengaging from the vertical tubes, and the latch bodies of the latch mechanisms are slidably disposed within the X-shaped frame.

[0060] In a seventh embodiment, the folding play equipment has a latch mechanism on the X-shaped frame to engage and disengage with the vertical tube, and the latch body of the latch mechanism is rotatably disposed on the X-shaped frame. In an eighth embodiment, the folding play equipment has a latch mechanism on the slider to engage and disengage with the corner of the vertical tube to restrict or release the restriction between the slider and the corner. In a ninth embodiment, the folding play equipment has a latch mechanism on one member of the X-shaped frame, and the latch mechanism can engage with another member of the X-shaped frame to restrict the rotation of the X-shaped frame and the movement of the slider relative to the bar member. In conclusion, the latch mechanism of the present invention can provide a folding play equipment with a simple and easy-to-operate function, and the latch mechanism can provide a safe and effective operation for folding and unfolding the folding play equipment.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable play equipment comprising a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism, Each of the vertical tubes A bar member; a corner attached to the top of the bar member; a slider movably disposed on the bar member; each of the X-shaped frames includes an inner member and an outer member that intersect each other and are rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corners and the sliders; The latch mechanism includes: a latch body including opposed first and second ends, the first end being disposed on the inner member of one of the vertical tubes; a locking portion disposed at the second end and adapted to engage and disengage an outer member of the vertical tube in response to movement of the latch body. A foldable playground equipment characterized by the above.

2. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the latch body is a flexible latch attached to the inner member, and engagement and disengagement of the locking portion and the outer member is actuated by deformation of the flexible latch.

3. 3. The foldable play equipment of claim 2, wherein the locking portion is an arc structure, the dimensions of the arc structure matching the diameter of the outer member.

4. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the locking portion is a hook structure adapted to hold onto a bottom surface of the outer member.

5. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the latch body is a rotatable latch that is pivoted relative to the inner member, and engagement and disengagement of the locking portion and the outer member is actuated by rotation of the rotatable latch.

6. 6. The foldable play equipment of claim 5, wherein the locking portion is a curved structure adapted to capture the outer member.

7. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a release portion disposed at the second end and adapted to receive an external force to actuate the latch body.

8. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a retractable portion connected to the locking portion and adapted to slidably contact the X-shaped frame to flex the latch body.

9. 2. The foldable play equipment of claim 1, wherein the locking portion includes a first locking structure and the outer member includes a second locking structure that releasably locks with the first locking structure.

10. 10. The foldable play equipment of claim 9, wherein the first locking structure is hollow and the second locking structure is protruding, or the first locking structure is protruding and the second locking structure is hollow.

11. A foldable play equipment comprising a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism, Each of the vertical tubes A bar member; a corner attached to the top of the bar member; a slider movably disposed on the bar member; each of the X-shaped frames includes an inner member and an outer member that intersect each other and are rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corners and the sliders; The latch mechanism includes: a first housing having a first engagement portion and a first locking portion, the first engagement portion engaging the outer member; a second housing having a second engagement portion rotatably assembled with the first housing, the second engagement portion engaging with the inner member; a locking gear having a second locking portion movably disposed between the first housing and the second housing, the first locking portion and the second locking portion engaging and disengaging with each other in response to movement of the locking gear; A foldable playground equipment characterized by the above.

12. 12. The play equipment of claim 11, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises an elastic component disposed between the second housing and the locking gear, the elastic restoring force of the elastic component urging the locking gear toward the first housing to engage the first locking portion with the second locking portion.

13. 12. The play equipment of claim 11, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a release portion movably disposed on the first housing, a protrusion of the release portion removably inserted into a hole in the first housing to separate the second locking portion from the first locking portion.

14. 12. The play equipment of claim 11, wherein the inner member and the outer member are pivoted to rotate the second housing relative to the first housing via the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion so as to align the second locking portion with the first locking portion.

15. A foldable play equipment comprising a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism, Each of the vertical tubes A bar member; a corner attached to the top of the bar member; a slider movably disposed on the bar member; Each of the X-shaped frames is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corners and the sliders; The latch mechanism includes: a latch body movably disposed on one of the X-shaped frames and adapted to engage and disengage with a cavity formed on a bar member of one of the vertical tubes; an actuator coupled to the latch body, disposed on the X-shaped frame, and adapted to be actuated by an external force to move the latch body relative to the bar member. A foldable playground equipment characterized by the above.

16. 16. The foldable play equipment according to claim 15, wherein the latch mechanism further includes an elastic component, both ends of which are connected to the X-shaped frame and the latch body, respectively.

17. 16. The foldable play equipment of claim 15, wherein the X-shaped frame is pivoted to the slider of the vertical tube via a shaft, and the latch body comprises a track assembled with the shaft in a slidable and rotatable manner.

18. 16. The foldable play equipment of claim 15, wherein the latch body protrudes from the X-shaped frame, is inserted into the cavity, and is disposed inside the X-shaped frame and separates from the cavity.

19. A foldable play equipment comprising a plurality of vertical tubes, a plurality of X-shaped frames, and a latch mechanism, Each of the vertical tubes A bar member; a corner attached to the top of the bar member; a slider movably disposed on the bar member; Each of the X-shaped frames is rotatably connected between two adjacent vertical tubes via the corners and the sliders; The latch mechanism includes: a latch body attached to one X-shaped frame and rotatably assembled with the slider of one vertical tube; a locking portion extending from the latch body, the locking portion adapted to engage and disengage with the slider in response to rotation of the latch body relative to the slider. A foldable playground equipment characterized by the above.

20. 20. The foldable play equipment of claim 19, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a release portion disposed on the locking portion and adapted to receive an external force to deform the locking portion.

21. 20. The foldable play equipment of claim 19, wherein a notch is formed in the bottom surface of the slider, and the locking portion is flexible to engage and disengage with the notch.

Images