Bassinet accessories for playpens

Abstract

To provide an improved bassinet accessory.SOLUTION: A bassinet accessory for a foldable playard, where the bassinet and playard are folded and unfolded together. When unfolded, the bassinet is relatively shallow from a top of the playard so that a caregiver may more easily place a child into, and remove the child from, the bassinet. A bassinet mattress is supported by a central hub on the bottom of the bassinet and four support tubes coupled to the hub and extending to respective bottom corners of the bassinet. During folding, the bassinet hub travels in a vertical direction and the support tubes rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position, becoming parallel with respective legs of the playard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference with related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,950, titled "X-Frame Playard with Toppers," filed on 8 May 2020, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 962,435, titled "X-Frame Playard," filed on 17 January 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A playard (also referred 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 to no supervision from a caregiver. A playard typically includes a support structure (e.g., a frame) that outlines the internal space of the playard. A playard also includes soft padding (also referred herein as “soft goods”), which is placed inside the internal space and provides a partially enclosed, cushioned space for accommodating the child. Playards are generally collapsible and / or foldable to improve portability. For example, a caregiver may fold the playard for storage and / or transport and unfold it for use. Various types of playards have been manufactured and commercialized over the years, and they have evolved in design depending on whether the playard is used primarily in an outdoor or indoor environment.

[0003] Figure 1A shows one example of a conventional outdoor playard 10a in an extended configuration. As shown, the playard 10a includes a frame 46 with multiple X-frame assemblies 20a that outline the internal space 11. Each X-frame assembly 20a includes X-tubes 22a and 22b that form an intersecting pattern. In this example, the X-frame assemblies 20a are pivot-only X-frame assemblies, and the X-tubes 22a and 22b are rotatably connected to each other and to other X-tubes so that the frame 46 is foldable. As shown in the exploded view inserted in Figure 1A, the playard 10a is provided with a latch mechanism 16, which is attached to the X-tubes 22a and 22b and locks the X-frame assemblies 20a in place when extended. Soft goods 12 are attached to the X-frame assembly 20a and are positioned along the sides and floor of the interior space 11 to provide a partially enclosed space 13 for the child, which is shaped and / or dimensional 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 upper edge of the partially enclosed space 13, which acts as an upper rail and increases the mechanical rigidity and stability of the playard 10a when the playard 10a is deployed. Figure 1A also shows that the playard 10a includes a canopy cover 40, which is positioned above the partially enclosed space 13 and attached to the X-frame assembly 20a to provide shade for the child.

[0004] Figure 1B shows another example of a conventional outdoor playard 10b. As shown, the playard 10b includes a frame 46 with a plurality of pivotable and sliding X-frame assemblies 20b connected to adjacent leg support assemblies 24. Each leg support assembly 24 includes a leg tube 25, a corner section 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. The X-frame tubes 22a and 22b of each X-frame assembly 20 are connected to the respective sliders 26a and / or 26b as well as the corner section of the leg support assembly 24. Thus, when the playard 10b is folded or extended, the X-frame tubes 22a and 22b undergo both rotation and displacement along the leg tube 25 via the sliders 26a and / or 26b. Compared to the pivot-only X-frame assembly 20a of the playard 10a, the pivot-and-sliding X-frame assembly 20b of the playard 10b allows the playard 10b to fold more compactly and therefore occupies less space in the folded configuration. Additionally, the pivot-and-sliding X-frame assembly 20b allows the frame 46 to provide a larger internal space 11 and therefore allows the playard 10b to provide a larger partially enclosed space 13 for the child when in the extended configuration.

[0005] As previously described, the soft goods 12 can be attached to the leg support assembly 24 and / or the X-frame assembly 20b. The playard 10b also includes a pair of latch mechanisms 16a and 16b, which are respectively mounted on sliders 26b on the leg support assembly 24 located on opposing sides of the playard 10b. As shown in the insert in Figure 1B, slider 26b differs from slider 26a due to the inclusion of features for locking the latch mechanisms 16a and 16b. The playard 10b also includes a canopy cover 40, which is located above the partially enclosed space 13 and is mounted on the corners of the leg support assembly 24.

[0006] Figure 1C shows an example of a conventional indoor playd 10c. As shown, the playd 10c includes a frame 46, which is formed from a plurality of legs 30 and a rigid upper rail 32, providing a rigid frame to support the soft goods 12. The frame 46 also includes a bottom support structure 34, so that the floor of the partially enclosed space 13 defined by the soft goods 12 is suspended off the ground. Compared to outdoor playds 10a and 10b, the indoor playd 10c does not include an X-frame assembly to facilitate folding and / or extending. Instead, the upper rail 32 is connected to a hinge 36, which allows the playd 10c to be folded into a smaller form, as shown in Figure 1D. In addition, the bottom support structure 34 is also foldable. Therefore, in order to fold the playard 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 Figure 1D), and then unlock and fold the top rail 32 (step "B" in Figure 1D). To set up the playard 10c, the caregiver must perform these steps in reverse.

[0007] Figure 1C also shows that the playard 10c includes a bassinet accessory 60, which is positioned within a partially enclosed space 13 and provides a raised surface above ground to support the child. The raised surface can reduce the physical strain experienced by caregivers when placing their child in and / or removing their child from the playard 10c by providing a more accessible and reachable space compared to the bottom of the playard 10c. The raised surface of the bassinet accessory 60 also allows caregivers to more easily monitor their child. Conventional bassinet accessories are typically configured to support infants and / or children weighing less than 15 pounds. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The inventors recognized and understood that a foldable playard provides caregivers with a convenient and safe space for their child to play and / or sleep once the playard is set up, thereby reducing the need for caregivers to continuously supervise their child. However, the inventors also recognized that, in some cases, conventional playards can be cumbersome to set up and / or store, partly due to the complex mechanisms (and correspondingly lengthy procedures, which caregivers must perform while generally caring for their child) for folding, extending, latching, and / or unlatching the playard. Furthermore, the complexity of conventional playards results in bulkier products that are more difficult to handle and more expensive to manufacture and purchase as consumers.

[0009] Initially, the inventors observed that conventional play yard designs typically include various support structures in addition to their frames to provide a more rigid boundary that outlines the internal space, in order to better accommodate children and / or to 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, titled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs / Play Yards").

[0010] Referring again to Figures 1A and 1B, as described above, each frame 46 of the player 10a and 10b includes X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b to facilitate folding and / or extending the frame 46. When extended, the X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b are positioned along each side of the frame 46, thus providing a mechanically rigid and stable structure.

[0011] However, Figure 1A shows that the X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b of the X-shaped frame assembly 20a in the playard 10a spread out to the sides of the frame 46 when extended. This results in an upper portion 47 of the internal space 11 above the X-shaped frame assembly 20a that is not mechanically supported by the frame 46. If flexible soft goods 12 are installed on the frame 46 as shown in Figure 1A, a child could potentially escape from the playard 10a by folding and / or folding the soft goods through the upper portion 47. In consideration of the foregoing, as an additional support structure, the soft goods 12 includes an integrated webbing 14 which is pulled taut when the frame 46 is extended, so that the webbing 14 mechanically functions as an upper rail. Thus, the webbing 14 provides a more rigid boundary that extends to the upper portion 47 of the internal space 11, supporting soft goods and keeping the child better inside the playard 10a.

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

[0013] As described above in relation to Figure 1C, the playard 10c includes a rigid upper rail 32 that connects to adjacent legs 30. Thus, the frame 46 of the playard 10c provides a mechanical support structure that extends to the upper and lateral boundaries of the internal space 11. However, frames having only vertical or nearly vertical legs and upper rails are often prone to mechanical instability. For example, due to the lack of mechanical restraint at the bottom of the legs, and / or due to backlash or slop between the joints connecting the rails and legs together, the frame may tilt to one side. This mechanical instability can be further exacerbated, for example, if the legs and rails are configured to move relative to each other to facilitate folding the playard. Given this mechanical instability, to reinforce the frame 46, the playard 10c includes an additional bottom support structure 34, which connects the legs 30 positioned at opposing corners of the frame 46.

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

[0015] For example, the webbing 14 for the playards 10a and 10b must be sewn directly into the soft goods 12 or the X-frame assemblies 20a and 20b, and / or the leg support assembly 24 must incorporate additional structural features for direct attachment to the soft webbing 14, both of which increase design complexity and result in higher manufacturing costs. With respect to the playard 10c, the rigid upper rail 32 and bottom support structure 34 must include additional mechanisms (e.g., hinges 36, hinges connecting various members of the bottom support structure 34) to facilitate the dismantling and folding of the playard 10c, which increases the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. As shown in Figure 1D, these additional mechanisms also make it more difficult for caregivers to set up and dismantle the playard 10c by adding additional steps (e.g., steps "A" and "B"). Among other things, the playard 10c is particularly difficult to extend. The reason is that the Playard 10c tends to tip over and / or partially fold when it is partially extended.

[0016] Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that conventional playards often include frames that compromise between ease of folding and / or extending the frame and other aspects relating to the practical use of the playard. For example, playards 10a and 10b include X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b, respectively, which make it considerably easier for the caregiver to fold and / or extend each frame 46. However, both X-shaped frame assemblies 20a and 20b extend over a considerable portion (if not all) of the sides of each frame 46 as described above, which can interfere with the visibility of the child in the partially enclosed space 13, thereby hindering or interfering with the caregiver's ability to easily see the child in the playard.

[0017] More specifically, referring again to Figure 1A, the soft goods 14 in the playard 10a include a see-through portion along the side of the partially enclosed space 13, which is intended to allow the caregiver to see their child. However, the X-shaped tubes 22a and 22b in the pivot-only X-shaped frame assembly 20a extend across the entire side of the partially enclosed space 13, thus obstructing the see-through portion of the soft goods 14 and thus limiting the caregiver's ability to visually check on their child in the partially enclosed space 13. With respect to the playard 10b, the pivot- and sliding X-shaped frame assembly 20b does not extend across the entire side of the partially enclosed space 13. However, Figure 1B shows that the combination of the X-shaped frame assembly 20b and the soft goods 14 instead covers almost the upper half of the partially enclosed space 13, thus limiting the area that can be seen inside the partially enclosed space 13.

[0018] In another example, the frame 46 of the playard 10c allows caregivers 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 playards are typically designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the indoor environment (for example, indoor playards should match other indoor furniture), which can often lead to compromises in other areas such as ease of use. For example, X-frame assemblies are often used only for outdoor playards because the appearance of the X-shaped tubes does not harmonize with most indoor furniture.

[0019] The inventors have further observed that conventional playards often include complex latching mechanisms, making them expensive to manufacture and difficult for consumers to use. For example, conventional playard frames utilizing a pivotable and sliding X-frame assembly (such as playard 10b shown in Figure 1B) often include multiple latching mechanisms, which are located on opposing sides of the playard to prevent any one side of the playard frame from sagging downwards when locked in an extended configuration. In particular, as stated above, Figure 1B shows that playard 10b includes a pair of latching mechanisms 16a and 16b located on opposing sides of playard 10b. To lock or unlock playard 10b, the caregiver must manually activate each latching mechanism 16 one at a time on different sides of the playard, which is inconvenient and cumbersome. In another example, the conventional indoor playard 10c shown in Figure 1C includes separate latching mechanisms for each hinge 36. As described above, the caregiver must first lock the respective latching mechanisms for each hinge 36 before extending the bottom support structure 34 (during which time the playard 10c may tip over and / or partially fold if not properly held by the caregiver).

[0020] Including multiple latching mechanisms increases the number of parts and therefore increases the cost of manufacturing. This drawback can be further exacerbated based on the installation and complexity of a given latching mechanism. For example, the latching mechanisms 16a and 16b in the playerard 10b are mounted on sliders of the leg support assembly 24. As a result, the playerard 10b needs to include different types of sliders, namely slider 26b which forms part of the latching mechanisms 16a and 16b, as well as a different slider 26a for the rest of the leg support assembly 24. Thus, this playerard design increases the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, and this increases the manufacturing cost.

[0021] Furthermore, the inventors observed that conventional playpens also include various accessories to enhance the functionality and / or environment for children.

[0022] For example, the playard 10c shown in Figure 1C includes a bassinet accessory 60 to provide a raised surface above the ground for supporting a child for the first few months of life. The inventors recognized and understood that the bassinet accessory provides caregivers with a more convenient and accessible platform for placing their child into and / or removing their child from the playard compared to the internal space of the playard (i.e., when the playard 10c does not include the bassinet accessory 60). The inventors also recognized that the removable bassinet accessory effectively extends the lifetime use of the foldable playard from birth until the child can typically move out of the playard or weighs more than 30 pounds. However, the inventors also recognized that conventional bassinet accessories for playards often have to compromise between the accessibility of the raised surface (e.g., how far a caregiver has to reach into the playard to place their child into the bassinet accessory), ease of use (e.g., the procedure for folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory and the foldable playard), and, above all, the overall size of the foldable playard and bassinet accessory when folded.

[0023] 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, titled "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles"). With regard to many conventional bassinet accessories, the support structure is a rigid structure that is not foldable (or cannot be folded) along with the playard frame. Therefore, the bassinet accessory should be removed before folding the playard and / or installed when extending the playard, adding an extra step for caregivers to set up and / or take down the playard. Additionally, the removal of the bassinet accessory requires caregivers to provide extra space for storing and / or transporting the foldable playard and bassinet accessory as separate items, and may also increase the likelihood of caregivers forgetting or losing the bassinet accessory, especially when transporting the playard from one place to another.

[0024] It has been previously demonstrated that bassinet accessories that fold and extend together with a playard frame partially address the limitations associated with the rigid bassinet accessories described above. However, the inventors have recognized that conventional foldable bassinet accessories often achieve foldability with a playard by compromising other aspects of the bassinet accessory.

[0025] For example, the bassinet accessory 60 provides a relatively shallow, raised space in the playard 10c for supporting a child (for example, the top surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the playard 10c by a distance of approximately 10 inches or less). This is partially achieved by utilizing a more complex folding mechanism that requires the user to assemble and disassemble parts of the bassinet accessory 60 to facilitate extension and folding. For example, Figure 1E shows that the bassinet accessory 60 for the playard 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.

[0026] To set up the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver should 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 extends to the length of the bassinet accessory 60. To dismantle the bassinet accessory 60, the caregiver should manually detach the support tubes 64a-64c from each other. These additional steps not only make folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 60 more difficult, but may also increase the likelihood of losing parts (for example, the caregiver misplacing one of the support tubes separately from the mattress) and / or improper setup (especially if the caregiver does not properly connect the support tubes 64a-64c together).

[0027] In some conventional foldable bassinet accessories, simpler folding mechanisms (e.g., mechanisms that do not require assembling two or more components for deployment or disassembling 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 playd in the folded configuration (e.g., a portion of the bassinet accessory extends considerably beyond the playd area when folded) or a relatively deep bassinet accessory (e.g., the top surface of the mattress is offset from the top rail 32 of the playd 10c by a distance considerably greater than 10 inches) to ensure that the folding mechanism remains within the area of ​​the folded playd. In the latter case, a deeper bassinet accessory results in the caregiver having to bend forward more to place their child into and / or remove their child from the bassinet accessory, which results in a greater physical burden.

[0028] In another example, the playards 10a and 10b shown in Figures 1A and 1B both include a canopy cover 40 to provide shade for children when the playard is deployed in an outdoor environment. However, the inventors have recognized and understood that in some cases, various accessories (and, above all, the canopy cover) are often prone to misuse and premature removal from the playard and / or may compromise the safety of children.

[0029] Generally, conventional canopy covers are supported by a separate canopy cover frame that attaches directly onto the upper part of the playpen (e.g., the corners) (which are already covered by soft goods). The presence of soft goods can make it difficult for caregivers to determine the correct location on the playpen where the canopy cover should be installed, which can often result in incorrect canopy cover installation. Additionally, conventional canopy covers are often not securely attached to the playpen, partly due to the lamination of multiple fabric layers in the soft goods. As a result, conventional canopy covers for outdoor playpens are often prone to premature removal, for example, due to strong winds.

[0030] Furthermore, conventional canopy covers are easily removed by children placed in the partially enclosed space of a playdock. For example, Figure 1F shows the playdock 10a of Figure 1A with the canopy cover 40 pulled away from the corner 28 by a child inside the playdock. As shown, a canopy bow 44 supports the canopy cover 40 over the playdock 10a. The canopy bow 44 is attached to a canopy clip 42, which should be attached to the corner 28 covered by the soft goods 12. However, the combination of the canopy clip 42 not being securely attached to the corner 28 and the possibility of a child accessing the canopy clip 42 can lead to the removal of the canopy cover 40 by a child, as shown in Figure 1F. Figure 1G shows another example in which a child can pull the canopy cover 40 further into the partially enclosed space 13 of the playard 10a by pulling the canopy bow 44 and / or the canopy clip 42.

[0031] In light of the aforementioned observations by the inventors, this disclosure is directed toward various implementations of the present invention of a foldable player that is therefore easier to operate (e.g., fold, extend, latch, and / or unlatch) than conventional playeres, is structurally simpler with fewer parts for manufacture, and nevertheless has sufficient structural stability and rigidity to readily comply with various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19 referenced above). [Means for solving the problem]

[0032] In various implementations of the present invention, a foldable playpen may generally include a frame that defines an internal space when extended, and soft goods, the soft goods being mounted on the frame and partially arranged within the internal space, defining a partially enclosed space for the child. In some implementations, the foldable playpen may include an improved canopy cover assembly for covering the partially enclosed space (for example, when the playpen is deployed in an outdoor environment).

[0033] In one example of a frame for a foldable playard according to this disclosure, the frame can be a closed frame, which comprises a plurality of leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies, which are arranged such that each leg support assembly is positioned along the side edge of the internal space, and the X-frame assemblies are positioned between adjacent leg support assemblies along the sides of the internal space. The leg support assemblies enable the foldable playard to stand on the ground, and the X-frame assemblies provide structural support for the leg support assemblies, as well as a mechanism to facilitate folding and / or extending the playard. In some implementations, the leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies can define an internal space, which has a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground, which is polygonal in shape (e.g., square, rectangle, hexagon).

[0034] Each leg support assembly of the foldable playard frame may include a leg tube, a corner attached to the upper end of the leg tube, a foot attached to the bottom end of the leg tube, and a slider that slides between the corner and the foot. The upper and bottom ends of the leg tubes may be aligned with the upper and bottom vertices of the internal space, respectively. Each X-frame assembly may include at least one pair of X-tubes, each X-tube rotatably connected to at least another X-tube, a corner, and / or a slider. By connecting at least one of the X-tubes to the slider, the X-frame assembly becomes a pivotable and sliding X-frame assembly, in which the X-tubes are displaced rotationally and translationally when the playard is folded and / or extended. Thus, the combination of the X-shaped frame assembly and the leg support assembly allows for a playard that folds into a smaller form that occupies less volume compared to conventional playards, and / or extends to provide a larger internal space (and thus a larger, partially enclosed space for the child).

[0035] In one embodiment, the X-frame assemblies of the foldable playard frame may be positioned close enough to the upper portion of the internal space when the playard is unfolded in an extended configuration, so that each X-frame assembly effectively functions as a rigid upper rail mechanically connecting adjacent leg support assemblies in the frame. In other words, each X-tube of each X-frame assembly forms an upper perimeter structure, which extends over the top of the playard frame and thus outlines the upper opening of the internal space. For example, each pair of X-tubes in each X-frame assembly can form a sufficiently shallow X-frame structure so that the X-tubes are mechanically similar to the rigid upper rail in a previous playard (e.g., the upper rail 32 in playard 10c).

[0036] However, unlike previous playards, the frame of the foldable playard disclosed herein is sufficiently rigid and stable by only an X-shaped frame assembly that connects the leg support assemblies together. In other words, in exemplary implementations, the frame of the foldable playard disclosed herein does not include a separate upper rail (e.g., the webbing 14 of playards 10a and 10b shown in Figures 1A and 1B, or the upper rail 32 of playard 10c shown in Figure 1C) or a bottom support structure (e.g., the bottom structure 34 of playard 10c shown in Figure 1C). Thus, the innovative frame described herein results in a more refined playard with sound mechanical stability using fewer parts.

[0037] In one embodiment, the foldable playard frames disclosed in various examples herein achieve mechanical stability with fewer parts by reducing the length of the leg tubes compared to conventional playards in order to make the frame less susceptible to tilting and / or rotation (for example, the resulting torque applied to the frame with respect to a given force is reduced due to the shorter moment arms). In some implementations, as described in more detail below, the length of the leg tubes may be dimensioned based on the portion of the foot and corner overlapping with the leg tubes, as well as the distance the slider travels to fully fold and / or extend the frame.

[0038] Additionally, the dimensions and / or material of the X-shaped tubes used in the foldable player frame disclosed in the various examples herein may be selected to provide the frame with sufficient mechanical rigidity. For example, the X-shaped tubes may be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of about 0.625 inches and an overall length of about 24.5 inches. However, it should be recognized that the X-shaped tubes may be formed from other materials (e.g., aluminum, carbon fiber) having different dimensions, in part depending on the mechanical properties of the material and the desired dimensions of the internal space provided by the frame. In some implementations, as described above, a frame comprising only the leg support assemblies and X-shaped frame assemblies disclosed herein, without additional support structures, may meet various mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength requirements specified in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11).

[0039] It should be recognized that soft goods can be connected at various points along the frame so that the partially enclosed space formed by the soft goods opens properly when the playard is extended. However, soft goods can generally be flexible components, and flexible components remain loose rather than being pulled taut, and therefore do not significantly improve the mechanical rigidity and / or stability of the frame.

[0040] Additionally, by positioning the X-shaped frame assembly of the frame closer to the upper part of the interior space, the sides of the frame are more exposed, providing a larger window for caregivers to see their child when the child is placed inside the interior space. Furthermore, the soft goods attached to the frame can cover the X-shaped frame assembly more easily using less material. In some implementations, the soft goods can partially cover the X-shaped frame assembly and provide access to the latch mechanism (described in more detail below), while in other implementations, the soft goods can completely cover the X-shaped frame assembly so that no part of the X-shaped frame assembly is visible when the playard is extended (which can partially improve the aesthetic appearance of the playard for both outdoor and indoor environments).

[0041] As discussed in more detail below, the “upper portion” of the collapsible player frame in a given exemplary implementation can generally refer to the portion of the frame adjacent to the upper ends of the leg tubes and / or the corners of each leg support assembly. The leg tubes of each leg support assembly can generally be substantially the same length. In some implementations, the upper portion of the frame can be defined as having 1) an upper horizontal plane intersecting the upper ends and / or corners of the leg tubes, and 2) a bottom horizontal plane offset vertically from the upper horizontal plane such that the X-shaped tubes are fully positioned within the upper horizontal plane and the bottom horizontal plane when the X-shaped frame assembly is extended. In some implementations, the bottom horizontal plane can be offset from the upper horizontal plane by a distance of no more than 30% of the total length of the leg tubes, more preferably by a distance of no more than 20% of the total length of the leg tubes.

[0042] As described above, in some implementations, a foldable playered frame may include one or more X-frame assemblies forming a single X-frame structure with a pair of X-tubes. Each X-tube in the pair of X-tubes may be rotatably connected to a corner of one leg support assembly, a slider of another leg support assembly, and another X-tube in the pair of X-tubes. In other exemplary implementations, a foldable playered frame may include one or more X-frame assemblies forming a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-tubes. In this example using a double X-frame structure, each X-tube is connected to either a slider or a corner of one leg support assembly, an X-tube in the same pair of X-tubes, and another X-tube from another pair of X-tubes. Thus, the frame can provide an internal space having a horizontal cross-section with sides of different dimensions (for example, an internal space having a rectangular shape).

[0043] In another embodiment, the foldable playard frame according to this disclosure may include a latch mechanism for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the frame may include only a single latch mechanism for maintaining the frame in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the single latch mechanism is configured to automatically actuate and lock the frame in an extended configuration when the caregiver extends the frame (for example, by moving a slider in one leg support assembly toward a corner). Thus, the process of extending and locking the playard can be easily achieved with the caregiver positioned at one side and / or one corner of the playard (i.e., the caregiver does not need to move around the playard to actuate multiple latch mechanisms). Furthermore, the caregiver can extend and lock the playard using one hand. For example, the single latch mechanism can automatically lock when the slider is displaced a sufficient distance along the leg tube.

[0044] In some implementations, the latch mechanism may preferably be located within the upper portion of a frame as defined above. For example, the latch mechanism may include a latch member having a first end connected to a corner portion of a leg support assembly and a second end connected to an X-shaped tube or slider of an X-shaped frame assembly. Thus, the latch mechanism may be partially covered by soft goods, or in some cases, completely covered.

[0045] Furthermore, the latch mechanism can be connected to various components of the frame (including, but not limited to, X-shaped tubes, leg tubes, sliders, and corner sections). In some implementations, the latch mechanism can be connected to components of the X-shaped frame assembly and / or leg support assembly without the need to modify the respective components of the X-shaped frame assembly and leg support assembly. For example, the latch mechanism may include a latch member, which is rotatably connected to a corner section of one leg support assembly via a pin joint, and the pin joint also serves to rotatably connect the X-shaped tube to the corner section. In this way, the player can contain unique parts for fewer manufacturing operations. In some implementations, the player can contain identical corner sections and / or identical sliders for multiple leg support assemblies.

[0046] In some implementations, the latch mechanism can be a tool-free mechanism operated by a caregiver in one or two steps. In one example, the latch member can connect the respective components of the X-frame assembly and / or leg support assembly and maintain the extended configuration via various mounting mechanisms, including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connections, spring-loaded pins, and spring-loaded rotary lock-off mechanisms.

[0047] In some implementations, the latch mechanism can be a double-action latch, which includes a latch member (e.g., mounted on the corner of one leg support assembly) and a latch boss (e.g., mounted on the X-tube of one X-frame assembly). The latch boss may include an undercut portion, and the latch member may include a latch opening for receiving the latch boss, with a tab disposed within the latch opening and engaging with the undercut portion. In some implementations, the tab may include a slot, and the undercut portion may include a rib for aligning the latch member and the latch boss when locking the latch mechanism. The undercut portion and the tab may be shaped so that a caregiver cannot unlock the latch mechanism by pulling the latch member without applying an excessive amount of force (e.g., more than 10 pounds). Instead, the caregiver can first compress each X-tube of the X-frame assembly, displacing the latch boss within the latch opening of the latch member and disengaging the tab from the undercut portion. While compressing the X-shaped tube together, the caregiver can then pull the latch member away from the latch boss, thus unlocking the latch mechanism.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, a foldable playpen may include soft goods to define a partially enclosed space where a child can play and / or sleep. Generally, the soft goods may cover a portion of the frame (e.g., a corner of a leg support assembly, a portion of an X-frame assembly). In some implementations, the soft goods may be directly attached to the frame (e.g., a corner) via one or more snap-fit ​​connections. The soft goods may further include semi-rigid tabs, which are positioned near the upper edge of the soft goods and support the snap-fit ​​connectors, ensuring that the soft goods remain coplanar with the frame when attached (i.e., the upper edge of the soft goods does not flip upward to expose the interior portion of the soft goods). The soft goods may further include a floor portion that rests directly on the ground and side portions, which define the bottom and sides of the partially enclosed space. In some implementations, the side sections are transparent and / or see-through (e.g., mesh), allowing caregivers to easily see their child inside the playard.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the foldable playard according to this disclosure may also include a canopy cover assembly, which is mounted on the playard frame and soft goods and provides shade for the child inside the playard. The canopy cover assembly may generally include a canopy cover frame or a plurality of canopy support assemblies that provide a support structure. Each canopy support assembly may generally include a canopy bow that supports the canopy cover and canopy clips for attaching the canopy support assembly to the frame. In some implementations, different types of canopies (e.g., half canopy, full canopy) may be mounted on the playard depending on the level of coverage desired by the caregiver.

[0050] In some implementations, the canopy clip may include a snap-in feature for directly connecting the canopy clip to the leg tube of a single leg support assembly. In this way, the canopy clip is securely attached to the frame (i.e., the canopy clip is not attached to any part of the frame covered by soft goods), thereby reducing the possibility of the canopy cover assembly being accidentally detached from the frame. Each canopy clip may be further positioned outside the internal space along the external portion of a single leg support assembly (for example, near corners and / or sliders when the playard is extended). Additionally, the canopy bow may be connected to the canopy clip such that a portion of the canopy bow is positioned outside the internal space, even near corners and / or sliders of the leg support assembly. The specific placement of the canopy clips and the portion of the canopy bow that overlaps with the outer part of the frame can further restrict a child's access to various components of the canopy cover assembly, thus reducing the possibility of the canopy cover being removed and pulled into the playpen.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, the foldable playard according to the present disclosure may include a bassinet accessory, which is disposed within the internal space of the frame and within a partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods, providing a raised surface for supporting a child. The bassinet accessory may generally include a support structure that defines a relatively small partially enclosed space associated with the bassinet accessory for accommodating a child when the bassinet accessory is extended (for example, the relatively small partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory may be disposed within a partially enclosed space of the playard soft goods).

[0052] The support structure of the bassinet accessory may include bassinet soft goods with side and bottom surfaces that at least partially define and surround the relatively small, partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. The support structure may further include a hub and a number of support tubes that together form a rigid structure in the deployed and extended configuration. Each support tube may be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) connected to the hub to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory. The bassinet accessory may also include a mattress, which in the deployed and extended configuration is positioned on top of the hub and support tubes and provides a cushioned surface for the child to lie on. The mattress may be removable and foldable.

[0053] Bassinet accessories (and, above all, support structures) can be folded and extended together with the frame and soft goods when installed on a foldable playard. Bassinet accessories 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 playard can range from 7.5 inches to about 10 inches. More generally, the height of the bassinet accessories when installed on a playard is h t,1 It is defined as the distance between each bottom corner of the bassinet soft goods and the top of the foldable playd (for example, the upper horizontal plane defined by the playd), and it can range between 7.5 inches and approximately 12 inches.

[0054] Furthermore, the bassinet accessory may include a folding mechanism that does not require assembly and / or disassembly when folding and extending the bassinet accessory together with the foldable playard. Instead, the hub and support tubes may form a foldable structure with an integrated mechanical stop and / or locking mechanism (e.g., a hub latch) to maintain the hub and support tubes in the desired extended configuration. Thus, the procedure for folding and extending the foldable playard together with the installed bassinet accessory may be simplified compared to conventional bassinet accessories (e.g., bassinet accessory 60 for playard 10c).

[0055] In one example, the hub may be positioned in the center of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, and the support tubes may be positioned and oriented along the diagonal segments of the bottom surface. In other words, the support tubes can extend radially from the hub to each corner portion 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 support tubes move together. When folding or extending the bassinet accessory, the caregiver can pull up or push down the hub, thus causing the support tubes and bassinet soft goods to fold or extend.

[0056] Additionally, the bassinet accessory can be substantially housed within the internal space of the playard frame in both the extended and folded configurations, so that the overall size of a foldable playard with the bassinet accessory remains substantially the same as or identical to that of a foldable playard without the bassinet accessory. In this way, the compact shape of the playard in the folded configuration is maintained for easy storage and / or transport.

[0057] Bassinet accessories exhibiting the features described above (e.g., relatively shallow height, simple folding mechanism, and compact size) can be achieved in several ways. In one example, the support tubes can be varied in length between the folded and extended configurations. For example, the hubs can move upward when the bassinet accessory is folded, and conversely, they can move downward when the bassinet accessory is extended. In order to ensure that the hubs do not extend too far outside the internal space of the playard when the playard is folded, and given the relatively shallow height of the bassinet accessory, each support tube can be telescopic (for example, each support tube can include a first support tube and a second support tube telescopically connected to the first support tube).

[0058] When the bassinet accessory is extended, the extended support tube extends to the height of the bassinet accessory h t,1 Larger overall length L t,1 It is possible to have this. However, when the bassinet accessory is folded, the first support tube can be moved telescopically toward the second support tube. Therefore, the overall length of the support tube is L t,1 Length L in the folded configuration t,2 It changes to, and here, Lt,2 is less than L t,1 In various examples discussed in more detail below, the length L t,2 can be approximately less than or equal to the height h of the bassinette accessory. It should be recognized that the height h of the bassinette accessory t,1 can vary somewhat when folding and extending the bassinette accessory (for example, the bottom of the bassinette soft goods can be folded and bundled). However, in other situations, each bottom corner of the bassinette accessory soft goods does not experience a significant vertical displacement between the folded configuration and the extended configuration. In any case, the above constraints imposed on the length of the support tube and the height of the bassinette accessory in each folded and extended configuration can still be met to mitigate a substantial protrusion of the hub above the top of the play yard in the folded configuration.

[0059] For this example, the bassinette accessory may not include a separate locking mechanism (such as a hub latch) to maintain the extended configuration. Instead, a combination of an integrated mechanical stop and the hub, support tube, mattress, and / or the weight of the child can ensure that the bassinette accessory remains in the deployed extended configuration. Thus, the number of parts and the cost for manufacturing the bassinette accessory can be reduced.

[0060] ​​In another example, the internal space of the playard below the bassinet accessory in the extended configuration can be used to accommodate the hub and / or support tubes of the bassinet accessory when the playard is folded for storage and / or transport in the folded configuration. This can be partially achieved given the shallow height of the bassinet accessory, which results in a larger portion of the internal space of the playard frame being located directly beneath the bassinet accessory. For example, a height h corresponding to the distance from the ground to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods. b The length can be approximately 18 inches or more. In this example, the hub can move downward when folding the bassinet accessory, and conversely, it can move upward when extending the bassinet accessory. To ensure that the hub and / or support tube remain housed within the internal space of the playard, the length of the support tube L t is, height h b It is possible that it is approximately equal to or less than that.

[0061] In this example, an integrated mechanical stop can restrict further upward movement of the hub once the hub and support tubes are in the desired extended configuration (for example, the hub and support tubes form a substantially flat platform supporting the mattress). The hub may further include a hub latch, which, when actuated, prevents the hub from moving downward. Thus, a combination of a mechanical stop and a hub latch can maintain the bassinet accessory in the extended configuration.

[0062] In one example, a frame for a foldable playpen has a compact, folded configuration for storage of the frame and an unfolded, extended configuration for supporting the foldable playpen in an upright position on the ground surface to accommodate a child in the internal space of the foldable playpen. The frame includes a plurality of leg support assemblies that extend upward from the ground surface when the frame is in the unfolded, extended configuration, and each of the leg support assemblies includes a bottom end supported by the ground surface and an upper portion opposite the bottom end. The frame further includes multiple X-shaped frame assemblies connected to multiple leg support assemblies, each of which is connected to the upper portion of adjacent leg support assemblies of the multiple leg support assemblies when the frame is in an unfolded and extended configuration, so that in the unfolded and extended configuration of the frame, the multiple X-shaped frame assemblies form an upper perimeter structure of the frame that outlines the internal space of the foldable playd, and so that the multiple X-shaped frame assemblies do not significantly obstruct the child's visibility when a child is inside the internal space of the foldable playd. The multiple X-shaped frame assemblies constitute the only interconnection in the frame between each pair of leg support assemblies of the multiple leg support assemblies. Each leg support assembly may include leg tubes having an elliptical cross-section.

[0063] In another example, a foldable playard defining an internal space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube positioned along the side edge of the internal space having an upper end positioned at the upper apex of the internal space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that when the foldable playard is in an extended configuration, the slider is positioned close to the corner portion. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the internal space between adjacent leg support assemblies, each of the X-frame assemblies forming an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies. Additionally, the sliders in multiple leg support assemblies are identical, the corners in multiple leg support assemblies are identical, and each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together via only at least one of the multiple X-frame assemblies. Furthermore, the leg tubes may have an elliptical cross-section.

[0064] In another example, a foldable playard defining an internal space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube positioned along the side edge of the internal space having an upper end positioned at the upper apex of the internal space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that when the foldable playard is in an extended configuration, the slider is positioned close to the corner portion. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the internal 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 player further includes a single latch mechanism, which is connected to one of several leg support assemblies, and maintains the foldable player in an extended configuration when the latch mechanism is in a locked configuration. Additionally, each pair of adjacent leg support assemblies are connected together only via one of several X-frame assemblies. Furthermore, the leg tubes may have an elliptical cross-section.

[0065] In another example, a foldable playard defining an internal space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube positioned along the side edge of the internal space having an upper end positioned at the upper apex of the internal space, a corner portion positioned above the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that when the foldable playard is in an extended configuration, the slider is positioned close to the corner portion. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the internal space, each X-frame assembly being connected to an adjacent leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies. The foldable player further includes a latch mechanism, which, when the latch mechanism is in a locked configuration, directly connects the corner of one of the multiple leg support assemblies and the X-shaped tube of one of the multiple X-shaped frame assemblies, and the latch mechanism provides only a mechanism for maintaining the foldable player in an extended configuration. Additionally, each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together only via at least one of the multiple X-shaped frame assemblies. The leg tubes may also have an elliptical cross-section.

[0066] In another example, a foldable playard defining an internal space when in an extended configuration includes a plurality of leg support assemblies, each leg support assembly including a leg tube positioned along the side edge of the internal space having an upper end positioned at the upper apex of the internal space, a corner portion connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube, such that when the foldable playard is in an extended configuration, the slider is positioned close to the corner portion. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of X-frame assemblies positioned on each side of the internal space, each of the plurality of X-frame assemblies being connected to an adjacent leg support assembly. The foldable playard further includes a plurality of canopy support assemblies partially positioned above the interior space, each canopy support assembly including a canopy bow partially positioned above the interior space and a canopy clip positioned 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 connected to the leg tubes 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 playard also includes a canopy cover supported by the respective canopy bows of the plurality of canopy support assemblies to cover at least a portion of the interior space.

[0067] In another example, a foldable playard includes a leg support assembly. The leg support assembly includes a leg tube having an upper end, a corner portion positioned above the upper end of the leg tube, and a slider slidably connected to the leg tube. The foldable playard further includes an X-frame assembly connected to the leg support assembly, the X-frame assembly including a first X-tube rotatably connected to the corner portion of the leg support assembly, and a second X-tube rotatably connected to the slider and the first X-tube of the leg support assembly. The foldable player further includes a latch mechanism, which is connected to a leg support assembly and an X-frame assembly, and maintains the foldable player in an extended configuration when in a locked configuration. The latch mechanism includes a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss being connected to a second X-tube, positioned adjacent to the slider of the leg support assembly, and having an undercut portion, the latch member being connected to a corner of the leg support assembly, and having a latch opening and a tab positioned within the latch opening. The undercut portion of the latch boss maintains the tab of the latch member when the latch mechanism is engaged, thereby maintaining the foldable player in an extended configuration.

[0068] In yet another example, a foldable playard defining an internal 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 leg support assembly includes a leg tube, the leg tube being positioned such that its longitudinal axis associated with the leg tube intersects each corner of the regular hexagon and further having an upper end and a bottom end; a foot connected to the bottom end of the leg tube to contact the ground in order to support the foldable playard; a corner connected to the upper end of the leg tube; and a slider, the slider being slidably connected to the leg tube and positioned between the foot and the corner, the slider being positioned closer to the corner when the foldable playard is in an extended configuration and closer to the foot when the foldable playard is in a folded configuration. The foldable playard further includes six X-frame assemblies, which are arranged so that each X-frame assembly is positioned along the sides of a regular hexagon. Each 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, which is positioned between and connected to the first and second leg support assemblies of the six leg support assemblies, and the first X-frame assembly includes a first X-tube and a second X-tube, the first X-tube having a first end rotatably connected to the corner of the first leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to the slider of the second leg support assembly, the second X-tube having a first end rotatably connected to the corner of the second leg support assembly and a second end rotatably connected to the slider of the first leg support assembly.A second X-shaped tube is rotatably connected to a first X-shaped tube. The foldable player further includes a latch mechanism, which is connected only to the first leg support assembly and only to the first X-shaped frame assembly, and maintains the foldable player in an extended configuration when in a locked configuration. The latch mechanism includes a latch boss and a latch member, the latch boss being connected to one of the second X-shaped tubes, positioned in close proximity 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 positioned in close proximity to a pull tab, and a tab positioned within the latch opening. The latch mechanism is transformed into a 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 positioned in the central slot. The latch mechanism is transformed into an unlocked configuration by compressing the first and second X-tubes together and releasing the tab of the latch member from the undercut portion of the latch boss, and by pulling the latch member away from the latch boss while compressing the first and second X-tubes together. Additionally, each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together via only at least one of the multiple X-frame assemblies, the sliders in the six leg support assemblies are identical, and the corners in the six leg support assemblies are identical.

[0069] It should be recognized that all combinations of the aforementioned concepts and any additional concepts discussed in more detail below are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein (provided that such concepts are not mutually contradictory). In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. It should also be recognized that any technical terms explicitly used herein (which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference) should be given meanings that are most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some cases, different aspects of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein may be exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate understanding of different features. In the drawings, similar reference letters generally refer to similar features (e.g., functionally similar elements and / or structurally similar elements). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0071] [Figure 1A] This figure shows a conventional outdoor playpen with an X-shaped frame assembly and canopy cover that are pivot-only. [Figure 1B] This figure shows another conventional outdoor playground with a pivotable and sliding X-frame assembly. [Figure 1C] This is a diagram of a conventional indoor playground. [Figure 1D] This figure shows the indoor playground of Figure 1C folded up for storage or transport. [Figure 1E] Figure 1C shows the assembly of bassinet accessories for an indoor playground. [Figure 1F] This diagram shows a conventional outdoor playpen with a canopy cover assembly, where the canopy cover is being pulled away from the corner of the X-shaped frame assembly by a child positioned inside the playpen. [Figure 1G] This diagram shows another conventional outdoor playpen with a canopy cover assembly, illustrating that the canopy cover is being pulled inward into the interior space of the playpen by a child positioned inside the playpen. [Figure 2A] This is an exemplary top perspective view of a playard forming a hexagonal internal space. The playard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a front view of the playard. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A is a top view of the player. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the player in its folded configuration. [Figure 2E] Figure 2D is a front view of the player. [Figure 2F] Figure 2D is a top view of the player. [Figure 3A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the X-shaped frame assembly in the player. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a top view of the X-shaped frame assembly. [Figure 3C] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the corner section and slider of the leg support assembly in the playerard. [Figure 3D] Figure 3C is a perspective view of the corner and bottom of the slider. [Figure 3E] Figure 3C is a top perspective view of the leg tube and foot portion in the leg support assembly. [Figure 4A] Figure 3A shows the X-shaped frame assembly, and Figure 3C shows the leg support assembly, both from a disassembled top perspective view. [Figure 4B]Figure 4A shows an enlarged top perspective view of the corner section and slider in the leg support assembly, as well as the X-shaped tube in the X-shaped frame assembly. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A is an enlarged top perspective view of the leg tube and foot portion in the leg support assembly. [Figure 5A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the playpen equipped with soft toys. [Figure 5B] This is an enlarged view of the upper part of the soft goods shown in Figure 5A, which is positioned on top of the corner of the leg support assembly in the playard shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 5C] This is a magnified view of the upper portion of Figure 5B, which has been flipped upside down to show the tabs and snap-fit ​​connectors. [Figure 6A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the double-action latch mechanism in the player. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a top perspective view of the double-action latch mechanism with the latch member removed. [Figure 6C] Figure 6A is an enlarged view of the latch member in the double-action latch mechanism. [Figure 6D] Figure 6A is an enlarged view of the latch boss in the double-action latch mechanism. [Figure 6E] This is an explanatory diagram for unlocking the double-action latch mechanism shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] This figure shows the tests being performed on the pliers in Figure 2A to evaluate the restraining force of the latch mechanism in Figure 6A. [Figure 7B] This figure shows the stability tests being performed on the player shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 8A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of a playpen equipped with soft goods and a flexlock latch mechanism with a latch opening. The playpen is in an extended configuration. [Figure 8B] This is an enlarged view of the flexlock latch mechanism shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 8C] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in a configuration where the soft goods have been removed and the Flexlock latch mechanism is locked. [Figure 8D] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 9A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of a playpen, which includes soft goods and a flexlock latch mechanism with a latching member having a snap-fit ​​connector. The playpen is in an extended configuration. [Figure 9B] This is an enlarged view of the flexlock latch mechanism shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is a top perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys removed. [Figure 9D] Figure 9C is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 9E] Figure 9D is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 9F] Figure 9E is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism, showing the player partially folded after the Flexlock latch mechanism has been unlocked. [Figure 10] This diagram shows another flexlock latch mechanism with a latch member having a snap-fit ​​connector, where the latch member of the latch mechanism is connected to an X-shaped tube of an X-shaped frame assembly. [Figure 11A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of a playpen equipped with soft toys and a flexlock latch mechanism with a hook structure. The playpen is in an extended configuration. [Figure 11B] This is an enlarged view of the flexlock latch mechanism shown in Figure 11A. [Figure 11C]Figure 11A is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in a configuration where the soft goods have been removed and the Flexlock latch mechanism is locked. [Figure 11D] Figure 11C is a perspective view of the Flexlock latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 12A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the playpen with the latch mechanism attached to the slider and corner of the leg support assembly. The playpen is in its extended configuration. [Figure 12B] Figure 12A is an enlarged view of the latch mechanism. [Figure 13A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the player with the latch mechanism mounted on a pair of X-shaped tubes in the X-shaped frame assembly. The player is in an extended configuration. [Figure 13B] Figure 13A is a perspective view of the player in its folded configuration. [Figure 13C] Figure 13A is a perspective view of an X-shaped frame assembly equipped with a latch mechanism. [Figure 13D] Figure 13C is an exploded view of the X-shaped frame assembly equipped with the latch mechanism. [Figure 13E] Figure 13A is a perspective view of the latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 13F] Figure 13E is a perspective view of the latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 13G] Figure 13E is a top view of the latch mechanism. [Figure 13H] Figure 13F is a top view of the latch mechanism. [Figure 14A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the playard, which features a latch mechanism including a spring-loaded pin located at one end of the X-shaped tube for engaging with the leg tubes. The playard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A is a side view of the latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 14C] Figure 14B is a side view of the latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 14D] Figure 14C is a side view of the latch mechanism after the player has been folded. [Figure 15A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the playerard, which features a latch mechanism including a snap-fit ​​connector located at one end of an X-shaped tube. The playerard is in an extended configuration. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A is a perspective view of the player in its folded configuration. [Figure 15C] Figure 15A is a side view of the latch mechanism in a locked configuration. [Figure 15D] Figure 15A shows the latch mechanism in the unlocked configuration, and a side view of the player in the folded configuration. [Figure 16A] Figure 2A shows a top perspective view of the player with the latch mechanism shown in Figures 13A and 14A installed. The player is in an extended configuration. [Figure 16B] Figure 16A is a perspective view of the player in its folded configuration. [Figure 17A] This is an exemplary top perspective view of a playpen, forming a rectangular interior space with soft toys inside. The playpen is in an extended configuration. [Figure 17B] Figure 17A is another perspective view of the player. [Figure 17C] Figure 17A is a top perspective view of the player in its folded configuration. [Figure 17D] Figure 17A is a top perspective view of the player in a partially elongated configuration. [Figure 18A] Figure 17A is a top perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys removed. [Figure 18B] Figure 18A is a magnified view of the corner section and slider of the leg support assembly in the playerard. [Figure 19A]Figure 17C is a top perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys removed. [Figure 19B] Figure 19A is a magnified view of the slider and foot portion of the leg support assembly. [Figure 20A] Figure 17D is a top perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys removed. [Figure 20B] Figure 20A is a top and side perspective view of the playard. [Figure 20C] Figure 20A is a top front perspective view of the playard. [Figure 20D] Figure 20A is an enlarged view of the corner section of the leg support assembly. [Figure 20E] Figure 20A is a magnified view of the slider in the leg support assembly. [Figure 21A] Figure 17D is a perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys partially removed from the leg support assembly. [Figure 21B] Figure 21A is a perspective view of the foot portion of the leg support assembly attached to the soft goods. [Figure 22] This figure shows the stability tests being performed on the player shown in Figure 17A. [Figure 23A] This is a top front perspective view of another exemplary playd, forming a rectangular convex-shaped internal space with soft toys. The rectangular playd is also shown with the bassinet accessory in Figure 41A. The playd is in an extended configuration. [Figure 23B] Figure 23A is a top perspective view of the playard. [Figure 23C] Figure 23B is a front view of the playard. [Figure 23D] Figure 23B is a top perspective view of the playpen, where the soft goods are shown to be transparent. [Figure 23E] Figure 23D is a front view of the playpen. [Figure 24] Figure 23B is a top perspective view of the playpen with the soft toys removed. [Figure 25A] Figure 23A is an exploded perspective view of the leg assembly with wheels in the playard. [Figure 25B] Figure 23A is an exploded perspective view of the leg assembly with feet in the playard. [Figure 26A] Figure 23A is a perspective view of the player in a partially extended configuration. [Figure 26B] This is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the leg support assembly in the player, corresponding to plane AA in Figure 26A. [Figure 27A] Figure 23A is an enlarged view of the slider and corner section of the leg support assembly in the playerard. [Figure 27B] This figure shows the soft goods attached to the corner section of Figure 27A. [Figure 27C] Figure 27A shows the soft goods removed from the corner. [Figure 28A] Figure 23A is a top perspective view of a playpen equipped with a snap-fit ​​latch mechanism located on top of soft toys. [Figure 28B] Figure 28A is an enlarged view of the latch member of the latch mechanism. [Figure 28C] Figure 28A is a perspective view of the latch member in the latch mechanism. [Figure 29A] Figure 23A shows a test of attaching the upper rail to the corner post, performed on the playpen. [Figure 29B] Figure 23A shows the test equipment mounted on the double X-shaped frame assembly in the player. [Figure 29C] This figure shows the player after running the test in Figure 29A. [Figure 29D] Figure 23A shows the test equipment mounted on the double X-shaped frame assembly in the player. [Figure 30A] Figure 23A shows the strength tests applied to the double X-shaped frame assembly in the player. [Figure 30B] This is a diagram of the player in Figure 30A after the strength test. [Figure 30C] Figure 30B shows the playard with the soft goods partially removed from the X-shaped frame assembly. [Figure 31] This figure shows the stability tests being performed on the player shown in Figure 23A. [Figure 32A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of a playpen with an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers the entire interior space of the playpen. The canopy cover is not shown. [Figure 32B] Figure 32A is a front view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 32C] Figure 32A is a top view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 32D] This is a close-up view of the canopy clip of the canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly shown in Figure 32A, which is connected to the leg support assembly of the playpen. [Figure 32E] Figure 32D is a magnified view of the canopy clip. [Figure 32F] Figure 32D is a perspective view of the canopy clip. [Figure 33A] This is a top view of the canopy clip in Figure 32D, which is pressed against the leg tube. [Figure 33B] Figure 32D is a perspective view of the canopy clip, showing that one lead-in feature is initially hooked onto the leg tube, and the canopy clip is rotated so that the other lead-in feature contacts the leg tube. [Figure 34A] Figure 32A is a top perspective view of the hub in the canopy cover assembly. [Figure 34B] Figure 34A is a bottom perspective view of the hub. [Figure 35A]Figure 2A shows a top front perspective view of a playpen with an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers half of the playpen's interior space and does not include the hub. [Figure 35B] Figure 35A is a top and side perspective view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 36A] Figure 35A is a top perspective view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly with the canopy cover removed. [Figure 36B] Figure 36A is a front view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 36C] Figure 36A is a top view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 36D] Figure 36A is a perspective view of the canopy clip of the canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly. [Figure 36E] Figure 36D is another perspective view of the canopy clip. [Figure 37A] Figure 2A shows a top front perspective view of a playpen, featuring an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers half of the playpen's interior space and includes a hub. [Figure 37B] Figure 37A is a front view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 37C] Figure 37A is a top view of the playerard and canopy cover assembly. [Figure 38A] Figure 37A is a top perspective view of the hub. [Figure 38B] Figure 38A is a bottom perspective view of the hub. [Figure 39A] This is a top perspective view of another hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot around a horizontal axis relative to the hub. [Figure 39B] Figure 39A is a bottom perspective view of the hub. [Figure 40A] This is a top perspective view of another hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the hub. [Figure 40B] Figure 40A is a bottom perspective view of the hub. [Figure 41A] Figure 17A is a top perspective view of a playard and an exemplary bassinet accessory, the exemplary bassinet accessory being mounted on top of the playard and featuring a hub that moves downward when the playard and bassinet accessory are folded. The playard and bassinet accessory are shown in their extended configuration. [Figure 41B] Another top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories in the extended configuration shown in Figure 41A. [Figure 41C] Figure 23A is a front view of the playpen with the bassinet accessory shown in Figure 41A. [Figure 42A] Figure 41A is a top perspective view of the mattress in the bassinet accessory, which is partially folded and positioned within a partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory. [Figure 42B] Figure 41A is a top perspective view of the playpen, with the bassinet accessories removed, the mattress from Figure 42A partially folded, and positioned within a partially enclosed space defined by the playpen's soft toys. [Figure 43] Figure 41A is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories without the mattress, revealing the hub and multiple support tubes of the bassinet accessories. The playard and bassinet accessories are shown in their extended configuration. [Figure 44A] This is an enlarged view of the bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory, corresponding to insert diagram A in Figure 41B, where the bassinet soft goods are connected to the soft goods in the playard via a zipper mechanism. [Figure 44B] This is a top perspective view of the bassinet accessory shown in Figure 41A, which has been removed from the playard in Figure 41A. [Figure 45A]Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories in their folded configuration. [Figure 45B] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories, showing the playard and bassinet accessories partially extended and beginning to transition from a folded configuration to an extended configuration. The playard and bassinet accessories may also appear partially folded and approaching a folded configuration. [Figure 45C] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories, showing the playard and bassinet accessories partially extended and approaching an extended configuration. The playard and bassinet accessories may also appear to be partially folded and beginning to transition to a folded configuration. [Figure 46A] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the hub with the hub latch and support tube. The hub latch is shown in the locked position, where rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch is restricted. [Figure 46B] Figure 46A is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latch, and support tube. [Figure 47A] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the hub with the hub latch and support tube. The hub latch is shown in the unlocked position, where rotational movement of the support tube relative to the hub latch is permitted. [Figure 47B] Figure 47A is a bottom perspective view of the hub, hub latch, and support tubes. Some of the support tubes are rotated into a folded configuration. [Figure 48] Figure 17A is a top perspective view of a playard and another exemplary bassinet accessory, the other exemplary bassinet accessory mounted on top of the playard and featuring a hub that moves upward when the playard and bassinet accessory are folded. The playard and bassinet accessory are shown in their extended configuration. [Figure 49A] Figure 48 is a top perspective view showing a user's hand reaching through the openings of the hub and bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory to access the bottom portion of the playard located beneath the bassinet accessory. [Figure 49B] Figure 48 is a side view of a user's hand grasping the strap located on the bottom of the soft toys in the playpen, in order to begin folding the playpen and bassinet accessories. [Figure 49C] Figure 49B is a top perspective view showing a user pulling up the straps through the respective openings of the hub and bassinet soft goods in order to fold up the playard and bassinet accessories. [Figure 49D] Figure 49C is a top perspective view of the playard and bassinet accessories in their folded configuration. [Figure 50A] Figure 48 is a top view of the bassinet accessory in its extended configuration. [Figure 50B] Figure 50A is a bottom view of the bassinet accessory in its extended configuration. [Figure 50C] Figure 50A is a side view of the bassinet accessory in its folded configuration. [Figure 51A] Figure 48 is a top view of the telescopic support tube in the bassinet accessory, which is connected to the hub and bassinet soft goods in an extended configuration. [Figure 51B] Figure 51A is a bottom view of the bassinet soft goods with the support tube attached. [Figure 52] Figure 48 is a perspective view of the hub and support tube mounted on the playard in Figure 23A. The playard is shown in a folded configuration, and the support tube is in a retracted state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0072] A more detailed description below of the various concepts (and their implementations) relating to a foldable playd, including 1) a mechanically sound, rigid frame that is easier to operate and has a simpler construction compared to conventional playds; 2) soft goods attached to the frame to provide a partially enclosed space for the child; optionally, 3) a canopy cover assembly attached to the frame to provide shade for the child; and optionally, 4) a bassinet accessory attached to the frame and / or soft goods to provide a raised surface for supporting the child. 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 alternative examples that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0073] The figures and exemplary implementations described below are not intended to limit the scope of this implementation to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by replacing some or all of the elements described or illustrated. Furthermore, where certain elements of the disclosed exemplary implementations can be partially or completely implemented using known components, in some cases only those parts of such known components necessary for understanding this implementation are described, and detailed descriptions of other parts of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure this implementation.

[0074] In the discussion below, various examples of the foldable playd of the present invention are provided, and a given example or set of examples illustrates one or more specific features of the frame, X-frame assembly, leg support assembly, latch mechanism, soft goods, canopy cover assembly, and bassinet accessories. One or more features discussed in relation to a given example of a foldable playd may be used in other examples of foldable playds according to this disclosure, and it should be recognized that the various features disclosed herein can be easily combined in a given foldable playd according to this disclosure (provided that each feature is not inconsistent with the others).

[0075] The specific dimensions and features of the foldable player 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 of the dimensions or features described is not a strict boundary or parameter, and does not exclude functionally similar variations from it. Unless the context or description indicates otherwise, the use of the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and / or “similar” in relation to a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter contains variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding of numbers, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), do not result in a change in the minimum significant figures. Exemplary foldable playpen with X-frame assembly

[0076] Figures 2A–2C show an exemplary frame 100a for a foldable playd in an extended configuration. As shown, the frame 100a may include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110a and a plurality of X-frame assemblies 140a arranged to define and outline the internal space 102. In particular, each leg support assembly 110a may be connected to another adjacent leg support assembly 110a via an X-frame assembly 140a to form a closed frame structure (for example, a frame that surrounds the internal space 102 and isolates the internal space 102 from the surrounding environment). In addition to the frame 100a, as discussed further below in relation to Figure 5A, the foldable playd 1000a also includes soft goods 300, which are partially disposed within the internal space 102 and provide a padded, partially enclosed space 301 for accommodating a child 50. The soft goods 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0077] Referring again to Figure 2A, the leg support assemblies 110a of frame 100a can provide vertical or nearly vertical support stands that define the spatial extent of the internal space 102 in the extended configuration. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110a can define the side edges 104 of the internal space 102 and / or otherwise be positioned along the side edges 104 of the internal space 102. The X-shaped frame assemblies 140a can provide structural support for positioning and oriented the leg support assemblies 110a as desired and can also provide a mechanism for facilitating the folding and / or extension of frame 100a. As shown in Figure 2A, each X-shaped frame assembly 140a can define the side surfaces 106 of the internal space 102 between adjacent side edges 104 and / or otherwise be positioned on them.

[0078] With respect to the frame 100a shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the internal space 102 has a horizontal cross-section shaped as a regular hexagon (i.e., a cross-section in a plane parallel to the ground 90 supporting the frame 100a). However, it should be recognized 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 may be adjusted to form internal spaces 102 having different horizontal cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, regular polygons, and irregular polygons (i.e., with sides of different dimensions).

[0079] In some implementations, the internal space 102 can further form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a right-angled prism. In other words, the leg support assembly 110a can be oriented vertically, such that the horizontal cross-section of the internal space 102 is identical or substantially identical in shape and dimensions at any vertical position along the length of the leg support assembly 110a. In other implementations, the internal space 102 can form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a truncated pyramid, where the bottom portion of the internal space 102 closer to the ground 90 is larger than the upper portion of the internal space 102. In other words, the leg support assembly 110a may be tilted when the frame 100a is deployed, such that the upper portion of the leg support assembly 110a is positioned closer to the lower portion of the leg support assembly 110a than the lower portion of the leg support assembly 110a, and that when the leg support assembly 110a is substantially straight in shape, the area of ​​the horizontal cross-section of the internal space 102 decreases from the lower portion to the upper portion of the leg support assembly 110a. In one embodiment, a frame 100a forming a frustopyroscopic internal space 102 may be preferable to enhance mechanical stability. The manner in which this geometric shape is realized will be discussed in more detail below.

[0080] In the frame 100a shown in Figure 2A, each leg support assembly 110a may include a leg tube 112 having an upper end 113a and a lower end 113b (see, for example, Figure 4A), a foot 114 connected to the lower end 113b to support the frame 100a on the ground 90, a corner portion 130 connected to the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112, and a slider 120, the slider 120 being slidably connected to the leg tube 112 and positioned between the foot 114 and the corner portion 130. The upper end 113a and / or corner portion 130 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the upper apex 105 of the internal space 102, and the lower end 113b and / or foot 114 of the leg tube 112 may coincide with the bottom apex 107 of the internal space 102.

[0081] In this configuration, each X-frame assembly 140a may include a pair of X-tubes 142a and 142b, which are arranged to intersect each other to form a single X-shaped structure. The X-tubes 142a and 142b may be rotatably connected to each other and to the respective corner portions 130 and sliders 120 of an adjacent leg support assembly 110a. Thus, the X-frame assembly 140a is a pivotable and sliding X-frame assembly in which the X-tubes 142a and 142b rotate relative to each other and relative to the leg support assembly 110a and translate relative to the leg tubes 112 via the movement of the sliders 120. This allows frame 100a to be folded into a more compact structure, which occupies less volume and / or allows for greater internal space 102 compared to a conventional prairie with, for example, an X-shaped frame assembly that is only pivotable.

[0082] In some implementations, a configuration in which multiple X-frame assemblies 140a and leg support assemblies 110a are connected to one another can allow a caregiver to fold and / or extend the frame 100a in a single step. For example, a caregiver can extend the frame 100a by moving a slider 120 toward a corner 130 in one leg support assembly 110a. The movement of the slider 120 causes an adjacent X-frame assembly 140a to rotate and translate. The movement of the adjacent X-frame assembly 140a causes the slider 120 in an 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 with respect to one leg support assembly 110a. When frame 100a is extended, a latch mechanism 200a (which will be described in more detail below) can be activated to lock frame 100a in the extended configuration (for example, the latch mechanism 200a prevents the slider 120 from sliding back down toward the foot 114).

[0083] In some implementations, the frame 100a can be folded and / or extended while the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110a remains in contact with the ground 90. The leg tubes 112 can also remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright when the frame 100a is folded and / or extended (for example, the leg tubes 112 can be intentionally tilted when the frame 100a is extended to improve stability). Thus, the process of folding and / or extending the frame 100a can be made easier for caregivers. For example, caregivers would not need to balance the frame 100a to prevent it from tipping over while setting up and / or taking down the playard 1000a.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2B, in several implementation configurations, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b of each X-shaped frame assembly 140a can be positioned within the upper portion 108 and / or internal space 102 of the frame 100a when the frame 100a is extended. In other words, the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can form a perimeter structure around the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a, which outlines the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the upper opening of the internal space 102. For example, Figure 2C shows that the X-shaped frame assembly 140a forms an upper perimeter structure 109 that outlines a regular hexagonal shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space 102.

[0085] Positioning the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in an extended configuration offers several advantages to the frame 100a and to a foldable playard comprising the frame 100a.

[0086] Firstly, each X-shaped frame assembly 140a in frame 100a can function as an upper rail, which connects two adjacent leg support assemblies 110a together, providing mechanical rigidity and stability to frame 100a. In other words, the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can be extended to such an extent that the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b form a shallow X-shaped frame structure in the upper portion 108 of the frame that effectively functions as a rigid upper rail. For example, to the extent that each slider 120 is positioned close to the respective corner portion 130 in the adjacent leg support assembly 110a, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b can be aligned substantially parallel to each other when viewed from the side or front of frame 100a. Thus, each X-shaped tube 142a and 142b can function independently as an upper rail.

[0087] In some implementations, the leg support assemblies 110a can be connected to each other only via the X-shaped frame assembly 140a. In other words, the frame 100a can exclude other support structures, such as separate flexible and / or rigid upper rails (e.g., the webbing 14 of the playerards 10a and 10b shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the rigid upper rail 32 of the playerard 10c shown in Figure 1C) or bottom support structures (e.g., the bottom support structure 34 of the playerard 10c shown in Figure 1C), which can significantly reduce the number of parts for manufacturing and assembly. For example, as shown in Figures 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 can not be connected to another part of the frame 100a (e.g., the bottom portion of the leg tube 112 is not mechanically constrained).

[0088] In some implementations, the frame 100a (comprising only the leg support assembly 110a and the X-shaped frame assembly 140a for connecting the leg support assemblies 110a together) can have sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and / or strength to meet the requirements of various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11). For example, Figure 7B shows the playard 1000a with the frame 100a extended and the installed soft goods 300 undergoing a stability test (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 5.12, 8.17). For this test, the playard 1000a was placed on a flat piece of plywood and tilted at various angles with a test weight placed inside the playard 1000a leaning against one side of the frame 100a. Based on this test, it was found that the playard 1000a does not tip over even when tilted at a 20-degree angle while at least three foot sections 114 remain in contact with the plywood base. This result exceeds the requirements of ASTM F406-19, 8.17, which requires that the playard maintain three contact points with the plywood base when tilted at an angle of up to 10 degrees.

[0089] This can be partially achieved by adjusting the material and / or dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b to provide mechanical properties that ensure frame 100a is mechanically rigid and stable when deployed. For example, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from steel tubing having an outer diameter of approximately 0.625 inches (5 / 8 inch) and an overall length of approximately 24.5 inches. The term "approximately" is used when describing the dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b 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 tubes 142a and 142b.

[0090] It should also be recognized that the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from other materials (including, but not limited to, aluminum and carbon fiber). Furthermore, the X-shaped tubes 142 and 142b may have different dimensions, partly depending on the desired size of the frame 100a and / or internal space 102, as well as the mechanical properties of the materials used to form the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a may all be substantially identical or identical in dimensions and / or shape, resulting in an internal space 102 having a horizontal cross-section defined as a regular polygon. In some implementations, the frame 100a may include X-shaped frame assemblies 140a having different dimensions and / or shapes, resulting in an internal space 102 that is distorted in shape.

[0091] Additionally, referring to Figure 2B, the length L of the leg tube 112 (defined as the distance between the upper end 113a and the lower end 113b) can generally be kept relatively small where possible, in order to reduce the possibility of the frame 100a tilting, in particular when a force is applied along the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a. For example, the length L may be chosen to ensure that certain constraints on the frame 100a are met. These constraints include (1) providing a desired height for the internal space 102, (2) providing sufficient overlap with the foot 114 and corner 130 to connect the foot 114 and corner 130 to the leg tube 112, and / or (3) providing sufficient space for the slider 120 to move between the foot 114 and corner 130 to fold and / or extend the frame 100a. It should be recognized that the lateral and vertical dimensions of the internal space 102 are linked in part to the rotational and translational motion of the X-frame assembly 140a (for example, an increase in the lateral dimension of the internal space 102 results in a corresponding increase in the vertical dimension, ensuring that the X-frame assembly 140a has sufficient space to slide vertically along the leg tubes, and thus sufficient space to fold).

[0092] In some configurations, the length L of the leg tube 112 can be approximately 26 inches. Similar to the dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, the term "approximately" is used to describe the dimensions of the leg tube 112, and is intended to cover the cover manufacturing tolerances. The tolerance values ​​can be the same as those of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some configurations, the leg tubes 112 in the leg support assembly 110a can be substantially identical or identical. In some configurations, the leg tubes 112 can have different shapes and / or dimensions (for example, when the frame 100a is extended, some leg tubes 112 may be oriented vertically, while others may be tilted).

[0093] Secondly, when the frame is in an extended configuration, another benefit provided by positioning the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b within the upper portion 108 of the frame is that the X-shaped frame assembly 140a occupies a smaller portion of the side 106 of the internal space 102 compared to a conventional playard with an X-shaped frame assembly. When the soft goods 300 include transparent and / or see-through side portions, placing the X-shaped 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 attached to the frame 100a. In other words, the X-shaped frame assembly 140a does not visually obstruct and / or prevent a caregiver from seeing their child as much when the child 50 is inside the playard 100a.

[0094] Additionally, the soft goods 300 can use less material to cover the X-shaped 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-shaped frame assembly 140a, while the latch mechanism 200a remains accessible to the caregiver when it is positioned on the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can completely cover the X-shaped frame assembly 140a, as well as the corners 130 and sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a, while the observer can see only the leg tubes 112 and / or foot portions 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. In this way, the foldable playpen 1000a can be presented to consumers with a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0095] As discussed above in relation to Figure 2B, the upper portion 108 can generally correspond to the portion of frame 100a adjacent to the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112 and / or the corner portion 130 of each leg support assembly 110a. More specifically, the upper portion 108 can be defined as the portion of frame 100a positioned between the upper horizontal plane 92 and the bottom horizontal plane 91, where the upper horizontal plane 92 intersects with the upper end 113a and / or the corner portion 130 of the leg tube 112, and the bottom horizontal plane 91 is offset from the upper horizontal plane 92 by an offset distance x1 along the length of each leg tube 112. When frame 100a is extended, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, the slider 120, and the corner portion 130 are located within the upper portion 108. The offset distance x1 can be defined as a ratio 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 can be 30% or less of the total length L of the leg tubes 112, and more preferably 20% or less of the total length L of the leg tubes 112.

[0096] Furthermore, Figure 2B shows that frame 100a can have an overall vertical height H1, which in the extended configuration is defined as the distance from the ground 90 to the upper horizontal plane 92 along the vertical axis (i.e., perpendicular to the ground). Similarly, Figure 2E shows that frame 100a can have an overall vertical height H2, which in the folded configuration is defined as the distance from the ground 90 to the upper horizontal plane 92A. 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 can be coplanar or substantially coplanar. However, in some implementations, the height of the frame 100a may change, for example, due to the leg support assembly 110a flaring outwards when the frame 100a is extended, as discussed in more detail below. When the frame 100a flares outwards in the extended configuration, the height H2 may be somewhat greater than the height H1 (i.e., plane 92A in the folded configuration may be positioned somewhat higher than plane 92 in the extended configuration).

[0097] Figures 3A and 3B show additional diagrams of the X-shaped frame assembly 140a in frame 100a. As shown, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b can be rotatably connected to each other via pin joints 145. The X-shaped tube 142a may have a first end 143a and a second end 143b, the first end 143a being rotatably connected to a corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146a, and the second end 143b being rotatably connected to a slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-shaped tube 142b may be rotatably connected to a corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146d, and rotatably connected to a slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via pin joint 146c.

[0098] The pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may generally include fasteners with shafts (not shown), which are inserted through openings 147 (see Figure 4B) above the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, allowing rotational movement between the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, the slider 120, and the corner section 130. The fasteners may be various types of captive fasteners, which include, but are not limited to, rivets with caps (e.g., rolled rivets) and bolt fasteners with nuts.

[0099] Generally, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the opening 147 and the fastener shafts affect the tightness or looseness of the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d. If the opening 147 is dimensioned to interfere with the fastener (for example, if the size of the opening 147 is smaller than the size of the fastener shaft), the caregiver may have to apply greater force to rotate the X-shaped 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, the 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 is considerably larger than the fastener shaft, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may allow the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b to rotate and / or translate along the axis of other undesirable motion (for example, the frame 100a may wobble), which may impair the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. Therefore, in some implementations, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the opening 147 and the fastener shaft are chosen to be sufficiently loose to ensure that the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a makes contact with the ground 90, while still being tight enough to restrict undesirable rotational and / or translational motion between the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b and / or the slider 120 or corner section 130. For example, the tolerance (or clearance) between the fastener shaft and the edge of the opening 147 can be about 0.010 inches or more, and more preferably about 0.015 inches or more.

[0100] As shown in Figure 3A, the pin joint 145 can generally be positioned along the lengths of the respective X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. For example, the pin joint 145 can 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 can be equal, which causes the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b to follow the same circular path when the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are rotated. This also 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 can remain vertically oriented with respect to both the folded and extended configurations.

[0101] However, in other implementations, the offset distances z1 and z2 do not have to be equal. For example, the offset distance z2 can be greater than the offset distance z1, causing the first end 143a of the X-shaped tube 142a to follow a smaller circular path and the second end 143b to follow a larger circular path when the X-shaped tube 142a is rotated. The first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tube 142b can similarly follow smaller and larger circular paths, respectively. This can cause the leg support assembly 110a (and, in particular, the leg tube 112) to flare outwards 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 motion of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b in the X-shaped frame assembly 140a, such that the upper end 113a forms the apex of a smaller horizontal cross-section (parallel to the ground) than the lower end 113b (i.e., the upper end 113a is positioned closer to each other than the lower end 113b). Thus, the frame 100a can define an internal space 102 having a truncated pyramidal internal shape, as described above, which may be beneficial in improving the mechanical stability of the frame 100a (for example, the frame 100a is less likely to tilt and tip over). Referring again to Figure 2B, in some implementations, the leg support assembly 110a may be flared outward, and each longitudinal axis 111a associated with the leg tube 112 may be tilted at an angle θ with respect to the ground 90, where the angle is in the range of 80 to 88 degrees, more preferably in the range of 83 to 85 degrees.

[0102] Looking at Figure 3B, in some implementations, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be bent in shape. For example, the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tube 142a may be aligned along the first axis 141a, while the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142a may be aligned along the second axis 141b, which is parallel to axis 141a and offset from axis 141a. The X-shaped tube 142b may have a bent shape similar to that of the X-shaped tube 142a. In some implementations, the offset between the first axis 141a and the second axis 141b may be chosen to provide sufficient clearance between the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, as shown in Figure 3B, so that the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, respectively, lie on the same plane (for example, the side surface 106 of the internal space 102). This also allows the corner section 130 and the slider 120 to lie on the same plane as the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, aligning the corner section 130 and the slider 120 in this way can allow the frame 100a to fold more compactly.

[0103] Figures 3C–3E show additional diagrams of the leg support assembly 110a in frame 100a. As shown, the leg tube 112 can be a substantially elongated hollow tube defining its path, and the slider 120 travels along that path when frame 100a is folded and / or extended. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 can be substantially straight, so that the slider 120 follows a straight path along the longitudinal axis 111a (see Figures 2A–2C). However, it should be recognized that in other implementations, the leg tube 112 can also be curved 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 tube 112 can have a cross-section that remains constant along the length L of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 can have various cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, and oblong shapes. Furthermore, the leg tube 112 can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

[0104] The slider 120 may include a base 121, the base 121 defining a through-hole opening 122, the through-hole opening 122 being shaped and / or dimensional to surround a leg tube 112, thus allowing the slider 120 to slide along the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 122 can be adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The slider 120 may further include an extension 124, the extension 124 being connected to one side of the base 121 and connecting an X-frame tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via a fastener, the fastener being inserted through an opening in the extension 124 aligned with an opening 147 in the X-frame tube 142a (see, for example, the exploded views in Figures 4A and 4B). Furthermore, the extension 124 may include a recessed opening for receiving the end of the X-shaped tube 142a connected to the slider 120. The slider 120 may also include an extension 126 similar to the extension 124, which is located on the opposite side from the extension 124 and connects the X-shaped tube 142b of another X-shaped frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via another fastener, which is inserted through an opening in the extension 126 that is aligned with the opening 147 of the X-shaped tube 142b.

[0105] The extensions 124 and 126 can generally be oriented at a predetermined angle relative to each other to align the respective X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b from adjacent X-shaped frame assemblies 140a along a desired geometric shape of the internal space 102. For example, the extensions 124 and 126 can be rotated relative to each other by an obtuse angle of approximately 120 degrees, corresponding to the angle between adjacent sides of the hexagon. In some configurations, the extensions 124 and 126 can be located on the same horizontal plane. In some configurations, if the respective X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b connected to the slider 120 are not identical, the extensions 124 and 126 can be offset vertically from each other. In some configurations, the sliders 120 of the leg support assembly 110a can be identical to each other, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacturing.

[0106] The corner section 130 may include a base 131, which 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 be adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. Similar to the slider 120, the corner section 130 may include extensions 134 and 136, which are positioned on opposing sides of the base 131 and connect the X-shaped tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a and the X-shaped tube 142a of another X-frame assembly 140a to the corner section 130 using a mounting mechanism similar to that of the slider 120 (for example, fasteners inserted through openings aligned with the openings 147 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b (see exploded views in Figures 4A and 4B)). The extensions 134 and 136 may each have recessed openings for receiving the respective ends of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b.

[0107] Furthermore, the extensions 134 and 136 can be oriented at a predetermined angle relative to each other to align the respective X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b from the adjacent X-shaped frame assembly 140a along a desired geometric shape of the internal space 102. The extensions 134 and 136 can also be located on the same horizontal plane and / or, if the respective X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b connected to the corner section 130 are not identical, they can be offset vertically from each other. In some implementations, the corner sections 130 of the leg support assembly 110a can be identical to each other, thus reducing the number of unique parts required for manufacturing.

[0108] Figure 3C further illustrates that the corner portion 130 may include a tab portion 138, which extends downward 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 may 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 may be offset from the upper end 113a to ensure that the soft goods 300 overlaps and wraps around the upper 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 may be used to securely connect the corner portion 130 to the leg tube 112 using the same fasteners.

[0109] Figure 3E shows an enlarged view of the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a. As described above, the foot 114 supports the frame 100a and the foldable playard 1000a on the ground 90. As shown, the foot 114 can define an opening 115 for receiving the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 115 can be adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The foot 114 can further include an opening 119 for securely connecting the foot 114 to the leg tube 112 using fasteners, for example (see, for example, Figure 4C).

[0110] In some implementations, the foot portion 114 may also include a loop-shaped or ring-shaped structure extending from the base of the foot portion 114 and providing another attachment point for connecting the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. For example, Figure 3E shows that the foot portion 114 may include a D-ring 116 defining a D-shaped opening 117. The soft goods 300 may include a strap or tether which is inserted through the D-shaped opening 117 and attached 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 may be aligned such that the centerline axis 118 of the opening 117 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 111a of the leg tube 112. Furthermore, this orientation allows the D-ring 116 to increase the contact area between the foot portion 114 and the ground 90, which can further improve the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. However, it should be recognized that the orientation and installation of the D-ring 116 can be changed in other implementation forms. For example, the D-ring 116 can be rotated 90 degrees relative to the ground so that the axis 118 of the opening 117 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0111] Figure 5A shows a foldable playpen 1000a with the soft goods 300 attached to the frame 100a. As described above, the soft goods 300 define a partially enclosed space 301 which is installed within the internal space 102 of the frame 100a for accommodating 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 Figure 5A, the soft goods 300 can include a floor section 304 which rests on the ground 90 when the playpen 1000a is extended. The soft goods 300 can also include a side section 306 which defines and surrounds the partially enclosed space 301. In some implementations, the side portion 306 can be transparent (e.g., clear plastic) or see-through (e.g., mesh) so that a child inside the playard can be observed from outside the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 also include one or more straps (e.g., Velcro straps) and / or tethers so that the soft goods 300 can be attached to each D-ring 116 of each foot 114 in the leg support assembly 110a.

[0112] Furthermore, the soft goods 300 includes a soft goods upper portion 302, which allows the soft goods 300 to be wrapped around the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a. As shown in Figure 5A, the soft goods upper portion 302 is formed from an opaque textile material with multiple layers of fabric, which can provide padding over the covered portion of the frame 100a. The soft goods 300 may also include an integrated snap-fit ​​connector 312 that connects to a snap-fit ​​receiver 139 on the corner portion 130. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may include the same number of snap-fit ​​connectors 312 so that the soft goods 300 can be attached to each corner portion 130 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the snap-fit ​​connectors 312 may be arranged on tabs 310, as shown in Figure 5C, which are attached to the internal pieces of the soft goods 300 along the soft goods upper portion 302. The tab 310 reinforces the internal piece of the soft goods upper portion 302 and can ensure that the soft goods upper portion 302 remains coplanar with the frame 100a (for example, the soft goods upper portion 302 does not curl upward) when the snap-fit ​​connector 312 is connected to the snap-fit ​​connector 139 on the corner portion 130, as shown in Figure 5B. The tab 310 may be formed from a flexible material (for example, polyethylene) and may be shaped to be stiffer than the surrounding textile material of the soft goods 300.

[0113] Figures 6A to 6D show multiple diagrams of the latch mechanism 200a mounted on the frame 100a. As described above, the latch mechanism 200a is capable of locking the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In particular, the latch mechanism 200a is capable of keeping the slider 120 of the leg support assembly 110a close to the corresponding corner portion 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 mechanism 200a is capable of providing sufficient mechanical restraint to support various forces and / or torques applied to one or more of the sliders 120 (for example, the weight of the X-tubes 142a and 142b acting on the sliders 120).

[0114] The latch mechanism 200a can generally be connected to and / or connected together to various components of the frame 100a, including but not limited to the slider 120, corner section 130, and X-shaped tube 142a or 142b. Furthermore, the latch mechanism 200a can be at least partially disposed within the upper section 108 of the frame 100a. This allows the latch mechanism 200a to be at least partially covered by the soft goods 300. For example, the latch mechanism 200a can be directly connected to the corner section 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to the X-shaped tube 142a or 142b of an adjacent X-shaped frame assembly 140a, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0115] The frame 100a may generally include one or more latching mechanisms disposed on one or more leg support assemblies 110a and / or X-frame assemblies 140a. For example, the frame 100a may include latching mechanisms disposed on opposing sides of the frame 100a to ensure that the frame 100a maintains an evenly extended shape when extended (e.g., one side of the frame 100a does not sag downward relative to the other side). However, in other implementations, a single latching mechanism may be sufficient to lock the frame 100a into an extended configuration while maintaining the various leg support assemblies 110a and X-frame assemblies 140a in an evenly extended state. For example, referring again to Figures 2A and 2C, these figures show that the frame 100a includes a single latch mechanism 200a, which is partially mounted on one leg support assembly 110a and one X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a may be configured to withstand loads of 10 pounds or more before being released or unlocked.

[0116] Figure 6A shows that the latch mechanism 200a may include a latch member 210 (also referred to herein as “Flexlock”), the upper end 211a of which is connected to a corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a, and the latch boss 230 of which is connected to an X-shaped tube 142a of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a. The latch member 210 may include an opening 212 disposed at the first end 211a, which aligns with an opening above the corner portion 130 used for connecting to the X-shaped tube 142b. Thus, a single fastener can connect the latch member 210, the corner portion 130, and the X-shaped tube 142b together, and the corner portion 130 may remain unmodified. In other words, provided that the latch boss 230 is connected to one of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b adjacent to the leg support assembly 110a, the latch member 210 can be connected to any one of the corner portions 130 in the leg support assembly 110a of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be connected to the corner portion 130 via a pin joint connection or a rigid connection (for example, the latch member 210 cannot be rotated relative to the corner portion 130). The latch boss 230 may include an opening which is shaped and / or dimensioned to fit with the X-shaped tube 142a, thus allowing the latch boss 230 to slide onto the X-shaped tube 142a for assembly. Figure 6B shows that, for example, the latch boss 230 can then be connected to the X-shaped tube 142a using fasteners inserted through their respective openings (not shown) on the latch boss 230 and the X-shaped tube 142a.

[0117] Referring again to Figure 6A, the latch member 210 may include a latch opening 214, which is located at the second end 211b of the latch member 210, opposite the first end 211a. The latch opening 214 may be shaped and / or sized to receive the latch boss 230. In other words, the latch opening 214 can function as a latch catch. Thus, the latch member 210 can connect the corner 130 to the X-shaped tube 142b by engaging with the latch boss 230 and thus holding the slider 120 within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a near the corner 130.

[0118] Furthermore, the latch member 210 may include a tab 220 disposed at the second end 211b. Generally, the latch member 210 can be a mechanically flexible component, which bends when the caregiver pulls the tab 220, releasing the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. The latch member 210 may also have sufficient mechanical rigidity, which generates a restoring force when bent by the caregiver. When the caregiver releases the tab 220, the restoring force is able to return the latch member 210 to its original shape. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be formed from a plastic material. The latch member 210 may have further sufficient thickness to provide the desired mechanical rigidity and / or may be reinforced by an integral rib structure.

[0119] In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a can be a double-action latch mechanism (for example, the caregiver needs to perform two actions to unlock the latch mechanism). For example, Figure 6C shows that the latch opening 214 of the latch member 210 can include a tab 216 disposed within the latch opening 214. Figure 6D shows that the latch boss 230 can include an undercut portion 232, which forms a notch or slot between the X-shaped tube 142a and the end portion 236. Thus, when the latch member 210 is connected to the latch boss 230, the tab 216 of the latch member 210 is disposed within the undercut portion 232 and held in place by the end portion 236 of the latch boss 230. In some implementations, the tab 216 may further define the slot 218, as shown in Figure 6C, and the latch boss 230 may further include ribs 234 partially positioned within the undercut portion 232, as shown in Figure 6D, which together facilitate the alignment of the tab 216 with the undercut portion 232 and ensure that the latch member 210 engages properly with the latch boss 230.

[0120] To set up the frame 100a (and thus the playard 1000a), the caregiver can first partially extend the frame 100a by moving the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner portion 130. When the frame 100a is extended, the latch boss 230, which is positioned on the X-shaped tube 142a, is displaced toward the latch member 210 connected to the corner portion 130. Once 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 may include a lead-in feature on the tab 216 (e.g., an inclined wall portion or a sloping wall portion) (not shown). The lead-in feature orients the contact force between the latch member 210 and the latch boss 230 in a direction that increases the magnitude of the torque applied to bend the latch member 210, thereby allowing the latch member 210 to be deflected more effectively when the latch boss 230 slides relative to the latch member 210 (note that the pivot point of the latch member 210 is located in the mounting opening 212, as shown in Figure 6A).

[0121] 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 to the latch boss 230. As the caregiver continues to move the slider 120 toward the corner 130, the latch member 210 is deflected further outward, resulting in a greater 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, causing the latch boss 230 to protrude through the latch opening 214. When the caregiver releases the slider 120, the slider 120 is able 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.

[0122] Figure 6E illustrates how a caregiver can transition the frame 100a and playard 1000a from an extended configuration to a folded configuration by releasing the double-action latch mechanism 200a. As shown in Figure 6E, the caregiver can first compress the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b (as indicated by the upward and downward arrows in Figure 6E), which causes the slider 120 to move upward along the leg tube 112, thus releasing the tab 216 of the latch member 210 from the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230. While the caregiver compresses the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b together with one hand, the caregiver can then pull the tab 220 of the latch member 210 with the other hand, releasing the latch boss 230 from the latch opening 214 (as indicated by the curved arrow in Figure 6E). Thus, the “double action” of the latch mechanism 200a is “compression and pulling”. While holding the latch member 210, the caregiver is then able to release the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, and the slider 120 is then able to drop downward along the leg tube 112, partly due to the weight of the X-shaped frame assembly 140a. The caregiver is then able to move the slider 120 downward toward the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, and thus fold the playard 1000a.

[0123] Referring again to Figure 6D, in several implementations of the double-action latch mechanism 200a, the undercut portion 232 and end portion 236 of the latch boss 230, as well as the tab 216 of the latch member 210, may be shaped and / or dimensional such that the latch member 210 cannot be pulled away from the latch boss 230 unless a fairly large force (e.g., a force greater than 20 pounds) is applied. For example, Figure 7A shows a force test being applied to the double-action latch mechanism 200a, which shows that the latch member 210 remains engaged with the latch boss 230 when a force greater than 24 pounds is applied to the tab 220.

[0124] It should be recognized that in other implementations, the player 1000a (and, in particular, the frame 100a) may include other types of latching mechanisms. For example, Figures 8A–8D show the player 1000a, where the frame 100a includes a single-action latch mechanism 200b instead of (or in addition to) the double-action latch mechanism 200a discussed above (for example, the caregiver only needs to perform one action to release the latch mechanism).

[0125] Specifically, Figure 8A shows the playard 1000a with the soft goods 300 mounted on the frame 100a, where the soft goods 300 covers the corner portion 130 of the leg support assembly 110a and partially covers the X-frame assembly 140a. Thus, a portion of the single-action latch mechanism 200b remains exposed to provide access to the caregiver (see, for example, Figure 8B). As shown in Figures 8C and 8D, the single-action latch mechanism 200b may also include a latch member 210, which is connected to the corner portion 130 at one end via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 on the latch member 210. The latch member 210 may again include a latch opening 214 for receiving a latch boss 230. In this configuration, the latch boss 230 is shown connected to the X-tube 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0126] The single-action latch mechanism 200b can be locked in a similar manner to the double-action latch mechanism 200a. Specifically, the slider 120 is moved toward the corner portion 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, the restoring force generated within 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 way, the single-action latch mechanism 200b is capable of holding the frame 100a in an extended configuration.

[0127] To unlock the single-action latch mechanism 200b and fold the frame 100a, the caregiver can pull the tab 220, deflecting and / or bending the latching member 210 outward, and thus releasing the latching member 210 from the latch boss 230. As previously described, while the caregiver holds the latching member 210, the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112 via a combination of gravity and the caregiver moving the slider 120 toward the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, as shown in Figure 8D. In this way, the playard 1000a can be folded.

[0128] Figures 9A–9F show another exemplary latch mechanism 200c mounted on the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. Figure 9A, again, shows the frame 100a covered by the soft goods 300. Figure 9B shows that the soft goods 300 only partially covers the X-shaped frame assembly 140a, leaving the bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200c exposed. Figure 9C shows the frame 100a without the soft goods 300 attached. As shown, the latch mechanism 200c may be positioned on the frame 100a, similar to the double-action latch mechanism 200a, while the single-action latch mechanism 200b (i.e., latch mechanism 200c) is disposed within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a.

[0129] Figure 9D, again, shows that the latch mechanism 200c may include a latch member 210, which is connected to the corner portion 130 via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 at one end of the latch member 210. However, in this example, the latch member 210 may form a notch 240a, which is shaped and / or dimensional to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the X-shaped tube 142b. Thus, the latch mechanism 200c can utilize fewer parts compared to the latch mechanisms 200a and 200b (for example, the latch mechanism 200c includes only the latch member 210 and a fastener for connecting the latch member 210 to the corner portion 130). As shown, the notch 240a may be shaped to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the X-shaped tube 142b. As described above, the latch member 210 may be a mechanically flexible component, which may be bent and / or deflected due to contact with the X-shaped tube 142b (for example, when extending the frame 100a) and / or by a caregiver pulling the tab 220 located at the bottom end of the latch member 210 to release the latch member 210 from the X-shaped tube 142b (for example, when folding the frame 100a).

[0130] In the implementation shown in Figures 9A to 9D, the frame 100a (and thus the player 1000a) can be set up, again, by the caregiver moving the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a toward the corresponding corner portion 130. When the X-shaped tube 142b is in contact with the latch member 210 (and specifically the tab 220), the latch member 210 may be deflected outward. The latch member 210 may further include a lead-in feature portion 222 (e.g., an inclined wall portion) for deflecting the latch member 210 when the latch member 210 is in contact with the X-shaped tube 142b. The caregiver can then continue moving the slider 120 toward the corner portion 130 until the notch 240a aligns with the X-shaped tube 142b.

[0131] In some implementations, the latch member 210 can be sufficiently flexible so that its deflection does not create a significant restoring force. Therefore, the caregiver needs to press the latch member 210 to snap it onto the X-shaped tube 142b. However, in other implementations, the latch member 210 can instead generate an internal restoring force when bent and / or deflected (for example, the latch member 210 includes a rib structure to increase its mechanical rigidity). The restoring force can be large enough to cause the notch 240a to engage at least partially with the X-shaped tube 142b. In some cases, to ensure that the latch member 210 properly engages with the X-shaped tube 142b, the caregiver can still press the latch member 210 onto the X-shaped tube 142b, albeit with less force due to the restoring force generated within the latch member 210. Furthermore, in other implementations, the restoring force can be sufficiently large to snap-fit ​​the latch member 210 to the X-shaped tube 142b without any additional action by the caregiver.

[0132] Looking at Figure 9E, in order to unlock the latch mechanism 200c, the caregiver can pull the tab 220 with enough force to detach the notch 240a from the X-shaped tube 142b. In an implementation where the latch member 210 does not generate a considerable restoring force, the caregiver can release the latch member 210, and the slider 120 can then move downward along the leg tube 112 by gravity and / or by the caregiver actively moving the slider 120, as shown in Figure 9F. In an implementation where the latch member 210 generates a considerable 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 so that the X-shaped tube 142b is no longer aligned with the notch 240a.

[0133] Additionally, Figures 9D to 9F show that in some implementations, the corner portion 130 may further include a hook 133, which protrudes outward from the frame 100a. The hook 133 may be used partially 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 detaching prematurely from the frame 100a. In some implementations, the hook 133 may also be used as a positioning feature to facilitate the mounting of the soft goods 300 onto the frame 100a. Figures 9D to 9F further show that in some implementations, the corner portion 130 does not have to include a snap-fit ​​connector 139 as before. Instead, the snap-fit ​​connector 190 may be mounted directly on the leg tube 112.

[0134] Figure 10 shows another exemplary latch mechanism 200d connected to frame 100a. Latch mechanism 200d is a variation of latch mechanism 200c, the main difference being that the latch member 210 is connected to the X-tube 142a instead of the corner portion 130 via fasteners inserted through the opening 212 and the opening of the X-tube 142a. Latch mechanism 200d can be locked and / or unlocked in the same manner as latch mechanism 200c. In some implementations, the latch member 210 of latch mechanism 200d may be dimensioned to be shorter in length compared to the latch member 210 of latch mechanism 200c, due to a smaller separation distance between the X-tube 142a and the X-tube 142b.

[0135] Figures 11A–11D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200e mounted on the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. Figure 11A again shows the frame 100a covered by the soft goods 300. Figure 11B again shows that the soft goods 300 partially covers the X-frame assembly 140a, so that the bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200e is exposed, as are the latch mechanisms 200a–200d.

[0136] Figure 11C, again, shows that the latch mechanism 200e may include a latch member 210, which is connected to a corner portion 130 of a leg support assembly 110a via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 at one end of the latch member 210. In this example, the latch member 210 may include a hook structure 240b near the tab 220. As shown, the hook structure 240b may provide a ridged surface on which the X-shaped tube 142b can rest when the frame 100a is extended. As previously stated, the latch member 210 may be a mechanically flexible component, which may be deflected and / or bent due to contact with the X-shaped tube 142b and / or by a caregiver pulling on the tab 220 located at the bottom end of the latch member 210.

[0137] The latch mechanism 200e can lock the frame 100a in an extended configuration in a manner similar to the latch mechanisms 200a to 200d. When the caregiver moves the slider 120 toward the corner portion 130, the X-shaped tube 142b can contact the latch member 210 and deflect outward. The latch member 210 may include a lead-in feature 222, which is formed between the hook structure 240b and the bottom end of the latch member 210, and guides the X-shaped tube 142b as it moves toward the latch member 210, deflecting the latch member 210 outward. When the X-shaped tube 142b is positioned above the hook structure 240b, the caregiver can release the slider 120, which can then move downward along the leg tube 112 until the X-shaped tube 142b rests on top of the hook structure 240b.

[0138] In some implementations, the hook structure 240b may be shaped so that the caregiver can release the latch mechanism by pulling the tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, the hook structure 240b may be shaped to support the X-shaped tube 142b, and / or the latch member 210 may be sufficiently rigid so that the latch member 210 acts as a double-action latch mechanism, in which the caregiver would have to apply a considerable force to detach the latch member 210 from the X-shaped tube 142b. Alternatively, the caregiver may raise the slider 120 and / or compress the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b so that the X-shaped tube 142b is released from the hook structure 240b. While the caregiver holds the X-shaped tube 142b above the hook structure 240b with one hand, the caregiver can then pull the latch member 210 outward, allowing the X-shaped tube 142b to fall below the hook structure 240b, as shown in Figure 11D.

[0139] Figures 12A and 12B show another exemplary latch mechanism 200f that directly connects a slider 120 to a corner section 130 in the frame 100a of a foldable playard 1000a. As shown in Figure 12A, the frame 100a may contain only one latch mechanism 200f, which is connected to one leg support assembly 110a and supports multiple sliders 120 and / or X-frame assemblies 140a when the frame 100a is extended.

[0140] Figure 12B shows that the latch mechanism 200f may include a latch member 243 disposed on a slider 120 of a single leg support assembly 110a and a latch hook 242 disposed on a corresponding corner portion 130. The latch member 243 may be integrally formed on the slider 120 to form a single component, or it may be manufactured as a separate component, which is then connected to the slider 120, for example, using a fastener or snap-fit ​​connection. In some implementations, when the latch member 243 is formed as a separate component, it may be connected to the opening of the slider 120 on extension portions 124 and 126 for connecting to X-shaped tubes 142a and / or 142b, and a single fastener is configured to connect the latch member 243, the slider 120, and one or more X-shaped tubes 142a and / or 142b together. In this way, the slider 120 can remain identical to the other sliders 120 in the frame 100a.

[0141] The latch hook 242 can similarly be formed integrally on the corner portion 130 to form a single component, or it can be manufactured as a separate component, which is then connected to the slider 120. Similarly, when the latch hook 242 is formed as a separate component, it can be connected in a similar manner to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200a to the opening of the corner portion 130 formed on the extension portions 134 and 136, where the corner portion 130 remains unchanged and / or remains identical to the other corner portions 130 in the frame 100a.

[0142] The latch member 243 may include a first end 241a connected to the slider 120 and a latch opening 244 located near the second end 241b opposite the first end 241a. The latch opening 244 may be shaped to receive a latch hook 242 on the corner portion 130. In some implementations, the latch hook 242 may have a ridged surface so that when the latch mechanism 200f is locked, the portion of the latch member 243 forming the upper side of the opening 244 rests on the latch hook 242. In this way, the latch mechanism 200f can directly connect the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 together and hold the frame 100a in an extended configuration. Furthermore, in some implementations, the latch opening 244 and the latch hook 242 may be shaped to reduce, or in some cases eliminate, the relative translational and / or rotational motion between the slider 120 and the corner portion 130 along axes of motion other than the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0143] The latch member 243 can be a mechanically flexible component with a tab 220, which is located at the second end 241b, similar to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200a. The latch member 243 is located on the slider 120, but can engage with the latch hook 242 in a similar manner to the latch mechanisms 200a-200e. As previously described, 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 deflected outward. As shown in Figure 12B, the bottom surface of the latch hook 242 can form a lead-in feature (e.g., an inclined surface) to guide the latch member 243 when it is deflected outward. The latch member 243 can be sufficiently rigid to generate an internal restoring force when it is bent. Therefore, when the slider 120 is moved close enough to the corner portion 130 so that the latch hook 242 aligns with the latch opening 244, the restoring force can cause the latch member 243 to snap back to its original shape, and the latch hook 242 can then protrude through the latch opening 244.

[0144] Similar to the latch mechanism 200e, the latch mechanism 200f can be a single-action latch mechanism, in which the caregiver can release the latch member 243 from the latch hook 242 by pulling the tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200f can be a double-action latch mechanism, in which the latch hook 242 can be sufficiently rigid and / or include a sufficiently deep undercut portion so that the latch member 243 cannot be released by pulling the tab 220 unless excessive force (e.g., greater than 20 lbf) is applied. The caregiver should instead raise the slider 120 so that the portion of the latch member 243 forming the upper side of the opening 244 is released from the latch hook 242. While holding the slider 120 in the raised position, the caregiver can then pull the latch member 243 outward so that the slider 120 can move downward along the leg tube 112.

[0145] Figures 13A–13H show another exemplary latch mechanism 200g mounted on the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a. As shown in Figure 13A, the frame 100a may include a single latch mechanism 200g, which is mounted on one X-shaped frame assembly 140a and supports the frame 100a in an extended configuration. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200g may be shaped and / or dimensional to have the same or similar thickness as the X-shaped frame assembly 140a, such that, among other things, the latch mechanism 200g does not protrude too far outward from the frame 100a when the frame 100a is in a folded configuration, as shown in Figure 13B. In other words, the thickness of the latch mechanism 200g can be the same as, or similar to, the distance separating the outer edge of the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142a from the inner edge of the central portion 144 of the X-shaped tube 142b in Figure 3B.

[0146] Figure 13C shows that the latch mechanism 200g is replaceable with a pin joint 145, and therefore the X-shaped tube 142a is rotatably connected to the X-shaped tube 142b, so that the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b rotate around a rotation axis 252. Figure 13D shows that the latch mechanism 200g may include a first housing 250a, which is disposed on the outer portion of the frame 100a and rigidly connected to the X-shaped tube 142b. In particular, the first housing 250a may include a notch 251a, and the X-shaped tube 142b may be formed with a flat section 148 in a central portion 144 that fits into the notch 251a. Thus, the first housing 250a is rotatable together with the X-shaped tube 142b.

[0147] The latch mechanism 200g may further include a second housing 250b, which is disposed within an internal space 102 of the frame 100a and rigidly connected to an X-shaped tube 142a. The second housing 250b may also include a notch 251b, and the X-shaped tube 142a may have a flat section 148 that fits into the notch 251b, allowing the second housing 250b to rotate together with the X-shaped tube 142a. The first housing 250a may be rotatably connected to the second housing 250b via a shaft or pin (not shown), which is inserted along the axis of rotation 252 through openings in the first housing 250a, the second housing 250b, and the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, as shown in Figure 13D.

[0148] The first and second housings 250a and 250b are capable of forming a cavity for housing a locking gear 254, which translates along the axis of rotation 252 relative to the first and second housings 250a and 250b and is capable of locking and / or unlocking the latch mechanism 200g. The cavity is also capable of housing a return spring 253, which is disposed between the locking gear 254 and the second housing 250b and provides spring biasing force over the locking gear 254, maintaining the latch mechanism 200g in a default locked configuration. The locking gear 254 may include a pair of latch key sections 256, each having an internal sidewall 257a, which defines a channel 257c, shaped to restrict and lock the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b when the frame 100a is extended (for example, the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are arranged to form a shallow X-shaped frame structure). In other words, when the latch mechanism 200g is locked, the flat sections 148 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b may be positioned within the channel 257c, where the sidewall 257a abuts against the opposing sides of the flat sections 148, preventing rotation of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b.

[0149] When the playard 1000a is in a folded configuration, the locking gear 254 may be located primarily within the second housing 250b, and the return spring 253 may be compressed due to the respective flat sections 148 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and / or 142b contacting and / or pressing against the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254. To unfold the playard 1000a, again, the caregiver can move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a, and / or compress the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a together, thereby extending the frame 100a. As the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are rotated, the respective flat sections 148 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b slide along the front portion 257b of the locking gear 254, thus enabling the compression of the return spring 253. When the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are rotated sufficiently so that the respective flat sections 148 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are aligned to match the geometry of the channel 257c, the spring 253 is then able to push the locking gear 254 outward toward the first housing 250a, so that the flat sections 148 are positioned within the channel 257c and constrained by the latch key section 256 (see Figures 13E and 13G).

[0150] Figure 13D further shows that the latch mechanism 200g may include a release button 260, which is partially disposed within a recessed opening 259 formed along the front of the first housing 250a. The recessed opening 259 of the first housing 250a may be separated from the cavity formed between the first housing 250a and the second housing 250b by the recessed front surface of the first housing 250a. The release button 260 may be slidably connected to the first housing 250a via a slot guide 258 and may include one or more tabs 262, one or more of which protrude through the recessed surface of the first housing 250a and contact the front portion 257b of the latch key section 256 on the locking gear 254.

[0151] To unlock the latch mechanism 200g, the caregiver can push the release button 260 into the recessed opening 259, causing the tab 262 to press against the latch key section 256 of the locking gear 254. The locking gear 254 is then displaced along the axis of rotation 252 toward the second housing 250b, resulting in compression of the return spring 253. Once the locking gear 254 is sufficiently displaced (where the respective flat sections 148 of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b are no longer positioned within the channel 257c), the caregiver can then rotate the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b, as well as / or move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a to fold the frame 100a (see Figures 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 may be adjusted to ensure sufficient travel distance for the release button 260 to disengage the locking gear 254 from the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the release button 260 may remain positioned within the recessed opening 259 until the player 1000a is extended.

[0152] Figures 14A–14D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200h, which is integrated into the X-shaped tube 142b of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a and engages with the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a in the frame 100a of the player 1000a. Figure 14A again shows that the frame 100a may contain only a single latch mechanism 200h to support the frame 100a in an extended configuration.

[0153] FIG. 14B shows that the latch mechanism 200h can include a latch 270, the latch 270 being slidably coupled to the X-shaped tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. A return spring 272 is at least partially disposed within the internal cavity of the X-shaped tube 142b and is capable of applying a spring biasing force that pushes the latch 270 toward the leg tube 112. The leg tube 112 can include a latch opening 273, the latch opening 273 being shaped and / or sized to receive at least a portion (e.g., the tip of the latch 270) of the latch 270.

[0154] When the frame 100a is fully extended such that the slider 120 is positioned along the leg tube 112 to overlap the latch opening 273, the return spring 272 can push the latch 270 into the latch opening 273 and thus lock the slider 120 (and thus the X-shaped tube 142b) in place. Since the X-shaped tube 142b is movably coupled to the X-shaped tube 142a of the other leg support assembly 110a, the corner portion 130, and the slider 120, and to the other X-shaped frame assembly 140a within the frame 100a (via the other leg support assembly 110a), the constraints applied to the slider 120 and the X-shaped tube 142b by the latch mechanism 200h can maintain the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0155] FIG. 14B further shows that the latch mechanism 200h can include a collar 271, which is coupled to a latch 270 and provides an actuator for a caregiver to move when unlocking the latch mechanism 200h. In some implementations, the latch 270 can be directly coupled to the collar 271 using a fastener inserted through, for example, an opening 276 in the collar and an opening (not shown) in the latch 270. The collar 271 can be slidably coupled to the second end 143b of the X-shaped tube 142b. For example, the collar 271 can include a recessed opening (not shown), which is shaped to receive the second end 143b with a depth sufficient to allow the collar 271 (and thus the latch 270) to slide along the X-shaped tube 142b. To compensate for the respective lengths of the latch 270 and the collar 271, the X-shaped tube 142b that supports the latch 270 and the collar 271 can be shorter in length compared to other X-shaped tubes 142b in the other X-shaped frame assembly 140a.

[0156] The latch 270 can be directly rotatably coupled to the slider 120 via a pin 274, which is inserted through an opening in the slider 120 (previously used to couple to the X-shaped tube 142b in the other X-shaped frame assembly 140a) and an opening 275 formed along the latch 270. In some implementations, the opening 275 can be a slot, which is shaped and / or dimensioned to allow the latch 270 to slide relative to the slider 120 and facilitate insertion of the latch 270 into the latch opening 273.

[0157] In some implementations, the latch 270 may instead be located inside the internal cavity of the X-shaped tube 142b, so that the overall length of the X-shaped tube 142b remains the same as that of the other X-shaped tubes 142b in the other X-shaped frame assembly 140a. However, the second end 143b of the X-shaped tube 142b may have an opening, and the latch 270 may pass through the opening when engaging with and / or disengaging from the latch opening 273 on the leg tube 112. The collar 271 may be located outside the X-shaped tube 142b and may be configured to slide along the length of the X-shaped tube 142b with the latch 270. As previously described, the latch 270 may be connected to the collar 271 via fasteners inserted through an opening 276 on the collar 271 and another opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The fastener can pass through the X-shaped tube 142b via a slotted opening (not shown), the slotted opening is shaped and / or sized to be similar to the opening 275 above the latch 270.

[0158] The latch 270 and the X-shaped tube 142b can be rotatably connected to the slider 120. For example, a pin 274 can pass through an opening on the slider 120, an opening 275 on the latch 270, and an opening 147 on the X-shaped tube 142b. The latch 270 still has a slotted opening 275, which allows the latch 270 to slide relative to the slider 120 and to engage with and / or disengage from the latch opening 273.

[0159] To unlock the latch mechanism 200h, the caregiver can move the collar 271 along the X-shaped tube 142b, releasing the latch 270 from the latch opening 273, as shown in Figure 14C. This causes the return spring 272 to compress, thus generating and / or increasing the spring biasing force applied to the latch 270. While holding the collar 271, the slider 120 then moves downward along the leg tube 112, thus allowing the X-shaped frame assembly 140a to be folded. Once the latch 270 is no longer aligned with the latch opening 273, the caregiver can release the collar 271 and continue folding the frame 100a. The spring biasing force applied to the latch 270 can cause the latch 270 to press against the outer surface of the leg tube 112 (when the slider 120 is moved toward the foot 114) and / or against the surface of the slider 120 when the X-shaped tube 142b is rotated sufficiently, as shown in Figure 14D. In some implementations, the end of the latch 270 can be shaped (e.g., curved or undulating) to allow the X-shaped 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.

[0160] Figures 15A–15D show yet another exemplary latch mechanism 200i mounted on the frame 100a of the player 1000a. Specifically, the latch mechanism 200i is mounted on one end of the X-shaped tube 142b (or 142a) of one X-shaped frame assembly 140a and is capable of engaging with the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. Figure 15A again shows that the frame 100a may contain only a single latch mechanism 200i for supporting the frame 100a in an extended configuration. The latch mechanism 200i may be shaped and / or dimensional so that the latch mechanism 200i fits into a recessed opening in the extended section 126 (or 124) of the slider 120 together with the second end 143b of the X-shaped tube 142b. Thus, the latch mechanism 200i does not protrude outward from the frame 100a even when the frame 100a is folded (see Figure 15B), and therefore, the compact shape of the folded frame 100a can be preserved.

[0161] Figure 15C shows that the latch mechanism 200i may include a latch base 280, which is connected to the second end 143b of the X-shaped tube 142b and rotatably connected to the slider 120. In some implementations, a single fastener may connect the slider 120, the latch base 280, and the X-shaped tube 142b together. As shown, the latch base 280 may include a latch member 284 extending from the latch base 280. The latch member 284 may be a mechanically flexible component, which may be deformable and have sufficient mechanical rigidity to generate a restorative force when deformed.

[0162] In some implementations, the latch base 280 can have a cylindrical shape, and the latch member 284 can extend from the periphery of the latch base 280. The latch member 284 can have a curved and / or undulating shape, as shown in Figures 15C and 15D. The latch member 284 can include an integrally formed latch catch 281, which is shaped to engage with a latch opening 283 formed on the bottom surface 127 of the slider 120. The latch member 284 can further include a tab 282 disposed at the end of the latch member 284, which is pulled to bend the latch member 284 and thus release the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283.

[0163] Figure 15D shows that when frame 100a is extended, the latch member 284 may be positioned between the slider 120 from the adjacent leg support assembly 110a. When frame 100a is extended, together with the latch member 284, the latch body 280 is able to rotate with respect to the slider 120 around the pin joint 146c and the X-shaped tube 142b as the slider 120 moves upward along the leg tube 112 toward the corner portion 130. When the latch body 280 rotates, the latch member 284 (in particular, the latch catch 281) first makes contact with the outer portion of the slider 120, and is therefore able to bend and / or deflect the latch member 284. In some implementations, the latch catch 281 may include a lead-in feature to facilitate the deflection of the latch member 284 when frame 100a is extended.

[0164] When the X-shaped tube 142b is rotated sufficiently so that the slider 120 is positioned close enough to the corner portion 130 and / or the latch catch 281 aligns with the latch opening 283, the restoring force generated by the deflection of the latch member 284 allows the latch catch 281 to be inserted into the latch opening 283. Thus, the latch catch 281 and the latch opening 283 prevent further rotation of the X-shaped tube 142b relative to the slider 120, and consequently prevent further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112, and are able to hold the frame 100a in the extended configuration.

[0165] To unlock the latch mechanism 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 move downward along the leg tube 112 toward the foot 114, causing the X-shaped 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 fold the frame 100a.

[0166] As described above, frame 100a can generally include at least one latch mechanism for maintaining frame 100a (and by extension, player 1000a) in an extended configuration. In some implementations, frame 100a can include a single latch mechanism (e.g., one of latch mechanisms 200a-200i) for locking the extended frame 100a, which simplifies frame 100a by reducing the number of parts for manufacturing. However, in other implementations, frame 100a can include multiple latching mechanisms to ensure that the various components of frame 100a are maintained in a uniformly extended state. Therefore, it should be recognized that in other implementations, frame 100a can include one or more combinations of the latch mechanisms 200a-200i described above.

[0167] Figures 16A and 16B show one example of frame 100a, which includes a latch mechanism 200g connected to one X-frame assembly 140a and a latch mechanism 200h connected to the X-tube of another X-frame assembly 140a and the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. Figure 16A shows that latch mechanisms 200g and 200i are used to maintain frame 100a in an extended configuration. Figure 16B shows that when frame 100a is in a folded configuration, latch mechanisms 200g and 200i do not extend very far outward from frame 100a.

[0168] As described above, a collapsible player can generally include a frame that outlines the internal space. The frame can include multiple leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies, which together define and / or align with the outer boundary of the internal space. For example, player 1000a includes a frame 100a that defines an internal space 102 having a horizontal cross-section shaped as a hexagon. It should be recognized that the various implementations of the collapsible player described herein can define internal spaces having other geometric shapes, based in part on the number of leg support assemblies and / or X-frame assemblies used for construction.

[0169] For example, a playard can have an outline of an internal space having a square horizontal cross-section. The frame of a playard 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.

[0170] In another example, Figures 17A–17D show an exemplary playard 1000b with a frame 100b that outlines the internal space 102 having a horizontal cross-section defined as a rectangle. The frame 100a may include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110b that define and / or align with each side edge 104 of the internal space 102 when the frame 100b is extended to support the playard 1000b on the ground 90 (see, for example, Figure 18A). The frame 100a may include a pair of X-shaped frame assemblies 140a, which are positioned on the smaller side 106 of the internal space 102 and connect together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b that are positioned on the shorter side of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the internal space 102. The frame 100 may further include a pair of X-shaped frame assemblies 140b, each of which is located on the larger side 106 of the internal space 102 and connects together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the longer side of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the internal space 102. Thus, each leg support assembly 110b can connect one X-shaped frame assembly 140a and one X-shaped frame assembly 140b.

[0171] To form a rectangular internal space 102, each X-frame assembly 140a can form a single X-frame structure as described above, and each X-frame assembly 140b can form a double X-frame structure (i.e., two pairs of intersecting X-tubes, where each pair of X-tubes is connected to one leg support assembly). The combination of single and double X-frame structures allows frame 100b to define internal space 102, where the sides of the horizontal cross-section have different dimensions, and on the one hand, allows 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 section 130), so that leg support assembly 110b, X-frame assembly 140a, and X-frame assembly 140b can be folded and / or extended together (see Figure 17C). Furthermore, the double X-frame structure of X-frame assembly 140b can also allow leg support assembly 110b (and, among other things, the length of leg tube 112) to be shorter compared to a single X-frame structure that extends to the same length as X-frame assembly 140b when unfolded. Therefore, frame 100b can be more compact, especially when folded.

[0172] Similar to frame 100a, frame 100b can be extended while the foot portion 114 of the leg support assembly 110b remains in contact with the ground 90. Additionally, the leg tube 112 can remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright while frame 100b is folded and / or extended (for example, the leg tube 112 can be intentionally tilted when frame 100b is extended to improve stability), making the process of setting up and / or taking down the playard 1000b easier for caregivers (see Figure 17D).

[0173] Additionally, the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b in frame 100b are arranged within the upper portion 108 of frame 100a, forming an upper perimeter structure along the internal space 102 (see Figure 18A). As previously stated, this allows each of the X-shaped tubes of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as an upper rail, providing mechanical stability and rigidity to frame 100b. In some implementations, frame 100b may not include separate flexible or rigid upper rails and / or bottom support structures.

[0174] In some implementations, a frame 100b comprising only X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b that connect the 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, Figure 22 shows a playard 1000b undergoing stability testing. Similar to playard 1000a, playard 1000b was demonstrated to remain sufficiently stable when playard 1000b was tilted by more than 10 degrees (i.e., at least three feet 114 remained in contact with the platform below).

[0175] Figures 17A and 17B further illustrate that the playard 1000b may include soft goods 300, which are attached to the frame 100b and form a partially enclosed space 301 that is positioned within the internal space 102 to accommodate the child 50. As previously stated, the soft goods 300 may be easily folded together with the frame 100b, as shown in Figure 17C. The soft goods 300 may include a floor portion 304 and side portions 306, the floor portion 304 resting on the ground 90 supporting the playard 1000b, and the side portions 306 together define and surround the partially enclosed space 301. The floor portion 304 may include a removable mat to provide padding on the ground 90. The side portions 306 may be formed from a transparent and / or see-through material, allowing a caregiver to monitor their child 50 when the child 50 is placed in the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 may include tethers and / or straps for attaching the floor section 304 to the bottom section of the leg support assembly 110b.

[0176] The soft goods 300 can 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 can completely cover one or more of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, the corner portions 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, and / or the slider 120 of the leg support assembly 110b. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 can completely cover the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, as well as the slider 120 and the corner portions 130 of the leg support assembly 110b, such that only the leg tubes 112 and / or the feet 114 are observable, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As described above, 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 the larger, less visually obstructive portions of the sides 106.

[0177] As described above, conventional playards (and indoor playards in particular) typically have to compromise between ease of use, visibility of the child, and / or the appearance of the playard (see, for example, playard 10c). In comparison, playard 1000b is able to improve ease of use, visibility of the child, and overall appearance simultaneously. Firstly, playard 1000b includes X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b that allow frame 100b to be folded and / or extended in one step. For example, a caregiver can move one slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b to fold and / or extend frame 100b. Secondly, the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b are positioned within the upper portion 108 of the frame 100b when the playard 1000b is deployed, which allows for greater visibility of the child in the partially enclosed space 301 through the sides of the frame 100b. Thirdly, aesthetically undesirable components (e.g., X-shaped tubes, sliders 120, corner sections 130, etc.) can be easily concealed by the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300, providing a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0178] Figure 18A shows the frame 100b in an extended configuration with the soft goods 300 not attached. As shown, each leg support assembly 110b can be similar to the leg support assembly 110a used in the frame 100a. For example, the leg support assembly 110b includes a leg tube 112 with an upper end 113a and a bottom end 113b, a corner portion 130 connected to the upper end 113a, a foot portion 114 connected to the bottom end 113b, and a slider 120, the slider 120 being slidably connected to the leg tube 112 and positioned between the foot portion 114 and the corner portion 130. The upper ends 113a and / or corner portions 130 of the leg tubes 112 can be aligned with the upper apex 105 of the internal space 102, and generally, the upper horizontal plane 92 of the frame can be defined, and thus the height H1 of the frame between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92 can be defined. The lower ends 113b and / or feet 114 of the leg tubes 112 can be aligned with the lower apex 107 of the internal space 102.

[0179] Figure 18B further illustrates that the leg tubes 112 can have a circular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the leg tubes 112 can remain vertical or nearly vertical in both the folded and extended configurations. Thus, the internal space 102 can be shaped as a right-angled prism with a rectangular base. The slider 120, again, can include a base 121, which defines a through-hole opening 122, surrounding the leg tubes 112. The slider 120 can also include extensions 124 and 126, which are positioned on opposing sides of the base 121 and connect the respective X-shaped tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b (e.g., X-shaped tubes 142a and 142d in Figure 18B) to the slider 120. The corner section 130 may include a base 131 with a recessed opening (not shown) for receiving the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112. The corner section 130 may further include a snap-fit ​​connector 139, which connects to the base 131 instead of a tab 138 extending from the base 131, as in the case of the leg support assembly 110a. Again, the corner section 130 may include extensions 134 and 136, which are located on opposing sides of the base 131 and connect the respective X-shaped tubes of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b (for example, the X-shaped tubes 142b and 142c in Figure 18D) to the corner section 130.

[0180] Figure 19A shows frame 100b in a folded configuration. Figure 19B shows that when frame 100b is folded, slider 120 can be positioned close to foot 114. As described above, and as shown in Figures 18B and 19B, X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b can be connected to the same corner 130 and slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b. Furthermore, the pin joints connecting the respective X-tubes of X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to slider 120 or corner 130 can be positioned along the same horizontal plane. Therefore, the respective ends of the X-shaped tubes of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b that connect to the leg support assembly 110b travel the same distance along the leg tube 112, making it possible to fold and / or extend both the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b. This allows the slider 120 and corner section 130 to be thinner in terms of size, and reduces the overall length L of the leg tube 112 so that the leg tube 112 provides only enough overlap for the foot section 114 and corner section 130 to connect to the leg tube 112, as well as enough clearance for the slider 120 to travel a sufficient distance to fold and / or extend the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b. As shown in Figures 18B and 19B, the slider 120 may be positioned close to the corner portion 130 when the frame 100b is in an extended configuration, and close to the foot portion 114 when the frame 100b is in a folded configuration. Figure 19A also shows that in the folded configuration, the frame has a height between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92A defined by the frame. As described above in relation to Figures 2B and 2E, the height of the frame 100b may remain substantially constant or 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. However, in some implementations, the height of frame 100b can vary (for example, height H2 can be somewhat greater than height H1, and plane 92A in the folded configuration can be positioned somewhat above plane 92 in the extended configuration).

[0181] Figures 20A to 20E show several diagrams of the frame 100b in a partially extended / folded state. In particular, Figure 20B shows, again, that the X-frame assembly 140a may include X-tubes 142a and 142b, which are rotatably connected to each other via pin joints (e.g., roll rivet joints). As shown, the X-tube 142a may be rotatably connected via pin joint 146a to a corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110b, and may be rotatably connected via pin joint 146b to a slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a. Similarly, the X-shaped tube 142b can be rotatably connected via a pin joint 146c to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b, and via a pin joint 146d to the corner portion 130 of the other leg support assembly 110a. Thus, the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can operate in the same or the same manner as the X-shaped frame assembly 140a in frame 100a.

[0182] Figure 20C shows that the X-frame assembly 140b may include two pairs of X-tubes (i.e., X-tubes 142c and 142d, and X-tubes 142e and 142f). The X-tubes 142c and 142d may be rotatably connected to each other via pin joints 145, similar to the X-tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assembly 140a. Similarly, the X-tubes 142e and 142f may be rotatably connected to each other via another pin joint 145. Each pair of X-tubes 142c and 142d (or 142e and 142f) may be connected to one leg support assembly 110b and to the other remaining pair of X-tubes. As shown, the X-shaped tube 142c may be rotatably connected to the corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146e, and may be rotatably connected to the X-shaped tube 142e via a pin joint 146f. The X-shaped tube 142d may be rotatably connected to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146g, and may be rotatably connected to the X-shaped tube 142e via a pin joint 146h. The X-shaped tube 142e may be further rotatably connected to the corner portion 130 of another leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146i. The X-shaped tube 142f may be further rotatably connected to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146j.

[0183] In some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f can be substantially identical or identical to each other. The shapes and / or dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b of the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can differ from those of the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f of the X-shaped frame assembly 140b, in part according to the desired dimensions of the rectangular internal space 102. However, in some implementations, the shapes and / or dimensions of the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f can be substantially identical or identical to those of the X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b of the X-shaped frame assembly 140a.

[0184] Figure 20C further illustrates that a pair of pin joints 145 can be offset from the respective center points of the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f. In particular, the pin joint 145 connecting X-shaped 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 tubes 142e and 142f together can be positioned closer to pin joints 146h and 146f than to pin joints 146i and 146j. The position of the pin joints 145 along the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f can be adjusted to ensure alignment with the ends of X-shaped tubes 142a and 142b when each end of the X-shaped tubes 142c to 142f is connected to the same corner section 130 or slider 120.

[0185] For example, Figure 20D shows that the pin joint 146d connecting the X-shaped tube 142b to the corner section 130, and the pin joint 146e connecting the X-shaped tube 142c to the same corner section 130, are located on the same horizontal plane 150a. Similarly, Figure 20E shows that the pin joint 146b connecting the X-shaped tube 142a to the slider 120, and the pin joint 146g connecting the X-shaped tube 142d to the same slider 120, can also be located on the same horizontal plane 150b. As described above, aligning the pin joints in this way allows for thinner sliders 120 and corner sections 130, which in turn reduces the overall length of the leg tubes 112. However, it should be recognized that in some implementations, the pin joints do not need to be aligned on the same horizontal plane. For example, Figure 20E shows that the extension portion 126 and pin joint 146g of the slider 120 can be raised vertically above the extension portion 124 and pin joint 146b (i.e., see extension portion 126-1 and pin joint 146g-1).

[0186] Figures 21A and 21B show that the soft goods 300 can be attached to the frame 100b in a similar manner to that of the frame 100a. Specifically, Figure 21A shows that the soft goods 300 may include a snap-fit ​​connector 312, which is positioned on the interior of the upper section 302 and connects to a snap-fit ​​connector 139 on the corner section 130. Figure 21B shows that the foot 114 of each leg support assembly 110b may include a D-ring 116, which provides an opening for attaching the tether 320 of the soft goods 300 to the bottom section of the leg support assembly 110b. As shown, the tether 320 can be closed via a snap-fit ​​connector 322 which is connected to another snap-fit ​​connector (not shown) positioned on the base of the strap 320.

[0187] In yet another example, Figures 23A–23E also show a playard 1000c with a frame 100c that outlines the internal space 102 having a horizontally defined rectangular cross-section. However, the frame 100c may include a curved leg support assembly 110c, resulting in an internal space 102 having a convex shape. In other words, the leg support assembly 110c curves outward from the internal space 102, and the size of the horizontal cross-section is greater at the midpoint of the leg support assembly 110c than at the top or bottom portion of the leg support assembly 110c. In some implementations, the convex-shaped internal space 102 can provide a larger volume for the child 50 to play and / or sleep compared to an internal space with the same footprint as a straight leg support assembly. Additionally, the convex-shaped internal space 102 can also provide a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0188] As shown in Figure 23A, the playard 1000c may also include soft goods 300, which define a partially enclosed space 301, which is located within the internal space 102 of the frame 100c for the child 50 to play and / or sleep. Similar to the playard 1000b, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000c may include a floor portion 304 and side portions 306 that define and surround the partially enclosed space 301, and an upper portion 302 that covers the upper portion 108 of the frame 100c. The soft goods 300 may also include a removable mat, which is placed on top of the floor portion 304 and provides padding on the ground 90 supporting the playard 1000c. The side portions 306 may also be formed from a transparent or see-through material. As described above, the soft goods 300 may further include a removable mat, which is placed on the floor portion 304 and provides padding.

[0189] As shown in Figures 23D and 23E, the frame 100c may include a plurality of leg support assemblies 110c, each including at least a leg tube 112, a slider 120, and a corner section 130. Compared to leg support assemblies 110a and 110b, the leg tube 112 may be curved along the axis 111b, so that the slider 120 moves along the curved path when the frame 100c is folded and / or extended. The leg support assemblies 110c may define and / or align with each side edge 104 of the internal space 102 (see Figure 24).

[0190] The leg support assembly 110c may further include either a foot 114 for supporting the playard 1000c on the ground 90, or a wheel assembly 151 for easier movement and / or reorientation of the playard 1000c after it has been extended. For example, Figure 23D shows that the leg support assembly 110c at one end of the internal space 102 may both include a wheel assembly 151. Thus, a caregiver can pick up the playard 1000c from the opposing end, pull the playard 1000c with the wheel assembly 151 rolling along the ground 90, and reposition the playard 1000c as desired. In a similar manner to that illustrated in Figure 18A, Figure 23E shows that the frame 100c has a height H1 between the ground surface 90 and the upper horizontal plane 92.

[0191] Figure 25A shows an exploded view of a leg support assembly 110c with a wheel assembly 151. As shown, the leg tube 112 may again have a first end 113a and a second end 113b. A corner portion 130 may be connected to the upper end 113a of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may include a base 152 connected to the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may further include a wheel 153, which is rotatably connected to the base 152 via a wheel cover 154. Thus, a slider 120 may be slidably connected to the leg tube 112, so that the slider 120 is positioned between the base 152 and the corner portion 130 of the wheel assembly 151. Furthermore, Figure 25A shows that the frame 100c may include a latch mechanism 200j, which directly connects the slider 120 to the corner portion 130, and will be described in more detail below.

[0192] Figure 25B shows an exploded view of a leg support assembly 110c with a foot 114. As shown, the leg tube 112, slider 120, corner section 130, and foot 114 can be assembled in a manner similar to that of leg support assemblies 110a and 110b described above.

[0193] Frame 100c may further include an X-shaped frame assembly 140a, which is positioned on the smaller curved side 106 of the internal space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the shorter side of the rectangular cross-section of the internal space 102 (see Figure 24). Frame 100c may also include an X-shaped frame assembly 140b, which is positioned on the larger curved side 106 of the internal space 102 and connects adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the longer side of the rectangular cross-section of the internal space 102 (see Figure 24). As described above, the X-shaped frame assembly 140a can form a single X-shaped frame structure with one pair of X-shaped tubes, and the X-shaped frame assembly 140b can form a double X-shaped frame structure with two pairs of X-shaped tubes.

[0194] The shape and / or dimensions of each X-shaped tube in the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, and / or the location of the pin joints that rotatably connect each X-shaped tube to another X-shaped tube, slider 120, and / or corner section 130, can be adjusted in part based on desired dimensions of the internal space 102, similar to that of frame 100b. Additionally, in some implementations, the X-shaped tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may be positioned such that the pin joints connecting the X-shaped tubes to the same slider 120 or corner section 130 of leg support assembly 110c are aligned along the same horizontal plane.

[0195] The X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b can, again, be positioned within the upper portion 108 and / or internal space 102 of the frame 100c. This allows the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as upper rails, mechanically reinforcing the frame 100c, while at the same time eliminating other support structures (e.g., separate upper rails and / or bottom support structures). Furthermore, the installation of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b can provide a larger window for the caregiver to view their child 50 through the side of the frame 100c.

[0196] In some implementations, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000c may be partially divided into separate components to better conform to the geometry of the internal space 102. For example, the side sections 306 and floor section 304 may be installed separately from the upper section 302. To better conform to the shape of the internal space 102, the side sections 306 may be mounted along the internal sides of the leg tubes 112, reducing, or in some cases preventing, the formation of a gap between the side sections 306 and the leg support assembly 110c when the playard 1000c is extended (see, for example, Figure 26A). In other words, the side sections 306 of the soft goods 300 are attached to the leg support assembly 110c, and a seamless appearance can be provided with the leg tubes 112, feet 114, and / or wheel assembly 151 exposed along the outer portion of the playard 1000c, as shown in Figures 23A-23C. Once the side sections 306 and floor section 304 of the soft goods 300 are installed, the upper section 302 can then be attached to the side sections 306, for example, using zipper connections (not shown), and subsequently connected to the frame 100c to complete the assembly.

[0197] This can be partially achieved by incorporating a stiffener 330 into the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300, which can then be routed through a channel 171 formed along the leg tube 112. The stiffener 330 can be a flexible component (e.g., an extruded plastic rod) inserted through pockets formed along each corner of the side portion 306, which are located near the side edge 104 of the internal space 102. Figure 26B shows that the leg tube 112 can have an oval cross-sectional shape with curved sides 172, which form a recess along the internal side of the leg tube 112 facing the internal space 102. The channel 171 can be formed on the curved sides 172 and can extend over a portion of the leg tube 112 (or, in some cases, the entire length of the leg tube 112). As shown in Figure 26B, the stiffener 330 is inserted through the channel 171, and thus it is possible to hold the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300 against the leg tube 112.

[0198] The slider 120 in the leg support assembly 110c may still be allowed to move along the leg tube 112 even when the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300 is mounted on the leg tube 112. For example, Figure 26B shows that the slider 120 may include a base 121, the base 121 defining a through-hole opening 122, the through-hole opening 122 partially enclosing the leg tube 112 and guiding the movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112. As shown, a slot-shaped opening 128 may be formed along the inner side of the base 121, allowing the side portion 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 obstructed by the side portion 306 when the playard 1000c is folded and / or extended.

[0199] Figure 26B further illustrates, again, that the slider 120 may include extensions 124 and 126, which are located on opposing sides of the base 121 and connected to the respective X-shaped tubes (e.g., X-shaped tubes 142f and 142b) of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b.

[0200] Figure 27A, again, shows that the corner section 130 may include the base 131, with extensions 134 and 136 positioned on opposing sides of the base 131 and connecting to the respective X-shaped tubes (e.g., X-shaped tubes 142e and 142a) of the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b. The corner section 130 may further include a tab 138, which extends downward along the leg tube 112 and outward from the frame 100c, forming an overhang. As shown in Figure 27A, the slider 120 may be positioned below the overhang formed by the tab 138, and thus may be positioned between the leg tube 112 and the tab 138 of the corner section 130 when the frame 100c is extended.

[0201] The corner portion 130 can thus be shaped to provide a hook structure for the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around, thus ensuring that the corner portion 130 and the X-shaped frame assemblies 140a and 140b are covered. In some implementations, the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 can further include a pocket 331 to assist the caregiver in wrapping the soft goods 300 around the corner portion 130. Additionally, the soft goods 300 can primarily contact only the outer surface of the corner portion 130, which can allow the corner portion of the playard 1000c to have a softer and gentler appearance. For example, the base 131 and tab 138 of the corner portion 130 can have a smooth, rounded shape for the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around. The upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 may include a snap-fit ​​connector 312, which is arranged along the interior portion of the upper portion 302 and connects to a corresponding snap-fit ​​connector 139 on the corner portion 130, as shown in Figures 27B and 27C.

[0202] In some implementations, the slider 120 may also include a rounded bottom section 170, which is positioned below the overhang portion of the tab 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 tab 138 of the corner section 130, providing a lead-off feature that reduces, or in some cases prevents, a string or another attached object from becoming entangled with the overhang portion of the corner section 130.

[0203] As described above, the frame 100c may include a latch mechanism 200j for locking the frame 100c in an extended configuration by engaging the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110c with the corresponding corner portion 130. Generally, the frame 100c may include one or more of the latch mechanisms 200j. For example, Figure 28A shows that the playerard 1000c may include a single latch mechanism 200j connected to one leg support assembly 110c. However, in other implementations, the playerard 1000c may include another latch mechanism 200j, which may be connected to another leg support assembly 110c on the opposite corner portion of the playerard 1000c to ensure that the frame 100c is extended uniformly.

[0204] Figure 28B shows that the latch mechanism 200j may include a latch member 210, which has a mounting base 224 at one end rigidly connected to the slider 120, and a latch opening 214 at the opposite end (see Figure 28C) to receive a latch catch 291 positioned on the corner portion 130. The latch member 210 may be a mechanically flexible component with sufficient mechanical rigidity, so as to generate a restoring force when the latch member 210 is bent and / or deflected. The latch member 210 may further include a tab 220, which may be pulled to bend the latch member 210 outward from the frame 100c in order 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 the engagement of the latch member 210 with the latch catch 291 when the player 1000c is extended.

[0205] Figure 28B further illustrates that the latch mechanism 200j can be locked and / or unlocked by the soft goods 300 (and, in particular, the upper portion 302 covering the upper portion 108 of the frame 100c). As shown, the latch catch 291 can protrude through an opening formed on the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300. The latch member 210 can be positioned on the upper portion 302 when engaging with the latch catch 291. Thus, the latch member 210 can remain exposed. Furthermore, the internal restoring force generated by the latch member 210 can cause at least a portion of the latch member 210 (e.g., the tab 220, the lead-in feature 222) to press against the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300, thus further constraining the soft goods 300 against the corner portion 130. In other words, the latch member 210 can function as an integrated escutcheon when engaged with the latch catch 291.

[0206] Similar to the playerards 1000a and 1000b, the frame 100c of the playerard 1000c may include only the leg support assembly 110c and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. In some implementations, the frame 100c may exhibit sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and strength to meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, Figures 29A–29D show a playerard 1000c undergoing a Top Rail To Corner Post Attachment test as defined under ASTM F406-19, 7.11 and 8.30. Torque is applied to one of the X-frame assemblies 140b by clamping a 24-inch long rod to the X-tube of the X-frame assembly 140b, and by suspending a 15-20 lb weight above the end of the rod, as shown in Figures 29A and 29B. Figures 29C and 29D show that after applying a torque load for at least 10 seconds, the X-shaped tube of the X-shaped frame assembly 140b was deformed, but the slider 120 and corner section 130 connected to the X-shaped tube did not crack and / or break in any other way, thus satisfying the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.11.

[0207] Figures 30A–30C show a player 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 to the floor for at least 15 seconds. Figures 30B and 30C show that the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b were deformed, and the rolled rivet joints connecting the X-tubes together were bent. However, the X-tubes, rolled rivet joints, and the corners and sliders of the leg support assembly did not crack and / or break in any other way, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3.

[0208] Figure 31 further illustrates the playard 1000c undergoing stability testing, in which the playard 1000c was placed on a play form and a load was applied to one side of the playard 1000c from within a partially enclosed space 301. Similar to playards 1000a and 1000b, it was found that when the playard 1000c was rotated by more than 10 degrees, at least three of the feet 114 and / or wheels 151 of the playard 1000c maintained contact with the platform below, thus meeting the requirements under ASTM F406-19 for stability.

[0209] In some implementations, a foldable playard can, when unfolded, provide a platform for supporting various accessories (also referred to herein as “toppers”) to enhance the functionality of the playard. For example, Figure 23D shows that the frame 100c of the playard 1000c may include one or more topper supports 161, each of which is positioned on top of the respective X-shaped tubes of the X-shaped frame assembly 140b. The combination of the topper supports 161 and the corner portions 130 of the leg support assembly 110c can support one or more toppers 160 that are positioned on top of the upper portion 108 of the frame 100c when the playard 1000c is in an extended configuration. The toppers 160 can be a variety of accessories, including, but are not limited to, changing tables, bassinets, and bouncers.

[0210] In another example, Figures 32A–32F show a frame 100a in an extended configuration with a canopy cover assembly 400a. The canopy cover assembly 400a is connected to the frame 100a and is partially positioned above the internal space 102 of the frame 100a, and is capable of supporting a canopy cover 440 (see, for example, Figure 32E) that covers the internal space 102. The canopy cover 440 can be a flexible and / or pliable component formed from, for example, a textile material. For example, the playard 1000a may be deployed in an outdoor environment, and therefore the canopy cover 440 can provide shade for a child 50 when it is installed within the partially enclosed space 301 of the playard 1000a.

[0211] As shown in Figures 32A to 32C, the canopy cover assembly 400a may include a plurality of canopy support assemblies 410 that connect to each leg support assembly 110a of the frame 100a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a may completely cover the internal space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400a is a full canopy cover). In some implementations, the canopy support assembly 410 may be substantially identical to or be identical to other canopy support assemblies 410.

[0212] Each canopy support assembly 410 may include a canopy bow 412 partially positioned above the internal space 102 to support the canopy cover 440, and a canopy clip 420a for connecting the canopy bow 412 to the frame 100a. With respect to the canopy cover assembly 400a, the canopy bows 412 from each canopy support assembly 410 may be connected together via a hub 450a positioned above the internal space 102, as shown in Figure 32A. In some implementations, the hub 450a may be approximately or precisely centered in the internal space 102 when the canopy cover assembly 400a is mounted on the frame 100a, as shown in Figure 32C. Figure 32B further shows that each canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410 can form a frame or support structure, where each canopy bow 412 is partially bent to define the desired shape of the canopy cover 440 when the canopy cover 440 is mounted on the canopy support assembly 410.

[0213] Figure 32D shows that the canopy clip 420a may be positioned along the outer portion of the frame 100a (i.e., outside the internal space 102 of the frame 100a), close to the slider 120 and the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a, when the canopy clip 420a is connected to the leg support assembly 110a. Figures 32E and 32F show that the canopy clip 420a may include a base 422 with a snap-fit ​​feature 424, which forms a snap-fit ​​connector for directly connecting the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 of one leg support assembly 110a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be mounted to the frame 100a without the use of any tools. Furthermore, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be attached to the frame 100a without any changes or modifications to the frame 100a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a does not have to be limited to installation with the frame 100a alone; instead, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be mounted on the frames of other playards (for example, other frames with six leg support assemblies). In other words, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be a universally compatible accessory, which caregivers can purchase separately and / or install on their playards.

[0214] The snap-fit ​​feature 424 is generally shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112, ensuring that the canopy clip 420a securely connects to the leg tube 112. For example, Figure 33A shows that the snap-fit ​​feature 424 can form an elliptical channel that matches the elliptical cross-section of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the asymmetrical cross-section of the leg tube 112 (e.g., an elliptical cross-section) can ensure that the canopy clip 420a connects only to leg tubes 112 with a desired orientation and / or prevents unwanted rotation of the canopy clip 420a when connected to the leg tube 112. Thus, the canopy bow 4112 can be repeatedly and / or reliably positioned and / or oriented relative to the frame 100a, so that the canopy cover 440 provides the desired coverage and / or aesthetic appearance when mounted on the canopy support assembly 410. However, it should be recognized that in other implementations, the shape of the snap-fit ​​feature 424 can be adjusted to match the shape of the leg tubes most commonly used in various playered products (for example, circular leg tubes). The snap-fit ​​feature 424 further includes a lead-in feature 425 which can align the canopy clip 420a with the leg tube 112 and / or deflect the snap-fit ​​feature 424 outward to facilitate engagement with the leg tube 112.

[0215] In some implementations, the caregiver can therefore align and press the canopy clip 420a along the arrow shown in Figure 33A to engage the snap-fit ​​feature 424 with the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the caregiver can instead hook one of the snap-fit ​​features 424 onto the leg tube 112 (for example, via the corresponding lead-in feature 425), and then rotate the opposing sides of the canopy clip 420a so that the other snap-fit ​​feature 424 engages with the leg tube 112 (for example, via the corresponding lead-in feature 425), as shown in Figure 33B. Compared to conventional canopy cover assemblies, the canopy cover assembly 400a can be connected to the frame 100a more securely and reliably by directly connecting the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 instead of the portion of the frame covered by soft goods. Therefore, when the canopy cover assembly 400a is installed in a partially enclosed space 301, it is possible that it will be less likely to be accidentally removed, for example, by wind or by a child 50.

[0216] Figures 32E and 32F further show that the canopy clip 420a may include a canopy bow opening 426 (for example, also referred to herein as the “canopy bow socket 426”), the canopy bow opening 426 being partially formed on the base 422 to receive the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412. Once the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412 is inserted into the canopy bow opening 426, a fastener can be inserted through an opening 432 located on the side of the base 422 to securely connect the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy clip 420a may alternatively utilize an integrated snap finger for connecting the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0217] In some implementations, a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be positioned outside the internal space 102 of the frame 100a when connected to the canopy clip 420a, and may be positioned close to the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a. For example, Figure 32D shows that a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be positioned next to the corner portion 130, with an alignment substantially parallel or parallel to the leg tube 112. By positioning the canopy bow 412 to overlap with the upper portion 108 of the frame 100a, the canopy bow 412 is less likely to be pulled into the partially enclosed space 301 of the playard 1000a by the child 50 compared to a conventional playard with a canopy cover assembly. For example, the canopy bow 412 can be more difficult to reach because the child 50 would have to stretch their arms over the corner portion 130 of the frame 100a to grab it. Additionally, even if child 50 manages to grab onto the canopy bow 412, due to the canopy bow 412 overlapping the upper portion 108 of frame 100a and the canopy clip 420a being positioned on the outer portion of frame 100a, child 50 has less leverage to pull the canopy cover assembly 400a into the playard 1000a.

[0218] The canopy clip 420a may further include an alignment rib 430, which protrudes outward from the base 422 toward the frame 100a. The alignment rib 430 may be partially used as an alignment feature for positioning the canopy clip 420a on the leg support assembly 110a. For example, Figures 32D to 32F show that the alignment rib 430 may be positioned between the upper surface of the slider 120 and the bottom surface of the corner section 130, so that the snap-fit ​​feature 424 is positioned just below the slider 120 when the canopy clip 420a is connected to the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the alignment rib 430 may also prevent the canopy clip 420a from sliding downward along the leg tube 112. For example, Figure 32E shows that the alignment rib 430 can come into contact with the upper surface of the slider 120 when the canopy clip 420a moves downward along the leg tube 112.

[0219] In some implementations, the canopy cover 440 may be laid directly above and on top of the canopy support assembly 410. The canopy cover 440 may include one or more tethers 442 for pulling and / or holding the canopy cover 440 taut along the canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410. For example, Figure 32E shows that each tether 442 may be looped around a hook 428 located at the bottom of the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0220] The canopy bow 412, canopy clip 420a, and / or hub 450a can be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic and fiberglass. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 can be formed as a single mechanically flexible component that can be bent into a desired shape to connect the canopy bow 412 to the hub 450a and / or canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 can be an assembly of components (e.g., tubes) connected together via one or more shock cords or bungee cords. The tubes can be fitted together to form an assembly of tubes that mechanically function as a single continuous rod. For example, Figure 32E shows that the canopy bow 412 can include an elastic cord 414 that passes through the canopy bow 412 and holds together different sections of the canopy bow 412. As shown, the elastic cord 414 may be terminated by a knot, which can be accessed by a caregiver through an opening 434 on the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0221] As described above, the canopy cover assembly 400a may include a hub 450a, which connects the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 together, forming a structure that covers the internal space 102 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the canopy bows 412 may be connected to the hub 450a before consumer purchase (for example, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be assembled at the factory) or by a caregiver when the canopy cover assembly 400a is first installed on the playpen 1000a. In other words, the canopy bows 412 may remain connected to the hub 450a for subsequent installation of the canopy cover assembly 400a, requiring only the caregiver to connect each canopy clip 420a to the corresponding leg tube 112 for setup.

[0222] In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 can be rigidly connected to the hub 450a (i.e., the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 cannot translate and / or rotate relative to the hub 450a). Thus, the canopy bow 412 of the canopy support assembly 410 can be bent to facilitate the attachment of each canopy clip 420a to the frame 100a. In some implementations, the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 can be rotatably connected to the hub 450a, so that the canopy support assembly 410 can be folded into a more compact structure for storage while remaining connected to the hub 450a. For example, Figures 34A and 34B show that the hub 450a can include a base 451 with multiple openings 452 for receiving the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412. The openings 452 can be partially aligned according to the relative locations of the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a in the extended configuration. For example, the hub 450a may have six openings 452, which are uniformly distributed around the periphery of the base 451 and aligned with the six leg support assemblies 110a, which may be arranged to form a hexagonal internal space 102.

[0223] When the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 is inserted into the opening 452, a pin 454 connected to the second end 413b may be held in a corresponding slot 453 formed in the base 451, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connector. This allows the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 to rotate relative to the base 451 via the rotation of the pin 454 in the slot 453 around the axis of rotation 460, as shown in Figure 34B. In some implementations, the pin 454 may be integrally formed in the canopy bow 412. In some implementations, the pin 454 may be a separate component inserted through an opening along the side of the canopy bow 412 near the second end 413b.

[0224] The base 451 may further include a lip 457 to restrict the range of rotational movement of the canopy bow 412 relative to the hub 450a. For example, Figure 34B shows that the lip 457 may be disposed along the bottom side of the base 451, which would cause the canopy bow 412 to bend when the canopy clip 420a, attached to the first end 413a of the canopy bow 412, is positioned below the hub 450a. However, the canopy support assembly 410 may be allowed to rotate so that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 is inserted through the opening 452 from the upper side of the base 451 (i.e., the canopy clip 420a is positioned above the hub 450a). Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be folded for storage and / or transport separately from or together with the playard 1000a.

[0225] Figures 35A and 35B show a playard 1000a with a frame 100a and soft goods 300, and another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400b with a canopy cover 440 mounted on top of the playard 1000a. In this example, the canopy cover assembly 400b is capable of covering half of the interior space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400b is a half canopy cover).

[0226] Figures 36A to 36E, to reiterate, show that the canopy cover assembly 400b may include multiple canopy support assemblies 410, which are connected to the frame 100a and provide a support structure that defines the desired shape of the canopy cover 440 when mounted on the canopy support assemblies 410. However, compared to the canopy cover assembly 400a, the canopy support assembly 410 of the canopy cover assembly 400b may include a canopy bow 412, which is directly connected to two canopy clips 420b mounted on different leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a, instead of a central hub. For example, Figures 36A and 36C show that a canopy cover assembly 400b may include two canopy support assemblies 410, and the canopy bows 412 of each canopy support assembly 410 are connected to two non-adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. The canopy bows 412 may overlap and / or cross each other, as shown in Figure 36C.

[0227] In this example, the canopy bow 412 may include multiple bow sections 416 connected together via a connector 415. The connector 415 may be a tubular component that accepts the respective ends of two bow sections 416. In some implementations, each bow section 416 may be connected to the connector 415 via fasteners and / or integrated snap fingers inserted through corresponding openings on the connector 415.

[0228] The canopy clip 420b may incorporate some of the same features as the canopy clip 420a described above. For example, Figures 36D and 36E show that the canopy clip 420b may include a base 422 with a snap-fit ​​feature 424, a canopy bow opening 426 for receiving one end of the canopy bow 412, a mounting hole 432 for securely connecting the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420b, an opening 434 for accessing the elastic cord inside the canopy bow 412, and a hook 428 for securing the tether 442 of the canopy cover 440 to the canopy clip 420. Compared to the canopy clip 420a, the canopy bow opening 426 of the canopy clip 420b can be tilted so that the portion of the canopy bow 412 connected to the canopy clip 420b is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the leg tube 112 of the leg support assembly 110a, ensuring that the canopy bow 412 extends above the central portion of the internal space 102, as shown in Figure 36C.

[0229] Figures 37A–37C show another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400c in which the canopy cover 440 is not connected to the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. The canopy cover assembly 400c, like the canopy cover assembly 400b, can also cover half of the internal space 102. However, the canopy support assembly 410 of the canopy cover assembly 400c can be joined together by the hub 450b in the canopy cover assembly 400a. As shown, the canopy support assembly 410 can include the canopy bow 412 and canopy clip 420a described above. In this example, the canopy support assembly 410 can be connected to a sufficient leg support assembly 110a to cover half of the internal space 102, as shown in Figure 37C.

[0230] Figures 38A and 38B reiterate that the hub 450b may include a base 451 with an opening 452 for receiving the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412. As shown, the opening 452 may be formed as a socket, which rigidly connects the second ends 413b to the hub 450a, so that the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 are constrained to the hub 450b in the translational and rotational directions. In some implementations, the second ends 413b may be connected to the hub 450b via fasteners and / or snap-fit ​​connections.

[0231] Figures 39A and 39B show another hub 450c for the canopy cover assembly 400c, which allows the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 to rotate relative to the base 451, so that the canopy cover assembly 400c can be folded. The hub 450c can incorporate some of the same features as the hub 450a described above. For example, the base 451 may include a slot 453 for receiving a pin 454 fitted into the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412. The slot 453 and pin 454 can allow the canopy bow 412 to rotate around the axis 460. The base 451 may further include a lip 457, which is located on the bottom side of the base 451 and restricts the rotational movement of the canopy bow 412.

[0232] Figures 40A and 40B show yet another hub 450d for canopy cover assembly 400c. As shown, the hub 450d may include a base 451 with an opening 456 extending along a curved side of the base 451. The opening 456 may be shaped to receive the second ends 413b of a plurality of canopy bows 412, as shown in Figure 40A. The base 451 further includes holes 455 in the upper and bottom sides of the base 451, allowing the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 to be connected to the base 451. In some implementations, pins (not shown) may be inserted through the opening 455 and corresponding openings (not shown) on the canopy bows 412, allowing the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 to rotate around an axis 461, as shown in Figure 40A. This allows the canopy cover assembly 400c to be folded by rotating each of the canopy bows 412 toward one side of the hub 450d around the corresponding axis 461, so that the canopy bows 412 are approximately parallel to or parallel to each other. In some implementations, fasteners can instead be inserted through openings 455 to rigidly connect each canopy bow 412 to the hub 450d (i.e., the second ends 413b of the canopy bows 412 do not rotate relative to the base 451).

[0233] Bassinet accessories

[0234] A foldable playard can also include a bassinet accessory and provide a raised surface for supporting a child in the first few months of life (e.g., an infant, a child weighing less than 15 pounds). When the child outgrows the bassinet accessory, it can be removed, and the internal space of the foldable playard can be used to accommodate the child, as described above. In this way, a foldable playard can be reconfigured by the caregiver and adapted to the child's physical development, thus extending the lifespan of the playard. When the bassinet accessory is mounted on top of the playard, the playard can be considered to be in "bassinet mode". When the bassinet accessory is removed from the playard, the playard can be considered to be in "playard mode".

[0235] Figures 41A and 41B show a playard 1000b with an exemplary bassinet accessory 500a in an extended and unfolded configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a may be positioned within the upper portion of a partially enclosed space 301 defined by the soft goods 300. The bassinet accessory 500a may define a separate, relatively small partially enclosed space 501, which is positioned within the partially enclosed space 301 and accommodates a child in the extended configuration. The bassinet accessory 500a may generally include a support structure 520 that physically defines the partially enclosed space 501. Furthermore, the support structure 520 can facilitate the folding and unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500a together with the frame 100b and soft goods 300, thus simplifying the setup and dismantling of the playard 1000b (i.e., the caregiver is not required to remove the bassinet support structure to fold the playard or to install the support structure each time the playard is deployed).

[0236] The support structure 520 may include bassinet soft goods 522 having side surfaces 524 and a bottom surface 526 that physically enclose at least a portion of the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 may further include a hub 550 and a number of support tubes 540, which together form a foldable structure. The hub 550 may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., via injection molding). The support tubes 540 may be formed from a variety of rigid materials (including, but not limited to, aluminum and steel). In the extended configuration, the hub 550 and support tubes 540 provide a rigid platform for supporting the mattress 510 (see, for example, Figure 43). The mattress 510 may then provide a cushioned surface 511 positioned above the ground surface 90 to support the child.

[0237] It should also be recognized that the bassinet accessories disclosed herein may be mounted on different playpens (for example, playpens having different frame shapes than those shown in Figures 41A and 41B). For example, referring again to Figure 23A, the bassinet accessory 500a may also be mounted on the foldable playpen 1000c in the same manner as playpen 1000b.

[0238] The bassinet accessory 500a may be sized and / or shaped so that the partially enclosed space 501 extends laterally to the boundary of the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300 (and, in some cases, to the boundary of the internal space 102 of the frame 100b when the soft goods 300 are arranged along the boundary of the internal space 102). For example, Figures 41A and 41B show that the bassinet soft goods 522 can extend to the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300. However, it should be recognized that in other configurations, the bassinet accessory 500a may be shaped and / or sized so that a gap is formed between the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300 and the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, referring again to Figure 23A, this figure shows that a gap is formed between the side portion 306 and the bassinet soft goods 522 due to the curved shape of the leg support assembly 110c.

[0239] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a can define a partially enclosed space 501 having a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the partially enclosed space 301 (and, in some implementations, the internal space 102). For example, Figures 41A and 41B show that the partially enclosed space 501 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape that extends to the side portion 306 of the soft goods 300. In some implementations, the lateral dimensions of the partially enclosed space 501 can remain constant (or substantially constant, since the bassinet soft goods 522 can be deformed by the soft goods 300), and the three-dimensional volume of the partially enclosed space 501 is shaped as a right-angled prism.

[0240] Furthermore, Figures 41A and 41B show that the bassinet soft goods 522 can be connected to the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 such that the bassinet soft goods 522 hangs below the upper portion 302. As a result, the bassinet accessory 500a can be positioned below the upper side of the playard 1000b. For simplicity, the partially enclosed space 501 can include the space between the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 and the upper side of the playard 1000b (for example, the upper horizontal plane 92). The presence of the bassinet accessory 500a makes it possible to further divide the partially enclosed space 301 so that the bottom portion 301a of the partially enclosed space 301 is formed below the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0241] The bassinet accessory 500a can provide a relatively shallow, partially enclosed space 501 to improve accessibility. This can allow the bassinet accessory 500a to reduce the physical burden experienced by caregivers. This is because caregivers do not have to bend over as much when placing a child directly into (or removing from) the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300. In addition, the shallow bassinet accessory 500a can also provide greater visibility of the child, among other things, when caregivers are looking at the playard 1000b from a raised position (for example, when looking at the top of the playard 1000b).

[0242] The bassinet accessory 500a, in its extended configuration as shown in Figure 41B, has a height h defined as the distance from each bottom corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522 to the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b. t,1 It can be characterized by the height h. t,1 This corresponds to the height of the partially enclosed space 501. In some implementations, the height ht,1 The height can range from 7.5 inches to approximately 12 inches. In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a also has a height h defined as the distance from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b. m It can be characterized by the following: When the mattress 510 is not compressed (for example, when a child is not resting on the mattress 510), the height h m It can be in the range of 7.5 inches to approximately 10 inches. Also, the height h of the bottom portion 301a is defined as the distance from the ground surface 90 to the bottom surface 526. b It can be characterized by the following: In some implementations, the height h b It can be approximately 18 inches or larger.

[0243] The term "approximately" refers to the height dimension h t,1 h b , and h m When used to describe the dimensions, these terms are intended to cover manufacturing tolerances and / or variations resulting from deformation of the soft goods 300 and / or bassinet soft goods 522. For example, “approximately 12 inches” could correspond to a height between 11.75 inches and 12.25 inches, or in the range between 11.5 inches and 12.5 inches. In another example, “approximately 10 inches” could correspond to a height between 9.75 inches and 10.25 inches, or in the range between 9.5 inches and 10.5 inches. In yet another example, “approximately 18 inches” could correspond to a height between 17.75 inches and 18.25 inches, or in the range between 17.5 inches and 18.5 inches.

[0244] In some implementation configurations, the height h of the bassinet accessory 500a t,1 , and / or the height h of the bottom portion 301a bIt is possible that the configuration remains substantially unchanged between the folded and extended configurations. For example, the support tube 540 and hub 550 may only cause the bassinet accessory 500a to fold along the lateral direction when the bassinet accessory 500a is folded together with the playard 1000b (i.e., height h t,1 (While remaining substantially unchanged, the lateral dimensions of the partially enclosed space 501 are reduced). Furthermore, the leg support assembly 110a can remain upright between the folded and extended configurations as described above, and thus the height h b It is possible for this to remain virtually unchanged.

[0245] In another example, when extended, frame 100b can flare outward in a trumpet shape, which can improve the mechanical stability of, for example, the playard 1000b. Alternatively, a playard frame 100c with curved legs, as shown in the side view of Figure 41C, can be equipped with bassinet accessories, as shown in Figure 23E. In Figure 41C, the bassinet soft goods are not shown in order to clarify the relative positions of the hub 550 and support tubes 540 when viewed from the side in the extended configuration. Although the bassinet soft goods are not explicitly shown in Figure 41C, the figure nevertheless shows that each bottom corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods will be positioned at the respective distal ends of the support tubes 540. Figure 41C shows the overall height H1 of frame 100c, as well as the respective heights h as discussed above. t,1 and h b It also indicates this.

[0246] Additionally, it should be recognized that when the playard 1000b is folded, the bassinet accessories 500a (and, among other things, the bassinet soft goods 522) may be folded and / or wrinkled. These factors affect the height h of the bassinet accessories 500a between the folded and extended configurations. t,1 and / or height h of bottom portion 301a b This could contribute to small changes in height h in an elongated configuration. t,1 The height h in the folded configuration. t,2 It is possible to change to (see, for example, Figure 52). However, the height h t,1 and h b The variation can be small enough that the support tube 540 and hub 550 remain located near or within the internal space 102 of the player 1000b. In other words, the length and height h of the support tube 540, for example, as described below. t,1 and h b The dimensional relationship between the height and the height is h t,1 and h b It is possible to remain virtually unaffected by fluctuations in height h. t,1 and h b It may increase or decrease by less than 1 inch.

[0247] In several implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a can meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F2194). Thus, the combination of the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a can together meet ASTM F406 and ASTM F2194 as described above. For example, the bassinet accessory 500a (and, among other things, the hub 550 and support tube 540) can provide a sufficiently flat platform on which the mattress 510 rests, such that the angle between neighboring segments 512 of the mattress 510 is less than 7 degrees. Additionally, the bassinet accessory 500a can be made without openings having diameters ranging from 0.210 inches to 0.375 inches, thus preventing fingers from being caught. The bassinet accessory 500a can further be made without components subject to scissor or shearing motion. The bassinet accessory 500a (and by extension, the playard 1000b) is capable of supporting a static load of 54 pounds or three times the manufacturer's recommended weight (whichever is greater) for at least 60 seconds. The bassinet accessory 500a may be sized and / or shaped so that any gap between the edge of the mattress 510 and the side surface 524 of the bassinet soft goods 522 is less than 0.5 inches. Additionally, the height h from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top side 92 of the playard 1000b m It can be 7.5 inches or larger.

[0248] Figures 42A and 42B show that the mattress 510 can be removed from the bassinet accessory 500a and / or the playard 1000b for use in both bassinet mode and playard mode of the foldable playard 1000b. Specifically, Figure 42A shows the playard 1000b in bassinet mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is mounted on top of the playard 1000b), with the mattress 510 positioned on top of the hub 550 and support tube 540. Figure 42B shows the playard 1000b in playard mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is removed from the playard 1000b), with the mattress 510 positioned on top of the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 (for example, the mattress 510 is on the ground). The mattress 510 can be a foldable component, which, when extended, provides a flat, cushioned surface 511 for children to play and / or sleep on, and when folded, provides a compact structure for storage along with the other components of the playard 1000b.

[0249] In some implementations, the mattress 510 can be a segmented mattress comprising multiple panels 512, the multiple panels 512 folding relative to one another along corresponding folds formed between adjacent panels 512. For example, Figures 42A and 42B show that the mattress 510 can include four panels 512, with one panel 512 folded for demonstration purposes. In addition to providing a flat, cushioned surface 511 for supporting a child, the mattress 510 can also be wrapped around the frame 100b, soft goods 300, and support structure 520 when the playard 1000b is folded for storage (see, for example, Figure 45A). In some implementations, the mattress 510 may include one or more straps 514, which are positioned on the bottom side opposite the cushioned surface 511, to securely connect the opposing panels 512 of the mattress 510 together, restrain the frame 100b, and thus maintain the playard 1000b in a folded configuration. The mattress 510 may further include handles 516 for a caregiver to carry the playard 1000b together with the bassinet accessories 500a.

[0250] Figure 43 shows the bassinet accessory 500a with the mattress 510 removed, thus exposing the hub 550, support tube 540, and the rest of the bassinet soft goods 522. The side surfaces 524 and bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may be formed from a flexible material (including, but not limited to, fabric, mesh, and plastic). In some implementations, at least a portion of the side surface 524 may be transparent and / or see-through. Furthermore, the transparent and / or see-through portion of the bassinet soft goods 522 may overlap with the transparent and / or see-through portion of the soft goods 300, effectively providing the caregiver with one or more windows to monitor their child in the partially enclosed space 501.

[0251] In some implementations, the upper portion of the side surface 524 may be formed from a fabric material to attach the bassinet accessory 500a to the soft goods 300, while the bottom portion of the side surface 524 may be formed from a transparent and / or see-through material. With respect to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 does not have to include an opening large enough for a user to insert their hand through and into the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. In other words, the bassinet soft goods 522 in the bassinet accessory 500a can prevent a user from accessing the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. However, it should be recognized that in other implementations, the bottom surface 526 may include a partial opening to facilitate folding the bassinet accessory and playard together (see, for example, bassinet accessory 500b).

[0252] The bassinet accessory 500a can generally be attached to the soft goods 300 (or directly to the frame 100b) via a connecting mechanism, which allows the bassinet accessory 500a to be easily removed from the playard 1000b, for example, when the child outgrows the bassinet accessory 500a. The bassinet accessory 500a can generally be attached to the soft goods 300 and / or frame 100b in several ways (including, but not limited to, zipper mechanisms and straps) (for example, one strap attached to the bassinet accessory 500a can extend over a portion of the soft goods 300 covering a corner 130 and can clip onto a corresponding strap attached to the frame 100b via a buckle).

[0253] For example, Figure 44A shows that the bassinet accessory 500a can be connected to the soft goods 300 via a zipper mechanism 527. As shown, the upper edge of the side surface 524 can support a zipper handle 528 which connects to one set of zipper teeth 529 and another set of zipper teeth 340 located on the inner bottom edge of the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300. Thus, the bassinet accessory 500a can be suspended from the inner side of the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 via the bassinet soft goods 522. In other words, the zipper mechanism 527 can be located in a partially enclosed space 501 along the bassinet soft goods 522 and the inner side of the upper portion 302, so that the zipper mechanism 527 is not visible from the outside of the playard 1000b.

[0254] Figure 43 shows the bassinet soft goods 522 and the height h of the bassinet accessory 500a. t,1 A height h smaller than sgThis indicates that it is possible to have the above. However, it should be recognized that in other implementations, the bassinet soft goods 522 can extend over the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 and can be connected to the soft goods 300 and / or frame 100b along the outside of the player 1000b. With respect to these implementations, the height h sg The height h of the bassinet accessory 500a t,1 It is approximately equal to, or possible to be equal to.

[0255] A caregiver can align and attach the zipper teeth 340 and 529 via the zipper handle 528 to install the bassinet accessory 500a on the playard 1000b. Additionally, a caregiver can easily remove the bassinet accessory 500a from the playard 1000b by pulling the zipper handle 528 to release the zipper teeth 340 and 529. Once the bassinet accessory 500a is removed from the playard 1000b, it can be folded and stored separately, as shown in Figure 44B.

[0256] The zipper mechanism 527 generally extends over at least a portion of the side surface 524, enabling a secure connection of the bassinet accessory 500a to the soft goods 300. In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a and the soft goods 300 may include multiple zipper mechanisms 527, each extending over a different portion of the side surface 524, so that collectively the multiple zipper mechanisms 527 extend over the entire upper edge of the side surface 524. The zipper mechanism 527 generally reduces, or in some cases eliminates, unwanted openings formed between the side surface 524 and the upper portion 302.

[0257] As described above, the support tubes 540 and hubs 550 can form a foldable structure, which is generally positioned on the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522, facilitating the folding and / or unfolding of the bassinet accessories 500a together with the frame 100b. As shown in Figure 43, the hubs 550 may be positioned in or near the center of the bottom surface 526, and the support tubes 540 may extend radially from the hubs 550 to the respective corner portions 537 of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In other words, the support tubes 540 may be positioned along diagonal segments of the bottom surface 526 (i.e., line segments connecting corner portions of the bottom surface 526 that do not share the same edge).

[0258] To facilitate folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 500a, each support tube 540 may be rotatably connected to a hub 550. In particular, each support tube 540 may have a first end 542a rotatably connected to the hub 550 and a second end 542b opposite the first end 542a, which is located at one corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522. Additionally, the support tubes 540 and / or the hub 550 may be directly connected to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more mounting mechanisms so that the bassinet soft goods 522 moves with the support tubes 540 and / or the hub 550 when folding and / or extending the bassinet accessory 500a. The mounting mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, straps, screw fasteners, webbing tabs, and fabric tunnels.

[0259] In some implementations, the mounting mechanism is located at or near the opposing ends 542a and 542b of each support tube 540, ensuring that the central and side portions of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 fold together with the support tube 540 and hub 550. For example, Figure 43 shows that the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may include a strap 530, which forms a fabric tunnel through which the support tube 540 is inserted. The strap 530 may be located near the first end 542a of the support tube 540 and may be sewn directly onto the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, the support tube 540 may have a length L t It is possible to have, and the strap 530 has a length L t The end 542a of the support tube 540 may be offset by a distance of less than 50%. In some implementations, the strap 530 may be positioned close enough to the hub 550 so that at least a portion of the strap 530 is in physical contact with the hub 550. Figure 44B further shows that the second end 542b of each support tube 540 may be fastened directly to the bassinet soft goods 522 via a screw fastener 534a, the screw fastener 534a being inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening 532 in the corner portion 537.

[0260] In the extended configuration, the support tube 540 and hub 550 provide a flat platform for supporting the mattress 510, as shown in Figure 43, where the support tube 540 is oriented substantially horizontally or horizontally along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tube 540 rotates relative to the hub 550 so that the support tube 540 is oriented substantially vertically or vertically. With respect to the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub 550 moves upward when the bassinet accessory 500a is extended and, conversely, moves downward when the bassinet accessory 500a is folded.

[0261] In some implementations, the end 542b of each support tube 540 can remain stationary or substantially stationary relative to the ground 90 (for example, the bassinet soft goods 522 can deform, causing the end 542b and / or corner portion 537 to change slightly, as described above). In other words, even when the end 542b is displaced laterally as the bassinet accessories 500a are folded and extended, the end 542b of each support tube remains at a height h from the ground 90. b It is possible for it to remain in place. Therefore, when the hub 550 is displaced vertically, the support tubes 540 can rotate relative to the hub 550, and the ends 542b of each support tube 540 act as pivot points that are constrained to move only laterally (for example, pin joints disposed within a slider joint).

[0262] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a and the playard 1000b may be shaped and / or dimensional such that the hub 550 and support tube 540 remain substantially or entirely within the internal space 102 in both the folded and extended configurations. In other words, the bassinet accessory 500a does not increase the overall size of the foldable playard 1000b. This is because the height h of the bottom portion 301a that separates the bottom surface 526 from the ground 90 in the extended configuration. b The length L of each support tube 540 is approximately equal to or less than the length L of the support tube 540. t This can be achieved by adjusting the following: Each end 542b of the support tube 540 is at the same height or similar height h from the ground 90. b Therefore, when the support tube 540 rotates from a horizontal orientation corresponding to the extended configuration to a vertical orientation corresponding to the folded configuration, the support tube 540 does not extend beyond the foot portion 114 of the frame 100b. In some implementations, the height h b The length L of the support tube 540 is t It is possible to make it considerably larger, and in the folded configuration, the hub 550 is also completely housed within the internal space 102.

[0263] The support tube 540 and hub 550 of the bassinet accessory 500a are located in a relatively shallower height within the partially enclosed space 501, h t,1 Partially due to (that is, a larger height h for the bottom portion 301a relative to a given height H of the player 1000b) bIt should be recognized that, as a result, it is possible to remain within the internal space 102 of the playard 1000b. As a result, the support tube 540 can be formed from a single rigid component, which simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the bassinet accessory 500a. However, it should be recognized that in other implementations, the length of the support tube can be varied between a folded configuration and an extended configuration, ensuring that the bassinet accessory remains substantially confined within the internal space 102 of the playard 1000b (see, for example, the telescopic support tube 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b).

[0264] Figures 45A to 45C show a series of diagrams illustrating the process of extending the foldable playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500a. Specifically, Figure 45A shows the foldable playard 1000b in its folded configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a is completely housed within the internal space 102 of the playard 1000b and is therefore not visible in Figure 45A. Furthermore, Figure 45A shows that the mattress 510 can be wrapped around the frame 100b, allowing the playard 1000b to be maintained in its folded configuration.

[0265] To extend the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500a, the mattress 510 is first removed from the frame 100b. The caregiver can then pull the slider 120 toward the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a, thereby at least partially extending the frame 100b. In some implementations, the caregiver can pull the slider 120 until the latch mechanism 200a engages, thus locking the frame 100b in the extended configuration. Since the bassinet soft goods 522 are connected to the soft goods 300, the bassinet accessory 500a can also be at least partially extended in response to the extension of the frame 100b. However, the weight of the support tubes 540 and hubs 550 (i.e., gravity) may cause the bassinet accessory 500a to sag downwards, even when the frame 100b is locked in the extended configuration.

[0266] To prevent the support tube 540 and hub 550 from sagging downward, the hub 550 may include a hub latch 570 with a release handle 576, which, when locked, prevents the support tube 540 from rotating relative to the hub 550. Alternatively, while the bassinet accessory 500a is being extended, the hub latch 570 may be in an unlocked state, allowing a caregiver to pull the hub latch 570 and rotate the support tube 540. As shown in Figures 45B and 45C, the support tube 540 may rotate toward a horizontal orientation corresponding to the extended configuration when the hub latch 570 is pulled upward (see A in Figure 45C). When the bassinet accessory 500a is extended, the hub latch 570 is rotated (see B in Figure 45C), making it possible to change the hub latch 570 from an unlocked state to a locked state, and thus making it possible to maintain the support tube 540 and hub 550 in the desired extended configuration. The hub 550 further includes an integrated mechanical stop 554, which prevents the hub 550 from moving further upward when the hub 550 and support tube 540 are in the extended configuration. This ensures that the caregiver cannot move the hub 550 beyond the desired extended configuration.

[0267] Additionally, conventional playards typically include a bottom support structure that folds together with the frame. When extending the playard, the caregiver must bend over, reach through the opening in the bassinet soft goods, and push down the bottom support structure to ensure it extends properly. In contrast, the playard 1000b does not need to include a separate bottom support structure as described above. This means that when extending the bassinet accessory 500a with the playard 1000b, the caregiver does not need to bend over and reach down towards the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300. Rather, the caregiver can pull the hub latch 570, which is already positioned above the ground 90 when the bassinet accessory 500a is partially extended in response to the extension of the frame 100b. Thus, the caregiver can experience less physical strain when extending the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0268] To fold the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500a, the caregiver can release the hub latch 570 (and latch mechanism 200a), push down the hub 550, and / or move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a downward toward the corresponding foot 114. Thus, unlike conventional bassinet accessories (for example, the support tube assembly 64 in bassinet accessory 60), the bassinet accessories 500a can be extended and folded without assembling and disassembling any part of the bassinet accessories 500a.

[0269] Figures 46A and 46B show several diagrams of the hub 550 and hub latch 570 in a locked state. Figures 47A and 47B show several diagrams of the hub 550 and hub latch 570 in an unlocked state. As shown, the hub 550 may include a base 551 with channels 552 for receiving each support tube 540. The hub 550 may further include a pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 for each channel 552, where each pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 is positioned on the opposing sides of the corresponding channel 552 and on the bottom side of the hub 550. The snap-fit ​​hooks 555 are shaped to receive a pin 544 connected to the support tube 540 in order to facilitate the rotation of the support tube 540. Thus, each pair of snap-fit ​​hooks 555 defines a rotation axis 556, and the support tube 540 rotates around the rotation axis 556 relative to the hub 550.

[0270] The channel 552 can extend from the edge of the base 551 to the end 567 located near the center of the base 551. The channel 552 has a length L corresponding to the distance between the edge of the base 551 and the end 567. c It is possible to have the following: As shown, the channel 552 may have a notched opening on the upper side of the base 551, which extends from the edge of the base 551 and terminates before reaching the end 567. The bottom side of the channel 552 may have a mechanical stop 554 disposed on the edge of the base 551 (for example, a section of the hub 550 extending across the channel 552 around the support tube 540) and an opening 553 extending from the mechanical stop 554 to the end 567 of the channel 552.

[0271] Features of the channel 552 (e.g., notched openings, mechanical stops 554, openings 553) can be shaped, dimensional, and positioned to restrict the rotational movement of the support tube 540. In particular, when folding or extending the bassinet accessory 500a, the channel 552 can allow the support tube 540 to rotate only between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. For example, a notched opening allows the support tube 540 to rotate so that when folding the bassinet accessory 500a, the end 542b can be positioned above the hub 550. In another example, the mechanical stop 554 can be shaped to physically contact the support tube 540 when the support tube 540 is oriented horizontally. Thus, the mechanical stop 554 can restrict the rotation of the support tube 540 so that when extending the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub 550 cannot move beyond the desired extended configuration.

[0272] As described above, the hub 550 may further include a hub latch 570. When the hub latch 570 is locked, the combination of the hub 550 and the hub latch 570 prevents the support tube 540 from moving relative to the hub 550, and therefore prevents the hub 550 from moving relative to the playard 1000b. In this way, the hub latch 570 locks the bassinet accessory 500a in the extended configuration.

[0273] The hub latch 570 may be rotatably connected to the base 551 via a roll rivet 566 located in the center of the base 551. As shown in Figure 46A, the hub latch 570 may include a base 572 located within a central opening 558 of the base 551. The hub latch 570 may include a release handle 576 for a caregiver to grasp and pull when extending the bassinet accessory 500a. The hub 550 may further include a plurality of hooks 560, which are located on the bottom sides of the base 551 and around the base 572 of the hub latch 570, providing additional mechanical support to the hub latch 570. In particular, the hooks 560 may impose mechanical constraints that limit the hub latch 570 to rotational movement only around the roll rivet 566.

[0274] To lock the support tubes 540, the hub latch 570 may include arms 574 for each support tube 540, extending radially from the base 572. Figure 46B shows that, in the locked state, each arm 574 may be positioned over the opening 553 of the corresponding channel 552. Thus, the combination of arms 574 and mechanical stops 554 may be effective for clamping to restrict and prevent the movement of the support tubes 540 relative to the hub 550. Figures 47A and 47B show that when the hub latch 570 is rotated to the unlocked state, the arms 574 no longer cover the opening 553 of the respective channel 552, which allows the support tubes 540 to rotate relative to the hub 550 toward a folded configuration.

[0275] In some implementations, the hub 550 may further include a spring element 565 (e.g., a torsion spring) that generates a spring biasing force to rotate the hub latch 570 toward a locked position. To ensure that the hub latch 570 does not move beyond the locked position (e.g., the arm 574 moves beyond the opening 553), the hub 550 may include a mechanical stop 562 for the arm 574 to lean against (e.g., a rib protruding downward from the base 551). The mechanical stop 562 is positioned on the base 551 such that the arm 574 is positioned over the corresponding opening 553.

[0276] Figure 48 shows another exemplary bassinet accessory 500b connected to the playard 1000b. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500b may include a support structure 520 that defines a partially enclosed space 501 for accommodating a child in an extended configuration. The support structure 520 may include bassinet soft goods 522 with side surfaces 524 and a bottom surface 526 that surround at least a portion of the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 may further include a hub 550 and support tubes 540, which form a foldable structure to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500b. In the extended configuration, the support tubes 540 and hubs 550 may form a flat platform for supporting a mattress (not shown).

[0277] Furthermore, it should be recognized that the bassinet accessory 500b can be installed on top of other playgrounds. For example, Figure 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b can be installed on top of the playground 1000c described above.

[0278] The bassinet soft goods 522, support tube 540, and hub 550 of bassinet accessory 500b can incorporate similar features to those described above with respect to bassinet accessory 500a. For brevity, these features will not be repeated below. Additionally, the shape and dimensions (height h) of bassinet accessory 500b are described below. t,1 h b , and h m The dimensions of the bassinet accessory 500b (including the bassinet accessory 500a) may be similar to or the same as those described above. The bassinet accessory 500b may also meet various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F2194) as described above in relation to the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0279] Figure 48 shows that the hub 550 may be positioned in or near the center of the bottom surface 526, and the support tube 540 may extend radially from the hub 550 to each corner portion 537 of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522, similar to the bassinet accessory 500a. The support tube 540 may be rotatably (e.g., pivotably) connected to the hub 550 to facilitate folding and extending the bassinet accessory 500b. Alternatively, the support tube 540 may be directly connected to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more mounting mechanisms, so that the bassinet soft goods 522 moves with the support tube 540 and the hub 550 when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded and extended. It should be recognized that in other configurations, the bassinet soft goods 522 may be connected to the hub 550.

[0280] In this example, the hub 550 moves upward when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded and downward when the bassinet accessory 500b is extended. The benefit of this approach is that the bassinet accessory 500b can maintain an extended configuration without a separate locking mechanism (e.g., a hub latch 570), and thus the hub 500 can be simplified. In the extended configuration, the support tube 540 and the hub 550 can again provide a flat platform for supporting the mattress 510, where the support tube 540 is oriented substantially horizontally or vertically along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tube 540 rotates (e.g., pivots) relative to the hub 550, so that the support tube 540 is oriented substantially vertically or vertically, and in the folded configuration, the end 542b of the support tube is positioned below the hub 550.

[0281] To reiterate, the hub 550 includes an integrated mechanical stop 554, which, when the support tube 540 is aligned horizontally, can prevent the hub 550 from moving beyond the extended configuration. However, compared to the bassinet accessory 500a, the weight of the hub 550 and / or support tube 540 does not cause the bassinet accessory 500b to extend. Rather, the weight of the hub 550, support tube 540, child, and / or mattress 510 causes the bassinet accessory 500b to extend and subsequently applies a force to maintain the bassinet accessory 500b in the extended configuration. Thus, the process of extending the bassinet accessory 500b can be simplified.

[0282] However, one challenge is that the bassinet accessory 500b can provide a relatively shallow, partially enclosed space 501. For example, in the folded configuration, the length L of the support tube 540t,1 The height of the bassinet accessory 500b is h t,1 It is longer than . Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the distal end 542b of each support tube 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b can remain stationary or substantially stationary relative to the ground 90. In other words, the distal end 542b of each support tube is displaced laterally when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded and extended, and the end 542b is displaced laterally from the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b to a height h t,1 It is possible to remain in this position. If the length of the support tube 540 remains constant (for example, if the support tube is formed from a single rigid component), the rotation of the support tube 540 from a horizontal orientation in the extended configuration to a vertical orientation in the folded configuration will cause the hub 550 and a portion of the support tube 540 to protrude above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the player 1000b in the folded configuration, thus increasing the overall size of the foldable player 1000b in the folded configuration.

[0283] In order to reduce the extent to which the bassinet accessory 500b protrudes above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration, the support tube 540 can be telescopic, and the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration t,1 However, the shorter length L in the folded configuration t,2 It is designed to change in this way. Therefore, in some implementations, the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration t,1 The height of the bassinet accessory 500b is h t,1 Larger than, on the other hand, the length L of the support tube 540 in the folded configuration. t,2 is, height t,1It is approximately equal to or less than . It should be recognized that in some implementations, the height of the bassinet accessory 500b can vary between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. For example, Figure 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b has a height h in the folded configuration. t,2 It is possible to have, for example, a height h in the extended configuration due to deformation of the bassinet soft goods 522. t,1 This indicates that it is different from the above. Regarding these implementation forms, the length L of the support tube 540 in the extended configuration. t,1 is, height h t,1 It remains larger than the length L of the support tube 540 in the folded configuration. t,2 is, height h t,2 It is approximately equal to or less than .

[0284] To extend the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver can remove the mattress 510 wrapped around the frame 100b, as previously described. The caregiver can then extend the frame 100b by moving the slider 120 toward the corner portion 130 of one leg support assembly 110a. Once the slider 120 is sufficiently actuated to engage with the latch mechanism 200a, the frame 100b is locked in the extended configuration. As previously described, extending the frame 100b can cause the bassinet accessory 500b to extend at least partially. In some implementations, the weight of the hub 550 and support tube 540 can be sufficient to ensure that the bassinet accessory 500b extends without external force applied by the caregiver. In some implementations, the caregiver can simply push down the hub 550 to extend the bassinet accessory 500b. In some implementations, the caregiver can place the mattress 510 on the hub 550, and the weight of the mattress 510 can ensure that the bassinet accessory 500b is in an extended configuration. Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bassinet accessory 500b can be extended without the caregiver having to reach down towards the floor portion 304, which can reduce the physical burden experienced by the caregiver when extending the bassinet accessory 500b.

[0285] Figures 49A to 49D show a series of diagrams illustrating the process of folding the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b. Figure 49A shows that the hub 550 can include a central opening 558 and the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 can include a central opening 536. To fold the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver can first release the latch mechanism 200a on the frame 100b. The caregiver can then reach their hand / arm through the central openings 558 and 536 to access the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. Figure 49B shows that the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 can include a strap 342. As the caregiver reaches their hand into the bottom portion 301a, they can pull the strap 342 upward along with the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300. Figure 49C shows that the caregiver can continue to pull the strap 342 through the central openings 536 and 558, which causes the floor portion 304 to come into contact with a portion of the bassinet soft goods 522 and / or hub 550. As the caregiver continues to pull the strap 342 further, the contact between the floor portion 304 and the bassinet soft goods 522 and / or hub 550 causes the hub 550 to move upward and the support tube 540 to rotate, causing the end 542b to move downward relative to the hub 550 (see arrow in Figure 49C). The caregiver can continue to pull the strap 342 until the playard 1000b and bassinet accessories 500b are folded, as shown in Figure 49D.

[0286] In some implementations, the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b can be folded without the caregiver needing to insert their hands / arms through the central openings 536 and 558. Instead, the caregiver can fold the playard 1000b and bassinet accessory 500b by pulling up the hub 550 and / or moving the slider 120 downward toward the foot section 114. Once the playard 1000b is folded, the caregiver can lay the playard 1000b on its side and push the floor section 304 into the internal space 102 before wrapping the mattress 510 around the frame 100b. In this way, the caregiver does not need to bend over and reach down to the floor section 304.

[0287] In some implementation configurations, the length L of the support tube 540 in the folded configuration t,2 The hub 550 can be adjusted so that it is completely contained within the internal space 102 (i.e., the hub 550 does not extend significantly beyond the upper horizontal plane 92). In some implementations, the length L of the support tube 540 t,2The hub 550 can be adjusted so that it protrudes above the upper horizontal plane 92, with its bottom side being coplanar with the upper horizontal plane 92. This configuration may be preferred when the external width of the hub 550 is greater than or equal to the width of the internal space 102 in the folded configuration. Under these conditions, if the hub 550 is positioned within the internal space 102, the lateral dimensions of the playard 1000b may increase, which may be undesirable. Therefore, by positioning the hub 550 directly above the playard 1000b, the lateral dimensions of the frame 100b in the folded configuration can be kept small without significantly increasing the height of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration (i.e., the lateral dimensions will be the same when the playard 1000b does not include the bassinet accessory 500b). In some implementations, the upper side of the hub 550 can extend above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the player 1000b by a distance of less than 1 inch.

[0288] Figures 50A–50C show several diagrams of the bassinet accessory 500b removed from the playard 1000b. As shown, the central opening 536 of the bassinet soft goods 522 can be aligned with the central opening 558 of the hub 550. In some implementations, the central opening 536 can have a width equal to or less than the external width of the hub 550. In other words, the central opening 536 may be accessible only from the central opening 558 and not from the sides of the hub 550. In other implementations, it should be recognized that the hub 550 and / or the bassinet soft goods 522 do not have to include the central openings 536 and 558, respectively. Instead, the caregiver can fold the bassinet accessory 500b by pulling the hub 550 as described above.

[0289] Figure 50A further shows that each support tube 540 may have a first support tube 546a connected to the hub 550 and a second support tube 546b telescopically connected to the first support tube 546a. As shown, the first support tube 546a may have a larger width (or diameter), and a portion of the second support tube 546b may be positioned within the first support tube 546a. However, it should be recognized that in other configurations, the first support tube 546a may have a smaller width than the second support tube 546b, and a portion of the first support tube 546a may be positioned within the second support tube 546b. The relative lengths of the first and second support tubes 546a and 546b may be such that the desired length L is reached in the extended configuration. t,1 It provides a desired length L in a folded configuration. t,2 It may be chosen to provide a length L. t,1 The end portion 542b may be selected to extend to the corner portion 537, with a length L t,2 As explained above, the height h t,1 (or, height h) t,2 It is possible that it is approximately equal to or less than ).

[0290] In some implementations, the support tube 540 may include a spring element (not shown) disposed within the first support tube 546a and providing a biasing force that extends the length of the support tube 540 (for example, the spring element may move the second support tube 546b away from the first support tube 546a). Additionally, one or both of the support tubes 546a and 546b may include a mechanical stop (not shown) that limits the extent to which the second support tube 546b extends from the first support tube 546a. Furthermore, the first support tube 546a and the second support tube 546b may overlap in an extended configuration. For example, Figure 51A shows an overlapping section 548. In some implementations, the overlapping section 548 can have a length of approximately 1.5 inches, ensuring that in the extended configuration, the support tube 540 has sufficient mechanical rigidity to support the bassinet accessory 500b.

[0291] Figures 51A and 51B further illustrate that each support tube 540 can be directly connected to the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 via a strap 530 equipped with a fastener 534b positioned near the end 542a of the first support tube 546a. As shown in Figure 51A, the strap 530 may include a fastener 534a for connecting the strap 530 to the first support tube 546a. The strap 530 can be further sewn directly into the bottom surface 526 to form a fabric tunnel that physically contacts the hub 550. Figure 51B further illustrates that the fastener 534a can connect the bassinet soft goods 522 to the end 542b of the second support tube 546b. As shown, the fastener 534a can be inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening (not shown) in or near the corner portion 537.

[0292] Similar to bassinet accessory 500a, bassinet accessory 500b may be attached to the upper portion 302 of the soft goods 300 via a plurality of zipper mechanisms 527. In this way, caregivers can easily remove bassinet accessory 500b from the playard 1000b for cleaning or storage. Figure 50C shows bassinet accessory 500b folded for storage. Again, the hub 550 may include a base 551 with a plurality of channels 552 for receiving support tubes 540. The channels 552 may provide support for pins 544 fitted to each support tube 540 to facilitate the rotation of the support tubes 540 relative to the hub 550. As shown in Figure 50C, the upper sides of the channels 552 may be covered by sections of the base 551 corresponding to mechanical stops 554, while the lower sides of the channels 552 may be exposed. Therefore, the support tube 540 is capable of rotating so that when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded, the end 542b of the support tube 540 is positioned below the hub 550. When the support tube 540 is oriented horizontally in the extended configuration, the mechanical stop 544 can physically contact the support tube 540 and thus prevent the hub 550 from moving beyond the extended configuration.

[0293] Figure 52 shows that the bassinet accessory 500b can be mounted on the playard 1000c in a similar manner to the playard 1000b. For clarity, the bassinet soft goods 522 are not shown. Instead, for reference, Figure 52 shows planes 538 corresponding to each bottom corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522. As shown, the hub 550 can be positioned above the upper horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000c, such that the bottom sides of the hub 550 are coplanar with the upper horizontal plane 92. As described above, this arrangement makes it possible to ensure that the frame 100c can be folded down to its minimum lateral dimension without significantly increasing the height of the playard 1000c due to the addition of the bassinet accessory 500b. Furthermore, Figure 52 shows the support tube 540 in its contracted state, where the second support tube 546b is almost completely contained within the first support tube 546a. conclusion

[0294] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are illustrative, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific use or application in which the teachings of the present invention are used. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented primarily as examples, and that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and claimed, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Embodiments of the present invention in this disclosure are directed toward each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein.

[0295] In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of each element of the exemplary implementation without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The use of numerical ranges does not preclude equivalents that fall outside the range, fulfilling the same function in the same manner to produce the same result.

[0296] Furthermore, various inventive concepts can be embodied in one or more methods, and at least one example thereof has been provided. In some cases, the actions performed as part of a method can be ordered in different ways. Thus, in some implementations of the invention, each action of a given method may be performed in an order different from that specifically illustrated, and this may include performing several actions simultaneously (even if such actions are shown as sequential actions in the exemplary embodiments).

[0297] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0298] All definitions as defined and used herein should be understood to govern dictionary definitions, definitions in literature incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0299] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein and in the claims should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

[0300] The phrase "and / or" as used herein and in the claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements thus combined (i.e., elements that exist conjunctively in some cases and disjunctly in others). Multiple elements enumerated by "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner (i.e., "one or more" of the elements thus combined). Other elements may optionally be present in addition to those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they relate to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-restrictive example, when used with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" may, in one embodiment, refer only to A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment to refer only to B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment to refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so on.

[0301] As used herein and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive (i.e., at least one (including two or more) of multiple elements or lists of elements, and optionally, additional unlisted items). Only terms that explicitly indicate the opposite (e.g., “only one of” or “exactly one of” or, as used in the claims, “consisting of”) will refer to including exactly one element of multiple elements or lists of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein, when preceded by terms of exclusivity (e.g., “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of”), should be interpreted only as indicating an exclusive binary choice (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”). "Consisting essentially of" shall, when used in the claims, have its ordinary meaning as it is used in the field of patent law.

[0302] As used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one” with respect to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically enumerated in the list of elements and all of the elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. Furthermore, this definition allows for the arbitrary existence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase “at least one,” whether or not they are related to those specifically identified elements. Therefore, as a non-restrictive example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B” or equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) can, in one embodiment, mean at least one A (optionally including two or more) and no B (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, mean at least one B (optionally including two or more) and no A (and optionally including elements other than A); and in yet another embodiment, mean at least one A (optionally including two or more) and at least one B (optionally including two or more) (and optionally including other elements), and so on.

[0303] In the claims and in the above specification, all transitional clauses (e.g., “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and “composed of”) should be understood as open-ended (i.e., “including but not limited to”). Only the transitional clauses “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be considered closed or semi-closed transitional clauses, respectively, as described in Chapter 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Examination Manual. [Additional note 1] A foldable playpen (1000b) having a compact, folded configuration for storage and an unfolded, extended configuration for setting up on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), wherein the foldable playpen is A frame (100b) defining an internal space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded and extended configuration, wherein the frame is - A plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upward from the ground surface when the frame is in the extended configuration, wherein each of the plurality of leg support assemblies is disposed on a corresponding side edge (104) of the internal space and is connected to another of the plurality of leg support assemblies separated by a single side (106) only via a folding mechanism (140a, 140b) A frame (100b) equipped with, A soft goods (300) connected to multiple leg support assemblies, A bassinet accessory (500b) is connected to the soft goods, disposed within the internal space, and supports the child at a raised position above the ground surface. Equipped with, A foldable playd (1000b), wherein the frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessories are folded together when the foldable playd is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and are extended together when the foldable playd is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional note 2] The aforementioned bassinet accessory is A support structure (520), wherein the support structure (520) is - A bassinet soft goods (522) having multiple side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), - A plurality of support tubes (540), wherein the plurality of support tubes (540) are arranged along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the deployed and extended configuration, and support the mattress (510), A support structure (520) comprising A foldable playpen as described in Appendix 1, equipped with the following features. [Additional note 3] The bassinet accessory further comprises the mattress (510), which, in the unfolded and extended configuration, is arranged on a plurality of the support tubes, and supports the child, as described in Appendix 2 of the foldable playard. [Additional note 4] The foldable playd according to Appendix 3, wherein the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511), the upper surface (511) being offset from the upper side (92) of the foldable playd by a distance ranging from 7.5 inches to about 10 inches. [Additional note 5] Each bottom corner portion (537) of the bassinet soft goods is, in the unfolded and extended configuration, from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the frame to a height (h t,1 The foldable playpen described in Appendix 2 is offset by only a certain amount, and the height ranges from 7.5 inches to approximately 12 inches. [Additional note 6] Each bottom corner portion (537) of the bassinet soft goods is, in the unfolded and extended configuration, from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the frame to a height (h t,1 ) is offset by only that much, Each of the multiple support tubes has a first length (L) greater than the height in the unfolded and extended configuration. t,1 ) has the first length (L t,1 ) in the compact folded configuration, a second length (L) is approximately equal to or smaller than the height. t,2 A foldable playpen as described in Appendix 2, which transforms into ). [Additional note 7] Each of the multiple support tubes includes an end (542a), The folding playroom according to Appendix 6, wherein when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the folding playroom such that the end is positioned above the upper horizontal plane of the folding playroom by a distance of about 1 inch or less, each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes is oriented vertically in the compact folded configuration. [Additional note 8] Each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes is The first support tube (546a) and A second support tube (546b) is connected to the first support tube in a telescopic manner, A foldable playpen as described in Appendix 6, comprising the features described therein. [Additional note 9] The bassinet accessory further comprises a hub (550), the hub (550) being positioned on the central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the extended configuration. Each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes is pivotably connected to the hub, in the foldable playpen as described in Appendix 8. [Additional Note 10] The collapsible playard according to Appendix 9, wherein when transitioning from the unfolded and extended configuration to the compact folded configuration, the hub moves upward away from the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional Note 11] The foldable playpen according to Appendix 10, wherein the hub is coplane with the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable playpen in the compact folded configuration. [Additional Note 12] The collapsible playard according to Appendix 9, wherein when transitioning from the extended and unfolded configuration to the compact folded configuration, the hub moves downward toward the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional Note 13] The foldable player according to Appendix 12, comprising a hub latch (570) for restricting the vertical downward movement of the hub when actuated, thereby maintaining the support structure in the deployed and extended configuration. [Additional Note 14] Each of the multiple leg support assemblies comprises an upper portion (108), and the upper portion of each of the multiple leg support assemblies defines the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable player. The collapsible playard according to Appendix 1, wherein the collapsible playard has a height (H) defined as the distance between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, and the height (H) remains substantially constant between the unfolded extended configuration and the compact folded configuration. [Additional Note 15] A foldable playpen (1000b) having a compact, folded configuration for storage and an unfolded, extended configuration for setting up in an upright position on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), wherein the foldable playpen is A frame (100b) defining an internal space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded and extended configuration, wherein the frame is - A plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) extending upward from the ground surface when the frame is in the extended configuration, wherein each of the plurality of leg support assemblies is *The bottom end (113b) supported by the ground surface, and *The upper portion (108) opposite the bottom end. A plurality of leg support assemblies (110a) are provided, - A plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies (140a) connected to a plurality of the leg support assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies is connected to the upper portion of each of the adjacent leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies when the frame is in the deployed and extended configuration, such that the plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies form an upper peripheral structure (109) of the frame that outlines the internal space of the foldable player, A frame (100b) equipped with, A soft goods (300) is connected to a plurality of the leg support assemblies and covers a plurality of the X-shaped frame assemblies, A bassinet accessory (500b) is connected to the soft goods, disposed within the internal space, and supports the child at a raised position above the ground surface. Equipped with, A foldable playd (1000b), wherein the frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessories are folded together when the foldable playd is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and are extended together when the foldable playd is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration. [Additional Note 16] The aforementioned bassinet accessory is A support structure (520), wherein the support structure (520) is - A bassinet soft goods (522) having multiple side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), - A plurality of support tubes (540), wherein the plurality of support tubes (540) are arranged along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the deployed and extended configuration, and support the mattress (510), A support structure (520) comprising A foldable playpen as described in Appendix 15, comprising the features described above. [Additional Note 17] The bassinet accessory further comprises the mattress (510), which, in the unfolded and extended configuration, is positioned on a plurality of the support tubes and supports the child, as described in Appendix 16 of the foldable playard. [Additional Note 18] The foldable playd according to Appendix 17, wherein the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511), the upper surface (511) being offset from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable playd by a distance ranging from 7.5 inches to about 10 inches. [Additional Note 19] The bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods is such that, in the unfolded and extended configuration, the height (h) is from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the frame. t,1 The foldable playpen described in Appendix 16 is offset by only a certain amount, and the height ranges from 7.5 inches to approximately 12 inches. [Additional Note 20] The aforementioned bassinet accessory is - Hub (550), wherein the hub (550) is positioned on the central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the deployed and extended configuration. Furthermore, Each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes is rotatably connected to the hub, in the foldable playpen as described in Appendix 16. [Additional Note 21] Each of the multiple leg support assemblies comprises an upper portion (108), and the upper portion of each of the multiple leg support assemblies defines the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable player. The collapsible playard according to Appendix 15, wherein the collapsible playard has a height (H) defined as the distance between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, and the height (H) remains substantially constant between the unfolded extended configuration and the compact folded configuration. [Additional Note 22] A foldable playpen (1000b), wherein the foldable playpen (1000b) defines an internal space (102) when the foldable playpen is in an extended configuration, and the foldable playpen, A frame (100b), wherein the frame (100b) is - A plurality of leg support assemblies (110a), each leg support assembly is *A leg tube (112) is disposed along the side edge (104) of the internal space, and the leg tube has an upper end (113a) disposed at the upper apex (105) of the internal space, *The corner portion (130) connected to the upper end of the leg tube, and *A slider (120) wherein, when the foldable playard is in the extended configuration, the slider is slidably connected to the leg tube so as to be positioned close to the corner portion. It is equipped with multiple leg support assemblies (110a) and - A plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies (140a, 140b) positioned on each side (106) of the internal space between adjacent leg support assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies forms an upper rail between adjacent leg support assemblies, A frame (100b) equipped with, A soft goods (300) is connected to a plurality of the leg support assemblies and covers a plurality of the X-shaped frame assemblies, A bassinet accessory (500b), wherein the bassinet accessory (500b) is connected to the soft goods, is disposed within the internal space, supports a child at an elevated position above the ground surface, and the bassinet accessory is - a bassinet soft goods (522) having a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), wherein the bottom surface is offset by a height (h t,1 ) from an upper side portion (92) of the foldable play yard in the deployed and extended configuration, and the height is in the range between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches, the bassinet soft goods (522); - a plurality of support tubes (540) disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods; comprising a bassinet accessory (500b); comprising The sliders in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical. The corner portions in the plurality of leg support assemblies are identical. A foldable play yard (1000b) in which each pair of leg support assemblies is connected together via only at least one X-shaped frame assembly of the plurality of X-shaped frame assemblies. [Appendix 23] A bassinet accessory (500b) for a foldable play yard (1000b), wherein the foldable play yard has a compact folded configuration for storage and a deployed and extended configuration for installation in an upright position on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), the foldable play yard defines an upper horizontal plane (92), has a play yard height (H) between the ground surface and the upper horizontal plane, and the bassinet accessory is a support structure (520), wherein the support structure (520) is - A bassinet soft item (522) having multiple side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), ​​wherein the bottom surface has multiple corner portions (537), and the multiple corner portions (537) are such that when the bassinet accessory is installed on the foldable playard, *The first height (h) between each of the multiple corner portions in the unfolded and extended configuration and the upper horizontal plane of the foldable player. t,1 ), and, *In the compact folded configuration, the second height (h) between each of the multiple corner portions and the upper horizontal plane of the foldable player. t,2 ) The bassinet soft goods (522) define the definition, - A plurality of support tubes (540) arranged along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes has a first length (L) greater than the first height in the unfolded and extended configuration. t,1 ) has the first length (L t,1 ) in the compact folded configuration, the second length (L) is approximately equal to or less than the second height. t,2 Multiple support tubes (540) that change into ) A support structure (520) comprising A bassinet accessory (500b) equipped with [features / features]. [Additional note 24] The bassinet accessory further comprises a mattress (510), the mattress (510) being positioned on a plurality of support tubes to support the child when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is in the unfolded extended configuration, as described in Appendix 23. [Additional note 25] The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 24, wherein, when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard, the mattress (510) has an upper surface (511) that is offset from the upper horizontal plane (92) of the foldable playard by a distance ranging from 7.5 inches to about 10 inches in the unfolded and extended configuration. [Additional note 26] The bassinet accessory described in Appendix 23, wherein the first height is equal to the second height. [Additional note 27] The aforementioned first height is in the range of 7.5 inches to approximately 12 inches, as specified in Appendix 23 for the bassinet accessory. [Additional note 28] Each of the multiple support tubes includes an end (542a), The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 23, wherein when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard and when the foldable playard is in the compact folded configuration, the ends of each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes are positioned above the upper horizontal plane of the foldable playard by a distance of about 1 inch or less. [Additional note 29] The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 23, wherein the plurality of side surfaces support a portion of a zipper mechanism (527) for attaching the bassinet accessory to the foldable playard when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard. [Additional note 30] The aforementioned support structure is - A hub (550), wherein the hub (550) is positioned close to the central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods and is pivotably connected to each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes. Furthermore, The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 23, wherein each of the multiple support tubes extends from the hub to a corresponding corner portion of the multiple corner portions of the bassinet soft goods. [Additional note 31] The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 30, wherein when the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard, and when the foldable playard is in the compact folded configuration, the bottom surface of the hub is coplanar with the upper horizontal plane of the foldable playard. [Additional note 32] Each of the support tubes of the plurality of support tubes is A first support tube (546a) is pivotably connected to the hub, A second support tube (546b) is connected to the first support tube in a telescopic manner, A bassinet accessory as described in Appendix 30, comprising the features described therein. [Additional note 33] The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 30, wherein the hub comprises a plurality of mechanical stops (554) for facilitating the deployment of the bassinet accessory from the compact folded configuration to the extended configuration when mounted on the foldable playard. [Additional note 34] When the bassinet accessory is mounted on the foldable playard, and when the foldable playard transitions from the compact folded configuration to the unfolded and extended configuration, the hub moves downward toward the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub. The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 33, wherein, when the bassinet accessory is in the deployed and extended configuration, the plurality of mechanical stops prevent the hub from moving further downward and the plurality of support tubes from rotating further relative to the hub, respectively. [Additional note 35] The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 33, wherein the support structure is maintained in the extended configuration based on the weight of at least one of the hub, the support tube, or the child. [Additional note 36] Each of the multiple support tubes has a proximal end (542a) pivotably connected to the hub and a distal end (542b) located at one of the corner portions of the multiple corner portions. The bassinet accessory according to Appendix 30, wherein each of the multiple support tubes is directly connected to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods via a first mounting mechanism (530) located near the proximal end and a second mounting mechanism (534a) located near the distal end, such that the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods and the multiple support tubes move together as the multiple support tubes rotate relative to the hub. [Additional note 37] The b...

Claims

1. A bassinet accessory (500b) for a foldable playard (1000b), wherein the foldable playard has a compact folded configuration for storage and an unfolded and extended configuration for setting up on a ground surface (90) to accommodate a child (50), the foldable playard has a frame (100b) defining an internal space (102) for accommodating the child when the foldable playard is in the unfolded and extended configuration, and the bassinet accessory is A support structure (520) is connectable to the frame (100b) and can be installed in the internal space, and supports the child at a raised position above the ground surface. A bassinet soft goods connected to the support structure, wherein the bassinet soft goods include a plurality of side surfaces (524) and a bottom surface (526), A plurality of support tubes (540) are arranged along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded and extended configuration, supporting the mattress (510), wherein each of the plurality of support tubes comprises a first support tube (546a) and a second support tube (546b) telescopically connected to the first support tube, and each of the plurality of support tubes includes a spring element, the spring element being positioned within the first support tube and in contact with the second support tube, and providing a biasing force that extends the length of the support tube, Equipped with, Bassinet accessory (500b), wherein the support structure and the bassinet soft goods are configured to fold together with the foldable playard when the foldable playard is transformed into the compact folded configuration, and to extend together with the foldable playard when the foldable playard is transformed into the unfolded extended configuration.

2. The bassinet accessory according to claim 1, wherein the mattress (510) is arranged on a plurality of support tubes in the unfolded and extended configuration.

3. The extended configuration of the foldable playd further comprises a hub (550) positioned on the central portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods, The bassinet accessory according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple support tubes is pivotably connected to the hub.

4. The bassinet accessory according to claim 3, wherein when transitioning the foldable playard from the unfolded and extended configuration to the compact folded configuration, the hub moves upward away from the ground surface, and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub.

5. The bassinet accessory according to claim 3, wherein each of the multiple support tubes extends radially from the hub to the corner of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods.

6. The bassinet accessory according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of support tubes is directly connected to the bassinet soft goods via one or more mounting mechanisms such that the bassinet soft goods move together with the plurality of support tubes and the hub when the bassinet soft goods are folded and extended.

7. The bassinet accessory according to claim 3, wherein the hub includes at least one mechanical stop configured to prevent the hub from moving beyond the extended configuration when the support tube is aligned substantially horizontally with respect to the ground surface.

8. The bassinet accessory according to claim 3, wherein the hub includes a first central opening, and the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods includes a second central opening, allowing the user to reach through the first and second central openings to facilitate transition to the compact folded configuration.

9. The bassinet accessory (500b) is connectable to and detachable from the foldable playard (1000b), as described in claim 1.

10. The bassinet accessory according to claim 9, wherein the bassinet accessory is connectable to the upper portion of the foldable playard via at least one zipper mechanism (527).

11. The bassinet accessory according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first support tube and the second support tube includes a mechanical stop, the mechanical stop being configured to limit the extent to which the second support tube extends from the first support tube.

12. The bassinet accessory according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple support tubes is connected to the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods via a strap or fastener.

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