Topper accessories for playards

Abstract

The frame for the foldable play yard includes leg support assemblies rotatably connected to a plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies. The support assemblies include corner portions. The corner portions include topper mounting sockets, and the frame assemblies include topper supports. The topper mounting sockets and topper supports provide multiple locations along the upper periphery of the frame to attach and support the toppers. The frame supports a topper that provides a changing table and organizer. The table or organizer can be rotated to provide caregivers with storage space and the ability to unfold / store the changing table with the topper installed. In another example, the frame supports a freestanding and collapsible bassinet topper via a bassinet accessory. The topper provides a support platform without additional structural support from the frame or bassinet accessory.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,966, entitled "FREE STANDING PORTABLE BASSINET," filed May 8, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 022,009, entitled "FREE STANDING PORTABLE BASSINET," filed May 8, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,950, entitled "X-FRAME PLAYARD WITH TOPPERS," filed May 8, 2020. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A play yard (also referred to herein as a "playpen" or "game bed") is a framed enclosure that provides a safe and comfortable space for young children (e.g., infants, toddlers) to sleep and play with little or no supervision from a caregiver. Play yards typically include a support structure (e.g., a frame) that outlines the interior space of the play yard. Play yards also include soft padding (also referred to herein as "soft goods") that is placed within the interior space and provides a partially enclosed, cushioned space for accommodating a child. Play yards are typically foldable and / or collapsible for improved portability. For example, a caregiver can fold the play yard for storage and / or transportation and unfold the play yard for use. Various types of play yards have been manufactured and commercialized over the years, with designs that have evolved in part depending on whether the play yard is used primarily in outdoor or indoor environments.

[0003] FIG. 1A shows an example of a conventional outdoor play yard 10a in an extended configuration. As shown, the play yard 10a includes a frame 46 with multiple X-frame assemblies 20a that outline the interior space 11. Each X-frame assembly 20a includes X-frame tubes 22a and 22b that form a crisscross pattern. In this example, the X-frame assemblies 20a are pivot-only X-frame assemblies; the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b are only rotatably connected to each other and to the other X-frame tubes such that the frame 46 is collapsible. As shown in the exploded view inset in FIG. 1A, the play yard 10a is provided with latches 16 that attach to the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b and lock the X-frame assemblies 20a in place when extended. Soft goods 12 are attached to the X-frame assembly 20a and disposed along the sides and floor of the interior space 11 to provide a partially enclosed space 13 for a child that is shaped and / or sized to be similar to or smaller than the interior space 11 of the frame 46. As shown, the soft goods 12 include webbing 14 along the top edge of the partially enclosed space 13, which acts as an upper rail and increases the mechanical rigidity and stability of the play yard 10a when the play yard 10a is unfolded. FIG. 1A also shows that the play yard 10a includes a canopy cover 40 that is disposed above the partially enclosed space 13 and attached to the X-frame assembly 20a to provide shade for the child.

[0004] 1B shows another example of a conventional outdoor play yard 10b. As shown, the play yard 10b includes a frame 46 with a plurality of pivotable and slidable X-frame assemblies 20b connected to adjacent leg support assemblies 24. Each leg support assembly 24 includes a leg tube 25, a corner portion at the top of the leg tube 25 (hidden under the soft goods 12), and a slider 26a or 26b that slides along the leg tube 25. Each X-frame assembly 20a The X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b are connected to the respective sliders 26a and / or 26b and corners of the leg support assembly 24. Thus, when the play yard 10b is folded or extended, the X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b are both rotated and displaced along the leg tubes 25 via the sliders 26a and / or 26b. Compared to the pivot-only X-shaped frame assembly 20a of the play yard 10a, the pivotable and slidable X-shaped frame assembly 20b of the play yard 10b allows the play yard 10b to fold more compactly and therefore occupy less space in the folded configuration. Additionally, the pivotable and slidable X-shaped frame assembly 20b allows the frame 46 to provide a larger interior space 11, and therefore a larger partially enclosed space 13 for a child when the play yard 10b is in the extended configuration.

[0005] As before, soft goods 12 can be attached to leg support assembly 24 and / or X-frame assembly 20b. Play yard 10b also includes a pair of latches 16a and 16b that are attached to sliders 26b on leg support assemblies 24 disposed on opposite sides of play yard 10b. As shown in the inset of FIG. 1B, slider 26b differs from slider 26a by including features for locking latches 16a and 16b. Play yard 10b also includes canopy covers 40 that are disposed over partially enclosed space 13 and attached to corners of leg support assemblies 24.

[0006] FIG. 1C shows an example of a conventional indoor play yard 10c. As shown, the play yard 10c includes a frame 46 formed from a plurality of legs 30 and a rigid top rail 32, providing a rigid frame for supporting the soft goods 12. The frame 46 also includes a bottom support structure 34, which suspends the floor of the partially enclosed space 13 defined by the soft goods 12 above the ground. Compared to the outdoor play yard 10a and 10b, the indoor play yard 10c does not include an X-frame assembly to facilitate folding and / or extending. Instead, the top rail 32 is connected to a hinge 36, which allows the play yard 10c to be collapsed into a smaller configuration, as shown in FIG. 1D. Additionally, the bottom support structure 34 is also foldable. Thus, to fold the play yard 10c, the caregiver must first remove some of the soft goods 12, pull up the bottom hub to fold the bottom support structure 34 (step "A" in FIG. 1D), and then unlock and fold the top rails 32 (step "B" in FIG. 1D). The caregiver must perform these steps in reverse to set up the play yard 10c.

[0007] FIG. 1C also shows that the play yard 10c includes a bassinet accessory 60 that is disposed within the partially enclosed space 13 and provides an elevated surface above the ground to support a child. The elevated surface can reduce the physical strain experienced by a caregiver when placing their child in and / or retrieving their child from the play yard 10c by providing a more accessible and easier-to-reach space compared to the bottom of the play yard 10c. The elevated surface of the bassinet accessory 60 also allows the caregiver to more easily monitor their child. Conventional bassinet accessories are typically configured to support infants and / or children weighing less than 15 pounds. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The inventors have recognized and appreciated that a collapsible play yard provides caregivers with a convenient and safe space for their child to play and / or sleep once the play yard is set up, which alleviates the caregiver from having to continuously monitor their child. However, the inventors have also recognized that in some cases, traditional play yards can be cumbersome to set up and / or store, due in part to the complex mechanisms for folding, extending, latching, and / or unlatching the play yard (and the correspondingly lengthy procedures that the caregiver must perform while generally caring for their child). The complexity of traditional play yards also results in a bulkier product, which is more difficult to handle and more expensive for the caregiver to manufacture and for the consumer to purchase.

[0009] First, the inventors observed that conventional play yards typically include various support structures in addition to their frames to provide more rigid boundaries that outline the interior space in order to better accommodate a child and / or increase the mechanical rigidity and stability of the frame. In many cases, one or more additional support structures are added to the frame of a conventional play yard to ensure that the play yard meets various consumer safety standards related to the mechanical properties of the frame (e.g., American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F406-19, entitled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs / Play Yards").

[0010] 1A and 1B, as mentioned above, the frame 46 of each of the play yards 10a and 10b includes X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b for facilitating folding and / or extending the frame 46. When extended, the X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b are disposed along respective sides of the frame 46, thus providing a mechanically rigid and stable structure.

[0011] However, FIG. 1A shows that the X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b of the X-shaped frame assembly 20a in the play yard 10a splay out to the sides of the frame 46 when extended. This results in an upper portion 47 of the interior space 11 above the X-shaped frame assembly 20a that is not mechanically supported by the frame 46. If flexible, pliable soft goods 12 were placed on the frame 46, as shown in FIG. 1A, a child could potentially escape from the play yard 10a through the upper portion 47 by folding and / or crushing the soft goods. In view of the foregoing, as an additional support structure, the soft goods 12 include integrated webbing 14 that is pulled taut when the frame 46 is extended, allowing the webbing 14 to mechanically function as an upper rail. In this manner, the webbing 14 provides a more rigid boundary spanning the upper portion 47 of the interior space 11, supporting soft goods and better keeping children within the playard 10a.

[0012] 1B illustrates that the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b of the X-frame assembly 20b in the play yard 10b do not mechanically support the upper portion 47 of the interior space 11 above the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b when extended. Thus, like the play yard 10a, the play yard 10b includes webbing 14, which is directly connected to the leg support assemblies 24 as additional support structure. When the frame 46 of the play yard 10b is extended, the webbing 14 is again pulled taut, forming an upper rail and thereby providing a more rigid boundary spanning the upper portion 47 of the interior space. It should be recognized that without the webbing 14, the play yards 10a and 10b may not comply with various consumer safety standards, such as ASTM F406-19.

[0013] As described above in connection with FIG. 1C , the play yard 10c includes rigid top rails 32 that connect to adjacent legs 30. Thus, the frame 46 of the play yard 10c provides a mechanical support structure spanning the top and side boundaries of the interior space 11. However, frames with only vertical or near-vertical legs and top rails are often prone to mechanical instability. For example, the frame may tilt to one side due to a lack of mechanical restraint at the bottom portions of the legs and / or due to backlash or slop between the joints connecting the rails and legs together. This mechanical instability may be exacerbated if the legs and rails are configured to move relative to one another, for example, to facilitate folding the play yard. Given this mechanical instability, to reinforce the frame 46, the play yard 10c includes additional bottom support structures 34 that connect the legs 30 positioned at opposite corners of the frame 46.

[0014] The various support structures added to conventional play yards as discussed above, and the various modifications made to the play yards to accommodate these support structures, increase the complexity, parts count, and cost of these play yards.

[0015] For example, the webbing 14 for the play yard 10a and 10b would need to be sewn directly into the soft goods 12 or X-frame assemblies 20a and 20b, and / or the leg support assembly 24 would need to incorporate additional structural features to attach directly to the soft webbing 14, both of which increase design complexity and result in higher manufacturing costs. 32and bottom support structure 34 must include additional mechanisms (e.g., hinges 36, hinges connecting various members of bottom support structure 34) to facilitate retracting and collapsing play yard 10c, which increases the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. As shown in FIG. 1D , these additional mechanisms also make it more difficult for caregivers to set up and retract play yard 10c by adding additional steps (e.g., steps "A" and "B"). In particular, play yard 10c is particularly difficult to extend because it has a tendency to tip over and / or partially collapse when partially extended.

[0016] The inventors also recognized that conventional play yards often include frames with folding mechanisms that are tailored to improve the ease with which the frame can be folded and / or extended, at the expense of creating potential new safety hazards for children.

[0017] For example, play yards 10a and 10b include X-frame assemblies 20a and 20b, respectively, which make it fairly easy for caregivers to fold and / or extend the respective frames 46. However, the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b and / or leg tubes 25 form V-shaped and / or diamond-shaped openings that can change in shape and / or size as the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b and leg tubes 25 move relative to one another, thus creating a pinching, shearing, and / or entrapment hazard that may result in entrapment of a child's neck.

[0018] Conventional play yards with X-frame assemblies typically address potential entrapment hazards using two approaches, depending in part on whether the frame is collapsed or extended. In the extended configuration, the openings in the frame can be large enough to allow a child to insert their head through one of the frame openings. To reduce the risk of neck entrapment, the openings formed by the frame's rigid components can be positioned toward the top of the play yard, making the openings less accessible to children. Additionally, the rigid components can be positioned to provide sufficient clearance to also reduce the likelihood of a child's neck becoming pinched. For example, the bottom portions of each of the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b in play yard 10b can form V-shaped openings with leg tubes 25. When frame 46 is extended, X-frame tubes 22a and 22b are disposed in the upper half of frame 46 and oriented relative to leg tubes 25 to form a relatively wide V-shaped opening.

[0019] In the folded configuration, the opening in the frame may be positioned lower toward the ground due to displacement of the frame's rigid components. However, the opening is typically reduced in size to such an extent that a child cannot insert their head through the opening in the frame, which reduces the risk of neck entrapment. Returning to the example of the V-shaped opening formed between leg tube 25 and each of X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b in play yard 10b, the width of the V-shaped opening can be significantly smaller than the average size of a child's head when frame 46 is folded, thus preventing a child from inserting their head through the opening in frame 46.

[0020] While these two approaches are effective in reducing the risk of neck entrapment, the inventors recognized that conventional play yard frames typically benefit from these two approaches only when the frame is fully collapsed or fully extended. In other words, the risk of neck entrapment can still exist when the play yard is transitioning from an extended configuration to a collapsed configuration (or vice versa). This can occur when a child playing outside the play yard has access to the play yard frame in a partially collapsed or partially extended state. This can also occur when a child is housed inside the play yard, where the child could accidentally unlock and collapse the frame from within the play yard. For example, a child could insert their head through the V-shaped opening in the play yard 10b when the frame is in or near the extended configuration. If the frame were subsequently folded, the size of the V-shaped opening would decrease, which could result in the child's neck becoming pinched between the leg tube 25 and the X-shaped frame tube 22a or 22b.

[0021] 1H and 1I show another conventional play yard 10d with a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly 20b in a partially folded state (i.e., not fully extended for use or fully folded for storage). Similar to play yard 10b, frame 46 of play yard 10d includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies 20b, each including X-frame tubes 22a and 22b, and a plurality of leg support assemblies 24, each including leg tubes 25, corners (hidden beneath soft goods 12), and sliders 26a or 26b. Play yard 10d also includes a pair of latches disposed on opposite sides of frame 46 and partially integrated into slider 26b.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1H, sliders 26a and 26b move downward along respective leg tubes 25 when play yard 10d is folded, causing X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b to rotate. FIG. 1I shows that when play yard 10d is folded, the gap between one X-shaped frame tube 22b and one leg tube 25 decreases to such an extent that probe 70, initially inserted between X-shaped frame tube 22b and leg tube 25, becomes clamped between X-shaped frame tube 22b and leg tube 25. For reference, probe 70 is used to evaluate head and neck clearance in accordance with various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19 and / or F1004-09). Specifically, probe 70 is 1.5 inches (W) x 1.5 inches (H) x 3.0 inches (H). inches (L) The axial length of the slit is shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped having dimensions:

[0023] The risk of entrapment posed by the X-frame assemblies 20a and 20b can be exacerbated by the manner in which the play yard is folded. For example, play yard 10a folds when a downward force is applied to X-frame tubes 22a and 22b. Similarly, play yard 10b and 10d fold when a downward force is applied to X-frame tubes 22a and 22b or sliders 26a and 26b. If play yard 10a, 10b, and 10d are left in a partially folded state, the weight of a child's head may be sufficient to collapse the play yard, which may result in entrapment. The risk of entrapment can be further increased when soft goods 12 are partially or completely removed, for example, when washing the soft goods 12, because children may have greater access to openings and / or gaps between the rigid components of frame 46.

[0024] The inventors have further recognized that the folding mechanisms implemented in conventional play yards can also have detrimental effects on other aspects related to the practical use of the play yard.

[0025] For example, both X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b extend over a significant portion (if not all) of the sides of their respective frames 46 as described above, which may interfere with the visibility of the child within the partially enclosed space 13, thereby impeding or obstructing the caregiver's ability to easily see the child within the play yard.

[0026] More specifically, referring again to FIG. 1A, the soft goods in the play yard 10a 12 includes see-through portions along the sides of the partially enclosed space 13, which are intended to allow the caregiver to see their child. However, the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b in the pivot-only X-frame assembly 20a extend across the entire sides of the partially enclosed space 13, thus preventing the soft goods 12 1B shows that the pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly 20b does not extend all the way around the sides of the partially enclosed space 13. However, FIG. 1B shows that the X-frame assembly 20b and the soft goods 12 instead covers approximately the upper half of the partially enclosed space 13, thus limiting the area that can be seen within the partially enclosed space 13.

[0027] In another example, the frame 46 of the play yard 10c allows the caregiver to easily see into the partially enclosed space 13, at the expense of using a more complex folding / extending mechanism as described above. Also, indoor play yards are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the indoor environment (e.g., the indoor play yard should match other indoor furniture), which can often lead to compromises in other areas, such as usability. For example, X-frame assemblies are often used only for outdoor play yards because the appearance of the X-frame tubes does not match most indoor furniture.

[0028] The inventors have further observed that conventional play yard frames often include complex latches that are expensive to manufacture and difficult for consumers to use. For example, conventional play yard frames utilizing a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly (such as play yard 10b or 10d shown in FIGS. 1B, 1H, and 1I) often include multiple latches disposed on opposite sides of the play yard to prevent any one side of the play yard frame from sagging downward when locked in an extended configuration. In particular, as mentioned above, FIG. 1B shows that play yard 10b includes a pair of latches 16a and 16b disposed on opposite sides of play yard 10b. To lock or unlock play yard 10b, a caregiver must manually actuate each latch 16, one at a time, on different sides of the play yard, which is inconvenient and tedious. 1C includes a separate latch for each hinge 36. As explained above, a caregiver must first lock each latch for each hinge 36 before extending the bottom support structure 34 (during which the play yard 10c may tip over and / or partially collapse if not properly held by the caregiver).

[0029] Including multiple latches increases the number of parts and therefore increases manufacturing costs. This drawback can be exacerbated depending on the installation and complexity of a given latch. For example, latches 16a and 16b in play yard 10b are attached to sliders on leg support assembly 24. As a result, play yard 10b must include different types of sliders—i.e., slider 26b that forms part of latches 16a and 16b, and a different slider 26a for the remainder of leg support assembly 24. This play yard design therefore increases the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0030] Additionally, the inventors have observed that conventional play yards typically do not include a latch for locking the play yard in a folded configuration, which may increase the risk of a child being exposed to the play yard in a partially extended or folded state. For example, if a child is left alone with play yards 10a, 10b, and 10d, the child may pull on X-shaped frame tubes 22a and 22b, or, in the case of play yards 10b and 10d, on leg tubes 25 or sliders 26a and 26b, in a manner that causes frame 46 to extend and / or collapse. Thus, an entrapment hazard may be created if a child extends the play yard to such an extent that the child can insert their head through the opening in frame 46.

[0031] The inventors have also observed that conventional play yards also include a variety of accessories to enhance the functionality of the play yard and / or the environment for the child.

[0032] 1J shows another conventional indoor play yard 10e that supports multiple toppers 80 (also referred to herein as "accessory items"), such as a bassinet topper 80a for supporting a sleeping infant, a changing table 80b for supporting a child during diaper changes, and an organizer 80c for storing various care items (e.g., diapers, baby powder). However, the inventors have recognized and appreciated that conventional play yards with toppers typically include a rigid top rail (e.g., top rail 32 in play yard 10c) for supporting the topper. The inventors have further recognized that conventional play yards that do not have a rigid top rail (e.g., play yard 10b with X-frame assembly 20b) are generally unable to support a topper due (in part) to the lack of a rigid support structure along the top perimeter of the play yard frame.

[0033] For example, play yard 10e, like play yard 10c, includes a frame 46 with multiple legs 30, a bottom support structure 34, and a rigid top rail 32 with respective hinges 36. The frame 46 may be further covered by soft goods 12. As shown, the top rail 32 extends around the top periphery of the frame 46. Toppers 80a and 80b include locking mechanisms 82a and 82b, respectively, that are attached directly to the top rail 32 so that the toppers 80a and 80b can be placed over the soft goods 12 that cover the top rail 32. FIG. 1J also shows that organizer 80c includes a pair of hooks 84 that depend directly from the top rail 32. Thus, the top rail 32 in play yard 10e provides mechanical support for toppers 80a, 80b, and 80c.

[0034] The inventors also recognized that conventional toppers, when installed on a play yard, are typically static fixtures (e.g., the topper's position and / or placement cannot be changed after installation). While static toppers may be suitable for a variety of uses, they may also pose new challenges for caregivers. First, a caregiver may have to install and remove the topper each time it is used. For example, the changing table 80b in the play yard 10e may be used several times throughout the day, requiring the caregiver to install the changing table 80b each time it is used. The caregiver must then remove the changing table 80b before returning the child to the play yard. Second, the storage space provided by conventional toppers (e.g., organizer 80c) is typically proportional to the lateral dimension of the topper. This is because the storage space is generally accessible from only one side (e.g., the top side). In other words, there is a trade-off in that an increase in storage space may result in an undesirable increase in the overall length of the play yard (which may cause the play yard to occupy more space in the caregiver's home). Third, when the topper is installed, a gap may form between the topper and the play yard frame. The gap may pose an entrapment hazard to a child, particularly if the play yard and / or topper are not used properly (e.g., if the play yard and / or topper are left near or in the play yard with the child having access to the topper).

[0035] The inventors have also recognized and appreciated that it is desirable for some toppers (such as, for example, bassinet toppers) to be usable with a play yard or as a freestanding device (e.g., a bassinet topper that rests on the ground to support a child), and / or be foldable for improved portability. However, the inventors have recognized that conventional toppers that provide these features are often complex in their construction, resulting in higher manufacturing costs and greater difficulty for caregivers to set up and / or take down (e.g., a caregiver must operate several components and / or perform several parts must be assembled).

[0036] 1C includes a bassinet accessory 60 to provide an elevated surface above the ground to support a child during the first few months of life. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the bassinet accessory provides a caregiver with a more convenient and accessible platform for placing their child into and / or retrieving their child from the play yard compared to the interior space of the play yard (i.e., when the play yard 10c does not include the bassinet accessory 60). The inventors have also recognized that a removable bassinet accessory effectively extends the lifetime use of the foldable play yard from birth until the child is typically able to grow out of the play yard or weighs more than 30 pounds. However, the inventors have also recognized that conventional bassinet accessories for play yards often require a compromise between accessibility of the elevated surface (e.g., how far a caregiver must reach into the play yard to place their child inside the bassinet accessory), ease of use (e.g., procedures for folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory and foldable play yard), and, particularly, the overall size of the foldable play yard and bassinet accessory when folded.

[0037] Bassinet accessories typically include a support structure to provide a flat surface for a child to sleep on in order to meet various compliance standards (e.g., ASTM F2194, entitled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles"). For many conventional bassinet accessories, the support structure is a rigid structure that is not foldable (or non-foldable) with the play yard frame. Therefore, the bassinet accessory must be removed before folding the play yard and / or installed when the play yard is extended, which adds an additional step for the caregiver to set up and / or take down the play yard. Additionally, removing the bassinet accessory requires the caregiver to provide extra space to store and / or transport the foldable play yard and bassinet accessory as separate items and may also increase the likelihood that the caregiver will forget or lose the bassinet accessory, especially when transporting the play yard from one location to another.

[0038] Bassinet accessories that fold and extend with the play yard frame have previously been demonstrated to partially address the limitations associated with the rigid bassinet accessories described above. However, the inventors have recognized that conventional foldable bassinet accessories often achieve collapsibility with the play yard by compromising other aspects of the bassinet accessory.

[0039] For example, the bassinet accessory 60 provides the play yard 10c with a relatively shallow, elevated space for supporting a child (e.g., the top surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c by a distance of approximately 10 inches or less). This is achieved in part by utilizing a more complex folding mechanism that requires the user to assemble and disassemble portions of the bassinet accessory 60 to facilitate extension and folding. For example, FIG. 1E shows that the bassinet accessory 60 for the play yard 10c includes a bassinet soft goods 62 and two support tube assemblies 64 that form a support structure for supporting the mattress. As shown, each support tube assembly 64 includes support tubes 64a, 64b, and 64c that are attached to the bottom portion of the bassinet soft goods 62.

[0040] To set up the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver must manually connect support tube 64a to support tube 64b and support tube 64c to support tube 64b to form a rigid support tube assembly 64 that spans the length of the bassinet accessory 60. To remove the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver must manually disconnect support tubes 64a-64c from one another. These additional steps not only make the bassinet accessory 60 more difficult to fold and / or extend, but can also increase the likelihood of lost parts (e.g., the caregiver misplacing one of the support tubes separately from the mattress) and / or improper setup (particularly if the caregiver does not properly connect the support tubes 64a-64c together).

[0041] In some conventional foldable bassinet accessories, simpler folding mechanisms (e.g., mechanisms that do not require assembly of two or more components for deployment or disassembly for storage) have been used to simplify setup and / or takedown. However, these simpler folding mechanisms often result in either an increase in the overall size of the play yard in the folded configuration (e.g., a portion of the bassinet accessory extends significantly beyond the confines of the play yard when folded) or a relatively deep bassinet accessory (e.g., the upper surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c by a distance significantly greater than 10 inches) to ensure that the folding mechanism remains within the confines of the folded play yard. In the latter case, a deeper bassinet accessory results in the caregiver having to bend further to place and / or remove their child from the bassinet accessory, which results in greater physical strain.

[0042] 1A and 1B both include a canopy cover 40 for providing shade to a child when the play yard is deployed in an outdoor environment. However, the inventors have recognized and appreciated that in some cases, various accessories (and in particular canopy covers) are often prone to misuse and premature removal from the play yard and / or may compromise the safety of a child.

[0043] Typically, conventional canopy covers are supported by a separate canopy cover frame that attaches directly over the upper portion (e.g., corner portion) of the play yard (which is already covered by soft goods). The presence of soft goods can make it difficult for caregivers to determine the proper location on the play yard where the canopy cover should be attached, which can often result in incorrect canopy cover installation. Additionally, conventional canopy covers are often not securely attached to the play yard, due in part to the layering of multiple fabric layers in the soft goods. As a result, conventional canopy covers for outdoor play yards are often prone to premature removal due to, for example, gusts of wind.

[0044] Additionally, conventional canopy covers are susceptible to removal by a child positioned within the partially enclosed space of the play yard. For example, FIG. 1F shows the play yard 10a of FIG. 1A with the canopy cover 40 being pulled away from the corner 28 by a child inside the play yard. As shown, a canopy bow 44 supports the canopy cover 40 above the play yard 10a. The canopy bow 44 is attached to canopy clips 42, which should be attached to the corner 28 covered by the soft goods 12. However, the combination of the canopy clips 42 not being securely attached to the corner 28 and the child's accessibility to the canopy clips 42 can lead to the child's removal of the canopy cover 40, as shown in FIG. 1F. FIG. 1G shows another example in which a child can pull the canopy cover 40 further into the partially enclosed space 13 of the play yard 10a by pulling on the canopy bow 44 and / or canopy clip 42.

[0045] In light of the inventors' foregoing observations, the present disclosure is therefore directed to various inventive implementations of foldable play ards that are easier to operate (e.g., fold, extend, latch, and / or unlatch) compared to conventional play ards, are structurally simpler with fewer parts to manufacture, provide desired clearances between rigid components of the play ard, and yet remain sufficiently structurally stable and rigid to readily comply with various consumer safety standards (e.g., the above-referenced ASTM F406-19). The present disclosure is also directed to various inventive implementations of accessories (e.g., toppers, bassinet accessories, and / or canopy covers, etc.) that are easier to install and / or remove from the play ard frame, are structurally simpler with fewer parts to manufacture, and in some cases are reconfigurable and / or collapsible to provide additional functionality to the play ard, while remaining mechanically stable and rigid, particularly when mounted on the play ard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0046] In various implementations of the present invention, the collapsible play yard can generally include a frame that defines an interior space when extended, and soft goods attached to the frame and partially disposed within the interior space to define a partially enclosed space for a child. In some implementations, the collapsible play yard includes an improved canopy cover assembly for covering the partially enclosed space (e.g., when the play yard is deployed in an outdoor environment).

[0047] In one example of a frame for a foldable play yard according to the present disclosure, the frame can be a closed frame, including a plurality of leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies, arranged such that each leg support assembly is disposed along a side edge of the interior space and the X-frame assemblies are disposed between adjacent leg support assemblies along the sides of the interior space. The leg support assemblies enable the foldable play yard to stand on the ground, and the X-frame assemblies provide structural support for the leg support assemblies and a mechanism for facilitating folding and / or extending the play yard. In some implementations, the leg support assemblies and the X-frame assemblies can define an interior space, the interior space having a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground that is polygonal in shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal).

[0048] Each leg support assembly of the foldable play yard frame can include a leg tube, a corner portion attached to the upper end of the leg tube, a foot portion attached to the bottom end of the leg tube, and a slider that slides between the corner portion and the foot portion. The upper and bottom ends of the leg tube can be aligned with the upper and bottom apexes of the interior space, respectively. Each X-frame assembly can include at least one pair of X-frame tubes (also referred to as "X-tubes"), each X-frame tube rotatably coupled to at least another X-frame tube, a corner portion, and / or a slider. By coupling at least one of the X-frame tubes to a slider, the X-frame assembly becomes a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly, in which the X-frame tubes are displaced rotationally and translationally when the play yard is folded and / or extended. In this manner, the combination of the X-frame assembly and leg support assembly allows the play yard to be folded into a smaller configuration that occupies less volume and / or extended to provide a larger interior space (and thus a larger partially enclosed space for a child) compared to conventional play yards.

[0049] In one embodiment, the X-frame assemblies of the foldable play yard frame can be positioned sufficiently close to the upper portion of the interior space when the play yard is unfolded in its extended configuration so that each X-frame assembly effectively functions as a rigid upper rail that mechanically connects adjacent leg support assemblies in the frame. In other words, each X-frame tube of each X-frame assembly forms an upper perimeter structure that spans the top of the play yard frame and thus outlines the upper opening of the interior space. For example, each pair of X-frame tubes in each X-frame assembly can form an X-frame structure that is sufficiently shallow so that the X-frame tubes are mechanically similar to the rigid upper rails in previous play yards (e.g., upper rail 32 in play yard 10c).

[0050] Unlike previous play yards, however, the frame of the foldable play yard disclosed herein is sufficiently rigid and stable, relying solely on the X-frame assembly that connects the leg support assemblies together. In other words, in exemplary implementations, the frame of the foldable play yard disclosed herein does not include a separate top rail (e.g., the webbing 14 of the play yards 10a and 10b shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or the top rail 32 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C) or bottom support structure (e.g., the bottom structure 34 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C). Thus, the innovative frame described herein uses fewer parts, resulting in a more sophisticated play yard with sound mechanical stability.

[0051] In one aspect, the foldable play yard frames disclosed in various examples herein achieve mechanical stability using fewer parts by reducing the length of the leg tubes compared to conventional play yards to make the frame less susceptible to tipping and / or rotation (e.g., the resulting torque applied to the frame for a given force is reduced due to a shorter moment arm).As described in more detail below, in some implementations, the length of the leg tubes can be sized based on the portion of the foot and corner sections that overlap with the leg tubes and the distance the sliders travel to fully collapse and / or extend the frame.

[0052] In another embodiment, the collapsible play yard frame can provide clearance in accordance with various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19 and / or F1004-09). For example, each X-shaped frame tube can be separated from the leg tubes by a gap of 1.5 inches or more, which corresponds to the width of a partially delimited opening (e.g., a V-shaped opening, a diamond-shaped opening) below which the risk of neck entrapment is considered unacceptable, as described in ASTM F406-19 and ASTM F1004-09. A partially delimited opening is considered to be an opening large enough to fit a child's head in at least one configuration of the collapsible play yard (e.g., an extended configuration). In another example, each pair of X-shaped frame tubes can be laterally offset from each other by a distance small enough to prevent a child from inserting their head laterally between the X-shaped frame tubes. For example, each pair of X-shaped frame tubes can be laterally offset by a gap of less than 1.5 inches.

[0053] In some implementations, the frame can be structurally designed to maintain a desired clearance when the foldable playard is in an unfolded, extended configuration, when it is in a compact, folded configuration, and when it is between the extended and folded configurations (e.g., while the foldable playard is folded or extended). In some implementations, the frame can include various safety features (e.g., mechanical stops, etc.) to reduce the likelihood of (or, in some cases, prevent) the clearance from falling outside the desired range. For example, Valco snap buttons disposed on the leg tubes below the slider in the extended configuration can act as a mechanical stop to prevent the frame from accidentally collapsing to an extent that the desired gap between the X-shaped frame tubes and the leg tubes falls below the desired range.

[0054] For example, each leg support assembly may be coupled to an X-frame assembly such that no portion of the X-frame tube is separated from the leg tube by a gap of less than 1.5 inches. This may be achieved in part by utilizing sliders and corners with arms (also referred to herein as "extensions") that extend along the sides of the interior space and rotatably couple to each X-frame tube of the X-frame assembly. Each arm of each slider and corner may be shaped and / or dimensioned to position the X-frame tube at a predetermined set distance from the leg tube, regardless of the slider's position along the leg tube. For example, each arm of each slider may have a length of 1.5 inches or greater. sr(defined as the distance from the base of the slider to the pin joint where the X-frame tube is connected to the slider). In other words, the portion of the X-frame tube connected to the arm of the slider (which is located closest to the leg tube and therefore forms the narrowest part of the V-shaped opening) can be separated from the leg tube by a distance of 1.5 inches or more. Also, each arm of each corner can have a length l cr (defined as the distance from the base of the corner to the pin joint where the X-frame tube connects to the corner), which is also 1.5 inches or greater.

[0055] In some implementations, the sliders and corners of a pair of leg support assemblies disposed on adjacent side edges (i.e., side edges sharing a single side) of the interior space can have arms extending along the same side. The arms of the sliders of a pair of leg support assemblies can be in collinear alignment with each other, and similarly, the arms of the corners can be in collinear alignment with each other. In other words, the arms of the sliders and corners of one leg support assembly can have ends that are aligned with the ends of the corresponding sliders and corners of the other leg support assembly. In some implementations, the ends of the slider arms can be disposed adjacent to each other, or in some cases, can physically contact each other when the playard is folded. Similarly, the ends of the corner arms can also be disposed adjacent to each other or can physically contact each other in the folded configuration.

[0056] For a foldable play yard that includes sliders and corners with collinearly aligned arms, the dimensions of the play yard in the folded configuration are directly proportional to the sum of the lengths of the slider arms and corner arms that are disposed along the same side. Notably, the lateral dimensions of the play yard can be more than twice the length of the slider and corner arms of each pair of leg support assemblies that are disposed on adjacent side edges of the interior space. Thus, for example, increasing the length of the slider and / or corner arms of the foldable play yard to provide a play yard frame with a desired clearance results in a proportional increase in the overall size of the play yard in the folded configuration.

[0057] In some implementations, the foldable play yard frame can include sliders and corners with offset arms at appropriate locations, particularly to allow for longer arms while maintaining a compact size in the folded configuration. Specifically, the arms of the sliders and corners can be offset from their respective sides so that the arms of the sliders and corners of one leg support assembly at least partially overlap the corresponding arms of the sliders and corners of another adjacent leg support assembly along the same side in the folded configuration. In other words, the ends of the arms of the sliders or corners of one leg support assembly can be disposed adjacent to, or in some cases physically contact, the corresponding bases of the sliders or corners of the other leg support assembly in the folded configuration. In this manner, the length of each of the sliders and corners can be dimensioned to provide the desired clearance (e.g., a length of 1.5 inches or more) while maintaining a compact folded size of the play yard, where the dimensions of the frame in the folded configuration are directly proportional to the length of the corners and sliders for only one leg support assembly.

[0058] Each slider and corner of the leg support assembly can have two arms that connect to a respective X-frame assembly disposed along adjacent sides of the interior space (i.e., a pair of sides that share the same side edge). In some implementations, each arm of the slider and corner can be offset in an asymmetrical manner. For example, a first arm of the slider or corner can be offset away from the interior space, and a second arm of the slider or corner can be offset toward the interior space. In this manner, the first arm of the slider or corner of one leg support assembly can at least partially overlap with the second arm of the slider or corner of the other leg support assembly in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the same slider and corner with asymmetrically offset arms can be used in each leg support assembly, thus simplifying the manufacture and assembly of the playard frame.

[0059] However, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, the respective arms of the sliders and corners can be offset in a symmetrical manner. For example, the first and second arms of the slider or corner of a first leg support assembly can both be offset away from or toward the interior space. The first and second arms of the slider or corner of a second leg support assembly adjacent to the first leg support assembly can be offset in opposite directions from the slider and corner of the first leg support assembly. In other words, the direction in which the first and second arms of the slider or corner are offset relative to the interior space can alternate for each successive leg support assembly disposed at each corner of the play yard frame. In this manner, the first arm of the slider or corner of a first leg support assembly can at least partially overlap the second arm of the slider or corner of a second leg support assembly in the folded configuration.

[0060] The offset of the slider and corner arms can also simplify the shape of the X-frame tubes for each X-frame assembly. For example, the first arm of the slider of a first leg support assembly and the second arm of the corner of a second leg support assembly adjacent to the first leg support assembly can be offset together in a first direction (e.g., toward or away from the interior space), while the first arm of the corner of the first leg support assembly and the second arm of the slider of the second leg support assembly can be offset together in a second direction opposite the first direction. This arrangement allows the X-frame tubes, which are straight tubes (i.e., tubes without bends) with a constant cross-section, to connect the slider of a first leg support assembly to the corner of a second leg support assembly, and similarly, to connect the corner of the first leg support assembly to the slider of a second leg support assembly. In some implementations, the X-frame tubes of each X-frame assembly are spaced apart by a gap w, which is defined as the distance between the centerlines of each of the X-frame tubes. x The gap w x may be selected to provide sufficient spacing for the slider and corner arms to overlap one another while being small enough to prevent a child from inserting their head laterally between the X-frame tubes. x The distance can range between 0.625 inches and 1.5 inches to provide sufficient spacing for the slider and corner arms to overlap each other.

[0061] Additionally, the dimensions and / or materials of the X-frame tubes used in the collapsible play yard frames disclosed in various examples herein can be selected to provide the frame with sufficient mechanical rigidity. For example, the X-frame tubes can be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of approximately 0.625 inches and an overall length of approximately 24.5 inches. However, it should be recognized that the X-frame tubes can be formed from other materials (e.g., aluminum, carbon fiber) having different dimensions, depending in part on the mechanical properties of the material and the desired dimensions of the interior space provided by the frame. In some implementations, as noted above, a frame including only the leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies disclosed herein, without additional support structures, can meet various mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength requirements set forth in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11).

[0062] It should be appreciated that the soft goods may be connected at various points along the frame so that the partially enclosed space formed by the soft goods opens properly when the play yard is extended, but the soft goods may generally be soft, flexible components that remain loose instead of being pulled taut and therefore do not significantly improve the mechanical rigidity and / or stability of the frame.

[0063] Additionally, by locating the X-frame assembly of the frame near the upper portion of the interior space, the sides of the frame are more exposed, providing a larger window for caregivers to view their child when the child is placed in the interior space. Moreover, soft goods attached to the frame can more easily cover the X-frame assembly using less material. In some implementations, the soft goods can partially cover the X-frame assembly and provide access to the latches (described in more detail below), while in other implementations, the soft goods can completely cover the X-frame assembly so that no part of the X-frame assembly is visible when the play yard is extended (which can partially improve the aesthetic appearance of the play yard for both outdoor and indoor environments).

[0064] As discussed in more detail below, the "upper portion" of a foldable play yard frame in a given exemplary implementation may generally refer to the portion of the frame proximate the upper ends of the leg tubes and / or the corners of each leg support assembly. The leg tubes of each leg support assembly may generally have substantially the same length. In some implementations, the upper portion of the frame may be defined as having 1) an upper horizontal plane that intersects with the upper ends and / or corners of the leg tubes; and 2) a bottom horizontal plane that is vertically offset from the upper horizontal plane such that the X-shaped frame tubes are positioned entirely within the upper and bottom horizontal planes when the X-shaped frame assembly is extended. In some implementations, the bottom horizontal plane may be offset from the upper horizontal plane by no more than 30% of the total length of the leg tubes, more preferably no more than 20% of the total length of the leg tubes.

[0065] As mentioned above, in some implementations, a foldable play yard frame can include one or more X-frame assemblies that form a single X-frame structure with a pair of X-frame tubes. Each X-frame tube in a pair of X-frame tubes can be rotatably connected to a corner of one leg support assembly, a slider of another leg support assembly, and another X-frame tube in the pair. In other exemplary implementations, a foldable play yard frame can include one or more X-frame assemblies that form a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-frame tubes. In examples using this double X-frame structure, each X-frame tube is connected to either a slider or a corner of one leg support assembly, an X-frame tube in the same pair of X-frame tubes, and another X-frame tube from another pair of X-frame tubes. In this manner, the frame can provide an interior space with a horizontal cross-section whose sides have different dimensions (e.g., an interior space having a rectangular shape).

[0066] In another aspect, a foldable play yard frame according to the present disclosure can include a latch for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the frame can include only a single latch for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the single latch is configured to automatically activate and lock the frame in the extended configuration when a caregiver extends the frame (e.g., by moving a slider on one leg support assembly toward a corner). In this manner, the process of extending and locking the play yard can be easily accomplished with the caregiver positioned at one side and / or one corner of the play yard (i.e., the caregiver does not need to move around the play yard to activate multiple latches). Moreover, the caregiver can extend and lock the play yard using one hand. For example, the single latch can automatically lock when the slider is displaced a sufficient distance along the leg tube.

[0067] In some implementations, the latch may be preferably disposed within an upper portion of the frame as defined above. For example, the latch may include a latch member having a first end coupled to a corner of one of the leg support assemblies and a second end coupled to an X-frame tube or slider of one of the X-frame assemblies. As such, the latch may be partially covered by the soft goods, or in some cases, completely covered.

[0068] The latches can also be coupled to various components of the frame, including, but not limited to, the X-frame tubes, leg tubes, sliders, and corners. In some implementations, the latches can be coupled to components of the X-frame assembly and / or leg support assembly without having to modify each component of the X-frame assembly and leg support assembly. For example, the latches can include a latch member that is rotatably coupled to a corner of one leg support assembly via a pin joint, which also serves to rotatably connect the X-frame tube to the corner. In this manner, the play yard can include fewer unique parts for manufacturing. In some implementations, the play yard can include identical corners and / or identical sliders for multiple leg support assemblies.

[0069] In some implementations, the latch can be a tool-less mechanism that is activated by a caregiver in one or two steps. In one example, the latch members can connect the respective components of the X-frame assembly and / or leg support assembly and maintain the extended configuration via a variety of attachment mechanisms (including, but not limited to, snap-fit ​​connections, spring-loaded pins, and spring-loaded rotational lock-off mechanisms).

[0070] In some implementations, the latch can be a double-action latch, which includes a latch member (e.g., attached to a corner of one of the leg support assemblies) and a latch boss (e.g., attached to an X-frame tube of one of the X-frame assemblies). The latch boss can include an undercut portion, and the latch member can include a latch opening for receiving the latch boss, with a tab disposed in the latch opening and engaging the undercut portion. In some implementations, the tab can include a slot, and the undercut portion can include a rib for aligning the latch member and the latch boss when locking the latch. The undercut portion and tab can be shaped so that a caregiver cannot unlock the latch by pulling on the latch member without applying an excessive amount of force (e.g., greater than 10 pounds). Instead, the caregiver can first squeeze each X-frame tube of the X-frame assembly to displace the latch boss within the latch opening of the latch member and disengage the tab from the undercut portion. While squeezing the X-frame tubes together, the caregiver can then pull the latch member away from the latch boss, thus unlocking the latch.

[0071] In yet another aspect, a foldable play yard frame according to the present disclosure can include a storage latch for locking the frame in a folded configuration. Thus, the storage latch can provide an additional safety feature that further reduces the likelihood of a child being exposed to a partially folded and / or extended frame (i.e., the slider of the leg support assembly can be easily moved along the leg tube). In some implementations, the frame can include only a single storage latch for maintaining the frame in the folded configuration. Similar to the latches described above, the storage latch can be configured to automatically engage when a caregiver folds the frame (e.g., by moving a slider on one leg support assembly toward the foot). Thus, the process of folding and locking the play yard in a folded configuration can be easily accomplished using one hand in a tool-free manner.

[0072] In some implementations, the storage latch may be disposed near the bottom end of the leg tube, adjacent to or, in some cases, against the foot of the leg support assembly. For example, the storage latch may be rigidly attached to the leg tube and may be secured to prevent the slider from moving toward the top end of the leg tube, thus preventing frame extension. of To prevent this, the storage latch may be configured to physically contact the top surface of the slider. In some implementations, the storage latch may be installed on the leg support assembly without any modifications to the slider. In other words, the same slider may be used with each leg support assembly regardless of whether the leg support assembly includes a storage latch.

[0073] In some implementations, the storage latch can include a push button partially disposed within the cavity of the leg tube and a spring element disposed within the cavity to provide a spring force that displaces the push button outward from the leg tube. The push button can include a restraining surface (e.g., a bottom surface) that contacts the top surface of the slider to maintain the playard in the folded configuration. When a caregiver presses the push button, the push button can be inserted into the cavity of the leg tube, thus allowing the caregiver to pull the slider up and past the push button to extend the frame. The push button or slider can further include a sloped surface that is shaped so that when the frame is folded (e.g., as the slider moves downward along the leg tube), the slider presses the push button into the cavity of the leg tube. When the slider moves past the push button, the spring element presses the push button outward, thus automatically locking the frame in the folded configuration.

[0074] In some implementations, the storage latch can include a latch member rigidly coupled to the leg tube. In some implementations, the latch member can be integrally formed with the foot of the leg support assembly. The latch member can be a mechanically flexible component including a hook disposed at its end that contacts the upper surface of the slider, thus maintaining the playard in the folded configuration. When a caregiver pulls the latch member outward, the latch member can bend such that the hook physically releases from the slider, thereby allowing the caregiver to move the slider upward along the leg tube to extend the frame. The hook further includes a sloped surface that is shaped to automatically bend the latch member outward as the slider moves downward along the leg tube to fold the frame, thereby allowing the slider to move over the hook of the latch member. The latch members may be sufficiently mechanically rigid so that an internal restoring force generated when the latch members are bent causes the latch members to return to their original, unbent form, thus automatically locking the frame in the folded configuration.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, the foldable play yard can include soft goods for defining a partially enclosed space in which a child can play and / or sleep. Typically, the soft goods can cover a portion of the frame (e.g., a corner of the leg support assembly, a portion of the X-frame assembly). In some implementations, the soft goods can be directly coupled to the frame (e.g., a corner) via one or more snap-fit ​​connections. The soft goods can further include semi-rigid tabs disposed near the top edge of the soft goods to support the snap-fit ​​connectors and ensure that the soft goods remain flush with the frame when attached (i.e., the top edge of the soft goods does not flip upward to expose an interior portion of the soft goods). The soft goods can further include a floor portion that rests directly on the ground and side portions, where the floor portion and side portions define the bottom and sides of the partially enclosed space. In some implementations, the side portions can be transparent and / or see-through (eg, mesh) to allow caregivers to easily see their child in the playard.

[0076] In yet another aspect, a foldable playard according to the present disclosure can include a bassinet accessory disposed within the interior space of the frame and within the partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods to provide an elevated surface for supporting a child. The bassinet accessory can generally include a support structure defining a relatively small, partially enclosed space associated with the bassinet accessory for accommodating a child when the bassinet accessory is extended (e.g., the relatively small, partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory can be disposed within the partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods).

[0077] The support structure of the bassinet accessory may include a bassinet soft goods with side and bottom surfaces that at least partially define and surround a relatively small, partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. The support structure may further include a hub and a plurality of support tubes that together form a rigid structure in the unfolded, extended configuration. Each support tube may be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the hub to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory. The bassinet accessory may also include a mattress that is disposed over the hub and support tubes in the unfolded, extended configuration and provides a cushioned surface for a child to rest on. The mattress may be removable and foldable.

[0078] The bassinet accessory (and, inter alia, the support structure) can be folded and extended along with the frame and soft goods when installed on the foldable play yard. The bassinet accessory can provide a relatively shallow, partially enclosed space, improving accessibility for caregivers. For example, the distance from the top surface of the mattress to the top side of the foldable play yard can range between 7.5 inches and about 10 inches. More generally, the height h of the bassinet accessory when installed on the play yard can be t,1 is defined as the distance between each bottom corner portion of the bassinet soft goods and the top of the foldable play yard (e.g., the top horizontal plane defined by the play yard), which can range from 7.5 inches to approximately 12 inches.

[0079] The bassinet accessory can also include a folding mechanism that does not require assembly and / or disassembly when folding and extending the bassinet accessory with the foldable play ard. Instead, the hub and support tubes can form a foldable structure with integrated mechanical stops and / or locking mechanisms (e.g., hub latches) to maintain the hub and support tubes in a desired extended configuration. In this manner, the procedure for folding and extending the foldable play ard with an attached bassinet accessory can be simplified compared to conventional bassinet accessories (e.g., bassinet accessory 60 for play ard 10c).

[0080] In one example, the hub may be disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, and the support tubes may be disposed and oriented along diagonal segments of the bottom surface. In other words, the support tubes may extend radially from the hub to each corner of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods. The support tubes may be further attached to the bassinet soft goods via one or more attachment mechanisms (e.g., screw fasteners, straps) so that the bassinet soft goods and the support tubes move together. When folding or extending the bassinet accessory, the caregiver may pull up or push down the hub, thereby causing the support tubes and the bassinet soft goods to fold or extend.

[0081] Additionally, the bassinet accessory may be disposed substantially within the interior space of the play yard frame in both the extended and folded configurations such that the overall size of the foldable play yard with the bassinet accessory remains substantially similar or the same as the foldable play yard without the bassinet accessory. In this manner, the compact shape of the play yard in the folded configuration is maintained for ease of storage and / or transportation.

[0082] A bassinet accessory exhibiting the above-described features (e.g., a relatively shallow height, a simple folding mechanism, and a compact size) can be achieved in multiple ways. In one example, the support tubes can change lengthwise between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. For example, the hub can move upward when folding the bassinet accessory and, conversely, move downward when extending the bassinet accessory. To ensure that the hub does not extend significantly outside the interior space of the play yard when the play yard is folded, particularly given the relatively shallow height of the bassinet accessory, each support tube can be telescopic (e.g., each support tube can include a first support tube and a second support tube telescopically connected to the first support tube).

[0083] When the bassinet accessory is extended, the extended support tube extends beyond the height of the bassinet accessory, h t,1 The overall length L is greater than t,1 However, when the bassinet accessory is folded, the first support tube can telescopically move toward the second support tube. Thus, the overall length of the support tubes is L t,1 Length L in the folded configuration t,2 where Lt,2 L t,1 In various examples discussed in more detail below, the length L t,2 is the height of the bassinet accessory t,1 The height of the bassinet accessory can be approximately less than or equal to h. t,1 It should be recognized that in some situations, the vertical displacement of the support tubes may change somewhat when folding and extending the bassinet accessory (e.g., the bottom of the bassinet soft goods may fold into a bunch), but in other situations, the respective bottom corners of the bassinet accessory soft goods do not experience significant vertical displacement between the folded and extended configurations. In any event, the above constraints imposed on the length of the support tubes and the height of the bassinet accessory in the respective folded and extended configurations may still be met to mitigate substantial protrusion of the hub above the top of the play yard in the folded configuration.

[0084] For this example, the bassinet accessory may not include a separate locking mechanism (e.g., a hub latch) to maintain the extended configuration. Instead, the combination of an integrated mechanical stop and the weight of the hub, support tube, mattress, and / or child can ensure that the bassinet accessory remains in the unfolded, extended configuration. In this manner, the number of parts and the cost for manufacturing the bassinet accessory may be reduced.

[0085] In another example, the interior space of the play yard below the bassinet accessory in the extended configuration can be utilized to accommodate the hub and / or support tube of the bassinet accessory when the play yard is folded for storage and / or transport in the folded configuration. This can be achieved in part given the shallow height of the bassinet accessory, which results in a larger portion of the interior space of the play yard frame being disposed directly below the bassinet accessory. For example, a height h corresponding to the distance from the ground to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods can be used. b can be about 18 inches or greater. For this example, the hub can move in a downward direction when the bassinet accessory is folded, and conversely, can move in an upward direction when the bassinet accessory is extended. To ensure that the hub and / or support tubes remain contained within the interior space of the playard, the length L of the support tubes can be adjusted to fit the playard. t is the height h b It is possible that the .lambda.

[0086] For this example, an integrated mechanical stop prevents the hub and support tube from reaching the desired extension. composition (e.g., the hub and support tubes form a substantially flat platform that supports the mattress), further upward movement of the hub can be limited. The hub can further include a hub latch that, when actuated, prevents the hub from moving downward. Thus, the combination of the mechanical stop and the hub latch can maintain the bassinet accessory in the unfolded, extended configuration.

[0087] In yet another aspect, a foldable play yard according to the present disclosure can support one or more toppers, including, but not limited to, bassinet toppers, diaper changing tables, and organizers. The toppers can generally be positioned near an upper portion of the foldable play yard (e.g., the topper is positioned closer to the upper horizontal plane of the play yard than the ground surface supporting the play yard). In some implementations, the topper can be partially disposed within the interior space of the play yard. For example, the topper can have a topper frame disposed above a portion of the interior space and supporting topper soft goods and / or a support platform, with the support platform extending below the upper horizontal plane of the play yard. In some implementations, the topper can be partially disposed outside the play yard (e.g., along the exterior sides of the X-frame assembly). In some implementations, the topper can be shaped and / or sized to cover only a portion of the interior space, allowing multiple toppers to be attached to the play yard simultaneously. For example, a playard can support a bassinet topper and a changing table arranged side by side, each topper being sized to cover or substantially cover the interior space.

[0088] In some implementations, the topper can be securely coupled to the play yard frame via an attachment mechanism. For example, at least one of the corners of the leg support assembly can include a topper mounting socket, and the topper can include a corner assembly with a corner tube that inserts into the topper mounting socket. The corner assembly can further include a latch lever with a latch head that securely couples the corner tube of the topper to the topper mounting socket of the corner. The latch lever can also include a latch button that can be actuated to release the corner tube from the topper mounting socket, thus allowing a caregiver to remove the topper from the play yard. In some implementations, the latch button and latch head can be disposed on opposite sides of the corner tube. The latch button can also be disposed above the corner, facing away from the interior space of the play yard, to increase ease of access and visibility. For example, a caregiver does not have to bend over as much to reach the latch button or to reach into a tight space.

[0089] As described above, the X-frame assemblies in the foldable play yard can effectively function as rigid top rails due to their proximity to the upper portion of the interior space when the play yard is extended. However, the X-frame tubes can still be disposed below the upper horizontal plane of the play yard even in the extended configuration because the X-frame tubes can be oriented at a shallow angle relative to the upper horizontal plane. However, the X-frame assemblies can still provide support for the topper in the same manner as rigid top rails in a conventional indoor play yard (e.g., play yard 10e) by including a topper support attached to one of the X-frame tubes of at least one X-frame assembly. The topper support can have a bottom portion abutting the X-frame tube and a topper support portion that is aligned or substantially aligned with the upper horizontal plane of the play yard. In this manner, the topper support can mimic a rigid top rail, thus allowing the topper to be installed on top of the play yard with an X-frame assembly. In some implementations, the topper support can also support the top portion of the play yard soft goods, so that the top portion of the soft goods is substantially flat (e.g., the soft goods do not sag downward due to the shape of the X-frame assembly).

[0090] In some implementations, the play yard can include multiple topper mounting sockets and / or multiple topper supports arranged to support the topper in multiple locations that are not collinear when projected onto the upper horizontal plane. This arrangement can ensure that the topper is not supported by the play yard in a cantilevered manner, which can reduce or, in some cases, prevent the topper from sagging downward into the interior space.

[0091] It should also be appreciated that in some implementations, the topper does not have to be directly attached to the foldable play ard or another accessory attached to the play ard (e.g., a bassinet accessory). For example, the foldable play ard can include a bassinet accessory that provides an elevated support surface within the interior space of the play ard. The bassinet topper can then be placed on the elevated surface of the bassinet accessory without being secured to the play ard frame. In other words, a caregiver can lift the bassinet topper off the elevated surface (e.g., via a carrying handle) when removing it from the foldable play ard without activating any lock or latch mechanism.

[0092] Additionally, the toppers described herein may be reconfigurable after being attached to the play yard (i.e., the topper is not a static fixture). For example, the topper may include both a changing table section and an organizer section. Specifically, the topper may include a topper frame having a first frame portion supporting a support platform for the topper soft goods and the changing table and a second frame portion supporting multiple storage compartments for storing various care items. The changing table section may partially cover the interior space, and the organizer section may extend outward from the play yard so as to be away from the interior space when unfolded. Additionally, the changing table section may be rotatably coupled to the organizer section via a hub assembly. The hub assembly may couple the topper to the play yard frame.

[0093] In some implementations, the organizer section may be rigidly connected to the play yard frame, and the changing table section may be rotatable relative to the organizer section (and thus the play yard frame). The changing table section may be rotatable between an unfolded configuration and a storage configuration. In the unfolded configuration, the changing table section is positioned above the interior space of the play yard and may be oriented to support a child. In the storage configuration, the changing table section is positioned so that it no longer covers the interior space. In this way, a caregiver can rotate the changing table section into or out of the interior space of the play yard as needed, instead of installing and removing a topper each time it is used. The changing table section may also be shaped and / or dimensioned to block access to the storage compartments of the organizer section in the storage configuration (e.g., preventing a child from accessing various care items).

[0094] In some implementations, the changing table section can instead be rigidly connected to the play yard frame, and the organizer section can be rotatable relative to the changing table section (and thus the play yard frame). This allows a caregiver to rotate the organizer section between a first configuration for accessing a first set of storage compartments disposed on the top side of the organizer section and a second configuration for accessing a second set of storage compartments disposed on the bottom side of the organizer section. In this manner, the organizer section can provide the caregiver with additional storage space without, or significantly increasing, the overall length of the play yard. In the second configuration, the organizer section can cover the changing table section, and thus partially cover the interior space.

[0095] The hub assembly may also provide a breakaway feature such that, when a sufficiently large force and / or torque is applied to the topper (e.g., a caregiver leans on the changing table section, a child hangs from the changing table section, etc.), the changing table section rotates downward from the first configuration toward the ground. In some implementations, the threshold force and / or torque may be selected to be lower than the force and / or torque that would cause the collapsible playard to tip over. For example, the changing table section may be configured to rotate when 30 pounds is applied tangentially to the axis of rotation defined by the hub assembly to a portion of the changing table section located farthest from the axis of rotation (e.g., the free end of the topper frame that forms the changing table section). The changing table section may then be reset without damage to its components. In this manner, the breakaway feature can prevent the playard from tipping over and / or the topper from breaking.

[0096] The toppers described herein can also be used with a play yard frame or as freestanding devices, and can be collapsible for storage and / or to improve portability. For example, a bassinet topper can provide a caregiver with a portable platform for moving a child around the caregiver's home. In this way, the caregiver does not need to move a foldable play yard (which can be bulkier and heavier than a bassinet topper). However, the caregiver can still use the play yard as a platform to support the bassinet topper in an elevated position (where the child is easily reachable and / or visible). Additionally, the bassinet topper can be collapsed for storage during transportation (e.g., when the caregiver is moving the child between different locations). In this way, the bassinet topper can be used in a variety of environments.

[0097] In some implementations, the bassinet topper can include a bassinet topper frame that supports the bassinet topper soft goods and a support platform for the child. The bassinet topper can also include a carry handle and a canopy cover to provide shade for the child. The bassinet topper frame can include one or more legs for supporting the bassinet topper, one or more housings with a collapse mechanism for folding or collapsing the bassinet topper, and one or more top rails that support the bassinet topper soft goods. Compared to conventional bassinet toppers (which often include three or more latch mechanisms to support the bassinet topper in a set-up configuration), the bassinet toppers described herein can include only two latch mechanisms (one latch mechanism per leg or side), thus simplifying assembly and reducing the number of steps for setting up the bassinet topper.

[0098] In some implementations, each top rail can have a main body portion with a connector end that is bent at or near a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees) to the main body portion. The connector end can be inserted into a corresponding top rail socket in the housing. The orientation of the connector end of each top rail can improve the structural rigidity of the assembled bassinet topper, thereby reducing or, in some cases, eliminating racking (e.g., slop, lash, or sway due to excessive head-to-toe or side-to-side movement of the bassinet topper).

[0099] In some implementations, the collapse mechanism of the housing can include a pivot joint that allows the legs to rotate relative to the housing. Rotation stops attached to the legs can apply a preload to the legs when the legs are deployed, increasing the structural rigidity of the bassinet topper frame. The support platform can further include a latch for locking the legs in the deployed orientation. In some implementations, the housing mechanism can include an upper housing that supports the top rail and a bottom housing that supports the legs. The collapse mechanism can be a folding mechanism that allows the bottom housing to fold relative to the upper housing. In some implementations, the collapse mechanism can allow the bottom housing to be removed from the upper housing, facilitating disassembly of the bassinet topper for storage.

[0100] In yet another aspect, a foldable play yard according to the present disclosure can also include a canopy cover assembly disposed over the play yard frame and soft goods to provide shade for a child within the play yard. The canopy cover assembly can generally include multiple canopy support assemblies that provide a canopy cover frame or support structure. Each canopy support assembly can generally include a canopy bow that supports the canopy cover and a canopy clip for attaching the canopy support assembly to the frame. In some implementations, different types of canopies (e.g., half canopy, full canopy) can be attached over the play yard depending on the coverage desired by the caregiver.

[0101] In some implementations, the canopy clip may be attached to a leg tube of one leg support assembly. toThe canopy clips may include snap-in features for direct connection. In this manner, the canopy clips are more securely attached to the frame (i.e., the canopy clips are not attached to portions of the frame covered by soft goods), thereby reducing the likelihood of the canopy cover assembly being accidentally removed from the frame. Each canopy clip may also be disposed outside the interior space along an exterior portion of one leg support assembly (e.g., near a corner and / or slider when the play yard is extended). Additionally, the canopy bow may be connected to the canopy clips such that a portion of the canopy bow is disposed outside the interior space, even near the corner and / or slider of the leg support assembly. Specific placement of the canopy clips and the portion of the canopy bow that overlaps the exterior portion of the frame may further limit children's access to various components of the canopy cover assembly, thus reducing the likelihood of the canopy cover being removed and pulled into the play yard.

[0102] In one example, a frame for a collapsible play yard has a compact folded configuration for storage of the frame and an unfolded, extended configuration for supporting the collapsible play yard in an upright position above a ground surface to accommodate a child within the interior space of the collapsible play yard. The frame includes a plurality of leg support assemblies extending upward from the ground surface when the frame is in the unfolded, extended configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies including a bottom end supported by the ground surface and an upper portion opposite the bottom end. The frame further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies connected to the plurality of leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies connected to an upper portion of an adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies when the frame is in an unfolded, extended configuration, such that in the unfolded, extended configuration of the frame, the plurality of X-frame assemblies form an upper peripheral structure of the frame that outlines the interior space of the foldable play yard, and the plurality of X-frame assemblies do not significantly obstruct a child's visibility when the child is within the interior space of the foldable play yard. The plurality of X-frame assemblies constitute the only interconnections in the frame between each pair of leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies. Each leg support assembly may include a leg tube having an oval cross-section.

[0103] In another example, a foldable play yard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable play yard is in the extended configuration. The foldable play yard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the interior space between adjacent leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. Additionally, the sliders in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical, the corners in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical, and each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together via only at least one X-frame assembly among the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tubes can have an oval cross section.

[0104] In another example, a foldable play yard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable play yard is in the extended configuration. The foldable play yard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the interior space between adjacent leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. The foldable play yard further includes a single latch coupled to one leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies to maintain the foldable play yard in the extended configuration when the latch is in the locked configuration. Additionally, each pair of adjacent leg support assemblies are coupled together via only one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tubes can have an oval cross-section.

[0105] In another example, a foldable play yard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion disposed on the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably coupled to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable play yard is in the extended configuration. The foldable play yard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the interior space, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies coupled to an adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies. The collapsible play yard further includes a latch that directly connects a corner of one of the plurality of leg support assemblies and an X-frame tube of one of the plurality of X-frame assemblies together when the latch is in a locked configuration, the latch providing the only mechanism for maintaining the collapsible play yard in the extended configuration. Additionally, each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together only through at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies. Also, the leg tubes can have an oval cross-section.

[0106] In another example, a foldable play yard defining an interior space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube disposed along a side edge of the interior space having an upper end disposed at an upper apex of the interior space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that the slider is disposed proximate to the corner portion when the foldable play yard is in the extended configuration. The foldable play yard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the interior space, each X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies connected to an adjacent leg support assembly. The foldable play yard further includes a plurality of canopy support assemblies partially disposed above the interior space, each canopy support assembly including a canopy bow partially disposed above the interior space and a canopy clip disposed outside the interior space adjacent to a first leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies. The canopy clip includes one or more snap features directly coupled to a leg tube of the first leg support assembly and a canopy bow opening for receiving a portion of the canopy bow to connect the canopy bow to the canopy clip. The foldable play yard also includes a canopy cover supported by each canopy bow of the plurality of canopy support assemblies to cover at least a portion of the interior space.

[0107] In another example, a foldable playard includes a leg support assembly including leg tubes having upper ends, corner portions disposed on the upper ends of the leg tubes, and sliders slidably coupled to the leg tubes. The foldable playard further includes an X-frame assembly coupled to the leg support assembly, the X-frame assembly including a first X-frame tube rotatably coupled to the corner portion of the leg support assembly and a second X-frame tube rotatably coupled to the slider and the first X-frame tube of the leg support assembly. The foldable play yard further includes a latch coupled to the leg support assembly and the X-frame assembly for maintaining the foldable play yard in the extended configuration when in the locked configuration, the latch including a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss coupled to the second X-frame tube and disposed adjacent to the slider of the leg support assembly and having an undercut portion, the latch member coupled to a corner portion of the leg support assembly and having a latch opening and a tab disposed within the latch opening, the undercut portion of the latch boss retaining the tab of the latch member when the latch is engaged, thereby maintaining the foldable play yard in the extended configuration.

[0108] In yet another example, a collapsible play yard that defines an interior space having a cross-sectional shape that forms a regular hexagon in a plane parallel to the ground when in an extended configuration includes six leg support assemblies, each including a leg tube arranged such that a longitudinal axis associated with the leg tube intersects a respective corner of the regular hexagon and further having a top end and a bottom end, a foot connected to the bottom end of the leg tube for contacting the ground to support the collapsible play yard, a corner connected to the top end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube and positioned between the foot and the corner, the slider disposed proximate the corner when the collapsible play yard is in the extended configuration and disposed proximate the foot when the collapsible play yard is in the folded configuration. The foldable play yard further includes six X-frame assemblies arranged such that each X-frame assembly is positioned along a side of a regular hexagon, and each X-frame assembly of the six X-frame assemblies forms an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. The six X-frame assemblies include a first X-frame assembly disposed between and connected to a first leg support assembly and a second leg support assembly of the six leg support assemblies, the first X-frame assembly including a first X-frame tube and a second X-tube, the first X-frame tube having a first end rotatably connected to a corner of the first leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to a slider of the second leg support assembly, and the second X-frame tube having a first end rotatably connected to a corner of the second leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to the slider of the first leg support assembly.The second X-frame tube is rotatably connected to the first X-frame tube. The collapsible playard further includes a latch connected to only the first leg support assembly and only the first X-frame assembly and maintaining the collapsible playard in the extended configuration when in the locked configuration, the latch including a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss connected to one of the second X-frame tubes and disposed proximate to the slider of the first leg support assembly and having an undercut portion, the latch member having a first end connected to a corner portion of the first leg support assembly, a latch opening disposed proximate to the pull tab, and a tab disposed within the latch opening. The latch is changed to the locked configuration by moving the slider of the first leg support assembly toward the corner of the first leg support assembly until the latch member snaps onto the latch boss so that the tab of the latch member contacts the undercut portion of the latch boss and the central rib is disposed in the central slot. The latch is changed to the unlocked configuration by squeezing the first and second X-frame tubes together, releasing the tab of the latch member from the undercut portion of the latch boss, and pulling the latch member away from the latch boss while squeezing the first and second X-frame tubes together. Additionally, the leg support assemblies of each pair are connected together only through at least one X-frame assembly of the multiple X-frame assemblies, and the sliders in the six leg support assemblies are identical and the corners in the six leg support assemblies are identical.

[0109] It should be recognized that all combinations of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent). In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be recognized that terminology explicitly used herein (which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference) should be given the meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some cases, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar elements and / or structurally similar elements). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0111] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a conventional outdoor play yard with a pivot-only X-frame assembly and canopy cover. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows another conventional outdoor playard with a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional indoor play yard. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D shows the indoor playard of FIG. 1C folded for storage or transport. [Figure 1E] 1D shows the assembly of a bassinet accessory for the indoor playard of FIG. 1C. FIG. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional outdoor play yard with a canopy cover assembly, showing the canopy cover being pulled away from a corner of the X-frame assembly by a child positioned in the play yard. [Figure 1G] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another conventional outdoor play yard with a canopy cover assembly, showing the canopy cover being pulled inward into the interior space of the play yard by a child positioned inside the play yard. [Figure 1H] FIG. 1 illustrates another conventional play yard with a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly in a partially collapsed configuration. [Figure 1I] FIG. 1C is a close-up view of the test probe installed between the X-frame tube and the leg tube near the slider in the play yard of FIG. 1H. [Figure 1J] FIG. 1 shows another conventional indoor play yard with multiple toppers. [Figure 2A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary play yard forming a hexagonal-shaped interior space, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A in a folded configuration. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 2D. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2E is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 2D. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C]2B is a top perspective view of the corners and sliders of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a bottom perspective view of the corner portion and slider of FIG. 3C. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3D is a top perspective view of the leg tube and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C. [Figure 4A] 3D is an exploded top perspective view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A and the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C. [Figure 4B] 4B is an enlarged top perspective view of the corners and sliders of the leg support assembly and the X-frame tubes of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is an enlarged top perspective view of the leg tube and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A equipped with soft goods. [Figure 5B] 5B is a close-up view of the upper portion of the soft goods of FIG. 5A disposed on a corner of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the top portion of FIG. 5B flipped upside down to show the tabs and snap-fit ​​connector. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the double action latch of the play yard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the double action latch of FIG. 6A with the latch member removed. [Figure 6C] 6B is an enlarged view of a latch member in the double-action latch of FIG. 6A. FIG. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a latch boss in the double action latch of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram for unlocking the double action latch of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A]6B shows a test being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A to evaluate the restraining force of the latch of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A. [Figure 8A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex-lock latch with a latch opening, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] 8B is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 8A with the soft goods removed and the flex lock latch in a locked configuration. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 8C in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 9A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex-lock latch with a latch member having a snap-fit ​​connector, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 9A with the soft goods removed. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 9C in a locked configuration. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 9D in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 9E with the play yard partially folded after unlocking the flex lock latch. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates another flex-lock latch having a latch member with a snap-fit ​​connector, the latch member of the latch being connected to an X-frame tube of an X-frame assembly. [Figure 11A]2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex lock latch with a hook structure, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 11A with the soft goods removed and the flex lock latch in a locked configuration. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the flex lock latch of FIG. 11C in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 12A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with latches attached to the sliders and corners of the leg support assemblies, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the latch of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with the latch attached to a pair of X-frame tubes of the X-frame assembly, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 13A in a folded configuration. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the X-frame assembly with the latch of FIG. 13A. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is an exploded view of the X-frame assembly with the latch of FIG. 13C. [Figure 13E] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 13A in a locked configuration. [Figure 13F] FIG. 13F is a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 13E in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 13G] FIG. 13F is a top view of the latch of FIG. 13E. [Figure 13H] FIG. 13F is a top view of the latch of FIG. 13F. [Figure 14A]2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with a latch including a spring-loaded pin disposed at one end of the X-frame tube for engaging the leg tube, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a side view of the latch of FIG. 14A in a locked configuration. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a side view of the latch of FIG. 14B in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14D is a side view of the latch of FIG. 14C after the playard has been folded. [Figure 15A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with a latch including a snap-fit ​​connector disposed on one end of the X-frame tube, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 15A in a folded configuration. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15B is a side view of the latch of FIG. 15A in a locked configuration. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15B is a side view of the latch of FIG. 15A in an unlocked configuration and the play yard in a folded configuration. [Figure 16A] 2A with the latches of Figures 13A and 14A installed, and the play yard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 16A in a folded configuration. [Figure 17A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary play yard forming a rectangular shaped interior space with soft goods, the play yard in an extended configuration. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is another perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 17A. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a folded configuration. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a partially extended configuration. [Figure 18A]FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A with the soft goods removed. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of the corners and sliders of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] FIG. 17D is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17C with the soft goods removed. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the slider and foot of the leg support assembly of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20A] FIG. 17D is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods removed. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a top side perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a top front perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of a corner portion of the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of the slider in the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A. [Figure 21A] FIG. 17D is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods partially removed from the leg support assembly. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the foot of the leg support assembly attached to the soft goods of FIG. 21A. [Figure 22] FIG. 17B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 17A. [Figure 23A] 50A is a top front perspective view of another exemplary play yard forming a rectangular convex shaped interior space with soft goods. The rectangular play yard is also shown with a bassinet accessory in FIG. 50A. The play yard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 23B] FIG. 62C is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 62B. [Figure 23C] FIG. 62D is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 62C. [Figure 24]FIG. 62C is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 62B with the soft goods removed. [Figure 25A] 23B is an exploded perspective view of the leg assembly with wheels of the playard of FIG. 23A. FIG. [Figure 25B] 23B is an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly having a foot portion in the playard of FIG. 23A. FIG. [Figure 26A] FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A in a partially extended configuration. [Figure 26B] 26B is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the leg support assembly in the playard, corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 26A. [Figure 27A] FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of the slider and corner portion of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 27B] 27B shows soft goods attached to the corner portion of FIG. 27A. FIG. [Figure 27C] FIG. 27B shows the soft goods removed from the corner of FIG. 27A. [Figure 28A] FIG. 23B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A with snap-fit ​​latches disposed on the soft goods. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is an enlarged view of the latch member of the latch of FIG. 28A. [Figure 28C] 28B is a perspective view of a latch member of the latch of FIG. 28A. FIG. [Figure 29A] FIG. 23B shows a top rail to corner post attachment test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 29B] FIG. 23B shows the test device mounted on the double X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 29C] FIG. 29B shows the play yard after the test of FIG. 29A has been performed. [Figure 29D] FIG. 23B shows the test device mounted on the double X-frame assembly of the play yard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 30A]23B shows a strength test being applied to the double X-frame assembly in the play yard of FIG. 23A. FIG. [Figure 30B] FIG. 30B shows the play yard of FIG. 30A after a strength test. [Figure 30C] FIG. 30C shows the playard of FIG. 30B with the soft goods partially removed from the X-frame assembly. [Figure 31] FIG. 23B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A. [Figure 32A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary play yard with elongated sliders and corners forming a hexagonal-shaped interior space, the play yard shown in a folded configuration. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a bottom perspective view of the playard of FIG. 32A. [Figure 32C] FIG. 32B is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the play yard of FIG. 32A. [Figure 32D] FIG. 32B is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion of the play yard of FIG. 32A. [Figure 32E] FIG. 32B is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 32A. [Figure 33A] 1 is a top perspective view of another exemplary play yard with elongated sliders and corners forming a hexagonal-shaped interior space, where the arms of the sliders and corners are asymmetrically offset. The play yard is shown in a partially extended configuration (i.e., not fully extended for use or fully folded for storage). The play yard can also be viewed as partially folded. [Figure 33B] FIG. 33B is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 33A. [Figure 33C] FIG. 33B is a top view of the two leg support assemblies and X-frame assembly of the playard of FIG. 33A. [Figure 33D] FIG. 33D is an enlarged view of one of the leg support assemblies of FIG. 33C. [Figure 33E]FIG. 33D is a top perspective view of the leg support assembly and X-frame assembly of FIG. 33C. [Figure 33F] FIG. 33F is an enlarged view of one of the leg support assemblies of FIG. 33E. [Figure 34A] FIG. 33B is a side perspective view of the playard of FIG. 33A in a folded configuration. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is an enlarged view of the bottom portion of the play yard of FIG. 34A. [Figure 34C] FIG. 34B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 34A. [Figure 34D] FIG. 34B is a top view of the play yard of FIG. 34A. [Figure 35A] 33B is a side perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 33A, with the play yard partially extended. The play yard can also be seen as partially collapsed. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a close-up view of the play yard of FIG. 35A with the test probe placed on the slider. [Figure 36A] 1 is a perspective view of another exemplary play yard with elongated sliders and corners forming a hexagonal-shaped interior space, where the arms of the sliders and corners are symmetrically offset. The play yard is shown in a folded configuration. [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the play yard of FIG. 36A. [Figure 36C] FIG. 36B is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom portion of the play yard of FIG. 36A. [Figure 37A] 40B shows an exemplary storage latch with a push button disposed on the leg tube of the leg support assembly of the playard of FIG. 40A. [Figure 37B] 37B is a cross-sectional view of the storage latch of FIG. 37A with the push button engaged with the slider of the leg support assembly. The cross-sectional plane bisects the storage latch. [Figure 37C]37B is a cross-sectional view of the storage latch of FIG. 37A, with the storage latch separated from the play yard frame. The cross-sectional plane bisects the storage latch. [Figure 38A] 33B is a perspective view of another exemplary storage latch with a flexible latch member separate from the foot of the leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 33A. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B is a close-up view of the storage latch of FIG. 38A. [Figure 38C] 38B is a cross-sectional view of the storage latch of FIG. 38A, with the latch member engaged with the slider of the leg support assembly. The cross-sectional plane bisects the storage latch. [Figure 39A] 33B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary storage latch having a flexible latch member integrally formed with the foot of the leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 33A, the cross-sectional plane bisecting the storage latch. [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is a perspective view of the storage latch of FIG. 39A. [Figure 40A] 1 is a top perspective view of another exemplary play yard with a secondary latch. The play yard is shown in a partially extended configuration. The play yard can also be viewed as partially folded. [Figure 40B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary secondary latch with a push button mechanism, the cross-sectional plane bisecting the storage latch. [Figure 40C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary secondary latch with a push button mechanism, the cross-sectional plane bisecting the storage latch. [Figure 40D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary secondary latch with a push button mechanism and compression spring, the cross-sectional plane bisecting the storage latch. [Figure 41A] 2B is a top perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering the entire interior space of the play yard. The canopy cover is not shown. [Figure 41B] FIG. 41B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 41A. [Figure 41C] FIG. 41B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 41A. [Figure 41D] FIG. 41B is an enlarged view of the canopy clip of the canopy support assembly of the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 41A connected to the leg support assembly of the play yard. [Figure 41E] FIG. 41E is an enlarged view of the canopy clip of FIG. 41D. [Figure 41F] FIG. 41E is a perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 41D. [Figure 42A] FIG. 41D is a top view of the canopy clip of FIG. 41D being pressed onto the leg tube. [Figure 42B] FIG. 41D is an oblique view of the canopy clip of FIG. 41D, showing that the canopy clip has been rotated so that one lead-in feature is first hooked onto the leg tube and the other lead-in feature is in contact with the leg tube. [Figure 43A] FIG. 41B is a top perspective view of the hub of the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 41A. [Figure 43B] FIG. 43B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 43A. [Figure 44A] 2B is a top front perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering half of the interior space of the play yard and excluding the hub. FIG. [Figure 44B] FIG. 44B is a top side perspective view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 44A. [Figure 45A] FIG. 44B is a top perspective view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 44A with the canopy cover removed. [Figure 45B] FIG. 45B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 45C] FIG. 45B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 45D]FIG. 45B is a perspective view of a canopy clip of the canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 45A. [Figure 45E] FIG. 45E is another perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 45D. [Figure 46A] 2B is a top front perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly covering half of the interior space of the play yard and including a hub. [Figure 46B] FIG. 46B is a front view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 46A. [Figure 46C] FIG. 46B is a top view of the play yard and canopy cover assembly of FIG. 46A. [Figure 47A] FIG. 46B is a top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 46A. [Figure 47B] FIG. 47B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 47A. [Figure 48A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternative hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the hub. [Figure 48B] FIG. 48B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 48A. [Figure 49A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternative hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a vertical axis relative to the hub. [Figure 49B] FIG. 49B is a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 49A. [Figure 50A] 17A and 17B are top perspective views of the exemplary bassinet accessory mounted on the play yard and including a hub that moves downward when the play yard and bassinet accessory are folded. The play yard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 50B] FIG. 50B is another top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A in an extended configuration. [Figure 50C] FIG. 50B is a front view of the playard of FIG. 23A with the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A. [Figure 51A] 50B is a top perspective view of the mattress of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A partially folded and disposed within the partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. [Figure 51B] FIG. 50B is a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 50A with the bassinet accessory removed and the mattress of FIG. 51A partially folded and disposed within a partially enclosed space defined by the soft goods of the playard. [Figure 52] 50B is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A without the mattress, revealing the hub and support tubes of the bassinet accessory. The playard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 53A] FIG. 50C is a close-up view of the bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory corresponding to inset A of FIG. 50B, where the bassinet soft goods are connected to the soft goods in the playard via a zipper mechanism. [Figure 53B] FIG. 50B is a top perspective view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A being removed from the playard of FIG. 50A. [Figure 54A] FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 52, with the playard and bassinet accessory in a folded configuration. [Figure 54B] 53 is a top perspective view of the play yard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 52, with the play yard and bassinet accessory partially extended and beginning to transition from a folded configuration to an extended configuration. The play yard and bassinet accessory can also be seen partially folded and approaching a folded configuration. [Figure 54C]53 is a top perspective view of the play yard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 52, with the play yard and bassinet accessory partially extended and approaching the extended configuration. The play yard and bassinet accessory can also be seen partially folded and beginning to transition to the folded configuration. [Figure 55A]

[0049] Figure 53 is a top perspective view of the hub with hub latch and support tube of Figure 52. The hub latch is shown in a locked position, where rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch is restricted. [Figure 55B] FIG. 55B is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latch, and support tube of FIG. 55A. [Figure 56A] FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of the hub with hub latch and support tube of FIG. 52. The hub latch is shown in an unlocked position, allowing rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch. [Figure 56B] 56B is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latches, and support tubes of FIG. 56A, with some of the support tubes rotated into a collapsed configuration. [Figure 57] 17B is a top perspective view of the play ard of FIG. 17A and another exemplary bassinet accessory, the other exemplary bassinet accessory being mounted on the play ard and including a hub that moves upward when the play ard and bassinet accessory are folded. The play ard and bassinet accessory are shown in an extended configuration. [Figure 58A] FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of a user's hands reaching through respective openings in the hub and bassinet soft goods of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 57 to access a bottom portion of the playard disposed below the bassinet accessory. [Figure 58B] FIG. 58 is a side view of a user's hand grasping a strap disposed on the bottom portion of the soft goods in the playard of FIG. 57 to initiate folding of the playard and bassinet accessory. [Figure 58C] FIG. 58C is a top perspective view of a user pulling the straps of FIG. 58B through the openings in the hub and bassinet soft goods, respectively, to collapse the playard and bassinet accessories. [Figure 58D] FIG. 58D is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessory of FIG. 58C, with the playard and bassinet accessory in a folded configuration. [Figure 59A] FIG. 58 is a top view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 57 in an extended configuration. [Figure 59B] FIG. 59B is a bottom view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 59A in an extended configuration. [Figure 59C] FIG. 59B is a side view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 59A in a folded configuration. [Figure 60A] FIG. 58 is a top view of the telescoping support tube of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 57 connected to the hub and bassinet soft goods, with the support tube extended in an expanded configuration. [Figure 60B] FIG. 60B is a bottom view of the bassinet soft good of FIG. 60A with the support tube attached to the bassinet soft good. [Figure 61] 58 is a perspective view of the hub and support tubes of FIG. 57 installed on the playard of FIG. 23 A. The playard is shown in a folded configuration and the support tubes are in a retracted state. [Figure 62A] 23A without the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A when the play ard is in an extended configuration. The play ard includes an exemplary diaper changing table topper and an exemplary bassinet topper without the canopy installed on the play ard frame. [Figure 62B] FIG. 62B is another top front right perspective view of the playard of FIG. 62A with the soft goods of the changing table topper and bassinet topper removed to show the respective topper frames. [Figure 62C] FIG. 62C is another top front right perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 62B, with the soft goods of the play yard transparent to show the play yard frames connected to their respective topper frames. [Figure 62D] FIG. 62B is an enlarged top front right perspective view of one topper corner assembly in FIG. 62A for connecting the topper to the play yard frame. [Figure 62E] FIG. 62B is an exploded view of the X-frame assembly and topper support of the play yard of FIG. 62A. [Figure 62F] FIG. 62B is a top, front, right-side perspective view of the playard of FIG. 62A with an exemplary storage pocket installed between the toppers. [Figure 63A] FIG. 62E is a top, front, left perspective view of the corner assembly of FIG. 62D with flexible fingers. [Figure 63B] FIG. 63B is an exploded, top, front, left perspective view of the corner assembly of FIG. 63A. [Figure 63C] FIG. 63B is a cross-sectional view of the corner assembly corresponding to plane AA in FIG. 63A. [Figure 63D] FIG. 63B is a perspective view of a corner tube in the corner assembly of FIG. 63A. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary corner assembly with a spring. [Figure 65] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary corner assembly with a snap button. [Figure 66] FIG. 62B is an exploded, top front right perspective view of a frame for the changing table topper of FIG. 62A. [Figure 67] FIG. 62B is a perspective view of the diaper changing table topper of FIG. 62A. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another exemplary changing table topper with a smaller support platform than the topper of FIG. 67. [Figure 69]23B is a top front right perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A without the bassinet accessory, with the playard in an extended configuration. The playard includes an exemplary diaper changing table topper and an exemplary bassinet topper with the canopy attached to the playard frame. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 69. [Figure 71] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of another exemplary bassinet topper with a canopy, the support platform of which is smaller than the topper of FIG. 70. [Figure 72A] 50A is a top, front, right-side perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 23A without the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A, with the play yard in an extended configuration. The play yard includes an exemplary topper attached to a play yard frame with a stationary changing table section and a rotatable organizer section. The topper is shown in a first configuration. [Figure 72B] FIG. 72B is a top, front, left perspective view of the playard of FIG. 72A, showing the topper in a second configuration with the organizer section rotated to cover the changing table section. [Figure 72C] FIG. 72B is a top, front, left perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 72A showing the topper in a breakaway configuration with the organizer section rotated downward toward the floor of the play yard. [Figure 73A] FIG. 72B is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 72A in a setup configuration. [Figure 73B] FIG. 73B is a close-up view of the hub assembly in the topper of FIG. 73A in a setup configuration. [Figure 73C] FIG. 72B is a front view of the playard of FIG. 72A in a storage configuration. [Figure 73D] FIG. 73D is a close-up view of the hub assembly in the topper of FIG. 73C in a storage configuration. [Figure 73E] FIG. 72B is a front view of the play yard of FIG. 72A in a breakaway configuration. [Figure 73F] An enlarged view of the hub assembly within the topper of FIG. 73E in a breakaway configuration. [Figure 74A] A top front right side perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 23A without the bassinette accessory of FIG. 50A in a configuration where the play yard is extended. The play yard includes another exemplary topper mounted to the play yard frame, the topper including a rotatable changing table section and a stationary organizer section. The topper is shown in a setup configuration. [Figure 74B] A top front left side perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 74A. [Figure 74C] An enlarged top front right side perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 74A with the topper in a storage configuration where the changing table section is rotated to cover the organizer section. [Fig. 74D] A cross-sectional view of the organizer section corresponding to plane A-A of FIG. 74B. [Figure 75A] An exploded top rear right side perspective view of a portion of the frame in the topper of FIG. 74A that defines the changing table section. [Figure 75B] An exploded top rear right side perspective view of the portion of the frame of FIG. 75A connected to the upper rail that defines the organizer section. [Figure 75C] A bottom front right side perspective view of the hub assembly within the frame of FIG. 75A. [Figure 76A] An exploded view of one of the hub assemblies within the frame of FIG. 75A. [Figure 76B] A perspective view of the changing table mount within the hub assembly of FIG. 76A. [Figure 76C] A perspective view of the organizer mount within the hub assembly of FIG. 76A. [Figure 76D] A perspective view of the gear within the hub assembly of FIG. 76A. [Figure 77A]23B is an enlarged top front right perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 23A with the play yard in an extended configuration and without the bassinet accessory. The play yard includes a rotatable changing table topper, the topper including support feet that latch into topper supports on the play yard frame to maintain the topper in the set-up configuration. [Figure 77B] FIG. 77B is an enlarged top front right perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 77A with the changing table topper in a storage configuration with the topper rotated to the side of the play yard frame. [Figure 77C] 77B is a cross-sectional view of the support and topper support of FIG. 77A corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 77A. [Figure 78] 72A is a top front right perspective view of the play yard of FIG. 23A in an extended configuration. The play yard includes the topper of FIG. 72A and an exemplary collapsible bassinet topper. [Figure 79A] 79 is a top front right perspective view of the bassinet topper of Fig. 78 in a set-up configuration. The bassinet topper includes a support platform with a latch to maintain the bassinet topper in a set-up configuration and rotatable legs to facilitate collapsing the bassinet topper for storage. [Figure 79B] FIG. 79B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A. [Figure 79C] FIG. 79B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A in a storage configuration. [Figure 80] FIG. 79B is an exploded, top, front, right-side perspective view of a pair of upper rails and a handle pivot assembly of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A. [Figure 81A] FIG. 79B is an enlarged front view of a housing connected to a pair of top rails and a pair of legs of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A. [Figure 81B] FIG. 81B is an exploded top, rear, left-hand perspective view of the housing and pair of legs of FIG. 81A. [Figure 81C]FIG. 81C is an exploded top view of the housing and pair of legs of FIG. 81B. [Figure 81D] 81B is an enlarged top rear left perspective view of the housing, a pair of legs, and a pair of upper rails of FIG. 81A, with the housing transparent to show the connection between the housing and the upper rails and legs. [Figure 81E] 81B is a cross-sectional view of the housing, a pair of legs, and a pair of upper rails corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 81A. [Figure 82A] FIG. 79B is a bottom perspective view of the support platform of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A. [Figure 82B] 82B is a cross-sectional view of the support platform corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 82A. [Figure 83A] FIG. 79B is a top left perspective view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 79A with soft goods placed on the ground. [Figure 83B] FIG. 83B is a top front perspective view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 83A. [Figure 84A]

[0023] Figure 1 is a top front right perspective view of another exemplary collapsible bassinet topper. The bassinet topper includes a support platform supported by soft goods and a housing with an integrated folding and locking mechanism. The bassinet topper is shown in a set-up configuration. [Figure 84B] FIG. 84B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 84A. [Figure 84C] FIG. 84B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 84A in a storage configuration. [Figure 85] 84B is an enlarged rear right-side perspective view of the housing of FIG. 84A, with the housing partially extended. The housing may also be seen as partially folded. [Figure 86A]

[0023] Figure 1 is a top front right perspective view of another exemplary collapsible bassinet topper. The bassinet topper includes a support platform supported by soft goods and a housing with a snap-fit ​​mechanism to facilitate assembly for a setup configuration or disassembly for a storage configuration. The bassinet topper is shown in the setup configuration. [Figure 86B] FIG. 86B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 86A. [Figure 86C] FIG. 86B is a right side view of the bassinet topper of FIG. 86A in a storage configuration. [Figure 87A] FIG. 86B is an enlarged rear right-side perspective view of the housing of FIG. 86A, with the top housing separated from the bottom housing. [Figure 87B] 86C is a cross-sectional view of the housing, upper rail, and legs corresponding to plane AA of FIG. 86B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0112] 1) a mechanically sound rigid frame having a simpler construction compared to conventional play yards that is easier to operate and provides desired clearances in accordance with various consumer safety standards; 2) soft goods attached to the frame to provide a partially enclosed space for a child; optionally, 3) a canopy cover assembly attached to the frame to provide shade for the child; optionally, 4) a bassinet accessory connected to the frame and / or soft goods to provide an elevated surface for supporting the child; and optionally, 5) a care station for the child. forA more detailed description of various concepts (implementations thereof) relating to a foldable play yard including a topper coupled to the frame and / or soft goods to provide a changing table and organizer; and optionally, (6) a bassinet topper disposed on the play yard frame, soft goods, and / or bassinet accessory, which may be collapsible and / or freestanding. It should be recognized that the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in multiple ways. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to practice implementations and alternatives that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0113] The figures and exemplary implementations described below are not meant to limit the scope of the implementations to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by replacing some or all of the elements described or illustrated. Moreover, where certain elements of the disclosed exemplary implementations can be implemented partially or fully using known components, in some cases only those portions of such known components necessary for understanding the implementation are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the implementation.

[0114] In the discussion below, various examples of foldable play yard and associated accessories are provided, with a given example or set of examples showcasing one or more particular features of a frame, an X-frame assembly, a leg support assembly, a latch, soft goods, a canopy cover assembly, a bassinet accessory, an attachment mechanism for a topper, a reconfigurable topper with a changing table and organizer, and a bassinet topper. It should be recognized that one or more features discussed in connection with a given example of a foldable play yard and / or accessories may be used in other examples of foldable play yards and accessories according to the present disclosure, such that the various features disclosed herein can be readily combined into a given foldable play yard and / or accessories according to the present disclosure (provided that the respective features are not mutually inconsistent).

[0115] Certain dimensions and features of the foldable play yard and accessories are described herein using the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar." As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar" indicate that each described dimension or feature is not a strict boundary or parameter, but does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless the context or description indicates otherwise, the use of the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and / or "similar" in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that do not result in a change to the least significant digit, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0116] Exemplary collapsible playard with X-frame assembly 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary frame 100a for a foldable play yard in an extended configuration. As shown, the frame 100a can include multiple leg support assemblies 110a and multiple X-frame assemblies 140a arranged to outline and define the interior space 102. Notably, each leg support assembly 110a can be connected to another adjacent leg support assembly 110a via an X-frame assembly 140a to form a closed frame structure (e.g., a frame that encloses the interior space 102 and separates the interior space 102 from the surrounding environment). As discussed further below in connection with FIG. 5A , in addition to the frame 100a, the foldable play yard 1000a also includes soft goods 300 that are partially disposed within the interior space 102 to provide a padded, partially enclosed space 301 for accommodating the child 50. The soft goods 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0117] Referring again to FIG. 2A , the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a can provide a vertical or near-vertical support stand that defines the spatial extent of the interior space 102 in the extended configuration. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110a can define and / or be otherwise disposed along the side edges 104 of the interior space 102. The X-frame assemblies 140a can provide structural support for positioning and orienting the leg support assemblies 110a as desired and can also provide a mechanism for facilitating folding and / or extending the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 2A , each X-frame assembly 140a can define and / or be otherwise disposed on a side 106 of the interior space 102 between adjacent side edges 104.

[0118] 2A-2C, the interior space 102 has a horizontal cross-section (i.e., a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground surface 90 supporting the frame 100a) shaped as a regular hexagon. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations disclosed herein and discussed in more detail below, the number of leg support assemblies 110a and / or X-frame assemblies 140a can be adjusted to form an interior space 102 having different horizontal cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, regular polygon, and irregular polygon (i.e., sides having different dimensions).

[0119] In some implementations, the interior space 102 can further form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a right prism. Stated another way, the leg support assembly 110a can be vertically oriented such that the horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102 is identical or substantially identical in shape and dimensions at any vertical location along the length of the leg support assembly 110a. In other implementations, the interior space 102 can form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a truncated pyramid, where a bottom portion of the interior space 102 near the ground 90 is larger than an upper portion of the interior space 102. Stated another way, the leg support assemblies 110a may be tilted when the frame 100a is deployed such that the upper portions of the leg support assemblies 110a are positioned closer together than the bottom portions of the leg support assemblies 110a, such that when the leg support assemblies 110a are substantially straight in shape, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the interior space 102 decreases from the bottom to the top portions of the leg support assemblies 110a. In one embodiment, a frame 100a that forms a truncated pyramidal-shaped interior space 102 may be preferred for enhanced mechanical stability. The manner in which this geometry is achieved will be discussed in more detail below.

[0120] 2A, each leg support assembly 110a may include a leg tube 112 having a top end 113a and a bottom end 113b (see, for example, FIG. 4A), a foot 114 connected to the bottom end 113b to support the frame 100a above the ground 90, a corner portion 130 connected to the top end 113a of the leg tube 112, and a slider 120 that is slidably connected to the leg tube 112 and positioned between the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130. The top end 113a and / or the corner portion 130 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the top apex 105 of the interior space 102, and the bottom end 113b and / or the foot portion 114 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the bottom apex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0121] In this implementation, each X-frame assembly 140a can include a pair of X-frame tubes 142a and 142b (also referred to as X-tubes 142a and 142b), which are arranged to cross each other to form a single X-shaped structure. It should be appreciated that the term X-frame tubes refers to the tubes that form part of the X-frame assembly and is not intended to limit the tubes to a particular geometry or shape. The X-frame tubes 142a and 142b can be rotatably coupled to each other and to the respective corners 130 and sliders 120 of the adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. Thus, X-frame assembly 140a is a pivotable and slidable X-frame assembly, in which X-frame tubes 142a and 142b rotate relative to each other and relative to leg support assembly 110a, and translate relative to leg tubes 112 via movement of slider 120. This allows frame 100a to fold into a more compact structure that occupies less volume and / or allows for a larger interior space 102 compared to, for example, a conventional play yard with a pivotable-only X-frame assembly.

[0122] In some implementations, the manner in which the multiple X-frame assemblies 140a and leg support assemblies 110a are connected to one another can allow a caregiver to collapse and / or extend the frame 100a in a single step. For example, a caregiver can extend the frame 100a by moving the slider 120 on one leg support assembly 110a toward the corner 130. The movement of the slider 120 then causes the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a to rotate and translate. The movement of the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a then causes the slider 120 on the adjacent leg support assembly 110a to move in a similar manner. This process can occur simultaneously for all X-frame assemblies 140a and all sliders 120, resulting in the frame 100a being extended when the caregiver moves the slider 120 on one leg support assembly 110a. When the frame 100a is extended, a latch 200a (which will be described in more detail below) can be actuated to lock the frame 100a in the extended configuration (e.g., the latch 200a prevents the slider 120 from sliding back down the respective leg tube 112 toward the foot 114).

[0123] In some implementations, the frame 100a can be folded and / or extended while the feet 114 of the leg support assemblies 110a remain in contact with the ground 90. Additionally, the leg tubes 112 can remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended (e.g., the leg tubes 112 can be intentionally tilted when the frame 100a is extended to improve stability). In this manner, the process of folding and / or extending the frame 100a can be made easier for the caregiver. For example, the caregiver will not need to balance the frame 100a to prevent it from tipping over while setting up and / or taking down the playard 1000a.

[0124] 2B , in some implementations, the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b of each X-frame assembly 140a can be positioned within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a and / or the interior space 102 when the frame 100a is extended. In other words, the X-frame assemblies 140a can form a perimeter structure around the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a that outlines the horizontal cross-section of the upper opening of the interior space 102. For example, FIG. 2C shows that the X-frame assemblies 140a form an upper perimeter structure 109 that outlines a regular hexagon that corresponds to the shape of the interior space 102.

[0125] Positioning the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in an extended configuration provides several benefits to the frame 100a and to a foldable playard including the frame 100a.

[0126] First, each X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a can function as a top rail, connecting two adjacent leg support assemblies 110a together and providing mechanical rigidity and stability to the frame 100a. In other words, the X-frame assembly 140a can be extended to such an extent that the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b form a shallow X-frame structure in the upper portion 108 of the frame that effectively functions as a rigid top rail. For example, to the extent that each slider 120 is positioned adjacent to a respective corner 130 of an adjacent leg support assembly 110a, the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b can be in approximately parallel alignment with one another when viewing the frame 100a from the side or front. Thus, each X-frame tube 142a and 142b can function independently as a top rail.

[0127] In some implementations, the leg support assemblies 110a may only be connected to each other via the X-frame assembly 140a. In other words, the frame 100a may exclude other support structures, such as separate flexible and / or rigid top rails (e.g., the webbing 14 of the play yard 10a and 10b shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the rigid top rail 32 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C) or bottom support structures (e.g., the bottom support structure 34 of the play yard 10c shown in FIG. 1C), which may significantly reduce the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, when the frame 100a is extended, the portion of the leg tube 112 positioned between the bottom end 113b and the slider 120 may not be connected to another portion of the frame 100a (e.g., the bottom portion of the leg tube 112 is not mechanically constrained).

[0128] In some implementations, the frame 100a (including only the leg support assemblies 110a and the X-frame assemblies 140a for connecting the leg support assemblies 110a together) can have sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength to meet the requirements set forth in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11). For example, FIG. 7B shows the play yard 1000a with the frame 100a in an extended position and with the mounted soft goods 300 undergoing a stability test (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 5.12, 8.17). For this test, the play yard 1000a was placed on a flat piece of plywood and tilted at various angles with a test weight disposed within the play yard 1000a leaning against one side of the frame 100a. Based on this testing, it was found that the play yard 1000a did not tip over when tilted at a 20 degree angle with at least three feet 114 remaining in contact with the plywood base. This result exceeds the requirements set forth in ASTM F406-19, 8.17, which requires that a play yard maintain three points of contact with the plywood base when tilted up to a 10 degree angle.

[0129] This may be achieved in part by tailoring the material and / or dimensions of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b to provide mechanical properties that ensure that the frame 100a is mechanically rigid and stable when deployed. For example, the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of approximately 0.625 inches (5 / 8 inches) and an overall length of approximately 24.5 inches. The term "approximately," when used to describe the dimensions of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b, is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. For example, "approximately 0.625 inches" can correspond to the following dimensional ranges: 0.61875 inches to 0.63125 inches (+ / - 1% tolerance), 0.62 inches to 0.63 inches (+ / - 0.8% tolerance), 0.62125 inches to 0.62875 inches (+ / - 0.6% tolerance), 0.6225 inches to 0.6275 inches (+ / - 0.4% tolerance), and 0.62375 inches to 0.62625 inches (+ / - 0.2% tolerance). Similar tolerances can be applied to describe the overall length of X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b.

[0130] It should also be appreciated that the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from other materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum and carbon fiber. 142a and 142b can have different dimensions, depending in part on the desired size of frame 100a and / or interior space 102, and the mechanical properties of the material used to form X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, X-frame assemblies 140a can all have substantially the same or identical dimensions and / or shapes, resulting in an interior space 102 with a horizontal cross-section shaped as a regular polygon. In some implementations, frame 100a can include X-frame assemblies 140a with different dimensions and / or shapes, resulting in an interior space 102 that is distorted in shape.

[0131] 2B , the length L (defined as the distance between the top end 113 a and the bottom end 113 b) of the leg tubes 112 may generally be kept relatively small, where possible, to reduce the likelihood of the frame 100 a tipping, particularly when forces are applied along the top portion 108 of the frame 100 a. For example, the length L may be chosen to ensure that certain constraints on the frame 100 a are met. These constraints may include (1) providing a desired height for the interior space 102; (2) providing sufficient overlap with the foot portions 114 and corner portions 130 to couple the foot portions 114 and corner portions 130 to the leg tubes 112; and / or (3) providing sufficient space for the sliders 120 to move between the foot portions 114 and corner portions 130 to collapse and / or extend the frame 100 a. It should be appreciated that the lateral and vertical dimensions of the interior space 102 are coupled due in part to the rotational and translational movement of the X-frame assembly 140a (e.g., an increase in the lateral dimension of the interior space 102 results in a corresponding increase in the vertical dimension, ensuring that the X-frame assembly 140a has sufficient room to slide vertically along the leg tubes, and thus to fold).

[0132] In some implementations, the length L of the leg tubes 112 can be approximately 26 inches. As with the dimensions of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b, the term "about" when used to describe the dimensions of the leg tubes 112 is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. The tolerance values ​​can be the same for the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 in the leg support assembly 110a can be substantially identical or identical. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 can have different shapes and / or dimensions (e.g., when the frame 100a is extended, some leg tubes 112 can be oriented vertically, while other leg tubes 112 can be tilted).

[0133] Second, another benefit provided by positioning the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in the extended configuration is that the X-frame assembly 140a occupies a smaller portion of the side 106 of the interior space 102 compared to conventional play yards equipped with X-frame assemblies. When the soft goods 300 include transparent and / or see-through side portions, locating the X-frame assembly 140a within the upper portion 108 of the frame allows for greater visibility of the partially enclosed space 301 when the soft goods 300 are coupled to the frame 100a. Stated another way, the X-frame assembly 140a does not significantly visually obstruct and / or impede the caregiver's view of their child 50 when the child is within the play yard 1000a.

[0134] Additionally, the soft goods 300 can use less material to cover the X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can cover the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110a and partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a, so that the latch 200a remains accessible to a caregiver when disposed on the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can completely cover the X-frame assembly 140a and the corners 130 and sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a, so that an observer can see only the leg tubes 112 and / or feet 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. In this manner, the foldable play yard 1000a can be presented with a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance to consumers in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0135] 2B , upper portion 108 may generally correspond to the portion of frame 100a proximate the upper ends 113a of leg tubes 112 and / or the corners 130 of each leg support assembly 110a. More specifically, upper portion 108 may be defined as the portion of frame 100a positioned between top horizontal plane 92 and bottom horizontal plane 91, where top horizontal plane 92 intersects with the upper ends 113a and / or corners 130 of leg tubes 112, and bottom horizontal plane 91 is offset from top horizontal plane 92 by offset distance x1 along the length of each leg tube 112. When frame 100a is extended, X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b, slider 120, and corners 130 are disposed within upper portion 108. The offset distance x1 may be defined as a percentage of the total length L of the leg tubes 112, assuming that the leg tubes 112 in the frame 100a have the same length. In some implementations, the offset distance x1 may be 30% or less of the total length L of the leg tubes 112, and more preferably 20% or less of the total length of the leg tubes 112.

[0136] FIG. 2B also shows that frame 100a can have an overall vertical height H1, which is defined as the distance from ground 90 to upper horizontal plane 92 along a vertical axis (i.e., perpendicular to the ground) in the extended configuration. FIG. 2E similarly shows that frame 100a can have an overall vertical height H2, which is defined as the distance from ground 90 to upper horizontal plane 92A in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the height of frame 100a can remain substantially constant or constant between the folded and extended configurations of the frame. In other words, heights H1 and H2 can be equal or substantially similar, and planes 92 and 92A are coplanar or substantially coplanar. However, in some implementations, the height of frame 100a may vary due to, for example, leg support assemblies 110a flaring outward when frame 100a is extended, as discussed in more detail below. When frame 100a flares outward in the extended configuration, height H2 may be somewhat greater than height H1 (i.e., plane 92A in the folded configuration may be disposed somewhat above plane 92A in the extended configuration).

[0137] 3A and 3B show additional views of X-frame assembly 140a in frame 100a. As shown, X-frame tubes 142a and 142b can be rotatably coupled to one another via pin joint 145. X-frame tube 142a can have a first end 143a and a second end 143b, where first end 143a is rotatably coupled to corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146a and second end 143b is rotatably coupled to slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-shaped frame tube 142b may be rotatably connected to the corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146d and to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146c.

[0138] Pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may generally include fasteners (not shown) with shafts that are inserted through openings 147 (see FIG. 4B) on the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b to allow rotational movement between the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, slider 120, and corner portion 130. The fasteners may be various types of captive fasteners, including, but not limited to, rivets with caps (e.g., roll rivets) and bolt fasteners with nuts.

[0139] Generally, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the openings 147 and fastener shafts affect the tightness or looseness of the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d. If the openings 147 are sized to interfere with the fasteners (e.g., the size of the openings 147 is smaller than the size of the fastener shafts), the caregiver may have to apply more force to rotate the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b. In some cases, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may be too tight, preventing each foot 114 of each leg support assembly 110a from contacting the ground 90 when the frame 100a is extended. For example, a caregiver may be able to move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner 130, while the opposing side of the frame 100a may only be partially extended. In contrast, if the size of the opening 147 were significantly larger than the fastener shaft, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d could allow the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b to rotate and / or translate along other axes of unwanted motion (e.g., the frame 100a could wobble), which could compromise the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. Therefore, in some implementations, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the openings 147 and the fastener shafts are chosen to be loose enough to ensure that the feet 114 of the leg support assembly 110a contact the ground 90, while still being tight enough to limit unwanted rotational and / or translational motion between the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b and / or the slider 120 or corner portion 130, among other things. For example, the tolerance (or clearance) between the shaft of the fastener and the edge of the opening 147 can be about 0.010 inches or greater, and more preferably about 0.015 inches or greater.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 3A , the pin joints 145 may be generally positioned along the length of each X-shaped frame tube 142a and 142b. For example, the pin joints 145 may be positioned at an offset distance z1 from the first end 143a and at an offset distance z2 from the second end 143b. In some implementations, the offset distances z1 and z2 may be equal, causing the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b, respectively, to follow the same circular path when the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b are rotated. This, in turn, causes the orientation of the leg support assembly 110a to remain unchanged when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended. For example, the leg tubes 112 of each leg support assembly 110a may remain vertically oriented in both the folded and extended configurations.

[0141] However, in other implementations, the offset distances z1 and z2 may not be equal. For example, the offset distance z2 may be greater than the offset distance z1, causing the first end 143a of the X-shaped frame tube 142a to follow a smaller circular path and the second end 143b of the X-shaped frame tube 142a to follow a smaller circular path when the X-shaped frame tube 142a is rotated. EndThis causes the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-frame tubes 142b to follow a larger circular path. The first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-frame tubes 142b may similarly follow smaller and larger circular paths, respectively. This, in turn, may cause the leg support assembly 110a (and, in particular, the leg tubes 112) to flare outward when the frame 100a is extended. In other words, the leg tubes 112 of the leg support assembly 110a may be tilted due to the rotational movement of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140a, such that the top ends 113a form the apex of a smaller horizontal cross section (parallel to the ground) than the bottom ends 113b (i.e., the top ends 113a are positioned closer together than the bottom ends 113b). In this manner, the frame 100a can define an interior space 102 having a truncated pyramidal interior shape, as described above, which can be beneficial in improving the mechanical stability of the frame 100a (e.g., the frame 100a is less likely to tip over). Referring again to FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the leg support assembly 110a can be flared outward, with the leg tubes 112 are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the ground surface 90, the angle being in the range of between 80 degrees and 88 degrees, and more preferably in the range of between 83 degrees and 85 degrees.

[0142] 3B, in some implementations, the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b may be curved in shape. For example, the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped frame tube 142a may be aligned along a first axis 141a, while the central portion 144 of the X-shaped frame tube 142a is aligned along a second axis 141b, which is parallel to and offset from the axis 141a. The X-shaped frame tube 142b can have a similar curved shape as the X-shaped frame tube 142a. In some implementations, the offset between the first axis 141 a and the second axis 141 b can be selected to provide sufficient clearance between the X-shaped frame tubes 142 a and 142 b, as shown in FIG. 3B , so that the first and second ends 143 a and 143 b of the X-shaped frame tubes 142 a and 142 b, respectively, lie on the same plane (e.g., the side surface 106 of the interior space 102). This, in turn, allows the corner portions 130 and portions of the slider 120 to also lie on the same plane as the first and second ends 143 a and 143 b of the X-shaped frame tubes 142 a and 142 b. In some implementations, aligning the corner portions 130 and the slider 120 in this manner can allow the frame 100 a to fold more compactly.

[0143] 3C-3E show additional views of the leg support assembly 110a on the frame 100a. As shown, the leg tube 112 can be a substantially elongated hollow tube that defines a path along which the slider 120 travels when the frame 100a is collapsed and / or extended. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 can be substantially straight, such that the slider 120 follows a straight path along the longitudinal axis 111a (see FIGS. 2A-2C). In some implementations, the longitudinal axis 111a can correspond to the centerline axis of the leg tube 112 (i.e., the axis that intersects the center point of the leg tube 112). However, it should be appreciated that the leg tube 112 can be curved in other implementations to define a correspondingly curved path for the slider 120 to follow. Examples of curved leg tubes 112 will be discussed in more detail below. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 can have a cross-section that remains constant along the length L of the leg tubes 112. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, oval, and elliptical shapes. The leg tubes 112 can also be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

[0144] The slider 120 can include a base 121 defining a through-hole opening 122 that is shaped and / or dimensioned to surround the leg tube 112, thus allowing the slider 120 to slidably move along the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 122 can match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The slider 120 can further include an extension 124 (also referred to herein as an arm 124) that is coupled to one side of the base 121 and connects an X-frame tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via a fastener inserted through an opening in the extension 124 that is aligned with an opening 147 in the X-frame tube 142a (see, for example, the exploded views of FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Extension portion 124 may also include a recessed opening 124a for receiving an end of X-frame tube 142a that is connected to slider 120. Slider 120 may also include an extension portion 126 (also referred to herein as arm 126) similar to extension portion 124, disposed opposite extension portion 124, that connects X-frame tube 142b of another X-frame assembly 140a to slider 120 via another fastener inserted through an opening in extension portion 126 that aligns with opening 147 in X-frame tube 142b.

[0145] The extensions 124 and 126 can generally be oriented at a predetermined angle relative to one another to align the respective X-frame tubes 142a and 142b from adjacent X-frame assemblies 140a along the desired geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the extensions 124 and 126 can be rotated relative to one another by an obtuse angle of approximately 120 degrees, corresponding to the angle between adjacent sides of a hexagon. In some implementations, the extensions 124 and 126 can lie on the same horizontal plane. In some implementations, if the respective X-frame tubes 142a and 142b coupled to the sliders 120 are not identical, the extensions 124 and 126 can be vertically offset from one another. In some implementations, the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a can be identical to one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacturing.

[0146] The corner portion 130 can include a base 131 that defines an opening 132 for receiving the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 132 can match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. Similar to slider 120, corner 130 can include extensions 134 and 136 (also referred to herein as arms 134 and 136) disposed on opposite sides of base 131 and using a similar attachment mechanism as slider 120 (e.g., fasteners inserted through openings aligned with openings 147 in X-frame tubes 142a and 142b (see, e.g., the exploded views in FIGS. 4A and 4B )) to couple X-frame tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a and X-frame tube 142a of another X-frame assembly 140a to corner 130. Extensions 134 and 136 can have recessed openings 134a and 136a, respectively, for receiving the respective ends of X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, respectively.

[0147] Additionally, extensions 134 and 136 can be oriented at an angle relative to one another to align the respective X-frame tubes 142a and 142b from adjacent X-frame assemblies 140a along the desired geometry of interior space 102. Additionally, extensions 134 and 136 can lie in the same horizontal plane and / or be vertically offset from one another if the respective X-frame tubes 142a and 142b connected to corners 130 are not identical. In some implementations, corners 130 of leg support assembly 110a can be identical to one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacturing.

[0148] 3C further illustrates that the corner portion 130 can include a tab portion 138 that extends downwardly along the leg tube 112 and supports a snap-fit ​​connector 139 for attaching the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. In some implementations, the tab portion 138 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to position the snap-fit ​​connector 139 at a desired location along the leg tube 112. For example, the snap-fit ​​connector 139 can be offset from the top end 113a to ensure that the soft goods 300 overlaps and wraps around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the opening formed in the tab portion 138 for attaching the snap-fit ​​connector 139 to the corner portion 130 can be used to securely couple the corner portion 130 to the leg tube 112 using the same fasteners.

[0149] 3E shows a close-up view of the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. As described above, the foot portion 114 supports the frame 100a and the foldable playard 1000a above the ground 90. As shown, the foot portion 114 may define an opening 115 for receiving the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 115 may match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The foot portion 114 may further include an opening 119 for securely coupling the foot portion 114 to the leg tube 112 using, for example, a fastener (see, for example, FIG. 4C ).

[0150] In some implementations, the foot 114 can also include a loop or ring structure that extends from the base of the foot 114 and provides another attachment point for connecting the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. For example, FIG. 3Eillustrates that the foot portion 114 can include a D-ring 116 that defines a D-shaped opening 117. The soft goods 300 can include a strap or tether that is inserted through the D-shaped opening 117 and tied to the foot portion 114, mechanically attaching the bottom portion of the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. As shown, the D-shaped opening 117 can be aligned such that the centerline axis 118 of the opening 117 is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 111a of the leg tube 112. This orientation also allows the D-ring 116 to increase the area over which the foot portion 114 contacts the ground 90, which can further improve the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. However, it should be appreciated that the orientation and placement of the D-ring 116 can be varied in other implementations. For example, the D-ring 116 may be rotated 90 degrees relative to the ground so that the axis 118 of the opening 117 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0151] FIG. 5A shows the foldable play yard 1000a with soft goods 300 coupled to the frame 100a. As described above, the soft goods 300 define a partially enclosed space 301 that is positioned within the interior space 102 of the frame 100a to accommodate a child. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can remain attached to the frame 100a when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended. As shown in FIG. 5A , the soft goods 300 can include a floor portion 304 that rests on the ground 90 when the play yard 1000a is extended. The soft goods 300 can also include side portions 306 that define and surround the partially enclosed space 301. In some implementations, the side portions 306 can be transparent (e.g., clear plastic) or see-through (e.g., mesh) so that a child in the playard can be observed from outside the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 can also include one or more straps (e.g., Velcro straps) and / or tethers to connect the soft goods 300 to respective D-rings 116 of respective feet 114 in the leg support assembly 110 a.

[0152] The soft goods 300 also include a soft goods top portion 302, which can wrap around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 5A , the soft goods top portion 302 can be formed from an opaque textile material with multiple layers of fabric to provide padding over the portion of the frame 100a that is covered. The soft goods 300 can also include integrated snap-fit ​​connectors 312 that connect to snap-fit ​​receivers 139 on the corners 130. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can include the same number of snap-fit ​​connectors 312 so that the soft goods 300 can be attached to each corner 130 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the snap-fit ​​connectors 312 can be disposed on tabs 310, as shown in FIG. 5C , that are attached to an interior piece of the soft goods 300 along the soft goods top portion 302. Tab 310 can strengthen the interior piece of soft goods top portion 302 and ensure that soft goods top portion 302 remains flush with frame 100a (e.g., soft goods top portion 302 does not curl upward) when snap fit connector 312 is connected to snap fit connector 139 on corner portion 130, as shown in FIG. 5B. Tab 310 can be formed from a flexible material (e.g., polyethylene, etc.) and can be shaped to be stiffer than the surrounding textile material of soft goods 300.

[0153] 6A-6D show multiple views of the latch 200a disposed on the frame 100a. As described above, the latch 200a can lock the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In particular, the latch 200a can maintain the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a in proximity to the corresponding corner portions 130 so that the X-frame assembly 140a remains extended forming a shallow X-frame structure within the upper portion 108 of the frame. Thus, the latch 200a can provide sufficient mechanical restraint to support various forces and / or torques applied to one or more of the sliders 120 (e.g., the weight of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b acting on the sliders 120).

[0154] The latch 200a may generally be coupled to and / or connect together various components of the frame 100a (including, but not limited to, the slider 120, the corner 130, and the X-frame tube 142a or 142b). Moreover, the latch 200a may be at least partially disposed within the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. This may allow the latch 200a to be at least partially covered by the soft goods 300. For example, the latch 200a may directly couple the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to the X-frame tube 142a or 142b of the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0155] The frame 100a may generally include one or more latches disposed on one or more of the leg support assemblies 110a and / or the X-frame assembly 140a. For example, the frame 100a may include latches disposed on opposite sides of the frame 100a to ensure that the frame 100a maintains an evenly extended shape (e.g., one side of the frame 100a does not sag downward relative to another side) when extended. However, in other implementations, a single latch is sufficient to lock the frame 100a in the extended configuration while maintaining the various leg support assemblies 110a and X-frame assemblies 140a in an evenly extended state. 2A-2C, for example, these figures show that frame 100a includes a single latch 200a that is partially disposed on one leg support assembly 110a and one X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, latch 200a can be configured to withstand a load of 10 pounds or more before disengaging or unlocking.

[0156] 6A shows that latch 200a can include a latch member 210 (also referred to herein as a "flex lock") with a top end 211a coupled to a corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a and a latch boss 230 coupled to an X-frame tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a. Latch member 210 can include an opening 212 disposed at first end 211a that aligns with an opening on corner portion 130 used to couple to X-frame tube 142b. In this manner, a single fastener can couple latch member 210, corner portion 130, and X-frame tube 142b together, and corner portion 130 can remain unmodified. In other words, the latch member 210 may be coupled to any one of the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110a of the frame 100a, provided that the latch boss 230 is coupled to one of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b adjacent to the leg support assembly 110a. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be coupled to the corner 130 via a pin joint connection or a rigid connection (e.g., the latch member 210 cannot rotate relative to the corner 130). The latch boss 230 may include an opening that is shaped and / or sized to fit with the X-shaped frame tube 142a, thereby allowing the latch boss 230 to be slid onto the X-shaped frame tube 142a for assembly. FIG. 6B shows that the latch boss 230 can then be coupled to the X-shaped frame tube 142a, for example, using fasteners inserted through respective openings (not shown) on the latch boss 230 and the X-shaped frame tube 142a.

[0157] 6A , the latch member 210 can include a latch opening 214 disposed at a second end 211b of the latch member 210 opposite the first end 211a. The latch opening 214 can be shaped and / or sized to receive the latch boss 230. In other words, the latch opening 214 can function as a latch catch. In this manner, the latch member 210 can directly couple the corner portion 130 to the X-shaped frame tube 142b by engaging with the latch boss 230 and thus retaining the slider 120 within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a near the corner portion 130.

[0158] The latch member 210 can also include a tab 220 disposed on the second end 211b. Generally, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that bends when a caregiver pulls on the tab 220, disengaging the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. The latch member 210 can also have sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated when bent by a caregiver. When the caregiver releases the tab 220, the restoring force can return the latch member 210 to its original shape. In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be formed from a plastic material. The latch member 210 can further have a sufficient thickness and / or be reinforced with an integral rib structure to provide the desired mechanical rigidity.

[0159] In some implementations, the latch 200a can be a double-action latch (e.g., a caregiver must perform two actions to unlock the latch). For example, FIG. 6C shows that the latch opening 214 of the latch member 210 can include a tab 216 disposed therein. FIG. 6D shows that the latch boss 230 can include an undercut portion 232 that forms a notch or slot between the X-frame tube 142a and an end portion 236. Thus, when the latch member 210 is coupled to the latch boss 230, the tab 216 of the latch member 210 is disposed within the undercut portion 232 and is retained by the end portion 236 of the latch boss 230. In some implementations, the tab 216 may further define a slot 218, as shown in FIG. 6C, and the latch boss 230 may further include a rib 234 partially disposed within the undercut portion 232, as shown in FIG. 6D, which together facilitate alignment of the tab 216 with the undercut portion 232 and ensure that the latch member 210 is properly engaged with the latch boss 230.

[0160] To set up the frame 100a (and thus the play yard 1000a), a caregiver can first move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner 130 to partially extend the frame 100a. As the frame 100a is extended, a latch boss 230 disposed on the X-shaped frame tube 142a is displaced toward the latch member 210 coupled to the corner 130. When the latch boss 230 reaches the latch member 210 (and, in particular, the tab 216), further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112 results in contact between the latch boss 230 and the tab 216, which causes the latch member 210 to be deflected outward. In some implementations, the latch member 210 can include a lead-in feature above the tab 216 (e.g., a slanted or angled wall, etc.) (not shown). The lead-in feature can allow the latch member 210 to be deflected more effectively as the latch boss 230 slides relative to the latch member 210 by orienting the contact force between the latch member 210 and the latch boss 230 along a direction that increases the amount of torque applied to bend the latch member 210 (note that the pivot point of the latch member 210 is positioned at the mounting opening 212 as shown in FIG. 6A).

[0161] As the latch member 210 is deflected by further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112, an internal restoring force is generated within the latch member 210, which is applied against the latch boss 230. As the caregiver continues to move the slider 120 toward the corner 130, the latch member 210 is further deflected outward, resulting in a higher magnitude of restoring force being applied to the latch boss 230. When the slider 120 is moved close enough to the corner 130, the latch boss 230 passes through the latch opening 214, and the restoring force causes the latch member 210 to snap back to its original position, so that the latch boss 230 protrudes through the latch opening 214. When the caregiver releases the slider 120, the slider 120 is allowed to move slightly downward along the leg tube 112 due to gravity, causing the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230 to rest on the tab 216 of the latch member 210.

[0162] FIG. 6E illustrates how a caregiver can transition frame 100a and play yard 1000a from an extended configuration to a folded configuration by disengaging double-action latch 200a. As shown in FIG. 6E, the caregiver can first squeeze X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b (as indicated by the upward and downward arrows in FIG. 6E), which causes slider 120 to move upward along leg tube 112, thus disengaging tab 216 of latch member 210 from undercut portion 232 of latch boss 230. While the caregiver is squeezing X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b together with one hand, the caregiver can then pull tab 220 of latch member 210 with the other hand, releasing latch boss 230 from latch opening 214 (as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 6E). Thus, the "double action" of latch 200a is a "squeeze and pull." While holding the latch member 210, the caregiver can then release the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, and the slider 120 can then fall downward along the leg tubes 112, due in part to the weight of the X-frame assembly 140a. The caregiver can then move the slider 120 downward toward the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, thus collapsing the playard 1000a.

[0163] 6D, in some implementations of double-action latch 200a, undercut portion 232 and end portion 236 of latch boss 230 and tab 216 of latch member 210 may be shaped and / or dimensioned such that a significant amount of force (e.g., greater than 20 pounds) must be applied to pull latch member 210 away from latch boss 230. For example, FIG. 7A shows a force test being applied to double-action latch 200a that shows that latch member 210 remains engaged with latch boss 230 when a force of greater than 24 pounds is applied to tab 220.

[0164] It should be appreciated that in other implementations, the play yard 1000a (and, in particular, the frame 100a) can include other types of latching mechanisms. For example, Figures 8A-8D show a play yard 1000a in which the frame 100a includes a single-action latch 200b (e.g., a caregiver need only perform one action to release the latch) instead of (or in addition to) the double-action latch 200a discussed immediately above.

[0165] Specifically, FIG. 8A shows a play yard 1000a with soft goods 300 installed on the frame 100a, where the soft goods 300 cover the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110a and partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a. Thus, a portion of the single-action latch 200b remains exposed to provide caregiver access (see, for example, FIG. 8B). As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the single-action latch 200b can also include a latch member 210, which is coupled at one end to the corners 130 via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 on the latch member 210. The latch member 210 can again include a latch opening 214 for receiving a latch boss 230. In this implementation, the latch boss 230 is shown coupled to an X-frame tube 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0166] The single-action latch 200b can be locked in a manner similar to the double-action latch 200a. Specifically, the slider 120 is moved toward the corner 130, which causes the latch boss 230 to initially deflect the latch member 210 until the latch boss 230 reaches the latch opening 214. At this point, a restoring force generated in the latch member 210 causes the latch member 210 to return to its original position, with the latch boss 230 protruding through the latch opening 214. In this manner, the single-action latch 200b can hold the frame 100a in an extended configuration.

[0167] To unlock the single-action latch 200b and collapse the frame 100a, the caregiver can pull the tab 220, deflecting and / or bending the latching member 210 outward, thus releasing the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. As before, while the caregiver is holding the latch member 210, the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112 through a combination of gravity and the caregiver moving the slider 120 toward the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, as shown in FIG. 8D. In this manner, the play yard 1000a can be collapsed.

[0168] 9A-9F show another exemplary latch 200c mounted on the frame 100a of a play yard 1000a. FIG. 9A again shows the frame 100a covered by soft goods 300. FIG. 9B shows the soft goods 300 only partially covering the X-frame assembly 140a, leaving the bottom portion of the latch 200c exposed. FIG. 9C shows the frame 100a without the soft goods 300 attached. As shown, the latch 200c can be positioned on the frame 100a similar to the double-action latch 200a, with the single-action latch 200b (i.e., latch 200c) disposed within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a.

[0169] FIG. 9D again illustrates that the latch 200c can include a latch member 210, which is 2102. Latch member 210 is coupled to corner portion 130 via a fastener inserted through opening 212 at one end of X-frame tube 142b. However, in this example, latch member 210 may form notch 240a, which is shaped and / or dimensioned to form a snap-fit ​​connection with X-frame tube 142b. In this manner, latch 200c may utilize fewer parts compared to latches 200a and 200b (e.g., latch 200c only includes latch member 210 and a fastener for coupling latch member 210 to corner portion 130). As shown, notch 240a may be shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of X-frame tube 142b. As before, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that can bend and / or deflect due to contact with the X-shaped frame tube 142b (e.g., when extending the frame 100a) and / or by a caregiver pulling on a tab 220 disposed at the bottom end of the latch member 210 to release the latch member 210 from the X-shaped frame tube 142b (e.g., when folding the frame 100a).

[0170] 9A-9D, the frame 100a (and thus the play yard 1000a) can be set up by the caregiver again moving the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner 130. When the X-shaped frame tube 142b contacts the latch member 210 (and specifically, the tab 220), the latch member 210 can be biased outward. The latch member 210 can further include a lead-in feature 222 (e.g., a sloped wall) for biasing the latch member 210 when it contacts the X-shaped frame tube 142b. The caregiver can then continue to move the slider 120 toward the corner 130 until the notch 240a aligns with the X-shaped frame tube 142b.

[0171] In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be sufficiently flexible so that deflection of the latch member 210 does not create a significant restoring force. Thus, a caregiver needs to press the latch member 210 to snap-fit ​​the latch member 210 onto the X-frame tube 142b. However, in other implementations, the latch member 210 can instead generate an internal restoring force when bent and / or deflected (e.g., the latch member 210 includes a ribbed structure to increase the mechanical rigidity of the latch member 210). The restoring force can be sufficient to cause the notch 240a to at least partially engage with the X-frame tube 142b. In some cases, to ensure that the latch member 210 is properly engaged with the X-frame tube 142b, a caregiver can still press the latch member 210 onto the X-frame tube 142b, albeit with less force due to the restoring force generated in the latch member 210. In yet other implementations, the restoring force may instead be large enough to cause the latch member 210 to snap-fit ​​connect to the X-frame tube 142b without any additional action by the caregiver.

[0172] 9E, to unlock the latch 200c, the caregiver can pull the tab 220 with enough force to disengage the notch 240a from the X-shaped frame tube 142b. In implementations in which the latch member 210 does not generate a significant restoring force, the caregiver can release the latch member 210, and the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112 via gravity and / or via the caregiver actively moving the slider 120, as shown in FIG. 9F. In implementations in which the latch member 210 does generate a significant restoring force, the caregiver can hold the latch member 210 with one hand until the slider 120 has moved a sufficient distance along the leg tube 112 such that the X-shaped frame tube 142b is no longer aligned with the notch 240a.

[0173] Additionally, Figures 9D-9F illustrate that in some implementations, the corner portion 130 can further include a hook 133 that protrudes outward from the frame 100a. The hook 133 can be used in part to pull the soft goods 300 taut around the frame 100a and / or to function as a secondary restraining feature to prevent the soft goods 300 from prematurely detaching from the frame 100a. In some implementations, the hook 133 can also be used as a positioning feature to facilitate installation of the soft goods 300 onto the frame 100a. Figures 9D-9F further illustrate that in some implementations, the corner portion 130 need not include a snap-fit ​​connector 139 as before. Instead, the snap-fit ​​connector 190 can be attached directly onto the leg tube 112.

[0174] 10 illustrates another exemplary latch 200d coupled to frame 100a. Latch 200d is a variation of latch 200c, with the primary difference being that latch member 210 is coupled to X-shaped frame tube 142a instead of corner portion 130 via fasteners inserted through openings 212 and openings in X-shaped frame tube 142a. Latch 200d can be locked and / or unlocked in the same manner as latch 200c. In some implementations, latch member 210 of latch 200d can be dimensioned to be shorter in length compared to latch member 210 of 200c due to the smaller separation distance between X-shaped frame tube 142a and X-shaped frame tube 142b.

[0175] 11A-11D show another exemplary latch 200e mounted on the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. Fig. 11A again shows the frame 100a covered by soft goods 300. Fig. 11B again shows that the soft goods 300 partially cover the X-frame assembly 140a, leaving the bottom portion of latch 200e exposed, similar to latches 200a-200d.

[0176] FIG. 11C again shows that the latch 200e can include a latch member 210 that is coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 in one end of the latch member 210. In this example, the latch member 210 can include a hook structure 240b near the tab 220. As shown, the hook structure 240b can provide a contoured surface upon which the X-shaped frame tubes 142b can rest when the frame 100a is extended. As before, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component that can be deflected and / or bent due to contact with the X-shaped frame tubes 142b and / or by a caregiver pulling on a tab 220 disposed at the bottom end of the latch member 210.

[0177] Latch 200e can lock frame 100a in an extended configuration in a manner similar to latches 200a-200d. When the caregiver moves slider 120 toward corner 130, X-shaped frame tube 142b can contact latch member 210 and deflect outward. Latch member 210 can include a lead-in feature 222 formed between hook structure 240b and the bottom end of latch member 210 to guide X-shaped frame tube 142b moving relative to latch member 210 and deflect latch member 210 outward. Once X-shaped frame tube 142b is disposed above hook structure 240b, the caregiver can release slider 120, which can then move downward along leg tube 112 until X-shaped frame tube 142b rests on hook structure 240b.

[0178] In some implementations, the hook structure 240b can be latched by a caregiver pulling the tab 220 with sufficient force. 200e11D , the caregiver can lift the slider 120 and / or squeeze the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b so that the X-shaped frame tube 142b is released from the hook structure 240b. While the caregiver holds the X-shaped frame tube 142b above the hook structure 240b with one hand, the caregiver can then pull the latch member 210 outward, allowing the X-shaped frame tube 142b to fall below the hook structure 240b, as shown in FIG. 11D .

[0179] 12A and 12B show another exemplary latch 200f that directly couples a slider 120 to a corner 130 in the frame 100a of the foldable play yard 1000a. As shown in FIG. 12A, the frame 100a can include only one latch 200f, which is coupled to one leg support assembly 110a and supports multiple sliders 120 and / or X-frame assemblies 140a when the frame 100a is extended.

[0180] 12B shows that the latch 200f can include a latch member 243 disposed on the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a and a latch hook 242 disposed on the corresponding corner portion 130. The latch member 243 can be integrally formed on the slider 120 to form one single component, or it can be fabricated as a separate component that is then coupled to the slider 120 using, for example, fasteners or a snap-fit ​​connection. In some implementations, when the latch member 243 is formed as a separate component, it can be coupled to openings in the slider 120 over the extensions 124 and 126 for coupling to the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and / or 142b, such that a single fastener couples the latch member 243, the slider 120, and one or more X-shaped frame tubes 142a and / or 142b together. In this way, the slider 120 can remain identical to the other sliders 120 in the frame 100a.

[0181] Latch hook 242 can likewise be integrally formed on corner portion 130 to form one unitary component, or can be made as a separate component that is then coupled to slider 120. Similarly, when formed as a separate component, latch hook 242 can be coupled to openings in corner portion 130 formed on extension portions 134 and 136 in a manner similar to latch member 210 of latch 200a, where corner portion 130 remains unchanged and / or identical to the other corner portions 130 in frame 100a.

[0182] The latch member 243 can include a first end 241 a coupled to the slider 120 and a latch opening 244 disposed near a second end 241 b opposite the first end 241 a. The latch opening 244 can be shaped to receive the latch hook 242 on the corner portion 130. In some implementations, the latch hook 242 can have a contoured surface such that the portion of the latch member 243 forming the upper side of the opening 244 rests on the latch hook 242 when the latch 200 f is locked. In this manner, the latch 200 f can directly couple the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 together and hold the frame 100 a in an extended configuration. Also, in some implementations, the latch opening 244 and the latch hook 242 may be shaped to reduce, or in some cases eliminate, relative translational and / or rotational movement between the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 along axes of movement other than the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0183] The latch member 243 can be a mechanically flexible component with a tab 220 disposed on the second end 241b, similar to the latch member 210 of the latch 200a. Although the latch member 243 is disposed on the slider 120, the latch member 243 can engage the latch hook 242 in a manner similar to that of the latches 200a-200e. As before, the caregiver can move the slider 120 toward the corner portion 130. When the tab 220 of the latch member 243 contacts the bottom surface of the latch hook 242, the latch member 243 can be biased outward. As shown in FIG. 12B, the bottom surface of the latch hook 242 can form a lead-in feature (e.g., a sloped surface) to guide the latch member 243 as it is biased outward. The latch member 243 can be sufficiently rigid to generate an internal restoring force when the latch member 243 is bent. 244When the slider 120 is moved close enough to the corner 130 so that the latch member 243 is aligned with the latch opening 242, a restoring force can cause the latch member 243 to snap back to its original configuration, and the latch hook 242 then 244 It is possible to protrude through

[0184] Like latch 200e, latch 200f can be a single-action latch, in which a caregiver can release latch member 243 from latch hook 242 by pulling tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, latch 200f can be a double-action latch, in which latch hook 242 can be sufficiently rigid and / or include a sufficiently deep undercut portion so that pulling tab 220 cannot release latch member 243 without applying excessive force (e.g., greater than 20 lbf). The caregiver should instead raise slider 120 so that the portion of latch member 243 forming the upper side of opening 244 releases from latch hook 242. While holding slider 120 in the raised position, the caregiver can then pull latch member 243 outward, allowing slider 120 to move downward along leg tube 112.

[0185] 13A-13H show another exemplary latch 200g attached to the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a. As shown in FIG. 13A, the frame 100a can include a single latch 200g attached to one X-frame assembly 140a and supporting the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the latch 200g can be shaped and / or dimensioned to have the same or similar thickness as the X-frame assembly 140a, particularly so that the latch 200g does not protrude significantly outward from the frame 100a when the frame 100a is in a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 13B. In other words, the thickness of latch 200g can be the same as or similar to the distance separating the outer outer edge of central portion 144 of X-shaped frame tube 142a and the inner outer edge of central portion 144 of X-shaped frame tube 142b in FIG. 3B.

[0186] FIG. 13C shows that latch 200g can replace pin joint 145, thereby rotatably connecting X-frame tube 142a to X-frame tube 142b, such that X-frame tubes 142a and 142b rotate about rotation axis 252. FIG. 13D shows that latch 200g can include first housing 250a, which is disposed on an outer portion of frame 100a and rigidly connected to X-frame tube 142b. In particular, first housing 250a can include notch 251a, and X-frame tube 142b can be formed with a flat section 148 in central portion 144 that fits into notch 251a. Thus, first housing 250a can rotate together with X-frame tube 142b.

[0187] Latch 200g may further include a second housing 250b disposed within interior space 102 of frame 100a and rigidly coupled to X-frame tube 142a. Second housing 250b may include a notch 251b, and X-frame tube 142a may have a flat section 148 that fits into notch 251b so that second housing 250b rotates with X-frame tube 142a. First housing 250a may be rotatably coupled to second housing 250b via a shaft or pin (not shown) inserted along rotation axis 252 through openings in first housing 250a, second housing 250b, and X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13D.

[0188] The first and second housings 250a and 250b may form a cavity for receiving a locking gear 254, which may translate along a rotational axis 252 relative to the first and second housings 250a and 250b to lock and / or unlock the latch 200g. The cavity may further receive a return spring 253, which is disposed between the locking gear 254 and the second housing 250b and provides a spring biasing force on the locking gear 254 to maintain the latch 200g in a default locked configuration. The locking gear 254 can include a pair of latch key sections 256 having interior sidewalls 257a defining channels 257c shaped to restrict and lock the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b when the frame 100a is extended (e.g., the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b are arranged to form a shallow X-frame structure). In other words, when the latch 200g is locked, the flat sections 148 of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b can be disposed within the channels 257c, with the sidewalls 257a abutting opposite sides of the flat sections 148 and preventing rotation of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b.

[0189] When the play yard 1000a is in the folded configuration, the locking gear 254 may be disposed primarily within the second housing 250b, and the return spring 253 may be compressed due to the flat section 148 of each of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and / or 142b contacting and / or pressing against the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254. To unfold the play yard 1000a, again, the caregiver can move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a and / or squeeze the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a together to extend the frame 100a. As the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b are rotated, the flat section 148 of each of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b can slide along the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254, thus maintaining compression of the return spring 253. When the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b are rotated sufficiently so that the flat section 148 of each of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b is aligned to match the geometry of the channel 257c, the spring 253 can then push the locking gear 254 outward toward the first housing 250a, and the flat section 148 is disposed in channel 257c and is constrained by latch key section 256 (see Figures 13E and 13G).

[0190] 13D further illustrates that latch 200g can include a release button 260 that is partially disposed in a recessed opening 259 formed along the front of first housing 250a. Recessed opening 259 in first housing 250a can be separated from the cavity formed between first housing 250a and second housing 250b by a recessed front surface of first housing 250a. Release button 260 can be slidably coupled to first housing 250a via slot guide 258 and can include one or more tabs 262 that protrude through the recessed surface of first housing 250a and contact a front portion 257b of latch key section 256 on locking gear 254.

[0191] To unlock latch 200g, a caregiver can push release button 260 into recessed opening 259, causing tab 262 to press against latch key section 256 of locking gear 254. Locking gear 254 is then displaced along rotation axis 252 toward second housing 250b, resulting in compression of return spring 253. Once locking gear 254 is sufficiently displaced (now that flat section 148 of each of X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b is no longer disposed in channel 257c), the caregiver can then rotate X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b and / or move slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a to collapse frame 100a (see FIGS. 13F and 13H). In some implementations, the depth of the recessed opening 259 and / or the length of the tab 262 of the release button 260 can be adjusted to ensure sufficient travel distance for the release button 260 to disengage the locking gear 254 from the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the release button 260 can remain disposed within the recessed opening 259 until the play yard 1000a is extended.

[0192] 14A-14D show another exemplary latch 200h integrated into an X-frame tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a and engaging a slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a in the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. Figure 14A again illustrates that the frame 100a may include only a single latch 200h to support the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0193] 14B shows that latch 200h can include a latch 270 that is slidably coupled to X-frame tube 142b and rotatably coupled to slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. A return spring 272 can be at least partially disposed within the interior cavity of X-frame tube 142b and can provide a spring bias that urges latch 270 toward leg tube 112. Leg tube 112 can include a latch opening 273 that is shaped and / or dimensioned to receive at least a portion of latch 270 (e.g., a tip of latch 270).

[0194] When the frame 100a is fully extended so that the slider 120 is positioned along the leg tube 112 to overlap the latch opening 273, the return spring 272 can urge the latch 270 into the latch opening 273, thus locking the slider 120 (and thus the X-frame tube 142b) in place. Because the X-frame tube 142b is movably connected to the X-frame tube 142a, corner 130, and slider 120 of the other leg support assembly 110a, as well as to the other X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a (via the other leg support assembly 110a), the constraint applied to the slider 120 and X-frame tube 142b by the latch 200h can maintain the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0195] 14B further illustrates that the latch 200h can include a collar 271 that is coupled to the latch 270 and provides an actuator for a caregiver to move when unlocking the latch 200h. In some implementations, the latch 270 can be directly coupled to the collar 271, for example, using a fastener inserted through an opening 276 on the collar and an opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The collar 271 can then be slidably coupled to the second end 143b of the X-frame tube 142b. For example, the collar 271 can include a recessed opening (not shown) that is shaped to receive the second end 143b with sufficient depth to allow the collar 271 (and thus the latch 270) to slide along the X-frame tube 142b. To compensate for the respective lengths of the latch 270 and collar 271, the X-frame tube 142b supporting the latch 270 and collar 271 may be shorter in length compared to other X-frame tubes 142b in other X-frame assemblies 140a.

[0196] Latch 270 may be rotatably coupled directly to slider 120 via pin 274, which is inserted through an opening on slider 120 (previously used to couple to X-frame tube 142b in other X-frame assembly 140a) and an opening 275 formed along latch 270. In some implementations, opening 275 may be a slot, which is shaped and / or dimensioned to allow latch 270 to slidably move relative to slider 120 and facilitate insertion of latch 270 into latch opening 273.

[0197] In some implementations, the latch 270 may instead be disposed within the interior cavity of the X-frame tube 142b, such that the overall length of the X-frame tube 142b remains the same as the other X-frame tubes 142b in the other X-frame assemblies 140a. However, the second end 143b of the X-frame tube 142b may have an opening through which the latch 270 can pass when engaging and / or disengaging from a latch opening 273 on the leg tube 112. A collar 271 may be disposed on the outside of the X-frame tube 142b and configured to slide with the latch 270 along the length of the X-frame tube 142b. As before, the latch 270 may be coupled to the collar 271 via a fastener inserted through an opening 276 on the collar 271 and another opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The fasteners can pass through the X-shaped frame tube 142b through slotted openings (not shown) that are shaped and / or sized to be similar to the openings 275 on the latch 270.

[0198] Latch 270 and X-frame tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to slider 120. For example, pin 274 may pass through an opening on slider 120, an opening 275 on latch 270, and an opening 147 on X-frame tube 142b. Latch 270 still has slotted opening 275, allowing latch 270 to slidably move relative to slider 120 and to engage and / or disengage latch opening 273.

[0199] To unlock latch 200h, the caregiver can move collar 271 along X-frame tube 142b, releasing latch 270 from latch opening 273, as shown in FIG. 14C. This causes return spring 272 to compress, thus generating and / or increasing the spring bias force applied to latch 270. While holding collar 271, slider 120 can then move downward along leg tube 112, thus collapsing X-frame assembly 140a. Once latch 270 is no longer aligned with latch opening 273, the caregiver can release collar 271 and continue folding frame 100a. The spring bias applied to the latch 270 can cause the latch 270 to press against the outer surface of the leg tube 112 (as the slider 120 is moved toward the foot 114) and / or the surface of the slider 120 when the X-shaped frame tube 142b is rotated sufficiently, as shown in FIG. 14D. In some implementations, the end of the latch 270 can be shaped (e.g., curved or contoured) to allow the X-shaped frame tube 142b to rotate smoothly when pressed against the leg tube 112 and / or slider 120 when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended.

[0200] 15A-15D show yet another exemplary latch 200i mounted on the frame 100a of the play yard 1000a. Specifically, the latch 200i can be mounted on one end of the X-frame tube 142b (or 142a) of one X-frame assembly 140a and engage the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. FIG. 15A again illustrates that the frame 100a can include only a single latch 200i to support the frame 100a in the extended configuration. The latch 200i can be shaped and / or dimensioned such that the latch 200i fits within a recessed opening in the extension section 126 (or 124) of the slider 120 along with the second end 143b of the X-frame tube 142b. In this way, the latches 200i do not protrude outward from the frame 100a even when the frame 100a is folded (see FIG. 15B), thus preserving the compact shape of the folded frame 100a.

[0201] 15C shows that the latch 200i can include a latch base 280 that is coupled to the second end 143b of the X-shaped frame tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120. In some implementations, a single fastener can couple the slider 120, the latch base 280, and the X-shaped frame tube 142b together. As shown, the latch base 280 can include a latch member 284 extending from the latch base 280. The latch member 284 can be a mechanically flexible component that can be deformed and that can have sufficient mechanical rigidity to generate a restoring force when deformed.

[0202] In some implementations, the latch base 280 may have a cylindrical shape, and the latch member 284 may extend from the periphery of the latch base 280. The latch member 284 may have a curved and / or contoured shape, as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D. The latch member 284 may include an integrally formed latch catch 281 that is shaped to engage with a latch opening 283 formed on the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120. The latch member 284 may further include a tab 282 disposed on an end of the latch member 284, the tab 282 extending from the latch member 284 , and thus can release the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283.

[0203] 15D illustrates that when the frame 100a is extended, the latch member 284 can be disposed between the sliders 120 from adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. When the frame 100a is extended, the latch body 280, along with the latch member 284, can rotate with the X-shaped frame tube 142b about the pin joint 146c relative to the slider 120 as the slider 120 moves up along the leg tube 112 toward the corner portion 130. As the latch body 280 rotates, the latch member 284 (and particularly the latch catch 281) can initially contact an outer portion of the slider 120, thus bending and / or deflecting the latch member 284. In some implementations, the latch catch 281 can include a lead-in feature to facilitate deflection of the latch member 284 when the frame 100a is extended.

[0204] When the slider 120 is positioned sufficiently close to the corner portion 130 and / or the X-shaped frame tube 142b is rotated sufficiently so that the latch catch 281 is aligned with the latch opening 283, the restoring force generated by the deflection of the latch member 284 can insert the latch catch 281 into the latch opening 283. Thus, the latch catch 281 and the latch opening 283 can prevent further rotation of the X-shaped frame tube 142b relative to the slider 120, which in turn prevents further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112 and retains the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0205] To unlock the latch 200i, the caregiver can pull the tab 282 with enough force to release the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283. While holding the tab 282, the slider 120 can then be moved downward along the leg tube 112 toward the foot 114, causing the X-shaped frame tube 142b and the latch body 280 to rotate relative to the slider 120. Once the latch catch 281 is no longer aligned with the latch opening 283, the caregiver can release the tab 282 and proceed to collapse the frame 100a.

[0206] As described above, the frame 100a may generally include at least one latch for maintaining the frame 100a (and thus the play yard 1000a) in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the frame 100a may include a single latch (e.g., one of latches 200a-200i) for locking the extended frame 100a, which may simplify the frame 100a by reducing the number of parts for manufacturing. However, in other implementations, the frame 100a may include multiple latching mechanisms to ensure that various components of the frame 100a are maintained in a uniformly extended state. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the frame 100a may include a combination of one or more of the latches 200a-200i described above.

[0207] Figures 16A and 16B show an example of a frame 100a that includes latch 200g coupled to one X-frame assembly 140a and latch 200h coupled to an X-frame tube of another X-frame assembly 140a and to a slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. Figure 16A shows that latches 200g and 200i are used to maintain frame 100a in an extended configuration. Figure 16B shows that latches 200g and 200i do not extend outward as far from frame 100a when frame 100a is in a collapsed configuration.

[0208] As described above, a foldable play yard can generally include a frame that outlines an interior space. The frame can include a plurality of leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies that together define and / or align with the outer boundary of the interior space. For example, play yard 1000a includes frame 100a that defines interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a hexagon. It should be appreciated that various implementations of the foldable play yard described herein can define interior spaces having other geometric shapes, based in part on the number of leg support assemblies and / or X-frame assemblies used for construction.

[0209] For example, a play yard can outline an interior space with a square horizontal cross-section. The play yard frame can include four identical leg support assemblies, which can be connected together using four identical X-frame assemblies, where each X-frame assembly forms a single (or double) X-frame structure. As before, each X-frame assembly can connect adjacent leg support assemblies together.

[0210] In another example, Figures 17A-17D show an exemplary play yard 1000b with a frame 100b that outlines an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a rectangle. 100b The frame 100b may include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110b that define and / or align with respective side edges 104 of the interior space 102 when the frame 100b is extended to support the play yard 1000b above the ground 90 (see, for example, FIG. 18A). 100bThe frame may include a pair of X-frame assemblies 140a disposed on the smaller side 106 of the interior space 102 and connecting together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the shorter sides of the rectangular horizontal cross section of the interior space 102. 100b may further include a pair of X-frame assemblies 140b disposed on the larger side 106 of the interior space 102 and connecting together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the longer sides of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102. Thus, each leg support assembly 110b may connect one X-frame assembly 140a and one X-frame assembly 140b.

[0211] To form the rectangular shaped interior space 102, each X-frame assembly 140a may form a single X-frame structure, as described above, and each X-frame assembly 140b may form a double X-frame structure (i.e., two pairs of intersecting X-frame tubes, where each pair of X-frame tubes is connected to one leg support assembly). The combination of the single and double X-frame structures allows frame 100b to define interior space 102, where the sides of the horizontal cross-section have different dimensions, while allowing X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to connect to the same components of leg support assembly 110b (e.g., the same slider 120 and corner portion 130), allowing leg support assembly 110b, X-frame assembly 140a, and X-frame assembly 140b to fold and / or extend together (see FIG. 17C). Moreover, the double X-frame structure of X-frame assembly 140b may also allow leg support assembly 110b (and, in particular, the length of leg tube 112) to be shorter when deployed compared to a single X-frame structure that spans the same length as X-frame assembly 140b. Thus, the frame 100b can be more compact, especially when folded.

[0212] Similar to frame 100a, frame 100b can be extended while feet 114 of leg support assemblies 110b remain in contact with ground 90. Additionally, leg tubes 112 can remain vertically upright or near-vertically upright while frame 100b is collapsed and / or extended (e.g., leg tubes 112 can be intentionally tilted when frame 100b is extended to improve stability), making the process of setting up and / or taking down playard 1000b easier for caregivers (see FIG. 17D).

[0213] Additionally, X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b in frame 100b are 100b 18A , which may be disposed within the upper portion 108 of the X-frame assemblies 140 a and 140 b to form an upper perimeter structure along the interior space 102. As before, this may allow the X-frame tubes of each of the X-frame assemblies 140 a and 140 b to function as upper rails, providing mechanical stability and rigidity to the frame 100 b. In some implementations, the frame 100 b may not include separate flexible or rigid top rails and / or bottom support structures.

[0214] In some implementations, frame 100b, including only X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b connecting leg support assemblies 110b together, can provide sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength to meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIG. 22 shows playard 1000b undergoing stability testing. Similar to playard 1000a, playard 1000b demonstrated sufficient stability (i.e., at least three feet 114 remained in contact with the underlying platform) when playard 1000b was tilted 10 degrees or more.

[0215] 17A and 17B further illustrate that the play yard 1000b can include soft goods 300 coupled to the frame 100b to form a partially enclosed space 301 disposed within the interior space 102 for accommodating the child 50. As before, the soft goods 300 can be easily folded together with the frame 100b, as shown in FIG. 17C. The soft goods 300 can include a floor portion 304 and side portions 306, where the floor portion 304 rests on the ground 90 supporting the play yard 1000b, and the side portions 306 together define and enclose the partially enclosed space 301. The floor portion 304 can include a removable mat to provide padding above the ground 90. The side portions 306 can be formed from a transparent and / or see-through material to allow a caregiver to monitor their child 50 when the child 50 is placed within the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 may include tethers and / or straps for attaching the floor portion 304 to the bottom portion of the leg support assembly 110b.

[0216] The soft goods 300 may further include an upper portion 302 formed from an opaque textile material for attaching the soft goods 300 to the upper portion of the leg support assembly 110b and for covering the upper portion of the frame 100b. In particular, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000b may completely cover one or more of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, the corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, and / or the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110b. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may completely cover the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b and the sliders 120 and corners 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, leaving only the leg tubes 112 and / or feet 114 visible, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B . As before, positioning the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100b when the frame 100b is extended can also increase the visibility of the child 50 due to a larger visually unobstructed portion of the side 106.

[0217] As described above, conventional play yard (and, in particular, indoor play yard) typically must compromise between ease of use, child visibility, and / or the appearance of the play yard (see, for example, play yard 10c). In comparison, play yard 1000b can simultaneously improve ease of use, child visibility, and overall appearance. First, play yard 1000b includes X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b that allow frame 100b to be folded and / or extended in a single step. For example, a caregiver can move one slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b to fold and / or extend frame 100b. Second, X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are positioned within top portion 108 of frame 100b when playard 1000b is unfolded, which allows for greater visibility of a child within partially enclosed space 301 through the sides of frame 100b. Third, aesthetically undesirable components (e.g., X-frame tubes, sliders 120, corners 130, etc.) can be easily hidden by top portion 302 of soft goods 300, providing a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0218] 18A shows frame 100b in an extended configuration with no soft goods 300 attached. As shown, each leg support assembly 110b can be similar to leg support assembly 110a used in frame 100a. For example, leg support assembly 110b includes leg tube 112 with top end 113a and bottom end 113b, corner portion 130 connected to top end 113a, foot portion 114 connected to bottom end 113b, and slider 120, which is connected to leg tube 112. toThe leg tubes 112 are slidably coupled and disposed between the foot portions 114 and the corner portions 130. The upper ends 113a and / or the corner portions 130 of the leg tubes 112 may be aligned with the upper apex 105 of the interior space 102 and may generally define the upper horizontal plane 92 of the frame, and therefore the height H1 of the frame between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92. The bottom ends 113b and / or the foot portions 114 of the leg tubes 112 may be aligned with the bottom apex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0219] FIG. 18B further illustrates that the leg tube 112 can have a circular cross-sectional shape. The leg tube 112 can remain vertical or nearly vertical in both the collapsed and extended configurations. Thus, the interior space 102 can be shaped as a right-angled prism with a rectangular base. The slider 120 can again include a base 121 defining a through-hole opening 122 that surrounds the leg tube 112. The slider 120 can include extensions 124 and 126 disposed on opposite sides of the base 121 and connecting the respective X-frame tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b (e.g., X-frame tubes 142a and 142d in FIG. 18B) to the slider 120. Corner portion 130 may include a base 131 with a recessed opening (not shown) for receiving upper ends 113a of leg tubes 112. Corner portion 130 may further include a snap-fit ​​connector 139 that is coupled to base 131 in place of tabs 138 extending from base 131 as in leg support assembly 110a. Again, corner portion 130 may include extensions 134 and 136 disposed on opposite sides of base 131 and adapted to attach to respective X-frame tubes (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. 18B The X-shaped frame tubes 142b and 142c are connected to the corner portion 130.

[0220] Figure 19A shows frame 100b in a folded configuration. Figure 19B shows that when frame 100b is folded, slider 120 can be disposed adjacent to foot 114. As described above and shown in Figures 18B and 19B, X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b can be connected to the same corner 130 and slider 120 of a single leg support assembly 110b. Moreover, the pin joints connecting each X-frame tube of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the slider 120 or corner 130 can be positioned along the same horizontal plane. Thus, each end of the X-frame tubes of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b that connect to leg support assembly 110b can travel the same distance along leg tube 112 to collapse and / or extend both X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. This allows slider 120 and corner section 130 to be thinner in size and reduces the overall length L of leg tube 112 so that leg tube 112 provides sufficient overlap to connect foot section 114 and corner section 130 to leg tube 112, and only enough clearance for slider 120 to travel a sufficient distance to collapse and / or extend X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. 18B and 19B, slider 120 may be disposed adjacent corner portion 130 when frame 100b is in the extended configuration, and adjacent foot portion 114 when frame 100b is in the folded configuration. FIG. 19A also shows that in the folded configuration, the frame has a height H2 between ground surface 90 and an upper horizontal plane 92A defined by the frame. As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2B and 2E, the height of frame 100b can remain substantially constant or can remain constant between the folded and extended configurations of the frame.In other words, heights H1 and H2 can be equal or substantially similar, and planes 92 and 92A can be coplanar or substantially coplanar, although in some implementations the height of frame 100b can vary (e.g., height H2 can be somewhat greater than height H1, and plane 92A in the folded configuration can be disposed somewhat above plane 92A in the extended configuration).

[0221] 20A-20E show several views of frame 100b in a partially extended / folded state. In particular, FIG. 20B again illustrates that X-frame assembly 140a can include X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, which are rotatably coupled to one another via pin joints (e.g., roll-rivet joints). As shown, X-frame tube 142a can be rotatably coupled to corner 130 of one leg support assembly 112b via pin joint 146a and to slider 120 of another leg support assembly 112b via pin joint 146b. Similarly, X-frame tube 142b can be rotatably coupled to corner 130 of one leg support assembly 112b via pin joint 146c. Corner part 130 of the other leg support assembly 112b via pin joint 146d. Thus, X-frame assembly 140a can operate in a similar or identical manner to X-frame assembly 140a in frame 100a.

[0222] 20C illustrates that X-frame assembly 140b can include two pairs of X-frame tubes (i.e., X-frame tubes 142c and 142d, and X-frame tubes 142e and 142f). X-frame tubes 142c and 142d can be rotatably coupled to one another via a pin joint 145, similar to X-frame tubes 142a and 142b in X-frame assembly 140a. Similarly, X-frame tubes 142e and 142f can be rotatably coupled to one another via another pin joint 145. each other Each pair of X-frame tubes 142c and 142d (or 142e and 142f) may be rotatably coupled to one leg support assembly 110b and to the other remaining pair of X-frame tubes. As shown, X-frame tube 142c may be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146e and to X-frame tube 142e via pin joint 146f. X-frame tube 142d may be rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146g and to X-frame tube 142e via pin joint 146h. 142f The X-frame tube 142e may be further rotatably connected to the corner 130 of another leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146i. The X-frame tube 142f may be further rotatably connected to the slider 120 of the other leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146j.

[0223] In some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-frame tubes 142c-142f can be substantially identical or the same as one another. The shapes and / or dimensions of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a can be different from the X-frame tubes 142c-142f of the X-frame assembly 140b, depending in part on the desired dimensions of the rectangular-shaped interior space 102. However, in some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-frame tubes 142c-142f can be substantially identical or the same as the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0224] 20C further illustrates that a pair of pin joints 145 can be offset from the center point of each of the X-shaped frame tubes 142c-142f. Specifically, the pin joint 145 connecting X-shaped frame tubes 142c and 142d together can be positioned closer to pin joints 146h and 146f than to pin joints 146e and 146g. Similarly, the pin joint 145 connecting X-shaped frame tubes 142e and 142f can be positioned closer to pin joints 146h and 146f than to pin joints 146i and 146j. The positions of the pin joints 145 along the X-shaped frame tubes 142c-142f can be adjusted to ensure that the ends of the X-shaped frame tubes 142c-142f align with the ends of the X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b when connected to the same corner 130 or slider 120.

[0225] For example, FIG. 20D shows that pin joint 146d connecting X-shaped frame tube 142b to corner 130 and pin joint 146e connecting X-shaped frame tube 142c to the same corner 130 reside on the same horizontal plane 150a. FIG. 20E similarly shows that pin joint 146b connecting X-shaped frame tube 142a to slider 120 and pin joint 146g connecting X-shaped frame tube 142d to the same slider 120 can also reside on the same horizontal plane 150b. As explained above, aligning the pin joints in this manner can enable thinner slider 120 and corner 130, which can reduce the overall length of the leg tube 112. However, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, the pin joints need not be aligned on the same horizontal plane. For example, FIG. 20E shows that extension 126 and pin joint 146g of slider 120 can be vertically elevated above extension 124 and pin joint 146b (i.e., extension 126-1 and pin joint 146g). -1 (See

[0226] 21A and 21B illustrate that soft goods 300 can be attached to frame 100b in a manner similar to that of frame 100a. Specifically, FIG. 21A illustrates that soft goods 300 can include snap-fit ​​connectors 312 disposed on an interior portion of top portion 302 that connect with snap-fit ​​connectors 139 on corner portions 130. FIG. 21B illustrates that foot portion 114 of each leg support assembly 110b can include D-rings 116 that provide openings for tying tethers 320 of soft goods 300 to the bottom portion of leg support assembly 110b. As shown, tethers 320 are attached via snap-fit ​​connectors 322 that connect to another snap-fit ​​connector (not shown) disposed at the base of strap 320. Closed Loop It is possible to form

[0227] In yet another example, FIGS. 23A-23C also show a play yard 1000c with a frame 100c outlining an interior space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a rectangle. However, the frame 100c can include a curved leg support assembly 110c, resulting in an interior space 102 having a convex shape. In other words, the leg support assembly 110c curves outward from the interior space 102 such that the horizontal cross-sectional size is larger at the midpoint of the leg support assembly 110c than at the top or bottom portions of the leg support assembly 110c. In some implementations, the convex-shaped interior space 102 can provide a child 50 with a larger volume for playing and / or sleeping compared to an interior space with a straight leg support assembly and the same footprint. Additionally, the convex-shaped interior space 102 can also provide a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 23A , the play yard 1000c can also include soft goods 300 defining a partially enclosed space 301 disposed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100c for the child 50 to play and / or sleep in. Similar to the play yard 1000b, the soft goods 300 in the play yard 1000c can include a floor portion 304 and side portions 306 that define and surround the partially enclosed space 301, and a top portion 302 that covers the top portion 108 of the frame 100c. The soft goods 300 can include a removable mat that is placed on the floor portion 304 and provides padding on the ground 90 that supports the play yard 1000c. Additionally, the side portions 306 can be formed from a transparent or see-through material. As before, the soft goods 300 may further include a removable mat that is placed over the floor portion 304 to provide padding.

[0229] As shown in Figures 23C and 62C, frame 100c can include multiple leg support assemblies 110c, each including at least leg tube 112, slider 120, and corner portion 130. Compared to leg support assemblies 110a and 110b, leg tube 112 can be curved along axis 111b so that slider 120 moves along a curved path when frame 100c is folded and / or extended. Leg support assemblies 110c can define and / or be aligned with respective side edges 104 of interior space 102 (see Figure 24).

[0230] The leg support assemblies 110c can further include either feet 114 for supporting the play yard 1000c above the ground 90 or wheel assemblies 151 for more easily moving and / or reorienting the play yard 1000c after it is extended. For example, FIG. 62C shows that the leg support assemblies 110c at one end of the interior space 102 can both include wheel assemblies 151. Thus, a caregiver can pick up the play yard 1000c from the opposite end and pull it with the wheel assemblies 151 rolling along the ground 90 to reposition the play yard 1000c as desired. In a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 18A, FIG. 23C shows that the frame 100c has a height H1 between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92.

[0231] FIG. 25A shows an exploded view of leg support assembly 110c with wheel assembly 151. As shown, leg tube 112 may again have first end 113a and second end 113b. Corner portion 130 may be coupled to top end 113a of leg tube 112. Wheel assembly 151 may include base 152 coupled to bottom end 113b of leg tube 112. Wheel assembly 151 may further include wheel 153, which is rotatably coupled to base 152 via wheel cover 154. Thus, slider 120 may be slidably coupled to leg tube 112 such that slider 120 is positioned between base 152 and corner portion 130 of wheel assembly 151. FIG. 25A also shows that the frame 100c can include a latch 200j that directly connects the slider 120 to the corner portion 130, which will be described in more detail below.

[0232] 25B shows an exploded view of leg support assembly 110c with foot 114. As shown, leg tube 112, slider 120, corner 130, and foot 114 can be assembled in a manner similar to leg support assemblies 110a and 110b as described above.

[0233] The frame 100c may further include an X-frame assembly 140a, which is disposed on the smaller curved side 106 of the interior space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the shorter sides of the rectangular cross-section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). The frame 100c may also include an X-frame assembly 140b, which is disposed on the larger curved side 106 of the interior space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the longer sides of the rectangular cross-section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). As before, the X-frame assembly 140a may form a single X-frame structure with one pair of X-frame tubes, and the X-frame assembly 140b may form a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-frame tubes.

[0234] The shape and / or dimensions of each X-frame tube in X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b and / or the locations of the pin joints rotatably connecting each X-frame tube to another X-frame tube, slider 120, and / or corner 130 may be adjusted based in part on the desired dimensions of the interior space 102 similar to frame 100b. Additionally, in some implementations, the X-frame tubes of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may be positioned such that the pin joints connecting the X-frame tubes to the same slider 120 or corner 130 of leg support assembly 110c are aligned along the same horizontal plane.

[0235] The X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may again be disposed within the upper portion 108 and / or interior space 102 of the frame 100c. This allows the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as top rails and mechanically reinforce the frame 100c, while eliminating other support structures (e.g., separate top rails and / or bottom support structures). The installation of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may also provide a larger window for the caregiver to view their child 50 through the sides of the frame 100c.

[0236] In some implementations, the soft goods 300 in the play yard 1000c may be partially divided into separate components to better fit the geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the side portions 306 and floor portion 304 may be installed separately from the top portion 302. To better fit the shape of the interior space 102, the side portions 306 may be attached along the interior sides of the leg tubes 112, reducing or in some cases preventing gaps from forming between the side portions 306 and the leg support assemblies 110c when the play yard 1000c is extended (see, for example, FIG. 26A ). Stated another way, the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 can be attached to the leg support assemblies 110c to provide a seamless appearance, with the leg tubes 112, feet 114, and / or wheel assemblies 151 exposed along the exterior portion of the playard 1000c, as shown in Figures 23A and 23B. Once the side portions 306 and floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 are installed, the top portion 302 can then be attached to the side portions 306, for example, using a zipper connection (not shown), and thereafter coupled to the frame 100c to complete the assembly.

[0237] This may be achieved in part by incorporating stiffeners 330 into the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300, which are then routed through channels 171 formed along the leg tubes 112. can be The stiffeners 330 can be flexible components (e.g., extruded plastic rods) inserted through pockets formed along each corner of the side portions 306 positioned near the side edges 104 of the interior space 102. FIG. 26B shows that the leg tube 112 can have an oval cross-sectional shape with curved sides 172 that form a recess along the interior side of the leg tube 112 facing the interior space 102. A channel 171 can be formed on the curved sides 172 and can extend a portion of the leg tube 112 (or, in some cases, the entire length of the leg tube 112). As shown in FIG. 26B, the stiffeners 330 can be inserted through the channels 171, thus holding the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 against the leg tube 112.

[0238] The slider 120 in the leg support assembly 110c can still be allowed to move along the leg tube 112 even with the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 mounted on the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 26B shows that the slider 120 can include a base 121 defining a through-hole opening 122 that only partially surrounds the leg tube 112 and guides movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112. As shown, a slot-like opening 128 can be formed along the interior side of the base 121 to allow the side portions 306 attached to the leg tube 112 to pass through the base 121 of the slider 120. In this way, the slider 120 can move along the leg tube 112 without being impeded by the side portions 306 when the play yard 1000c is folded and / or extended.

[0239] FIG. 26B again further illustrates that slider 120 can include extensions 124 and 126 that are disposed on opposite sides of base 121 and connect to respective X-frame tubes (e.g., X-frame tubes 142f and 142b) of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b.

[0240] FIG. 27A again illustrates that corner portion 130 can include base 131, with extensions 134 and 136 disposed on opposite sides of base 131 and connecting to respective X-frame tubes (e.g., X-frame tubes 142e and 142a) of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. Corner portion 130 can further include tab 138, which extends downwardly along leg tube 112 and outwardly from frame 100c to form an overhang. As shown in FIG. 27A, slider 120 can be positioned below the overhang formed by tab 138 and thus be disposed between leg tube 112 and tab 138 of corner portion 130 when frame 100c is extended.

[0241] The corners 130 can thus be shaped to provide hook structures for the top portions 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around, thus ensuring that the corners 130 and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are covered. In some implementations, the top portions 302 of the soft goods 300 can further include pockets 331 to assist the caregiver in wrapping the soft goods 300 around the corners 130. Additionally, the soft goods 300The tabs 138 may primarily contact only the outer surface of the corner portion 130, which may allow the corner portion of the play yard 1000c to have a softer and more gentle appearance. For example, the base 131 and tab 138 of the corner portion 130 may have a smooth, rounded shape for the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around. The top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 may include a snap-fit ​​connector 312, which is disposed along an interior portion of the top portion 302, as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C. 130 139 on the back of the casing.

[0242] In some implementations, the slider 120 can also include a rounded bottom section 170 that is positioned under the overhanging portions of the tabs 138 when the frame 100c is extended. As shown in Figures 26B and 27A, the rounded bottom section 170 extends further outward from the frame 100c than the tabs 138 of the corners 130, providing a lead-off feature that can reduce, or in some cases prevent, a string or another tethered object from getting tangled with the overhanging portions of the corners 130.

[0243] As described above, the frame 100c can include a latch 200j for locking the frame 100c in an extended configuration by engaging the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110c with a corresponding corner 130. Generally, the frame 100c can include one or more of the latches 200j. For example, FIG. 28A shows that the play yard 1000c can include a single latch 200j coupled to one leg support assembly 110c. However, in other implementations, the play yard 1000c can include another latch 200j coupled to another leg support assembly 110c on an opposite corner of the play yard 1000c to ensure that the frame 100c is evenly extended.

[0244] FIG. 28B shows that the latch 200j can include a latch member 210 having a mounting base 224 at one end rigidly coupled to the slider 120 and a latch opening 214 disposed at an opposite end (see FIG. 28C) for receiving a latch catch 291 disposed on the corner portion 130. The latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component having sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated when the latch member 210 is bent and / or deflected. The latch member 210 can further include a tab 220 that can be pulled to bend the latch member 210 outward from the frame 100c to release the latch member 210 from the latch catch 291. Additionally, the latch member 210 may include a lead-in portion 222 to facilitate engagement of the latch member 210 with the latch catch 291 when the play yard 1000c is extended.

[0245] 28B further illustrates that the latch 200j can be locked and / or unlocked by the soft goods 300 (and, in particular, the top portion 302 covering the top portion 108 of the frame 100c). As shown, the latch catch 291 is inserted through an opening formed on the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. 290 302. The latch member 210 may be disposed on the upper portion 302 when engaged with the latch catch 291. Thus, the latch member 210 may remain exposed. Moreover, an internal restoring force generated by the latch member 210 may cause at least a portion of the latch member 210 (e.g., the tab 220, the lead-in feature 222) to be pressed onto the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300, thus further restraining the soft goods 300 against the corner portion 130. In other words, the latch member 210 may function as an integral escutcheon when engaged with the latch catch 291.

[0246] Similar to play yard 1000a and 1000b, frame 100c of play yard 1000c can include only leg support assembly 110c and X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. In some implementations, frame 100c can exhibit sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and strength to meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIGS. 29A-29D show play yard 1000c undergoing a Top Rail to Corner Post Attachment test as defined under ASTM F406-19, 7.11, and 8.30. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, torque is applied to one of X-frame assemblies 140b by clamping a 24-inch long rod to the X-frame tube of X-frame assembly 140b and suspending a 15- to 20-pound weight above the end of the rod. 29C and 29D show that after applying a torque load for at least 10 seconds, the X-frame tubes of X-frame assembly 140b were deformed, but the sliders 120 and corners 130 connected to the X-frame tubes did not crack and / or otherwise break, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.11.

[0247] Figures 30A-30C show the play yard 1000c undergoing another test to evaluate the mechanical strength and robustness of the X-frame assembly 140b under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3 and 8.11.2.4. As shown in Figure 30A, a force of 100 pounds was applied to the center of the X-frame assembly 140b at a 45-degree angle relative to the floor for at least 15 seconds. Figures 30B and 30C show that the X-frame tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b were deformed and that the roll rivet joints connecting the X-frame tubes together were bent. However, the X-frame tubes, roll rivet joints, and corners and sliders of the leg support assemblies did not crack and / or otherwise break, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3.

[0248] FIG. 31 further shows the play yard 1000c undergoing stability testing, in which the play yard 1000c: Platform The play yard 1000c was placed on a table and a load was applied to one side of the play yard 1000c from within the partially enclosed space 301. Similar to play yard 1000a and 1000b, when the play yard 1000c was rotated by 10 degrees or more, the feet 114 and / or wheels of the play yard 1000c were rotated. 153 It was found that at least three of the slabs maintained contact with the underlying platform and therefore met the requirements under ASTM F406-19 for stability.

[0249] In some implementations, the frame of a collapsible play yard can also be configured to include clearances (i.e., gaps) between the various rigid components of the frame (e.g., X-shaped frame tubes, leg tubes) based in part on various consumer safety standards. For example, ASTM F1004-09 specifies that the width of a partially bounded opening (e.g., a V-shaped opening or a diamond-shaped opening) should be 1.5 inches (38 millimeters) or greater, otherwise the risk of neck entrapment is considered unacceptable. Moreover, ASTM F406-19 8.29.1.4 further states that a probe having a 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch square surface should pass freely between the various rigid components of the frame, particularly in areas where hinges are located (e.g., areas where sliders connect the X-shaped frame tubes to the leg tubes).

[0250] Thus, in some implementations, rigid components of the frame that define openings large enough to fit a child's head in at least one configuration of the play yard (e.g., the extended configuration) can be separated by a gap of 1.5 inches or more. In other words, a probe having a 1.5-inch by 1.5-inch square face can easily pass through these openings without being clamped by rigid components when the play yard's configuration is changed (e.g., between the collapsed and extended configurations). For example, the X-frame tubes of the X-frame assembly can be connected to the leg tubes of the leg support assembly such that no portion of the X-frame tube is separated from the leg tube by a gap of less than 1.5 inches. More specifically, the bottom portion of the X-frame tube that is connected to the leg tube via a slider (e.g., the portion of X-frame tube 142a or 142b below pin joint 145) can be separated from the leg tube by a gap of less than 1.5 inches.

[0251] In some implementations, the frame can maintain the desired clearance regardless of whether the frame is in a collapsed configuration, an extended configuration, or between the collapsed and extended configurations (i.e., the frame is partially collapsed or extended). For example, the X-shaped frame tubes can remain offset from the leg tubes by a gap of 1.5 inches or more when the frame is transitioning between the collapsed and extended configurations. It should be recognized that the 1.5-inch clearance dimension is exemplary and that collapsible playards can generally comply with other consumer safety standards that specify different clearance dimensions to reduce the risk of neck entrapment.

[0252] 32A-32E show an exemplary frame 100d for a foldable play yard 1000a, which includes sliders 120 and corner portions 130 with elongated arms 124, 126, 134, and 136 for providing the desired clearance described above. As shown, the frame 100d may include multiple leg support assemblies 110d and multiple X-frame assemblies 140a that define an interior space 102 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that the various components of the frame 100d may also be adapted for play yards having interior spaces 102 with rectangular or square cross-sectional shapes. Each X-frame assembly 140a may include X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. Each leg support assembly 110d may include leg tubes 112, corner portions 130, sliders 120, and feet 114, as described above. Additionally, frame 100d may include latches 200a for maintaining frame 100d in the extended configuration, although it should be recognized that other latches disclosed above may also be used in frame 100d.

[0253] The arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 have a length l, which is defined as the distance between the base 121 of the slider 120 and the pin joint 146b or the pin joint 146c. sr , and at pin joint 146b or pin joint 146c, X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b are rotatably coupled to slider 120. Thus, the exposed portions of X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b located closest to slider 120 (and thus closest to leg tube 112) extend over the length l of arms 124 and 126. srThe arms 134 and 136 of the corner portion 130 are separated from the leg tube 112 by the distance above. The arms 134 and 136 of the corner portion 130 also have a length l, which is defined as the distance between the base 131 of the corner portion 130 and the pin joint 146a or the pin joint 146d. cr , and at pin joint 146a or pin joint 146d, X-frame tubes 142a and 142b are rotatably connected to corner portion 130. Similar to slider 120, arms 134 and 136 of corner portion 130 may have lengths l of arms 134 and 136. cr This distance allows the exposed portions of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b nearest the corner portion 130 to be separated from the leg tubes 112.

[0254] It should be appreciated that the pin joints 146a-146d are not co-located with the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. Thus, the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b extend along the respective lengths 111a and 111b of the slider 120 and corner portion 130. sr and l cr 1. However, when frame 100d is in the folded configuration, the extended configuration, or between the folded and extended configurations (i.e., partially folded or partially extended), first and second ends 143a and 143b can remain disposed within recessed openings 124a and 126a of slider 120 and 134a and 136a of corner portion 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3C and 3D). Thus, the exposed portions of X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b referenced above refer to the portions of X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b that are positioned outside recessed openings 124a, 126a, 134a, and 136a.

[0255] Because the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b only rotate relative to the slider 120 and corner portion 130 about the pin joints 146a-146d, the gap between the exposed portions of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b and the leg tube 112 is a length l when the frame 100d is fully collapsed, fully extended, or partially collapsed or extended. sr and l cr Therefore, in some implementations, the length l sr and l cr At least one of the can be 1.5 inches or larger to comply with, for example, ASTM F406-19 and ASTM F1004-09.

[0256] In some implementations, the lengths l of the arms 124, 126 and 134, 136 sr and l cr For example, slider 120 and corner portion 130 with arms of equal length may simplify the manufacture and assembly of frame 100e. However, in some implementations, the lengths l of arms 124, 126 and 134, 136 may be equal. sr and l cr It should be recognized that the lengths l and l may not be equal. sr and l cr If they are not equal, the length l sr and l cr The larger of the lengths l and 1 can limit the overall size of the frame 100d, particularly in the folded configuration. For example, the lengths l and 1 of the arms 124 and 126 can be adjusted to allow the leg support assembly 110d to flare out when the frame 100 is extended. sr is the length l of the arms 134 and 136 cr can be adjusted to be larger than

[0257] 32E further illustrates that each arm 134 or 136 of a corner 130 in one leg support assembly 110d may be collinearly aligned (also referred to herein as being "in-line") with each arm 136 or 134 of a corner 130 in an adjacent leg support assembly 110d. Stated differently, end 135a of arm 134 in one leg support assembly 110d may be concentrically aligned with end 135b of arm 136 in another leg support assembly 110d that shares the same side 106, as shown in FIGS. 32C and 32E. In some implementations, ends 135a and 135b may be disposed adjacent to each other, or in some cases, may be spaced apart when frame 100d is folded. each other Physical contact is possible.

[0258] The arms 134 and 136 of the corner 130 may be further aligned with the leg tubes 112, and more particularly, with a plane 103 defined by the longitudinal axes 111 a of the respective leg tubes 112 of the adjacent leg support assembly 110 d. For example, FIG. 32E shows that the arm 134 of one corner 130 and the arm 136 of another adjacent corner 130 may be aligned with the plane 103 such that the plane 103 intersects with the end 135 a of the arm 134 and the end 135 b of the arm 136. In some implementations, the plane 103 may bisect each of the arms 134 and 136 of the corner 130 that are aligned with the plane 103. Generally, a different plane 103 may be defined for each pair of adjacent leg support assemblies 110d in the frame 100d, and each arm of the slider 120 and corner portion 130 may be disposed along a corresponding plane 103. Additionally, the longitudinal axis 111a may correspond to the centerline axis of the leg tube 112 and / or the side edge 104 of the interior space 102. And, the plane 103 may correspond to the side surface 106 of the interior space 102.

[0259] Additionally, each arm 124 or 126 of a slider 120 may be aligned collinearly with each arm 126 or 124 of a slider 120 in an adjacent leg support assembly 110d. For example, the ends 125a and 125b of the arms 124 and 126 of adjacent sliders 120 may also be disposed adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 32D. In some implementations, the ends 125a and 125b may be in physical contact with each other in the folded configuration. Furthermore, the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 may be aligned with the plane 103, as may the arms 134 and 136 of the corner portion 130. For example, the plane 103 may bisect the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120, which are aligned with the plane 103.

[0260] Collinear alignment between the respective arms 134 and 136 of the corner portion 130 and / or between the respective arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 can increase the overall size of the frame 100d, especially in the folded configuration. 32E is the length l of one side of the frame 100d in the folded configuration f This shows that the length l can be defined as the distance between the respective longitudinal axes 111a of two adjacent leg support assemblies 110d. As shown, assuming that arms 134 and 136 are identical in size and shape, the length l f is at least twice the length of each arm 134 and 136 or 2l cr Therefore, an increase in the length of the arms 134 and 136 of the corner portion 130 will roughly double the length of the sides of the frame 100d. In other words, adjusting the dimensions of the corner portion 130 for the purpose of providing greater clearance may generally increase the size of the frame 100d. The length l sr and l cr In an implementation where the lengths l of the frame 100d are not equal, f is the length l sr and l cr It is possible to scale the image according to the larger of the two.

[0261] In some implementations, the frame length l f and the length l of each of the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 sr and l crThe magnification between the slider 120 and the corner 130 can be reduced by modifying the geometry of the slider 120 and the corner 130 so that the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 and the arms 134 and 136 of the corner 130 are not collinearly aligned with one another. For example, the arm 124 of one slider 120 and the arm 126 of an adjacent slider 120 can be offset from the plane 103 so that the respective arms 124 and 126 overlap one another in the folded configuration. In this manner, the foldable play yard frame can provide the desired clearance while maintaining a compact size, particularly in the folded configuration.

[0262] In one example, Figures 33A-33F show a frame 100e for a foldable play yard 1000a in an extended configuration, in which the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 and the arms 134 and 136 of the corner 130 are offset in an asymmetrical manner. Similar to frames 100a and 100d, frame 100e can include multiple leg support assemblies 110e and multiple X-frame assemblies 140c that define an interior space 102 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that the various components of frame 100e can also be adapted for play yards having interior spaces 102 with rectangular or square cross-sectional shapes. Each leg support assembly 110e can include a leg tube 112, a slider 120, a corner 130, and a foot 114. Each X-frame assembly 140c can include a pair of X-frame tubes 142a and 142b that are rotatably coupled to one another via pin joints 145 and to the sliders 120 and corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110e. Additionally, the frame 100e can include a latch 200a for maintaining the frame 100e in an extended configuration. It should again be appreciated that any of the other latches described above can also be used with the frame 100e.

[0263] As shown in FIG. 33C, arms 134 and 136 of corner portion 130 shown on the left side of FIG. 33C are connected to base 131 and offset from planes 103b and 103a, respectively, which planes 103b and 103a correspond to adjacent sides of frame 100e that intersect the same longitudinal axis 111a of leg tube 112. Notably, arm 134 is horizontally offset from plane 103b in an outward direction (i.e., away from interior space 102), while arm 136 is horizontally offset from plane 103a in an inward direction (i.e., toward interior space 102). In other words, arms 134 and 136 are offset in opposite directions from the corresponding planes 103 along which arms 134 and 136 are disposed, thus resulting in an asymmetric offset. right Arms 124 and 126 of slider 120 shown on the side are similarly offset from planes 103b and 103a, respectively, where arm 124 is horizontally offset from plane 103b toward interior space 102, while arm 126 is horizontally offset from plane 103a away from interior space 102.

[0264] The offset between each arm 124 and 126 of each slider 120 and the offset between each arm 134 and 136 of each corner 130 can be the same for each leg support assembly 110e in a frame 100e. For example, FIG. 33C shows a portion of a frame 100e in which three consecutive sides of the frame 100e each have a plane 103 (e.g., planes 103a, 103b, and 103c). The two leg support assemblies 110e shown in FIG. 33C can each have sliders 120 and corners 130 with arms offset in a similar manner from their respective planes 103a-103c. In some implementations, the asymmetric offset between the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 and the arms 134 and 136 of the corners 130 can be the same for the same slider 120 and corners. 130 may be used in each leg support assembly 110e.

[0265] 33D further illustrates that arm 134 may be offset from plane 103b by an offset distance w1, which is defined as the distance between plane 103b and centerline axis 141a-1 of arm 134. Arm 136 may be offset from plane 103a by an offset distance w2, which is defined as the distance between plane 103a and centerline axis 141a-2 of arm 136. Centerline axes 141a-1 and 141a-2 are aligned with the first axes of X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. 141a In other words, the ends 143a and 143b of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140c may not be coplanar compared to the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140a, which may simplify the geometry of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b, as described below.

[0266] Generally, the offset distances w1 and w2 are selected to provide sufficient space for the arm 134 of one corner 130 to align side-by-side with the arm 136 of an adjacent corner 130 when the frame 100e is folded. Additionally, the arms 124 and 126 of the slider 120 may be offset from the planes 103b and 103a, respectively, in a manner similar to the corner 130. In some implementations, the arm 124 may be offset from the plane 103b by the offset distance w2, while the arm 126 may be offset from the plane 103a by the offset distance w1. By adjusting the offset distances w1 and w2 in this manner, the arms 134 and 136 of adjacent corners 130 can overlap each other along the plane 103, and similarly, the arms 124 and 126 of adjacent sliders 120 can overlap each other along the plane 103.

[0267] The overlap between the sliders 120 and the corners 130 reduces the overall size of the frame 100e, particularly in the folded configuration. For example, FIGS. 34A-34D show the frame 100e in the folded configuration. In particular, FIGS. 34A and 34B show that a portion of the arm 124 of each slider 120 is aligned side-by-side with a portion of the arm 126 of an adjacent slider 120. Similarly, FIGS. 34C and 34D show that a portion of the arm 134 of each corner 130 is aligned side-by-side with a portion of the arm 136 of an adjacent corner 130. By configuring the sliders 120 and corners 130 to overlap one another, the length of each of the arms 124, 126, 134, and 136 can be increased (e.g., to provide greater clearance) without significantly increasing the overall size of the frame 100e. In other words, the length l of each side of the frame 100e is approximately 1 / 2 inch. fcan be less than twice the length of each arm 134 and 136, as shown in FIG. 34D. In some implementations, the length l f is the length l of one of the arms 134 and 136 cr It is possible to scale it according to the

[0268] Generally, the offset distance w1 is approximately equal to the external width w of the arm 134. c1 Half of the arm or external width w s2 Similarly, the offset distance w2 can be greater than or equal to the greater of half the outer width w of the arm 136. c2 Half of the arm or external width w s1 In some implementations, the offset distances w1 and w2 may be selected to (partially) accommodate latch 200a, which may have a width greater than arms 124, 126, 134, or 136. In some implementations, the outer width w c1 and w s2 Similarly, the outer width w c2 and w s1 In some implementations, the outer width w c1 and w c2 can also be equal. Therefore, the offset distances w1 and w2 can be equal as well. However, in some implementations, the outer width w c1 , w c2 , w s1 , and w s2 It should be appreciated that the offset distances for arms 124, 126, 134, and 136 may be different from one another. Additionally, the offset distances for arms 124, 126, 134, and 136 may be different from one another.

[0269] Also, arms 124 and 126 of slider 120 may be offset in opposite manners relative to arms 134 and 136 of corner portion 130. Specifically, Figure 33C shows arms 124 and 134 offset in opposite directions from plane 103b, while arms 126 and 136 are offset in opposite directions from plane 103a. This arrangement results in arms 124 and 136 being aligned with one another along centerline axis 141a-1, and similarly, arms 126 and 134 being aligned with one another along centerline axis 141a-2.

[0270] Thus, recessed openings 124a, 126a, 134a, and 136a of slider 120 and corner 130 are not flush with one another in frame 100e. This means that X-frame tubes 142a and 142b of X-frame assembly 140c can be coupled to their respective sliders 120 and corners 130 without multiple bends to provide clearance between X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. For example, FIGS. 33B and 33D show that X-frame tubes 142a and 142b can each be a straight tube with a constant cross-section. In some implementations, X-frame tubes 142a and 142b are offset by a lateral offset w that is equal to the sum of offset distances w1 and w2. x The lateral offset w x The lateral offset w may be selected to provide sufficient spacing for the arms 124, 126, 134, and 136 of the slider 120 and corner portion 130, respectively, to overlap one another as described above, while being small enough to prevent a child from inserting their head laterally between the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b. xcan range between 0.625 inches (eg, the outer diameter of the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b) and 1.5 inches.

[0271] 35A and 35B show frame 100e in a partially collapsed state (or, equivalently, a partially extended state). In particular, frame 100e is shown with probe 70 disposed on slider 120. As explained above, probe 70 can be used to evaluate clearances in play yard frames to ensure compliance with ASTM F406-19 and F1004-09. Probe 70 can generally be inserted through any portion of an opening in frame 100e to evaluate frame 100e clearance. As shown in FIG. 35B, probe 70 can rest on arm 124 of one slider 120 when frame 100e is collapsed, for example, without being clamped by X-shaped frame tube 142b and leg tube 112.

[0272] 36A-36C show another exemplary frame 100f for a foldable play yard 1000a in a folded configuration, in which the slider arms (e.g., arms 124a, 126a, 124b, and 126b) and corner arms (e.g., arms 134a, 136a, 134b, and 136b) are symmetrically offset. As shown, the frame 100f may include a plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies 140c and a plurality of leg support assemblies 110f and 110g that define an interior space 102 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that the various components of the frame 100f may also be adapted for play yards having interior spaces 102 with rectangular or square cross-sectional shapes. The frame 100f may further include a latch 200a coupled to one leg support assembly 110g. However, it should be appreciated that any of the latches described above may be used on frame 100f. Additionally, the latches may be coupled to either leg support assembly 110f or 110g.

[0273] In this implementation, each slider of Each arm may be offset from its respective plane 103 in the same direction (e.g., toward or away from the interior space 102). of Each arm may be offset from its respective plane 103 in the same direction (e.g., toward or away from the interior space 102). To allow adjacent sliders and / or corners to overlap each other, the leg support assemblies may be 110f and 110g may include different sliders and corners with arms offset in different directions.

[0274] For example, Figure 36B shows that leg support assembly 110f can include corner portion 130a with arms 134a and 136a, both of which are offset from their respective planes 103 toward interior space 102. Leg support assembly 110g can include corner portion 130b with arms 134b and 136b, both of which are offset from their respective planes 103 away from interior space 102. Thus, leg support assemblies 110f and 110g can alternate in a sequential manner around frame 100f, such that each leg support assembly 110f is adjacent to two leg support assemblies 110g, and each leg support assembly 110g is adjacent to two leg support assemblies 110f. In this manner, arms 134a and 136a of corner portion 130a can overlap arms 136b and 134b, respectively, of corner portion 130b.

[0275] 36C further illustrates that leg support assembly 110f can include slider 120a with arms 124a and 126a, both of which are offset from their respective planes 103 away from interior space 102. Similarly, leg support assembly 110g can include slider 120b with arms 124b and 126b, both of which are offset from their respective planes 103 toward interior space 102. As with corners 130a and 130b, the alternating manner in which leg support assemblies 110f and 110g are arranged on frame 100f ensures that arms 124a and 126a of slider 120a overlap arms 126b and 124b of slider 120b, respectively.

[0276] Similar to frame 100e, sliders 120a and 120b can have arms offset in opposite manner relative to corners 130a and 130b to align the respective arms of sliders 120a and 120b and corners 130a and 130b along first axis 141 of the respective X-shaped frame tube 142a or 142b. For example, arm 134a can be aligned with arm 126b, arm 136a can be aligned with arm 124b, arm 134b can be aligned with arm 126a, and arm 136b can be aligned with arm 124a. This allows straight X-shaped frame tubes 142a and 142b with a constant cross-section to be used to connect leg support assemblies 110f and 110g together.

[0277] The various dimensions described above with respect to frame 100e can be the same with respect to frame 100f. These dimensions include the outer widths (e.g., widths w s1 , w s2 , w c1 , and w c2 ), their offset distances from the plane 103 (e.g., offset distances w1 and w2), and their arm lengths (e.g., length l sr and l cr ), and the total length of the frame side (e.g., length l f ) For the sake of brevity, these values ​​will not be repeated here.

[0278] In some implementations, the foldable play yard frame can include a storage latch for locking and / or maintaining the frame in a folded configuration. The storage latch can provide an additional safety feature to reduce a child's exposure to a partially folded or partially extended frame (i.e., the frame is between the folded and extended configurations). For example, the storage latch can reduce the likelihood, or in some cases, prevent, a child from extending the frame and then folding it again.

[0279] Generally, the storage latches can be separate from the latches described above for locking and / or maintaining the frame in the extended configuration. In some implementations, the foldable play yard frame can include one or more storage latches disposed on one or more leg support assemblies. For example, the frame can include storage latches coupled to each leg support assembly disposed on opposing sides and / or corners of the frame. For example, the pin joints connecting the various components of the leg support assemblies and the X-frame assembly together can be sufficiently loose so that one portion of the frame can be partially extended to the extent that a child can insert their head through an opening formed in the partially extended portion of the frame without significantly extending other portions of the frame. Thus, including multiple storage latches can prevent any one portion of the frame from being partially extended in the manner described above.

[0280] However, in other implementations, a single latch may be sufficient to lock the frame in the folded configuration. For example, FIGS. 34B and 34C show that the frame 100e can include a single storage latch 600a, which is coupled to one leg support assembly 110e to lock and / or maintain the frame 100e in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the single storage latch can be configured to withstand a load of 10 pounds or more. For example, a caregiver attempting to unlock the storage latch in an undesirable manner (e.g., by pulling on the slider 120, the leg tube 112, or the X-shaped frame tube 142a or 142b) would have to apply a force of 10 pounds or more to force the storage latch to disengage. Including a single latch can further simplify frame assembly and reduce costs by reducing the number of parts in the frame.

[0281] In some implementations, the storage latch can allow a caregiver to use one hand to fold the play yard and lock the play yard in the folded configuration. For example, the storage latch can be engaged and / or disengaged without the use of tools. Instead, the storage latch can be actuated directly by the caregiver's hand. In another example, the storage latch can automatically engage when the caregiver folds the frame. For example, the caregiver can move the slider of one leg support assembly toward the foot, while the storage latch can automatically engage without the user having to separately actuate the storage latch. In this way, the caregiver only needs to move the slider to fold and lock the frame. When extending the frame, the caregiver can actuate the storage latch and then move the slider.

[0282] The storage latch may generally be coupled to the leg tube of the leg support assembly and disposed on or near the slider when the frame is in the folded configuration. For example, the slider may be disposed near the bottom end of the leg tube in the folded configuration. Thus, the storage latch may be rigidly coupled to the leg tube and disposed near the bottom end of the leg tube adjacent to, or in some cases against, the foot of the leg support assembly so that the storage latch is near the slider in the folded configuration.

[0283] In some implementations, the storage latch, when engaged, provides a barrier that physically contacts the slider of the leg support assembly to prevent the slider from moving toward the corner and, therefore, preventing the frame from being extended. When the storage latch is actuated by a caregiver, the barrier is removed, thus allowing the caregiver to move the slider upward along the leg tube and extend the frame. In some implementations, the storage latch can be adapted to the shape and / or dimensions of the slider. In other words, the frame may not require the slider to be modified to accommodate the storage latch. Rather, the same slider can be used in a leg support assembly regardless of whether the leg support assembly includes a storage latch.

[0284] 37A-37C show additional views of a storage latch 600a, which includes a push button mechanism. Specifically, the storage latch 600a can include a push button 610 that is disposed at least partially through an opening 113d formed on a leg tube 112 of the leg support assembly 110e. In some implementations, the frame 100e includes only one leg tube 112 with the opening 113d, partially simplifying manufacturing of the frame 100e by eliminating a separate hole-forming process (e.g., drilling, punching) for the remaining leg tubes 112. The storage latch 600a may further include a spring element 620 disposed within the cavity 113c of the leg tube 112 and coupled to the push button 610 to exert a spring biasing force on the push button 610, which causes the push button 610 to protrude outward through the opening 113d.

[0285] FIG. 37A illustrates that the push button 610 and opening 113d can be disposed proximate the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110e such that the push button 610 is positioned above the slider 120 when the frame 100e is in the folded configuration. The shapes and / or dimensions of the push button 610 and opening 113d can be similar to reduce (or, in some cases, eliminate) a gap formed between the push button 610 and the edge of the leg tube 112 that forms the opening 113d. In some implementations, the push button 610 can have an external width corresponding to the average width of a human thumb (e.g., approximately 1 inch). The cross-section of the push button 610 (and thus the opening 113d) can have a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, a circle, an oval, a polygon (e.g., a square, a triangle), and any combination of the foregoing.

[0286] FIG. 37B shows that push button 610 can include a bottom restraining surface 612 that can physically contact top surface 129 of slider 120 when frame 100e is in the folded configuration. Thus, push button 610 (and, among other things, restraining surface 612) provides a barrier that prevents slider 120 from moving upward along leg tube 112, thus maintaining frame 100e in the folded configuration. Restraining surface 612 can be oriented such that a force applied to push button 610 due to contact with slider 120 is oriented in a direction that does not cause push button 610 to move inward through opening 113d and into cavity 113c. For example, FIG. 37B shows that restraining surface 612 can be a horizontally flat surface that abuts a corresponding portion of top surface 129 of slider 120. The horizontal orientation of the restraining surface 612 results in a vertically oriented contact force between the slider 120 and the push button 610, which is perpendicular to the horizontal axis (the push button 610 moves through the opening 113d along the horizontal axis). In some implementations, the portion of the top surface 129 that contacts the restraining surface 612 can also be horizontal and flat.

[0287] The spring element 620 further ensures that the push button 610 remains protruding outward through the opening 113d in the leg tube 112 so that contact between the restraining surface 612 and the top surface 129 of the slider 120 is maintained. As shown, the push button 610 can also include a mechanical stop 614 disposed within the cavity 113c to limit the displacement of the push button 610 through the opening 113d. Thus, the combination of the spring element 620 and the mechanical stop 614 can limit the range of motion of the push button 610 through the opening 113d. In some implementations, the mechanical stop 614 can be a lip or flange that extends at least partially around the periphery of the push button 610 and contacts the interior surface of the leg tube 112 surrounding the opening 113d.

[0288] To extend the frame 100e, the caregiver can press the push button 610, displacing it inward into the cavity 113c of the leg tube 112. When the push button 610 is sufficiently displaced (e.g., the restraining surface 612 is no longer in physical contact with the top surface 129 of the slider 120), the caregiver can then move the slider 120 upward along the leg tube 112 toward the corner 130, extending the frame 100e. When the slider 120 is moved upward so that the top surface 129 is above the restraining surface 612, the inner surface of the slider 120 can contact the push button 610, thus maintaining the push button 610 disposed within the cavity 113c. As the slider 120 moves past the push button 610, the spring biasing force exerted by the spring element 620 moves the push button 610 back outward through the opening 113d.

[0289] In some implementations, the push button 610 can also include a sloped surface 616 as a lead-in feature for automatically engaging the storage latch 600a when folding the frame 100e. When the caregiver begins to fold the frame 100e, the slider 120 is initially disposed above the push button 610. As the slider 120 is moved downward along the leg tube 112 by the caregiver, the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 physically contacts the sloped surface 616. The physical contact between the sloped surface 616 and the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 causes the push button 610 to move inward into the cavity 113c until the slider 120 can move past the push button 610. When the slider 120 is disposed below the push button 610 (i.e., the upper surface 129 is below the restraining surface 612), the spring element 620 can move the push button 610 outward through the opening 113d, and the restraining surface 612 can prevent the slider 120 from moving back upward along the leg tube 112. In this manner, the sloped surface 616 can automatically engage the storage latch 600a when the frame 100e is folded.

[0290] 37B shows that a sloped surface 616 can be disposed along the top portion of the push button 610 opposite the restraining surface 612. The contact force applied to the push button 610 by the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 moves the push button 610 through the opening 113d and into the cavity 113c. Along The angled surface 616 may be oriented to have a force component that is directed inwardly. The angled surface 616 may further be dimensioned to maintain contact with the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 until the push button 610 is sufficiently disposed within the cavity 113c so that the slider 120 can move past the push button 610.

[0291] For example, the inclined surface 616 can be oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane. When contact is made between the inclined surface 610 and the bottom surface 127, the contact force applied to the inclined surface 610 includes a horizontal force component, and when the horizontal force component is greater than the spring bias force generated by the spring element 620, the horizontal force component displaces the push button 610 through the opening 113d and into the cavity 113c. In some implementations, the weight of the slider 120 and the X-frame tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140c applied to the inclined surface 616 can be large enough to overcome the spring force generated by the spring element 620 and thus displace the push button 610 into the cavity 113c without the assistance of another external force applied to the push button 610 (e.g., a force applied by a caregiver).

[0292] Spring element 620 can be various types of springs, including, but not limited to, a compression spring (e.g., a coil spring) and a leaf spring. For example, FIG. 37B shows spring element 620 as a Valco snap button, which includes a base 622 that couples to push button 610 and an arm 624 extending from base 622 to form a spring. As shown, base 622 can be press-fit into a corresponding opening formed on push button 610 to securely couple spring element 620 to push button 610. It should be appreciated that other coupling mechanisms can be used to couple spring element 620 to push button 610, including, but not limited to, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, adhesives, and fasteners (e.g., screw fasteners, bolt fasteners).

[0293] The arm 624 may be bent in shape to form a spring (see FIG. 37C). When the spring element 620 is installed in the cavity 113c, the arm 624 is compressed, which ensures that a spring biasing force is applied to the push button 610 regardless of the position of the push button 610 through the opening 113d. In other words, the arm 624 exerts a spring biasing force on the push button 610 even when the push button 610 is not being pressed by the caregiver.

[0294] In some implementations, the spring element 620 can also act as an anchor to maintain the push button 610 in a desired orientation relative to the opening 113d. For example, the push button 610 and the opening 113d can each have a circular cross-section, which allows the push button 610 to rotate relative to the opening 113d about the centerline axis of the opening 113d. However, FIG. 37B illustrates that the spring element 620 (and, in particular, the arm 624) can be fixed in the proper orientation once installed within the leg tube 112 due to constraints imposed by the interior surface of the leg tube 112. In other words, arm 624 is rigidly connected to push button 610 via base 622, and arm 624 reduces (or in some cases prevents) rotation of push button 610 relative to opening 113d, thus ensuring that sloped surface 616 and restraining surface 612 are properly oriented and contact bottom surface 127 and top surface 129 of slider 120, respectively.

[0295] 38A-38C illustrate another exemplary storage latch 600b mounted on a frame 100e with a latch member 642 for locking the frame 100e in the folded configuration. As shown, the storage latch 600b can include a base 640 for supporting the latch member 642. Notably, the base 640 can be rigidly coupled to the leg tube 112, for example, via fasteners inserted through fastener openings 641 and corresponding openings (not shown) on the leg tube 112. Generally, the base 640 can be disposed below the slider 120. For example, FIG. 38C illustrates that the base 640 can be disposed adjacent to, or in some cases abut, the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110e.

[0296] The latch member 642 can generally be a mechanically flexible component that can be easily bent, for example, by a caregiver, to disengage the storage latch 600b. The latch member 642 can also generate an internal restoring force when the latch member 642 is bent, rotating the latch member 642 toward its unbent configuration. The latch member 642 can generally be aligned with the leg tube 112 and disposed near the slider 120 in the folded configuration. For example, FIGS. 38B and 38C show that the latch member 642 can extend from the base 640 along and upwardly toward the side of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the latch member 642 can be aligned longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis 111a of the leg tube 112. The latch member 642 may extend further along the leg tube 112 such that an end 643 of the latch member 642 is disposed above the slider 120 in the folded configuration.

[0297] Although the latch member 642 can protrude outward from the frame 100e, the latch member 642 can be shaped and / or dimensioned to avoid significantly increasing the overall size of the frame 100e, particularly in the folded configuration. For example, the width of the latch member 642 can be equal to or less than the exterior width of the leg tube 112. In another example, the latch member 642 can be offset from the leg tube 112 such that the gap formed between the latch member 642 and the leg tube 112 is large enough to accommodate only the slider 120. In other words, the gap formed between the latch member 642 and the leg tube 112 can be equal to the thickness of the portion of the base 121 that is disposed along the exterior portion of the frame 100e.

[0298] 38C , the latch member 642 can include a hook 644 disposed near an end 643 of the latch member 642 with a bottom surface 645 that physically contacts the top surface 129 of the slider 120. In some implementations, the hook 644 can be disposed proximate to, or in some cases physically contact, the leg tube 112 when the latch member 642 is unflexed. Similar to the restraining surface 612 of the storage latch 600a, the hook 644 of the latch member 642 can provide a barrier that prevents the slider 120 from moving upward along the leg tube 112, thus maintaining the frame 100e in the folded configuration.

[0299] The bottom surface 645 can be oriented so that the force applied to the hook 644 due to contact with the slider 120 is oriented in a direction that does not cause the latch member 642 to bend outward. For example, the bottom surface 645 can be aligned with a radial axis that intersects the axis of rotation about which the latch member 642 rotates when bent. In other words, the contact force applied to the bottom surface 645 is oriented so that the resulting torque applied to the latch member 642 is not sufficient to bend the latch member 642. For example, the bottom surface 645 can be a horizontally flat surface. Thus, the contact force applied to the hook 644 via the bottom surface 645 can be oriented vertically. The latch member 642 can rotate about an axis of rotation that is oriented horizontally and located at the base of the latch member 642 such that the contact force is substantially aligned or aligned with a vertical axis that intersects the axis of rotation. In some implementations, the portion of the upper surface 129 that contacts the restraining surface 612 can also be horizontal and flat.

[0300] To extend the frame 100e, the caregiver presses the end of the latch member 642 643The caregiver can pull the hook 644, bending the latch member 642 outward. When the latch member 642 is sufficiently bent, the caregiver can then move the slider 120 upward along the leg tube 112 toward the corner 130, extending the frame 100e. This can occur when the caregiver has bent the latch member 642 sufficiently so that the hook 644 (and, in particular, the bottom surface 645) no longer physically contacts the top surface 129 of the slider 120. As the slider 120 moves upward along the leg tube 112, the outer side of the slider 120 continues to contact the hook 644, thus maintaining the latch member 642 in the bent state without the caregiver's assistance. Once the slider 120 moves past the hook 644, an internal restoring force generated within the latch member 642 can rotate the latch member 642 back to its unbent state.

[0301] In some implementations, latch member 642 (and, in particular, hook 644) can include a sloped surface 646 as a lead-in feature for automatically engaging storage latch 600b when frame 100e is folded. As shown in FIG. 38C , sloped surface 646 can correspond to a top surface of hook 644 that is positioned opposite bottom surface 645. Similar to sloped surface 616 of storage latch 600a, sloped surface 646 is oriented to facilitate actuation of storage latch 600b upon contact with slider 120 when frame 100e is folded.

[0302] For example, as the slider 120 is moved downward along the leg tube 112 by the caregiver, the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 can physically contact the sloped surface 646. The sloped surface 646 can be oriented so that the contact force applied by the bottom surface 127 has a polar force component that generates a torque large enough to bend the latch member 642 outward. As the slider 120 moves downward, the outer surface of the slider 120 can remain in contact with the hook 644, thus maintaining the latch member 642 in the bent state. Once the slider 120 moves past the hook 644, an internal restoring force generated by the latch member 642 can rotate the latch member 642 back to its unbent state, in which the hook 644 is disposed adjacent to, or in some cases, contacting, the leg tube 112. The angled surface 646 may be oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane and may be dimensioned to maintain contact with the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120 until the latch member 642 is bent sufficiently to allow the slider 120 to move past the hook 644.

[0303] The base 640 and the latch member 642 may be integrally formed as a single piece. For example, the base 640 and the latch member 642 may be formed from a plastic material using, for example, injection molding.

[0304] In some implementations, the base 640 may be integrally formed with the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110e. For example, Figures 36A, 36C, 39A, and 39B show a storage latch 600c that includes a base 640 and a latch member 642. As shown, the base 640 is configured to support the leg support assembly 110e above the ground. 110f100e). For example, base 640 may include openings 647 for receiving leg tubes 112 and fastener openings 641 for connecting base 640 to leg tubes 112. Additionally, base 640 may include D-shaped openings 648 similar to D-shaped openings 117 for connecting soft goods 300 to frame 100e. Latch member 642 may again extend from base 640 along leg tubes 112 and may further include hooks 644 disposed near ends 643 to prevent slider 120 from moving upward along leg tubes 112.

[0305] In some implementations, the foldable play yard frame can include a secondary latch that limits the extent to which the frame can be folded without further assistance or input from a caregiver. For example, the frame's latch can be accidentally unlocked, for example, by a child. To reduce (or in some cases prevent) a child's exposure to openings in the frame that fall outside the desired clearances described in ASTM F409-19 or ASTM F1004-09, the second latch can only allow the frame to fold to the extent that the desired clearances between the various rigid components of the frame are preserved. Thus, in some implementations, the inclusion of a secondary latch can allow the frame to not maintain the desired clearances for all configurations of the frame (e.g., the folded configuration, the extended configuration, and configurations between the folded and extended configurations).

[0306] Generally, the secondary latches can be separate from the latch and storage latch described above. The frame can generally include one or more secondary latches disposed on one or more of the leg support assemblies or one or more of the X-frame assemblies. For example, at least one pair of secondary latches can be disposed on opposite sides of the frame to ensure that each side of the frame maintains a desired clearance. In another example, the frame can include only a single secondary latch, which is sufficient to maintain the frame in a partially collapsed state. The secondary latches can be actuated in a tool-free manner, allowing a caregiver to actuate the secondary latch using one hand.

[0307] In one example, FIG. 40A shows an exemplary frame 100g for a foldable play yard 1000a with a secondary latch 650 disposed on one leg support assembly 110e. As shown, frame 100g may include some of the same features as frame 100e (e.g., leg support assembly 110e and X-frame assembly 140c). Frame 100g may define an interior space 102 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that various components of frame 100g may also be adapted for play yards having interior spaces 102 with rectangular or square cross-sectional shapes.

[0308] In some implementations, the secondary latch 650, the storage latch 600b, and the latch 200a may be mounted on the same leg support assembly 110e. However, in other implementations, the secondary latch 650, the storage latch 600b, and the latch 200a may each be mounted on a different leg support assembly 110e. More generally, at least one of the secondary latch 650, the storage latch 600b, or the latch 200a may be mounted on one leg support assembly 110e.

[0309] The secondary latch 650 is generally disposed at an intermediate location along the leg tube 112 between the storage latch 600b and the latch 200a and can support the frame 100g in the partially collapsed state. For example, the secondary latch 650 can be positioned above the slider 120 in the collapsed configuration and below the slider 120 in the extended configuration. In some implementations, the partially collapsed state can correspond to the frame 100g being collapsed to the extent that a desired clearance between the various rigid components of the frame 100g is maintained. For example, the gap separating the leg tube 112 and the X-shaped frame tube 142a or 142b can remain 1.5 inches or more in the partially collapsed state. As the frame 100g is further collapsed, the gap between the leg tube 112 and the X-shaped frame tube 142a or 142b can be reduced to less than 1.5 inches.

[0310] In some implementations, the secondary latch 650 can include a push button mechanism similar to the storage latch 600a. The push button can provide a barrier that prevents the slider 120 from moving further downward along the leg tube 112 when the frame 100g is initially folded. A caregiver presses the push button into a cavity in the leg tube 112 and slides the slider 120 down the leg tube 112 to fully collapse the frame 100g. Along In some implementations, the push button can include a sloped surface disposed on a bottom side of the push button that allows the slider to move upward along the leg tube 112 without the caregiver having to separately actuate the secondary latch 650.

[0311] 40B shows an exemplary secondary latch 650a with a push button mechanism. As shown, the secondary latch 650a can include a push button 652 disposed through an opening 113e-1 in the leg tube 112. The push button 652 can be coupled to an arm 654 disposed within a cavity 113c of the leg tube 112. The arm 654 can act as a spring to return the push button 652 to an outward-facing position when the push button 652 is pressed into the cavity 113c. The arm 654 can be coupled to a base 656 that physically contacts opposing interior sides of the leg tube 112 such that the base 656 remains stationary when the arm 654 is bent. The base 656 may further include a tab 657 that is inserted into an opening 113e-2 formed on the leg tube 112 to securely connect the secondary latch 650a to the leg tube 112.

[0312] Additionally, push button 652 may be coupled to arm 653 disposed above arm 654, which provides a mechanical stop that limits the extent to which push button 652 can be pushed into cavity 113c. For example, arm 653 may be oriented along the same direction that push button 652 moves through opening 113e-1, thus allowing push button 652 to contact the interior surface of leg tube 112 when sufficiently displaced. In some implementations, arm 653 may be dimensioned such that outer surface 658 of push button 652 is disposed within opening 113e-1, allowing slider 120 to move past push button 652.

[0313] It should be appreciated that secondary latch 650a is one example implementation, and more generally, secondary latches can have different geometries, dimensions, and / or parts to adjust the overall size of secondary latch 650a, the spring constant of arm 654, the amount of material used for manufacturing, and / or the number of parts for manufacturing, without changing the principle of operation.

[0314] For ...

Claims

1. A frame (100c) for a foldable play yard (1000c), the frame having a folded configuration for storage of the frame and an extended configuration for supporting the foldable play yard above a ground surface (90), the frame defining an upper horizontal plane (92) at a height (H) above the ground surface in the extended configuration, the frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies (110c); a plurality of X-frame assemblies (140a, 140b) coupled to the plurality of leg support assemblies, the plurality of X-frame assemblies including a first X-frame assembly (140b); Including, The first X-frame assembly comprises: at least one X-shaped frame tube (142d) rotatably coupled to one leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies, the at least one X-shaped frame tube (142d) being positioned between the upper horizontal plane and the ground surface in the extended configuration; a first topper support (161a), the first topper support (161a) having a first bottom portion (163a) supported by the at least one X-frame tube and having a first topper support portion (162a) disposed substantially along the upper horizontal plane in the extended configuration; and Including, A frame (100c), wherein the first bottom portion of the first topper support has a concave shape complementary to the outer surface of the at least one X-shaped frame tube to promote support of the first topper support by the at least one X-shaped frame tube, and the first topper support portion has a convex shape.

2. the first X-frame assembly is disposed between a first leg support assembly and a second leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies and is coupled to the first leg support assembly and the second leg support assembly to form a double X-frame structure; The at least one X-frame tube of the first X-frame assembly comprises: a first pair of X-shaped frame tubes (142c, 142d) rotatably coupled to the first leg support assembly, at least one tube of the first pair of X-shaped frame tubes supporting the first topper support; a second pair of X-shaped frame tubes (142e, 142f) rotatably coupled to the second leg support assembly and the first X-shaped frame tube, the second X-shaped frame tubes being positioned relative to the upper horizontal plane in the extended configuration such that the second X-shaped frame tubes are disposed between the upper horizontal plane and the ground surface; Including, The first X-frame assembly comprises:

10. The frame of claim 1, further comprising: a second topper support (161b), the second topper support (161b) having a second bottom portion (163b) supported by at least one X-shaped frame tube of the second pair of X-shaped frame tubes, and having a second topper support portion (162b) disposed substantially along the upper horizontal plane in the extended configuration.

3. the frame is combined with soft goods (300) to form the foldable play yard; the soft goods include an upper portion (302) connected to the plurality of leg support assemblies and for covering an upper end of each of the plurality of leg support assemblies and at least the first X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies; 2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the soft goods is supported by the first topper support portion such that an upper edge (302a) of the upper portion of the soft goods is substantially aligned with the upper horizontal plane.

4. Each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies comprises: a corner portion (130) coupled to a leg tube and rotatably coupled to at least one X-frame assembly of the plurality of X-frame assemblies, the corner portion having a topper mounting socket (137); the frame defining an interior space (102) in the extended configuration; The frame of claim 1 , wherein the topper mounting sockets at the corners of each of the plurality of leg support assemblies are disposed within the interior space.

5. The frame is a latch mechanism (200j) at least partially coupled to the corner portion of one of the plurality of leg support assemblies, the latch mechanism (200j) maintaining the foldable playard in the extended configuration when the latch mechanism is in a locked configuration; At least one topper (800a, 900a) and Including, The at least one topper (800a, 900a) a topper frame (810a, 910a) having a corner tube (730a) inserted into the topper mounting socket at the corner of one of the plurality of leg support assemblies to connect the topper to the frame of the foldable play yard; a topper soft goods (880a, 980a) connected to the topper frame; a support platform (890a, 990a) coupled to the topper soft goods for supporting a child (50); a support foot (820a), the support foot (820a) being aligned with the first topper support portion and supported by the first topper support of the first X-frame assembly of the frame; The frame of claim 4, comprising:

6. the first topper support portion of the first topper support has a convex shape; 6. The frame of claim 5, wherein the support foot includes a support foot portion (822) having a concave shape complementary to the convex shape of the first topper portion to promote support of the support foot by the first topper support.

7. The topper frame is a latch lever (740a) disposed at least partially within the corner tube cavity (731); The latch lever a latch head (746) that is inserted through the latch head openings (733) of the corner tubes and the socket openings (137a) of the topper mounting sockets to securely connect the at least one topper to the frame of the foldable play yard; a latch button (748) coupled to the latch head, the latch button (748) when actuated releasing the latch head from the socket opening, thereby enabling removal of the at least one topper from the frame; a flexible finger (754) coupled to the latch head and the latch button and providing a spring force that maintains the latch head within the socket opening of the topper mounting socket when the latch button is not actuated; Including, the latch head and the latch button are disposed on opposite sides of the corner tube; The frame of claim 5 , wherein the latch button is disposed above the frame of the foldable playard.

8. the frame of the collapsible playard defining an interior space (102) in the extended configuration; the at least one topper includes a first topper covering a first portion of the interior space; The foldable play yard comprises: a second topper (800a, 900a), the second topper (800a, 900a) being coupled to the frame and partially covering a second portion of the interior space; at least one storage pocket (780), the at least one storage pocket (780) being coupled to at least one of the frame, the first topper, or the second topper, and disposed between the first topper and the second topper, the at least one storage pocket (780) covering at least a third portion of the interior space between the first portion and the second portion of the interior space; The frame of claim 5 further comprising:

9. The topper frame is a hub assembly (830a-1) supporting the corner tube; a first frame portion (812d) coupled to the hub assembly, defining a changing table section (802a) and supporting the topper soft goods; a second frame portion (812f), the second frame portion (812f) coupled to the hub assembly and defining an organizer section (804a); and further comprising a curved channel (813) formed along an interior side of the second frame portion; The topper is a stiffener (874) inserted along the curved channel of the second frame portion; an organizer soft goods (870), said organizer soft goods (870) coupled to said stiffener and providing one or more storage compartments (872a); The frame of claim 5 further comprising:

10. the first frame portion is rotatable relative to the frame of the collapsible playard via the hub assembly such that the changing table section can transition between a first configuration and a second configuration; the frame defining an interior space (102) in the extended configuration; the first frame portion of the topper frame partially covering the interior space in the first configuration; the first frame portion of the topper frame does not cover the interior space in the second configuration; 10. The frame of claim 9, wherein the first frame portion rotates approximately 180 degrees when transitioning between the first configuration and the second configuration.

11. the topper further includes one or more storage compartments (872a, 872b) coupled to the second frame portion; 11. The frame of claim 10, wherein at least one of the topper soft goods or the support platform covers the one or more storage compartments in the second configuration to prevent access to the one or more storage compartments.

12. the second frame portion is rotatable relative to the frame of the foldable play yard via the hub assembly such that the organizer section can transition between a first configuration and a second configuration; The topper is one or more upper storage compartments (872a), said one or more upper storage compartments (872a) coupled to said second frame portion, said one or more upper storage compartments (872a) being accessible from above said at least one topper only in said first configuration; one or more bottom storage compartments (872b), wherein the one or more bottom storage compartments (872b) are coupled to at least one of the second frame portion or the one or more upper storage compartments, and the one or more bottom storage compartments (872b) are accessible from above the at least one topper only in the second configuration; The frame of claim 9 further comprising:

13. the topper further includes one or more storage compartments (872a, 872b) coupled to the second frame portion; 13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the one or more storage compartments at least partially cover at least one of the topper soft goods or the support platform in the second configuration.

14. the second frame portion is rotatable only when an external torque having a magnitude greater than or equal to a threshold torque is applied to the second frame portion, and the second frame portion remains stationary relative to the frame when the external torque applied to the second frame portion has a magnitude less than the threshold torque; when the external torque is applied to the second frame portion and has a magnitude equal to the threshold torque, the frame and the topper of the collapsible play yard do not tip over; the second frame portion rotates relative to the frame of the collapsible playard about an axis of rotation (806) defined by the hub assembly; 13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the threshold torque is equivalent to a tangential force having a magnitude of 30 pounds applied to an end portion (808) of the second frame portion located farthest from the axis of rotation.

15. the frame of the collapsible playard defining an interior space (102) in the extended configuration; the second frame portion of the topper frame extending from the hub assembly away from the interior space of the frame; 15. The frame of claim 14, wherein the second frame portion of the topper frame rotates downward toward the ground surface when the organizer section is in the first configuration and when the external torque applied to the second frame portion has a magnitude greater than or equal to the threshold torque.

16. The hub assembly includes: a first changer mount (834), the first changer mount (834) rigidly connected to the first frame portion and the corner tube, the first changer mount (834) having a pair of detents (841); a second organizer mount (832), the second organizer mount (832) rotatably coupled to the first changer mount and rigidly coupled to the second frame portion, the second organizer mount (832) having a hub spring (840), the hub spring having ends (840a, 840b), the ends (840a, 840b) disposed between and retained by the pair of detents; Including, 15. The frame of claim 14, wherein when the external torque applied to the second frame portion has a magnitude greater than or equal to the threshold torque, the hub spring is sufficiently deformed to remove the end from the pair of detents, thereby allowing the second frame portion to rotate relative to the frame of the collapsible playard.

17. A foldable play yard (1000c), comprising:

10. The frame of claim 1, wherein the frame defines an interior space (102) in the extended configuration; a bassinet accessory (500b) coupled to the frame and disposed within the interior space, the bassinet accessory (500b) providing an elevated surface (511) above the ground surface; a bassinet topper (900d) disposed on the elevated surface of the bassinet accessory without being directly attached to the bassinet accessory or the frame, and supporting a child (50) above the elevated surface, the bassinet topper being sized to fit at least partially within the interior space of the frame, the bassinet topper also being freestanding when placed on the ground surface, and adapted to support the child above the ground surface; Including, The bassinet topper is A bassinet topper frame (910c), the bassinet topper frame having a collapsed configuration for storage in which the bassinet topper is substantially flat, and an expanded configuration for supporting the child, the bassinet topper frame (910c) comprising: at least one leg (940a, 940b); a housing (950a) coupled to the at least one leg and having socket connectors (958a, 958b); a bassinet topper frame (910c) including: top rails (912d, 912e) having connector ends (915) that are inserted into the socket connectors, the connector ends being oriented generally perpendicular to the remainder of the top rails; a bassinet support platform (990c) coupled to the bassinet topper frame and supporting the child in the deployed configuration; Includes a foldable play yard (1000c).

18. the housing (950a) is rigidly connected to the top rail and has a through-hole opening (956); The bassinet topper frame further comprises: legs (940a, 940b) inserted through the through holes of the housing, the legs (940a, 940b) rotatable relative to the housing to change between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a rotation stop (936) rigidly coupled to the leg and disposed within the through-hole, the rotation stop (936) mechanically interfering with the housing in the deployed configuration to generate and apply a preload to the leg; a latch (930) rigidly connected to a support platform and connected to the legs of the topper frame via a snap-fit ​​connection to maintain the bassinet topper in the unfolded configuration, the latch being removed from the legs when converting the bassinet topper to the collapsed configuration; 18. The collapsible playard of claim 17, comprising:

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