Playard

Abstract

To provide a play yard with multiple portable configurations by folding their frame structure in multiple stages.SOLUTION: A play yard comprises a foldable frame structure defining an internal space. The frame structure comprises: an annular upper frame; and a plurality of leg frames extending downwardly from the upper frame to make the frame structure self-support, and being connected to the upper frame so as to pivot about leg pivoting axes. The upper frame includes: at least two frame portions; and the pivoting connectors rotationally connecting the two adjacent frame portions to each other about upper frame pivoting axes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 729,721, filed September 11, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a play yard. [Background technology]

[0003] Play yards are used to contain and provide a safe environment for children to sleep and play in. Typically, play yards are foldable and can be stored or transported. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even for such play yards, there has been a demand for improved convenience by allowing the frame structure to be folded in multiple stages to allow multiple portable configurations.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a play yard that has a plurality of portable configurations by making the frame structure foldable in multiple stages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above-mentioned problems: That is, the play yard of the present invention is a play yard comprising a foldable frame structure defining an interior space, wherein the frame structure comprises an annular upper frame body and a plurality of leg frame bodies extending downward from the upper frame body to allow the frame structure to stand on its own and connected to the upper frame body so as to be rotatable about leg rotation axes, and the upper frame body has at least two frame portions and a rotation connector connecting two adjacent frame portions to each other so as to be rotatable about the upper frame rotation axis.

[0007] In this invention, the play yard is placed in a first folded state with the upper frame body folded by folding two foldable frame sections connected via a pivot connector. Then, when the leg frame body is pivoted relative to the upper frame body so that the lower end of the leg frame body approaches the upper frame body, the leg frame body is folded relative to the upper frame body. This places the play yard in a second folded state with the leg frame body folded relative to the upper frame body. In this way, by folding the play yard in multiple stages, including a first folded state and a second folded state, the play yard has a plurality of portable forms, and the convenience of the play yard can be improved.

[0008] In the play yard of the present invention, the leg frame body may have a leg latch mechanism that holds the leg frame body in the deployed position relative to the upper frame body. In this invention, the leg latch mechanism can stably maintain the deployed structure of the leg frame body relative to the upper frame.

[0009] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the leg latch mechanism may have a first latch engagement portion provided on the leg frame body, and a second latch engagement portion provided on the upper frame body, which engages with the first latch engagement portion to restrict rotation of the leg frame body. In this invention, the first latch engagement portion and the second latch engagement portion are engaged with each other, so that the deployed state of the leg frame body relative to the upper frame can be stably maintained.

[0010] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the leg frame body may have a leg frame main body and a latch slide body arranged slidably along the leg frame main body, and the second latch engagement portion may be provided on the latch slide body. In this invention, the first latch engaging portion and the second latch engaging portion are engaged and disengaged by sliding the latch slide body relative to the leg frame main body.

[0011] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the leg frame body may have a leg frame main body and a latch operating body that is rotatable around a latch rotation axis relative to the leg frame main body, and the first latch engagement portion may be provided on the latch operating body. In this invention, the first latch engaging portion and the second latch engaging portion are engaged and disengaged by rotating the latch operating body around the latch rotation shaft relative to the leg frame main body.

[0012] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the latch operating body has an operating portion and a latch portion extending from one end of the operating portion and having the first latch engagement portion provided thereon, the operating portion and the latch portion being L-shaped, and the latch rotation axis may be provided at the connecting portion between the operating portion and the latch portion. In this invention, the first latch engagement portion is engaged with and disengaged from the second latch engagement portion by operating the operation portion.

[0013] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the second latch engagement portion may be a latch groove portion formed on the upper frame body and guiding the first latch engagement portion, and the latch groove portion may have a first guide groove portion that guides the first latch engagement portion when the latch operating body rotates around the latch rotation axis, and a second guide groove portion that is connected to one end of the first guide groove portion and guides the first latch engagement portion when the leg frame body rotates around the leg rotation axis. In this invention, when the first latch engagement portion is in the first guide groove portion, rotation of the leg frame body relative to the upper frame body is restricted, and when the first latch engagement portion is in the second guide groove portion, rotation of the leg frame body relative to the upper frame body is possible.

[0014] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the leg latch mechanism may have a first latch body that is rotatably mounted on the leg frame main body of the leg frame body around a first latch rotation axis and has a first latch engagement portion, and a second latch body that is rotatably mounted on the upper frame body around a second latch rotation axis and has a second latch engagement portion that restricts the rotation of the leg frame body by engaging with the first latch engagement portion, and the first latch body and the second latch body may be rotatably connected to each other around a third latch rotation axis. In this invention, when the first latch body is rotated around the first latch rotation axis, the second latch body also rotates around the second latch rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first latch body, causing the first latch engagement portion and the second latch engagement portion to engage and disengage.

[0015] In the play yard of the present invention, the leg latch mechanism may have a biasing member that biases the first latch engagement portion into an engaged state with the second latch engagement portion. In this invention, the biasing member maintains the engaged state between the first latch engagement portion and the second latch engagement portion, so that the deployed state of the leg frame body relative to the upper frame can be maintained more stably.

[0016] At least one of the frame portions may be a foldable frame portion provided with a folding mechanism that allows the frame portion to be folded and can be locked in an extended state of the frame portion. In this invention, the upper frame body can be folded more compactly by folding the foldable frame portion in an extended state using the folding mechanism.

[0017] In the play yard of the present invention, the folding mechanism may be configured to enable the foldable frame portion to be folded inside the upper frame body. In this invention, the foldable frame portion can be folded inward to make the folded play yard more compact.

[0018] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the upper frame body may have a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, the upper frame body may have four of the frame portions and four pivotal connectors, two opposing frame portions of the four frame portions may be the foldable frame portions, and the leg frame body may extend downward from each corner of the upper frame body. In this invention, the upper frame body can be folded compactly by folding two opposing frame portions of the upper frame body, which has a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, using the folding mechanism.

[0019] In addition, in the play yard of the present invention, the upper frame body may have a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, and two of the four frame parts that form the long sides of the upper frame body may be the foldable frame parts, and the leg frame body may be connected to two of the four frame parts that form the short sides of the upper frame body. In this invention, the long sides of the upper frame body, which has a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, are formed by foldable frame portions, so that the upper frame body can be folded compactly.

[0020] In the play yard of the present invention, the folding mechanism may be provided in a middle portion of the foldable frame portion. In this invention, the length of the folded foldable frame portion is approximately half the length of the unfolded foldable frame, so the foldable frame portion can be folded more compactly.

[0021] Furthermore, the playard of the present invention may be self-supporting when the frame portion provided with the folding mechanism is folded. In this invention, the play yard can stand on its own even after the foldable frame portion is folded, i.e., in the first folded state, which improves convenience by facilitating storage of the folded play yard.

[0022] In the play yard of the present invention, the frame portion adjacent to the foldable frame portion may be curved to allow the folded foldable frame portion to pass through. In this invention, the upper frame body can be folded more compactly by passing the folded foldable frame portion over or under the curved portion of the frame portion adjacent to this foldable frame portion.

[0023] In the play yard of the present invention, at least one free end of the leg frame bodies may have a wheel. This invention improves the transportability of the play yard. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the play yard of the present invention, by folding the play yard in multiple stages into a first folded state and a second folded state, the play yard has multiple portable forms, thereby improving the convenience of the play yard. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a play yard according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the frame structure of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view showing the frame structure of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the folding mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the folding mechanism of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the folding mechanism of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the rotary connector of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the leg frame body and the second mounting member of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 3 is a top view showing the frame structure of FIG. 2 in a first folded state. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a side view showing the frame structure of FIG. 2 in a second folded state. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a leg frame body and a second mounting member of a play yard according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a leg frame body and a second mounting member of a play yard according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a leg frame body and a second mounting member of a play yard according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a play yard according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each drawing used in the following description has been changed appropriately so that each component can be recognized. The play yard 1 according to this embodiment defines an interior space for, for example, children to sleep and play in, and as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a frame structure 2 and a rectangular tubular textile structure 3 attached to the frame structure 2. Here, in Fig. 1, the direction of arrow A is referred to as the front-to-back direction, the direction of arrow B perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is referred to as the left-to-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the directions of arrows A and B is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame structure 2 comprises an upper frame body 5 that has a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, and four leg frame bodies 6 that extend downward from each corner of the upper frame body 5 and allow the frame structure 2 to stand on its own. The upper frame body 5 comprises two foldable frame portions (frame portions) 11 extending approximately parallel to each other in the left-right direction, two continuous frame portions (frame portions) 12 extending approximately parallel to each other in the front-rear direction, and a rotating connector 13 connecting these foldable frame portions 11 and continuous frame portions 12.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the foldable frame portion 11 has two upper frame tubes 21 extending substantially horizontally and a folding mechanism 22 connecting the ends of the two upper frame tubes 21. The upper frame tube 21 is a hollow tube, one end of which is connected to the pivot connector 13 and the other end of which is connected to the folding mechanism 22 .

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the folding mechanism 22 has two tube body mounting members 31 to which the upper frame tube body 21 is attached, a latch member 32 that is movable up and down relative to the tube body mounting members 31 and regulates the movement of the tube body mounting members 31, an outer housing 33, and an inner housing 34. The tube mounting member 31 has a pivoting portion 41 that can pivot around the folding pivot axis A1 relative to the latch member 32, the outer housing 33, and the inner housing 34, an mounting tube portion 42 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the pivoting portion 41 and to which the upper frame tube 21 is attached on the inside, and a first latch protrusion portion 43 that protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the pivoting portion 41. The rotating portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a first rotating protrusion 41A that protrudes upward is formed at the upper end of the rotating portion 41. On the other hand, the lower end of the rotating portion 41 has an elliptical cross section and forms a first cam surface 41B.

[0030] The latch member 32 includes a latch body 51 extending downward, and a pair of second latch projections 52 that project inward in the front-rear direction from the upper end of the latch body 51. The pair of second latch protrusions 52 are provided with a gap in the left-right direction. The second latch protrusions 52 are arranged on the inner side of the first latch protrusions 43 in the front-rear direction and abut against the first latch protrusions 43 from the inner side in the front-rear direction. In this way, the second latch protrusions 52 restrict the first latch protrusions 43 from rotating inward in the front-rear direction around the folding rotation axis A1. The lower end of the latch member 32 protrudes outward from the outer housing 33 through a slot 62A, which will be described later, formed in the outer housing 33 . The latch member 32 is biased downward by a spring (not shown).

[0031] The outer housing 33 has a lower plate portion 61, an outer plate portion 62 connected to the front edge of the lower plate portion 61 and extending in the vertical direction, and a support protrusion portion 63 protruding upward from the lower plate portion 61 and arranged between a pair of second latch protrusion portions 52. The lower plate 61 has an oval shape when viewed from above, and the rotating part 41 is placed on both left and right ends. A cam protrusion 64 that protrudes upward beyond both left and right ends is provided in the left and right central part of the lower plate 61. The outer left and right surfaces of the cam protrusion 64 form a second cam surface 64A, and the first cam surface 41B of the rotating part 41 abuts against this second cam surface 64A.

[0032] The outer plate 62, together with the second latch protrusion 52, restricts the rotation of the first latch protrusion 43 around the folding rotation axis A1. Both left and right sides of the upper portion of the outer plate 62 are recessed inward in the left-right direction, so as not to hinder the rotation of the pipe body mounting member 31 around the folding rotation axis A1. The lower portion of the outer plate 62 has a larger left-right width than the upper portion of the outer plate 62 and is curved gradually inward in the front-rear direction as it extends downward. In addition, a slot 62A is formed in the lower portion of the outer plate 62, through which the lower end of the latch member 32 is inserted.

[0033] The inner housing 34 is C-shaped when viewed from the left and right, and has a top plate 71, an inner plate 72, and a bottom plate 73. The top plate 71 covers the rotating portion 41 and the latch member 32 from above, and is formed with a first rotation hole 71A into which the first rotation protrusion 41A of the rotating portion 41 is inserted. The inner plate 72 covers the rotating portion 41 and the second latch protrusion 52 from the inside in the front-to-rear direction. The bottom plate 73 is disposed below the lower plate 61 of the outer housing 33, and together with the top plate 71, sandwiches the pipe mounting member 31 and the outer housing 33 in the up-and-down direction.

[0034] 2, the continuous frame portion 12 is curved so as to gradually curve upward as it extends inward in the left-right direction. Both ends of the continuous frame portion 12 are attached to rotation connectors 13.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7 and 8, the rotating connector 13 is L-shaped when viewed from above, and comprises a first mounting member 81 and a second mounting member 82 rotatably connected to the first mounting member 81 around the upper frame rotation axis A3. An end of the upper frame pipe 21 is attached to the first mounting member 81. The first mounting member 81 is curved inward in the left-right direction as it extends outward in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above, and the vertical width of the first mounting member 81 gradually narrows as it extends outward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0036] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second mounting member 82 has a continuous frame mounting portion 91 to which the end of the continuous frame portion 12 is attached, and a leg frame mounting portion 92 that is connected downward from the continuous frame mounting portion 91 and connects the leg frame body 6 so that it can rotate around the leg rotation axis A2. An attachment recess 91A is formed at the outer end in the front-to-rear direction of the continuous frame attachment portion 91 to receive the outer end in the left-to-right direction of the first attachment member 81, and by attaching the above-mentioned end of the first attachment member 81 to this attachment recess 91A, the first attachment member 81 and the second attachment member 82 are connected to each other so that they can rotate around the upper frame rotation axis A3. The leg frame mounting portion 92 has a pair of mounting plate portions 93 spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a leg rotation hole portion 93A is formed in each mounting plate portion 93 to mount the leg frame body 6 rotatably about the leg rotation axis A2. A latch recess (second latch engagement portion) 93B is formed on the inner surface of the mounting plate portion 93. Furthermore, the lower end edge and the outer left-right edges of the mounting plate portion 93 are arc-shaped.

[0037] The leg frame body 6 includes a leg frame tube body (leg frame main body) 101, a leg latch cylinder part (latch slide body) 102 attached to the upper end of the leg frame tube body 101, and a leg cap 103 attached to the lower end of the leg frame tube body 101. Of the four leg frame bodies 6, two leg frame bodies 6 arranged on the right side in Fig. 3 are fitted with wheels 104 instead of the leg caps 103, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0038] 7 and 8, the leg latch cylinder 102 is biased upward by a spring (not shown). The leg latch cylinder 102 has a cylindrical main body 111, a sliding flange 112 that protrudes outward from the upper edge of the cylindrical main body 111, a pair of leg latch protrusions (first latch engagement portions) 113 that extend upward from the sliding flange 112, and an operating protrusion 114 that protrudes outward from the cylindrical main body 111 below the sliding flange 112.

[0039] The upper surface of the sliding flange portion 112 forms an arc-shaped curved surface that corresponds to the arc shape of the lower end edge and the outer edges in the left and right direction of the attachment plate portion 93. The pair of leg latch protrusions 113 are arranged at a distance in the left-right direction so that the leg frame body 6 is disposed therebetween. The leg latch protrusions 113 are arranged in and engage with latch recesses 93B formed on the inner surface of the mounting plate portion 93, and by abutting against both front-rear end edges of the latch recess 93B, they restrict the leg frame body 6 from rotating around the leg rotation axis A2 relative to the rotation connector 13. The leg latch cylinder portion 102 and the latch recess 93B formed in the mounting plate portion 93 form a leg latch mechanism.

[0040] 1, the woven fabric structure 3 is tubular with open top and bottom ends and is stretched taut relative to the frame structure 2. A reinforced woven fabric panel 121 is disposed at the bottom of the play yard 1. The woven fabric structure 3 may have other shapes, such as a box shape that is open at the top.

[0041] Next, a method of using the play yard 1 configured as above will be described. 1 for transport or storage, the lower end of the latch member 32, which is located in the left-right middle of the foldable frame portion 11 and is exposed from the outer housing 33, is pushed upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the latch member 32 moves upward relative to the pipe body mounting member 31, the outer housing 33, and the inner housing 34, and the second latch protrusion 52 moves above the first latch protrusion 43 of the pipe body mounting member 31. As a result, the latch engagement between the first latch protrusion 43 and the second latch protrusion 52 is released, and the pivoting portion 41 becomes freely pivotable about the folding pivot axis A1.

[0042] Then, the pipe body mounting member 31 is rotated about the folding rotation axis A1 so that the left-right middle portions of the pair of foldable frame sections 11 approach each other. As the pipe body mounting member 31 rotates about the folding rotation axis A1, the first mounting member 81 of the rotary connector 13 rotates about the upper frame rotation axis A3 relative to the second mounting member 82. Furthermore, as the rotating section 41 rotates about the folding rotation axis A1, a gap is formed between the lower end of the rotating section 41, which has an elliptical cross section in the pipe body mounting member 31, and the cam protrusion 64 on the lower plate section 61 of the outer housing 33. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end of the rotating section 41 tilts inward in the left-right direction from the first rotation protrusion 41A.

[0043] In this way, the play yard 1 is folded into the first folded state as shown in Figure 9. In the first folded state, the width of the play yard 1 in the left-right direction is smaller than when the play yard 1 is unfolded, making it easier to move between rooms, for example. In addition, the wheels 104 provided on the leg frame body 6 also make it easier to transport the play yard 1 in the first folded state.

[0044] 8, when the actuating protrusion 114 is pressed downward and the leg latch cylinder 102 is pressed downward against the spring force, the leg latch protrusion 113 of the leg latch cylinder 102 disengages from the latch recess 93B formed in the mounting plate 93 of the second mounting member 82, and the latch engagement between the leg latch protrusion 113 and the latch recess 93B is released. Then, the leg frame body 6 is rotated about the leg pivot axis A2, and the leg frame body 6 is brought close to the continuous frame portion 12. After the latch engagement between the leg latch protrusion 113 and the latch recess 93B is released, the arc-shaped upper surface of the sliding flange 112 comes into contact with the corresponding arc-shaped edge of the mounting plate 93. Therefore, even if the downward pressing of the leg latch cylinder 102 is stopped and the leg latch cylinder 102 is urged upward, the leg frame body 6 can be smoothly rotated about the leg pivot axis A2. In this way, the play yard 1 is further folded into a second folded state as shown in Figure 10. In the second folded state, the play yard 1 has a smaller vertical width, making it even easier to transport.

[0045] On the other hand, to unfold the folded play ard 1 for use, the above-described steps can be reversed. First, the leg frame body 6 of the play ard 1, which is in the second folded state, is rotated about the leg rotation axis A2 to unfold the leg frame body 6. When the leg frame body 6 is rotated about the leg rotation axis A2 to align the leg latch protrusion 113 of the leg latch cylinder portion 102 with the latch recess 93B of the mounting plate portion 93, the leg latch protrusion 113 engages with the latch recess 93B because the leg latch cylinder portion 102 is biased upward by the spring. This places the play ard 1 in the first folded state. At this time, the folded foldable frame portion 11 extends under the upwardly curved continuous frame portion 12.

[0046] Next, the upper frame body 5 is unfolded, for example, by separating the pair of continuous frame portions 12 from each other. When the pair of continuous frame portions 12 are separated from each other, the upper frame tube 21 of the foldable frame portion 11 is unfolded while rotating about the upper frame rotation axis A3 relative to the continuous frame portion 12. Furthermore, in accordance with the operation of separating the pair of continuous frame portions 12 from each other, the upper frame tube 21 of the foldable frame portion 11 and the tube attachment member 31 rotate about the folding rotation axis A1 relative to each other. As the rotating portion 41 of the tube attachment member 31 rotates about the folding rotation axis A1, the first cam surface 41B at the lower end of the rotating portion 41 abuts against the second cam surface 64A at the cam protrusion 64 of the lower plate portion 61, and the lower end of the rotating portion 41 tilts outward in the left-right direction from the first rotation protrusion 41A. As a result, the mounting pipe portion 42 protruding from the rotating portion 41, and ultimately the upper frame pipe body 21 attached to the mounting pipe portion 42, rotates slightly upward, applying tension to the textile structure 3 attached to the upper frame pipe body 21.

[0047] When the upper frame body 5 is unfolded, the latch member 32 moves downward due to the downward biasing force of the spring, and the second latch protrusion 52 and the outer housing 33 restrict the rotation of the first latch protrusion 43 around the folding rotation axis A1. This places the play yard 1 in an unfolded state. In the above explanation, the play yard 1 in the second folded state is folded to the first folded state and then unfolded, but the procedure for unfolding the play yard 1 may be changed as appropriate, and the upper frame body 5 of the play yard 1 in the second folded state may be unfolded first, and then the leg frame body 6 may be unfolded.

[0048] As described above, according to the play yard 1 of this embodiment, the play yard 1 can be folded in multiple stages into the first folded state and the second folded state, so that the play yard 1 has multiple portable forms, thereby improving the convenience of the play yard 1. Furthermore, since the foldable frame portions 11 are folded inward when folded, the folded play yard 1 becomes even more compact. Here, since the long sides of the upper frame body 5, which has a rectangular ring shape when viewed from above, are formed by the foldable frame portions 11, the upper frame body 5 can be folded compactly. Furthermore, since the folding mechanism 22 is located in the middle part of the foldable frame portions 11 and the length of the folded foldable frame portions 11 is approximately half the length of the unfolded foldable frame portions 11, the foldable frame portions 11 can be folded even more compactly. Furthermore, in the first folded state, the folded foldable frame portion 11 extends under the upwardly curved continuous frame portion 12, thereby allowing the upper frame body 5 to be folded more compactly. Furthermore, the play yard 1 can stand on its own when in the first folded state, which facilitates storage of the play yard 1 and improves the convenience of the play yard 1. Here, wheels 104 are attached to the free end of the leg frame body 6, which improves the transportability of the play yard 1 when in the first folded state.

[0049] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the play yard according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration of the embodiment described here is the same as that of the embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following drawings, the same components as those in the above drawings will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0050] In the play yard 200 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the structure of the rotary connector 201 and the leg frame body 202 differs from the structure of the rotary connector 13 and the leg frame body 6 according to the first embodiment. The second mounting member 211 of the pivotal connecting body 201 has a continuous frame mounting portion 91 and a leg frame mounting portion 212 that is connected downward from the continuous frame mounting portion 91 and enables the leg frame body 202 to rotate around the leg pivot axis A2. A latch rib portion (second latch engaging portion) 213A that protrudes inward in the left-right direction is formed on the inner surface of the inner portion in the front-rear direction of the attachment plate portion 213.

[0051] The leg frame body 202 includes a leg frame tube body 101 and a leg latch cylindrical body 221 attached to the upper end of the leg frame tube body 101 . The leg latch cylinder 221 has a latch cylinder main body 222 attached to the upper end of the leg frame pipe body 101 , and a latch operating body 223 attached to the latch cylinder main body 222 . The latch cylinder body 222 is attached to the attachment plate portion 213 so as to be rotatable around the leg rotation axis A2. The latch operating body 223 is L-shaped and has an operating portion 224 and a latch portion (first latch engagement portion) 225 extending upward from the operating portion 224. The latch operating body 223 is attached to the latch cylinder main body 222 so as to be rotatable around a latch rotation axis A4 at the connection portion between the operating portion 224 and the latch portion 225. The upper end of the latch portion 225 is disposed between the pair of mounting plate portions 213, and the upper end of the latch portion 225 abuts against the lower end of the latch rib portion 213A, thereby restricting the leg frame body 202 from rotating around the leg rotation axis A2 relative to the rotation connector 201. In addition, the upper end of the latch portion 225 is biased inward in the front-to-rear direction by a coil spring (not shown). The latch operating body 223 and the latch rib portion 213A formed on the mounting plate portion 213 form a leg latch mechanism.

[0052] Next, a method of using the play yard 200 configured as above will be described. The method for folding the play yard 200 from the unfolded state to the first folded state is the same as that for the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment described above. To transition the play yard 200 from the first folded state to the second folded state, the operating portion 224 of the latch operating body 223 is pressed down against the spring force. When the operating portion 224 is pressed down, the latch portion 225 moves clockwise as shown in FIG. 11 , and the latch engagement between the latch portion 225 and the latch rib portion 213A is released. Then, the leg frame body 202 is rotated around the leg rotation axis A2, and the leg frame body 202 is brought close to the continuous frame portion 12. In this manner, the play yard 200 is further folded into a second folded state.

[0053] As described above, the play yard 200 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the play yard according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration of the embodiment described here is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, in the following drawings, the same components as those in the above-described drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0055] In the play yard 300 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12(a), similar to the second embodiment, the structure of the rotating connector 301 and the leg frame body 302 is different from the structure of the rotating connector 13 and the leg frame body 6 of the first embodiment. The second mounting member 311 of the pivotal connecting body 301 has a continuous frame mounting portion 91 and a leg frame mounting portion 312 that is connected downward from the continuous frame mounting portion 91 and enables the leg frame body 302 to rotate around the leg pivot axis A2. A latch slit portion (second latch engagement portion, latch groove portion) 313A that is L-shaped when viewed in the left-right direction is formed on the inner portion in the front-to-rear direction of the mounting plate portion 313 of the leg frame mounting portion 312. The latch slit portion 313A has a first slit portion (first guide groove portion) 313B that extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction, and a second slit portion (second guide groove portion) 313C that extends substantially upward from the rear end of the first slit portion 313B.

[0056] The leg frame body 302 includes a leg frame tube body 101 and a leg latch cylindrical body 321 attached to the upper end of the leg frame tube body 101 . The leg latch cylinder 321 has a latch cylinder main body 322 attached to the upper end of the leg frame pipe body 101 , and a latch body 323 attached to the latch cylinder main body 322 . The latch cylinder body 322 is attached to the attachment plate portion 313 so as to be rotatable around the leg rotation axis A2. Latch body 323 is attached to latch cylinder main body 322 so as to be rotatable about latch rotation axis A5, and a latch protrusion (first latch engagement portion) 323A that is inserted into latch slit portion 313A is formed on the upper end of latch body 323. Furthermore, latch body 323 is biased by a spring (not shown) so as to move away from latch cylinder main body 322. The latch body 323 having the latch protrusion 323A and the latch slit 313A formed in the mounting plate 313 form a leg latch mechanism.

[0057] Next, a method of using the play yard 300 configured as above will be described. The method for folding the play yard 300 from the unfolded state to the first folded state is the same as that of the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment described above. To transition the play yard 300 from the first folded state to the second folded state, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the latch body 323 is pushed toward the latch cylinder main body 322 against the spring force. When the latch body 323 is pushed, the latch protrusion 323A of the latch body 323 moves rearward along the first slit portion 313B of the latch slit portion 313A, and the latch engagement between the latch slit portion 313A and the latch protrusion 323A is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the leg frame body 302 is rotated around the leg rotation axis A2, and the leg frame body 302 is brought close to the continuous frame portion 12. As the leg frame body 302 is rotated around the leg rotation axis A2, the latch protrusion 323A moves upward along the second slit portion 313C of the latch slit portion 313A. In this way, the play yard 300 is further folded into the second folded state.

[0058] As described above, the play yard 300 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the play yard according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration of the embodiment described here is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, in the following drawings, the same components as those in the above-described drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0060] In the play yard 400 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13(a), similar to the second embodiment, the structure of the rotating connector 401 and the leg frame body 402 differs from the structure of the rotating connector 13 and the leg frame body 6 of the first embodiment. The second mounting member 411 of the pivotal connecting body 401 has a continuous frame mounting portion 412 and a leg frame mounting portion 413 that is connected downward from the continuous frame mounting portion 412 and enables the leg frame body 402 to rotate around the leg pivot axis A2.

[0061] The leg frame body 402 includes a leg frame tube body 101 and a leg latch tubular body 421 attached to the upper end of the leg frame tube body 101 . The leg latch cylinder 421 has a latch cylinder main body 422 attached to the upper end of the leg frame pipe body 101 , and a latch body (leg latch mechanism) 423 attached to the latch cylinder main body 422 . The latch cylinder body 422 is attached to the attachment plate portion 414 so as to be rotatable around the leg rotation axis A2. The latch body 423 has a lower latch portion (first latch body) 424, one end of which is rotatably attached to the latch cylinder main body 422 around the first latch rotation axis A6, and an upper latch portion (second latch body) 425, one end of which is rotatably attached to the mounting plate portion 414 around the second latch rotation axis A7.

[0062] The lower latch portion 424 is biased by a torsion spring (not shown) so as to move away from the latch cylinder main body 422 around the first latch rotation axis A6. A lower latch engagement portion (first latch engagement portion) 424A is formed on the outer portion of the lower latch portion 424 in the front-to-rear direction. This restricts the lower latch portion 424 from rotating around the first latch rotation axis A6. The other end of the upper latch portion 425 is attached to the other end of the lower latch portion 424 so as to be rotatable about a third latch rotation axis A8. Also, the other end of the upper latch portion 425 is formed with an upper latch engagement portion (second latch engagement portion) 425A that engages with the lower latch engagement portion 424A about the third latch rotation axis A8. In addition, in Figure 13(a), the angle α formed by the line connecting the first latch rotation axis A6 and the third latch rotation axis A8 and the line connecting the second latch rotation axis A7 and the third latch rotation axis A8 is less than 180°, and protrudes inward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] Next, a method of using the play yard 400 configured as above will be described. The method for folding the play yard 400 from the unfolded state to the first folded state is the same as that of the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment described above. To transition the play yard 400 from the first folded state to the second folded state, the latch body 423 is pushed toward the latch cylinder main body 422, as shown in FIG. 13(b). When the latch body 423 is pushed, the lower latch portion 424 rotates outward in the front-to-rear direction about the first latch rotation axis A6, and the upper latch portion 425 rotates outward in the front-to-rear direction about the second latch rotation axis A7. As a result, the engagement between the lower latch engagement portion 424A and the upper latch engagement portion 425A is released, and the leg frame body 402 becomes rotatable about the leg rotation axis A2. When the leg frame body 402 is rotated about the leg rotation axis A2, the upper latch portion 425 rotates about the second latch rotation axis A7, as shown in FIG. 13(c). The lower latch portion 424 follows the rotation of the upper latch portion 425, and brings the leg frame body 402 close to the continuous frame portion 12. In this way, the play yard 400 is further folded into a second folded state.

[0064] As described above, the play yard 400 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the play yard 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the lower latch engagement portion 424A and the upper latch engagement portion 425A are separately formed on outer portions of the lower latch portion 424 and the upper latch portion 425 in the front-rear direction, and the lower latch portion 424 is disengaged from the upper latch engagement portion 425A by rotating the lower latch portion 424 outward in the front-rear direction about the first latch rotation axis A6. However, the lower latch engagement portion 424A and the upper latch engagement portion 425A may be separately formed on inner portions of the lower latch portion 424 and the upper latch portion 425 in the front-rear direction, and the lower latch portion 424 may be disengaged from the upper latch engagement portion 424A and the upper latch engagement portion 425A by rotating the lower latch portion 424 inward in the front-rear direction about the first latch rotation axis A6.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the frame structure, a leg latch mechanism is provided for each leg frame body, but leg latch mechanisms may be provided for only some of the leg frames, or no leg latch mechanism may be provided. The upper frame body has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, but may have other rectangular shapes such as a square, or may have other shapes other than a rectangular shape, such as a polygonal shape such as a hexagon, a circle, or a semicircle. The foldable frame portions are connected to continuous frame portions via pivotal connections, but may also be connected to other foldable frame portions, and similarly, continuous frame portions may be connected to other continuous frame portions via pivotal connections. The number of leg frame bodies is not limited to four, as long as the frame structure can define an internal space together with the fabric structure. Other members such as a bassinet may be attached to the upper frame body. The folding mechanism may not allow the foldable frame portion to be folded inwardly of the upper frame body, but may allow it to be folded outwardly. The folding mechanism does not have to be located in the middle of the foldable frame portion. The playard in the first folded state does not have to be freestanding. The continuous frame portion may not have a curved portion, and when the upper frame body is folded, the folded foldable frame portion may not pass above or below the continuous frame portion. All of the leg frame bodies may have wheels, or none of the leg frame bodies may have wheels.

[0066] [Additional note 1] A play yard comprising a foldable frame structure defining an interior space, The frame structure is an annular upper frame body; a plurality of leg frame bodies extending downward from the upper frame body to allow the frame structure to stand on its own and connected to the upper frame body so as to be rotatable about leg rotation axes; Equipped with A play yard characterized in that the upper frame body has at least two frame portions and a pivoting connector that connects two adjacent frame portions to each other so that they can pivot around the upper frame pivot axis. [Additional note 2] The playard according to appended item 1, characterized in that the leg frame body has a leg latch mechanism that holds the leg frame body in an extended position relative to the upper frame body. [Additional note 3] The play yard described in Appendix 2 is characterized in that the leg latch mechanism has a first latch engagement portion provided on the leg frame body and a second latch engagement portion provided on the upper frame body that engages with the first latch engagement portion to restrict rotation of the leg frame body. [Additional note 4] The leg frame body has a leg frame main body and a latch slide body slidably disposed along the leg frame main body, The play yard according to claim 3, wherein the latch slide body is provided with the second latch engagement portion. [Additional note 5] The leg frame body has a leg frame main body and a latch operating body provided rotatably around a latch rotation axis relative to the leg frame main body, The play yard according to claim 3, wherein the latch operating body is provided with the first latch engaging portion. [Additional note 6] the latch operating body has an operating portion and a latch portion extending from one end of the operating portion and having the first latch engagement portion provided thereon, The operating portion and the latch portion are L-shaped, The play yard according to appended item 5, wherein the latch rotation shaft is provided at a connecting portion between the operating portion and the latch portion. [Additional note 7] the second latch engagement portion is a latch groove portion formed in the upper frame body and guiding the first latch engagement portion, The play yard described in appendix 5, characterized in that the latch groove portion has a first guide groove portion that guides the first latch engagement portion when the latch operating body rotates around the latch rotation axis, and a second guide groove portion that is connected to one end of the first guide groove portion and guides the first latch engagement portion when the leg frame body rotates around the leg rotation axis. [Additional note 8] the leg latch mechanism comprises: a first latch body rotatably provided around a first latch rotation axis with respect to the leg frame main body of the leg frame body and provided with a first latch engagement portion; and a second latch body rotatably provided around a second latch rotation axis with respect to the upper frame body and provided with a second latch engagement portion that restricts rotation of the leg frame body by engaging with the first latch engagement portion, The play yard according to appended item 2, wherein the first latch body and the second latch body are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about a third latch rotation axis. [Additional note 9] The play yard according to any one of appended items 3 to 8, wherein the leg latch mechanism has a biasing member that biases the first latch engagement portion into an engaged state with the second latch engagement portion. [Additional Note 10] The play yard described in any one of appendix items 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the frame parts is a foldable frame part that is provided with a folding mechanism that makes the frame part foldable and can be locked in the extended state of the frame part. [Additional Note 11] The play yard according to claim 10, wherein the folding mechanism allows the foldable frame portion to be folded inside the upper frame body. [Additional Note 12] The upper frame body has a rectangular ring shape in a top view, The upper frame body has four of the frame portions and four pivot connectors, Two opposing frame portions of the four frame portions are the foldable frame portions, 12. The play yard according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the leg frame body extends downward from each corner of the upper frame body. [Additional Note 13] The upper frame body has a rectangular ring shape in a top view, Of the four frame portions, two frame portions that form the long sides of the upper frame body are the foldable frame portions, The play yard described in appendix 11 or 12, characterized in that the leg frame body is connected to two of the four frame parts that form the short sides of the upper frame body. [Additional Note 14] 14. The playard according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the folding mechanism is provided in a middle portion of the foldable frame portion. [Additional Note 15] The playard according to any one of appended items 10 to 14, wherein the foldable frame portion is self-supporting when folded. [Additional Note 16] A play yard as described in any one of appendix items 10 to 15, characterized in that the frame portion adjacent to the foldable frame portion is curved to allow the folded foldable frame portion to pass through. [Additional Note 17] The play yard according to any one of appendixes 1 to 16, wherein at least one free end of the leg frame body has a wheel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0067] According to the present invention, industrial applicability is recognized for a play yard that has multiple portable forms by folding the frame structure in multiple stages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 play yard, 2 frame structure, 5 upper frame body, 6 leg frame body, 11 foldable frame portion (frame portion), 12 continuous frame portion (frame portion), 13 pivotal connection body, 22 folding mechanism, 93B latch recess (second latch engagement portion), 101 leg frame tube body (leg frame main body), 102 leg latch cylinder portion (latch slide body), 104 wheels, 113 leg latch protrusion portion (first latch engagement portion), 200 play yard, 201 pivotal connection body, 202 leg frame body, 213A latch rib portion (second latch engagement portion), 223 latch operation body, 224 operation portion, 225 latch portion (first latch engagement portion), 300 play yard, 301 pivotal connection body, 302 leg frame body, 313A latch slit portion (second latch engagement portion, latch groove portion), 313B First slit portion (first guide groove portion), 313C second slit portion (second guide groove portion), 323A latch protrusion portion (first latch engagement portion), 400 playard, 401 pivotal connection body, 402 leg frame body, 423 latch body (leg latch mechanism), 424 lower latch portion (first latch body), 424A lower latch engagement portion (first latch engagement portion), 425 upper latch portion (second latch body), 425A upper latch engagement portion (second latch engagement portion)

Claims

1. A play yard comprising a foldable frame structure defining an interior space, The frame structure is An upper frame body; a plurality of leg frame bodies extending downward from the upper frame body to allow the frame structure to stand on its own and rotatably connected to the upper frame body; Equipped with The upper frame body is at least two frame portions including a first frame portion and a second frame portion adjacent to each other, the first frame portion being foldable onto itself; a pivot connector connecting the first and second frame portions to one another, whereby the first and second frame portions pivot about an upper frame pivot axis; and and The rotary connector is a first mounting member attached to the first frame portion; a second mounting member attached to the second frame portion, the second mounting member being coupled to the first mounting member so as to rotate about the upper frame pivot axis, the second mounting member having a leg frame mounting portion extending below the second frame portion and connected to one of the leg frame bodies so as to be rotatable about the leg pivot axis; A play yard characterized by comprising:

2. 2. The playard of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member is movable together with the first frame portion relative to the second mounting member and the leg frame body connected to the second mounting member when the first frame portion is folded or unfolded.

3. 3. The play yard according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame rotation axis extends substantially vertically when the play yard is placed on a floor surface.

4. The leg frame mounting portion has two mounting plates spaced apart from each other, The playard according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the leg frame mounting portion is rotatably connected to an end of the leg frame body that is disposed between the two mounting plates.

5. The play yard of claim 4, wherein the second mounting member has a frame mounting portion to which an end of the second frame portion is attached, and the two mounting plates extend downward from the frame mounting portion.

6. 6. The play yard of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member has a curved portion that at least partially defines a corner of the upper frame body.

7. The second mounting member is provided with a mounting recess, 7. The play yard according to claim 1, wherein the second mounting member is rotatably connected to an end of the first mounting member that is received in the mounting recess.

8. 8. The playard of claim 1, wherein the leg frame body connected to the second mounting member includes a leg latch mechanism operable to hold the leg frame body in its deployed position relative to the upper frame body.

9. The playard described in claim 8, characterized in that the leg latch mechanism has a first latch engagement portion provided on the leg frame body and a second latch engagement portion provided on the second mounting member, and the second latch engagement portion prevents the leg frame body from rotating by engaging the second latch engagement portion with the first latch engagement portion.

10. The leg frame body has a leg frame main body and a latch slide body that is slidable along the leg frame main body, The play yard according to claim 9, wherein the latch slide body is provided with the first latch engagement portion.

11. The leg frame body has a leg frame main body and a latch operating body that is provided on the leg frame main body and is rotatable around a latch rotation axis, The play yard according to claim 9, wherein the latch operating body is provided with the first latch engaging portion.

12. the latch operating body has an operating portion and a latch portion extending from one end of the operating portion and having the first latch engagement portion provided thereon, The operating portion and the latch portion are L-shaped, The play yard according to claim 11, wherein the latch rotation shaft is provided at a connecting portion between the operating portion and the latch portion.

13. the second latch engagement portion is a latch groove portion formed in the second mounting member and guiding the first latch engagement portion, The playard described in claim 11, characterized in that the latch groove portion has a first guide groove portion that guides the first latch engagement portion when the latch operating body rotates around the latch rotation axis, and a second guide groove portion that is connected to one end of the first guide groove portion and guides the first latch engagement portion when the leg frame body rotates around the leg rotation axis.

14. the leg latch mechanism comprises: a first latch body rotatably provided on the leg frame main body of the leg frame body around a first latch rotation axis and provided with a first latch engagement portion; and a second latch body rotatably provided on the second mounting member around a second latch rotation axis and provided with a second latch engagement portion that restricts rotation of the leg frame body by engaging with the first latch engagement portion, 9. The play yard according to claim 8, wherein the first latch body and the second latch body are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about a third latch rotation axis.

15. 15. The playard according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the leg latch mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the first latch engagement portion into engagement with the second latch engagement portion.

16. 16. The playard of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second frame portion defines a non-collapsible frame portion of the upper frame body.

17. The first frame portion is provided with a folding mechanism, 17. The playard of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the folding mechanism is capable of folding the first frame portion and locking the frame portion in an extended configuration.

18. 18. The playard of claim 17, wherein the folding mechanism allows the first frame portion to fold inwardly into the upper frame body.

19. The play yard according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein when the play yard is stood on a floor surface, the second frame portion is positioned higher than the first frame portion.

20. A play yard comprising a foldable frame structure defining an interior space, The frame structure is An upper frame body; a leg frame body rotatably connected to the upper frame body; Equipped with The upper frame body is a first frame portion and a second frame portion disposed adjacent to one another, the first frame portion being foldable onto itself and the second frame portion having an upper frame tube; a pivotal connection connecting the first and second frame portions to one another, whereby the first and second frame portions are pivotable relative to one another; and The rotary connector is a first mounting member attached to the first frame portion; a second mounting member attached to the upper frame tube of the second frame portion, the second mounting member pivotally coupled to the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a leg frame mounting portion extending below the upper frame tube of the second frame portion and pivotally connected to the leg frame; Equipped with The leg frame mounting portion is A play yard comprising two mounting plates spaced apart from one another and at least partially defining a cavity below the upper frame tube of the second frame portion, wherein ends of the leg frame body are movable inside the cavity between the two mounting plates when the leg frame body rotates relative to the second mounting member.

21. the second mounting member has a frame mounting portion to which an end of the upper frame tube of the second frame portion is attached, 21. The playard of claim 20, wherein two of the mounting plates extend downwardly from the frame mounting portion.

22. the second mounting member is pivotally connected to the first mounting member, thereby pivoting about an upper frame pivot axis; 22. The play yard according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the upper frame pivot axis extends substantially vertically when the play yard is standing on a floor surface.

23. the first frame portion has two frame tubes and a folding mechanism connecting the ends of the two frame tubes; The folding mechanism The housing and two pipe mounting members respectively attached to the two frame pipes and rotatably connected to the housing; 23. The playard of any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a latch member movable relative to the housing and the two tube mounting members, the latch member operable to prevent movement of the two tube mounting members to lock the first frame portion in an unfolded state.

24. 24. The play yard of claim 23, wherein the latch member is vertically movable when the play yard is standing on a floor surface.

25. 25. The playard according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the two pipe attachment members are separately connected to the housing so as to be rotatable about two folding rotation axes.

26. the latch member has a latch portion disposed in the gap between the two folding pivot shafts, The two tube mounting members each have two latch protrusions, 26. The play yard of claim 25, wherein the latch portion is engaged with two of the latch protrusions to lock the first frame portion in the unfolded state.

27. 27. The playard of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the first mounting member has a curved portion that at least partially defines a corner of the upper frame body.

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