Child support assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a child support assembly including a frame assembly and a soft goods assembly. The child support assembly may provide one or more additional modes, such as a bassinet mode or a mattress-only mode. The child support assembly can include a multi-purpose toy bar usable in the additional modes. The child support assembly has a bottom frame and a pivoting hub providing a low ground clearance.

Description

CHILD SUPPORT ASSEMBLYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 649,007 filed on May 17, 2024, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 613,030 filed on December 20, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,231 filed on November 17, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 580,866 filed on September 6, 2023, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a child support assembly, and more particularly relates a convertible child support assembly including a low-profile hub and an attachable toy bar.BACKGROUND

[0003] A playard is a type of framed enclosure that provides a safe and comfortable space for an infant or young child (hereinafter referred to as a “child”) to both sleep and play. A bassinet is a framed enclosure that generally is configured to provide a safe and comfortable space for a child, and support occupants while sleeping or laying down. Playards generally have a greater depth or higher sidewalls than bassinets. Playards and bassinets generally have a mattress providing a support surface for the child. Soft goods assemblies, such as fabric, mesh, or other material can be used to enclose an interior space in a bassinet or a playard. The soft goods assemblies can include sidewalls having some transparency such that caregivers can watch children inside of the bassinet or playard.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a child support assembly that is capable of converting between a bassinet mode and a playard mode, that is also foldable for storage and transport, and which is aesthetically pleasing and functional.SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect, a playard for a child is disclosed. The playard can include a frame assembly and a soft goods assembly connected to the frame assembly. The frame assembly can include a plurality of legs each extending from a supporting surface to a plurality of top rails of the frame assembly. A bottom X-frame of the frame assembly is disposed adjacent the supporting surface below the soft goods assembly and the bottom X-frame is connectable to the plurality of legs. The bottom X- frame can include a hub positioned at a central location below the soft goods assembly, and the hub can include a hub height in a vertical direction. A plurality of tubes can be rotationally coupled to the hub, and a release mechanism including a hub lock can be coupled to the hub. The hub lock is configured totransition between a locked state and an unlocked state to secure and release for rotation, respectively, the plurality of tubes, and the hub lock remains within the hub height in both the locked state and unlocked state.

[0006] According to another aspect, a child support assembly is disclosed. The child support assembly can include a frame assembly and a soft goods assembly connected to the frame assembly. A bassinet can be removably connected to at least one of the frame assembly and the soft goods assembly. The bassinet can include a mattress configured to fit within the bassinet, and the mattress is removeable from the bassinet. A toy bar is configured to selectively attach to either a top rail of the frame assembly or the mattress, and the toy bar is attachable to the mattress when the mattress is removed from the bassinet.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, a hub for a playard is disclosed. The hub can include a housing and a tube rotationally connected to the housing, the tube being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A lock can be connected to the housing and configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock prevents rotation of the tube relative to the housing, and in the unlocked position, the tube is free to rotate relative to the housing. The lock is biased toward the locked position when the tube is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. An actuator can be operatively connected to the lock, when the actuator is actuated the lock transitions from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock disengages from the tube.

[0008] According to another aspect, a hub for a playard is disclosed. The hub includes a housing and a pair of tubes rotationally connected to the housing. A pair of locks can be connected to the housing and configured to transition between locked positions and unlocked positions. In the locked positions, the locks prevent rotation of respective tubes relative to the housing, and in the unlocked positions, the tubes are free to rotate relative to the housing. An actuator can be connected to the housing and operatively connected to the pair of locks. Actuation of the actuator causes the pair of locks to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, a hub for a playard is disclosed. The hub can include a housing and a tube rotationally connected to the housing, the tube being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A lock can be connected to the housing and configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock prevents rotation of the tube relative to the housing, and in the unlocked position, the tube is free to rotate relative to the housing. An actuator can be directly connected to the lock. Actuation of the actuator causes the lock to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock disengages from the tube.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing Summary as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child support assembly of the present disclosure in a bassinet mode.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the child support assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the child support assembly of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the child support assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the child support assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the child support assembly of FIG. 1 taken along Section Line 6—6 in FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom X-frame for the child support assembly of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a hub of the bottom X-frame of FIG. 7 in a locked state, with certain components shown as transparent.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 8 in an unlocked and folded state, with certain components shown as transparent.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a magnified top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 8 in a locked state, with certain components shown as transparent.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a magnified top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 9 in the unlocked state, with certain components shown as transparent.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the hub of the bottom X-frame of FIG. 7 with certain internal components shown.

[0023] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a child support assembly in a bassinet mode with certain components omitted.

[0024] FIG. 13B is a magnified partial view of the assembly of Figure 13A.

[0025] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child support assembly in a playmat mode.

[0026] FIG. 14B is a magnified partial view of the assembly of Figure 14A.

[0027] FIG. 15A is a front elevation view of a toy bar for a child support assembly in a rail mode.

[0028] FIG. 15B is a magnified partial view of the toy bar of Figure 15A.

[0029] FIG. 16A is a front elevation view of a toy bar for another embodiment of a child support assembly in the playmat mode.

[0030] FIG. 16B is a magnified partial view of the toy bar of Figure 16A.

[0031] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the child support assembly.

[0032] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the bottom X-frame of the frame assembly of Figure17A.

[0033] FIG. 17C is a magnified front elevation view of a hub of the bottom X-frame of FIG. 17B.

[0034] FIG. 18A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the hub of FIG. 17C.

[0035] FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along Section Line 18B-18B in FIG. 18A.

[0036] FIG. 18C is a perspective view of an actuator of the hub of FIG. 18A.

[0037] FIG. 18D is a perspective view of a lock of the hub of FIG. 18A.

[0038] FIG. 18E is a perspective view of a tube connected to the hub of FIG. 18A.

[0039] FIG. 19A is a partially exploded view of the hub of FIG. 18A, illustrating the actuator of FIG. 18C removed.

[0040] FIG. 19B is another partially exploded view of the hub of FIG. 18A, illustrating the lock of FIG. 18D removed.

[0041] FIG. 19C is another partially exploded view of the hub of FIG. 18A, illustrating a cover plate removed.

[0042] FIG. 20A is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 18Afrom a first perspective.

[0043] FIG. 20B is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 18A from a second perspective.

[0044] FIG. 20C is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 18A from a third perspective.

[0045] FIG. 20D is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 18A from a fourth perspective.

[0046] FIG. 20E is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 18A from a fifth perspective, with the tubes in a folded configuration.

[0047] FIG. 21 A is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a hub according to the present disclosure, from a first perspective.

[0048] FIG. 21 B is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A from a second perspective.

[0049] FIG. 21C is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21A from a third perspective, with the tubes in a locked state.

[0050] FIG. 21 D is another partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A from the third perspective, with the tubes in an unlocked state and partially folded orientation.

[0051] FIG. 22A is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A in the locked state, from a first perspective.

[0052] FIG. 22B is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A in the unlocked state, from the first perspective.

[0053] FIG. 22C is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A in the locked state, from a second perspective.

[0054] FIG. 22D is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A in the unlocked state, from the second perspective.

[0055] FIG. 23A is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 21 A with certain components removed to clearly illustrate the lock.

[0056] FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the lock of the hub of FIG. 21 A.

[0057] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hub according to the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hub of FIG. 24A, with a housing of the hub shown transparent.

[0059] FIG. 24C is a magnified partial perspective view of a lock of the hub of FIG. 24ADETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from parts referenced in the drawings. “Axially” refers to a direction along the axis of a shaft (or shaft-like structure), or a direction along a rotation axis. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terms “about” and “approximately” are to be construed as within 10% of a stated value or ratio. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1-4, a child support assembly 10 is disclosed herein, which child support assembly 10 may also be referred to as a playard. Therefore, it is to be understood that the “child support assembly 10” and “playard 10” can be used interchangeably. The child support assembly 10 generally includes a frame assembly 12 and a soft goods assembly 14 that is connected to the frame assembly 12. The combined frame assembly 12 and softgoods assembly 14 (i.e., child support assembly10) are configured to define an interior space 16 for supporting a child therein. The term interior space 16 can generally refer to an enclosed perimeter within the soft goods assembly 14. An upper portion of the interior space 16 can be open or enclosed, for example by a canopy. A mattress (not shown in FIG. 1 , may be mattress 60 or another mattress) may be provided within the soft goods assembly 14 near a lower or bottom surface to provide a support surface for the child. In embodiments, the mattress may be removable.

[0062] The frame assembly 12 can include a plurality of legs 18 that each extend from a supporting surface (e.g. ground surface) to a plurality of top rails 20 of the frame assembly 12. The plurality of legs 18 can be constructed from a solid wood material, and the plurality of legs 18 can be configured to support the child support assembly 10 in a standing configuration. A lower foot 22 can be coupled to a lower or bottom distal end of each of the plurality of legs 18, positioned closest and contacting the supporting surface. An upper corner 24 can be coupled to an upper distal end of each of the plurality of legs 18, and the upper corners 24 are configured to couple to the plurality of top rails 20. Therefore, the upper corners 24 interconnect the plurality of legs 18 to the plurality of top rails 20. In some examples, as illustrated, the child support assembly 10 can include four of each of the plurality of legs 18, the plurality of top rails 20, the lower feet 22, and the upper corners 24.

[0063] The connection between each of the plurality of legs 18, the plurality of top rails 20, the lower feet 22, and the upper corners 24 creates the frame assembly 12, which frame assembly 12 can generally define a support frame or structure for supporting the soft goods assembly 14. A bassinet 26 can be positioned within and coupled to either the soft goods assembly 14 or the frame assembly 12. In some examples, the bassinet 26 can be coupled to the soft goods assembly 14 through a zipper connection between the bassinet 26 and the soft goods assembly 14, such that the bassinet 26 is vertically offset from a lower or bottom surface of the soft goods assembly 14. The bassinet 26 can include a bassinet upper panel 28 that wraps around the plurality of top rails 20 and the upper corners 24 to aid in securing the bassinet 26 as well as creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of legs 18 can be formed from solid wood (i.e., formed entirely or substantially from wood throughout the thickness and height). Further, each of the plurality of legs 18 can include a channel 30 that extends radially into the leg 18 from an outer circumference towards a central axis of the leg 18. Additionally, the channel 30 extends in a height direction from one distal end to the other distal end of the leg 18. The channel 30 within each of the plurality of legs 18 is configured to receive a portion of the soft goods assembly 14. Specifically, the soft goods assembly 14 can include a soft goods sheath 32 positioned at each corner of the soft goods assembly 14. The soft goods sheath 32 is sized and configured to receive a stiffener 34 within each of the soft goods sheaths 32, which stiffener 34 can be a plastic or metal rod, among otheroptions not specifically listed. As such, a stiffener 34 can be inserted into each of the soft goods sheaths 32 of the soft goods assembly 14, and then each of the plurality of legs 18 can be inserted onto and coupled to the soft goods sheaths 32 and stiffeners 34 through the channel 30 within each of the plurality of legs 18. Therefore, each of the plurality of legs 18 can be coupled to the soft goods assembly 14 through the soft goods sheaths 32 and stiffeners 34 connection.

[0065] As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 7, the frame assembly 12 can further include a bottom X- frame 36, and at least one outrigger 38 can be coupled to an underside of the lower surface of the soft goods assembly 14, adjacent the support surface. The outriggers 38 can be additional supports that are utilized to further stabilize the child support assembly 10 when in use. The bottom X-frame 36 can be disposed adjacent the supporting surface and below or on an underside of the soft goods assembly 14. The bottom X-frame 36 is connectable to each of the plurality of legs 18 through the lower feet 22, adding further support and stability to the frame assembly 12 and overall child support assembly 10. The bottom X-frame 36 includes a hub 40, a plurality of tubes 42, and a release mechanism 44.

[0066] The hub 40 is positioned at a central location below the soft goods assembly 14, with respect to both a widthwise and lengthwise direction. The hub 40 includes a height in a vertical direction, with respect to the orientation of the hub 40 when the child support assembly 10 is in the upright, in-use position (FIG. 4). Each of the plurality of tubes 42 are rotationally coupled to the hub 40, such as through a pin or other pivot connection. Further, each of the plurality of tubes 42 extend outwards away from the hub 40, forming an X-shaped configuration. The plurality of tubes 42 includes at least one locking tube 42A and at least one non-locking tube 42B. The at least one locking tube 42A is configured to be locked in an expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, by a hub lock 46, discussed further below.

[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 8-12, the bottom X-frame 36 further includes a release mechanism 44 including the hub lock 46, which hub lock 46 is positioned within and coupled to the hub 40. Specifically, the hub lock 46 is axially aligned with a central axis of the hub 40, and the hub lock 46 is positioned within a central cavity of the hub 40, such that the hub lock 46 is positioned fully within the hub 40 and the hub lock 46 does not protrude from the hub 40. The hub lock 46 is configured to rotate about a central axis of the hub lock 46 to transition between a locked state (FIGS. 8 and 10) and an unlocked state (FIGS. 9 and 11). The hub lock 46 includes a first wing 46A and a second wing 46B that each extend radially outward from the hub lock 46 at an angle relative to the central axis of the hub lock 46, and in some embodiments the first wing 46A and the second wing 46B extend substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the hub lock 46.

[0068] When the hub lock 46 is in the locked state, the first wing 46A and the second wing 46B are positioned over the ends of the locking tubes 42A, preventing rotation of the locking tubes 42A, which maintains the tubes 42 in an outwardly extending, expanded configuration. When the hub lock 46 isrotated about its central axis into the unlocked state, the first wing 46A and the second wing 46B are moved to allow rotation of the locking tubes 42 into the folded configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wing 46A and the second wing 46B are rotated into grooves within the hub 40, such that the first wing 46A and the second wing 46B are no longer positioned above or directly over the ends of the locking tubes 42A, to allow rotation of the locking tubes 42 into the folded configuration. As such, transitioning the hub lock 46 between the locked state and the unlocked state comprises the hub lock 46 rotating about a central axis of the hub lock 46, such that the wings 46A, 46B are positioned over or away from, respectively, the ends of the locking tubes 42A.

[0069] Referring still to FIGS. 8-12, the hub lock 46 is configured to transition between the locked state (FIGS. 8 and 10) and the unlocked state (FIGS. 9 and 11) to secure and release for rotation, respectively, the plurality of tubes 42. Further, the hub lock 46 remains within an envelope defined by the hub height HH in both the locked state and the unlocked state. More specifically, during rotation of the hub lock 46 from the locked state to the unlocked state (and vice versa), the hub lock 46 remains within and does not protrude above a top surface of the hub 40. The aforementioned configuration results in a low-profile, compact hub 40 design that allows the bottom surface of the soft goods assembly 14 to be closer to a ground or supporting surface, creating a more aesthetically pleasing child support assembly 10.

[0070] The release mechanism 44 further includes a pull tab 48 configured to transition the hub lock 46 from the locked state to the unlocked state, when a user pulls upwards on the pull tab 48 in a direction away from the hub 40. The pull tab 48 is coupled to a pull tab pin 50 that is positioned within and extends through sidewalls of the hub lock 46. In certain embodiments, the hub lock 46 includes a cam slot 52 on each side of the hub lock 46 that extends through the sidewalls of the hub lock 46 at a non-perpendicular and non-paral lei angle with respect to the central axis of the hub lock 46. The pull tab pin 50 is positioned within and extends through the cam slots 52 of the hub lock 46, and the pull tab pin 50 is configured to translate through the cam slot 52. Therefore, when a user pulls upwards on the pull tab 48, the pull tab pin 50 is pulled upwards and translates through the cam slot 52. Additionally, referring to FIG. 12, the hub 40 includes a slot 54 defined within a wall or surface on an underside of the hub 40. The slot 54 is oriented parallel to the central axis of the hub 40. When a user pulls upwards on the pull tab 48, the pull tab pin 50 is pulled upwards and translates vertically through the slot 54 of the hub 40, and the vertical translation causes the pull tab pin 50 to translate through the cam slot 52 of the hub lock 46, which causes the hub lock 46 to rotate about its central axis, based on the shape and orientation of the cam slot 52 in the hub lock 46.

[0071] In some embodiments, the release mechanism also includes a return spring 56 that engages the hub lock 46. The return spring 56 is configured to bias the hub lock into the locked state.The return spring 56 may be axially aligned with the hub lock 46 and positioned within a cavity or open space within the hub lock 46. The return spring 56 is positioned between an inner surface of the hub 40 and the hub lock 46, and the return spring 56 is configured to bias the hub lock 46 in a downward direction, into the locked state. As such, the hub lock 46 is biased into the locked state and a user can grasp and pull up on the pull tab 48 to release the hub lock 46 and allow the tubes to fold into the collapsed configuration.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 13A-16B, a toy bar 58 may be provided with the child support assembly 10. The toy bar 58 may be selectively attached to the child support assembly 10 at various locations and in various modes. More specifically, the toy bar 58 is configured to selectively attach to either the top rail 20 of the frame assembly 12 or the mattress 60 from the bassinet 26, when the mattress 60 is removed from the bassinet 26. Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, the toy bar 58 is shown clipped onto the top rail 20 via a clip 62. Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, the toy bar 58 is shown in various embodiments clipped onto the mattress 60 via the clip 62, for use in the playmat mode (also referred to as a toy gym or activity mat). Further, FIGS. 15A-15B show the clip 62 oriented generally downward for mounting to the top rail 20 of the child support assembly 10, for use in the bassinet mode or in the playard mode. FIGS. 16A-16B show the clip 62 pivoted inward to the arrangement of FIG. 14A, oriented generally inward for mounting to the mattress 60.

[0073] The toy bar 58 includes a toy bar stalk 64 with a clip 62 disposed at each distal end of the toy bar stalk 64. The clip 62 includes a main clip 66 and a pivoting clip 68, which pivoting clip 68 pivots relative to the main clip 66 about a pivoting clip pivot 72. The main clip 66 and the pivoting clip 68 are configured to couple to the top rail 20 or the mattress 60, to couple the toy bar 58 to the respective component. As shown best in FIG. 16B, the main clip 66 can pivot about a main clip pivot 70, such that the clip 62 is pivoted inwards to couple to the mattress 60. The toy bar stalk 64 includes a cam face 74 that pushes the pivoting clip 68 downward so that it can clamp onto the sides of the mattress 60. Once the clip 62 is rotated inward, it is ready to be attached to the mattress 60 to be used as a playmat. The toy bar 58 is a device or component in which toys can be hung from or attached to for the entertainment of the child. As discussed, the toy bar 58 can be attached to either the child support assembly 10 or the mattress 60, providing a multi-functional component.

[0074] FIGS. 17A-20E illustrate an additional embodiment of another playard applicable to the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 17A-20E illustrate a playard hub 40A having a low profile, low part count, low cost, simple, and robust assembly. The hub 40A generally maintains its position by way of an over center position. The hub 40A can include a lock 78 so that it stays in this position. For aesthetic reasons, it is advantageous to have a low profile (low height) hub 40A.

[0075] The hub 40A includes a housing 82 and a tube 42 rotationally connected to the housing 82, with the tube 42 being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The hub 40 also includes a lock 78 connected to the housing 82, the lock 78 being configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the lock 78 prevents rotation of the tube 42 relative to the housing 82. When in the unlocked position, the tube 42 is free to rotate relative to the housing 82. The lock 78 is biased toward the locked position when the tube 42 is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. Specifically, a biasing member 84 is connected between the lock 78 and the housing 82, with the biasing member 84 being configured to bias the lock 78 toward the locked position. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the biasing member 84 is directly connected to the lock 78. The biasing member 84 is configured to bias the lock 78 in an outward direction away from a center of the housing 82.

[0076] The hub 40A further includes an actuator 76 operatively connected to the lock 78. When the actuator 76 is actuated, the lock 78 transitions from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock 78 disengages from the tube 42. The actuator 76 defines a slot 77, with the slot 77 being sized to receive at least a portion of the lock 78 there within. Pull tabs 86 can be connected to the actuator 76, with the pull tabs 86 being positioned to be accessible by a user to actuate the actuator 76. In some examples, as illustrated, the actuator 76 is directly connected to the housing 82, and the actuator 76 translates linearly relative to the housing 82 during actuation. As such, a user can grasp the pull tabs 86 and pull up on the pull tabs 86 to cause the actuator 76 to translate vertically with respect to the housing 82. The vertical translation of the actuator 76 causes contact between the slot 77 of the actuator 76 and the lock 78, such that the lock 78 rotates or pivots about an axis of the lock 78 into the unlocked state.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, actuating the actuator 76 forces the lock 78 in an inward direction toward a center of the housing 82 such that the lock 78 disengages from the end portion of the tube 42. The tube 42 can include an end with a ramped surface 88, the ramped surface 88 being positioned to engage the lock 78 when transitioning between the locked position and the unlocked position. Specifically, the ramped surface 88 can be configured to force the lock 78 inwards when the tubes 42 are transitioned from the unlocked position to the locked position. Then when a user actuates the actuator 76, the lock 78 in forced inwards towards a center of the housing 82, when then disengages the ramped surface 88 of the tubes 42, allowing the tubes 42 to rotate or pivot into the folded configuration. As illustrated, the hub 40A can further include a cover plate 80 that is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the housing 82, with the cover plate 80 being configured to secure the lock 78 within the housing 82. Although the previous disclosure presents a single lock 78, it is to be understood that the hub 40A can include two or more locks 78 that are configured to secure two or more of the tubes 42 in the expanded configuration.

[0078] FIG. 21 A-23B show an embodiment of a hub 40B according to the present disclosure. The hub 40B is similar to the hub 40A, and as such, the disclosure regarding the hub 40A equally applies to the hub 40B, unless stated otherwise. The hub 40B includes a housing 82B and a pair of tubes 42 rotationally connected to the housing 82B. The hub 40B also includes a pair of locks 78B connected to the housing 82B and configured to transition between locked positions and unlocked positions. When in the locked positions, the locks 78B prevent rotation of respective tubes 42 relative to the housing 82B. When in the unlocked positions, the tubes 42 are free to rotate relative to the housing 82B. An actuator 76B of the hub 40B is connected to the housing 82B and operatively connected to the pair of locks 78B, such that actuation of the actuator 76B causes the pair of locks to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0079] The pair of locks 78B are rotationally connected to the housing 82B, and the actuator 76B is pivotally connected to the housing 82B at a pivot point 90B, which can be a pin or other similar component. A single pull strap 92B is coupled to an end of the actuator 76B, and the single pull strap 92B is configured to cause the actuator 76B to pivot about the pivot point 90B of the actuator 76B to engage both of the locks 78B. Therefore, actuation of the actuator 76B causes the actuator 76B to engage and force the pair of locks 78B in a downward direction away from the single pull strap 92B, causing the pair of locks 78B to rotate inward towards a center of the housing 82B to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position. As illustrated, the actuator 76B is positioned between the pair of locks 78B, and the actuator 76B engages both of the locks 78B to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0080] In some embodiments, the hub 40B further includes a biasing member 84B that is configured to bias the pair of locks 78B outward away from a center of the housing 82B toward the locked positions, such that the locks 78B engage and secure ends of the tubes 42. The pair of tubes 42 are configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and in both the expanded and collapsed configurations of the pair of tubes 42, the locks 78B are biased toward the locked position. As such, a user pulls upwards on the pull strap 92B to cause the actuator 76B to rotate about the pivot point 90B, when then causes an opposite end of the actuator 76B to contact the locks 78B, forcing the locks 78B to rotate about an axis downwards toward the cover plate 80B. The rotation of the locks 78B cause the locks 78B to disengage from the ends of the tubes 42, allowing the tubes to rotate into the collapsed configuration.

[0081] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hub 40C according to the present disclosure. FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hub 40C, with a housing 82C of the hub shown transparent. FIG. 24C is a magnified partial perspective view of a lock 78C of the 40C.The hub 40C is similar to the hubs 40A and 40B, and as such, the disclosure regarding the hubs 40A, 40B equally applies to the hub 40C, unless stated otherwise.

[0082] The hub 40C includes a housing 82C and a tube 42 rotationally connected to the housing 82C, with the tube 42 being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A lock 78C is connected to the housing 82C and configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the lock 78C prevents rotation of the tube 42 relative to the housing 82C, and in the unlocked position, the tube 42 is free to rotate relative to the housing 82C. An actuator 76C of the hub 40C is directly connected to the lock 78C, such that actuation of the actuator 76C causes the lock 78C to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock 78C disengages from the tube 42. In the hub 40C, the actuator 76C itself is a pull strap, and the pull strap is directly connected to the lock 78C.

[0083] Specifically, the pull strap is directly connected to an end extension of the lock 78C. As such, a user pulls upwards on the pull strap to cause the actuator 76C to force the lock 78C to rotate about a pivot point or axis that is connected to the housing 82C. The rotation of the lock 78C releases the end of the tube 42, allowing the tube 42 to rotate into a folded configuration. Similar to other embodiments, the lock 78C is biased toward the locked position when the tube 42 is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. Further, a biasing member 84C biases the lock 78C toward the locked position when the tube 42 is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. In some examples, the biasing member 84C is a spring. The hub 40C provides another solution for a low-profile hub of a child support assembly 10 that is configured to secure the tubes in an expanded configuration.

[0084] While a particular series of modes and configurations has been described for a child support assembly, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that additional modes are possible.

[0085] Having thus described the illustrated embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the disclosure, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the illustrated embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein.

[0086] The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A playard for a child, the playard comprising: a frame assembly and a soft goods assembly connected to the frame assembly; the frame assembly comprising: a plurality of legs each extending from a supporting surface to a plurality of top rails of the frame assembly; and a bottom X-frame disposed adjacent the supporting surface below the soft goods assembly and the bottom X-frame being connectable to the plurality of legs, the bottom X-frame comprising: a hub positioned at a central location below the soft goods assembly, the hub including a hub height in a vertical direction; a plurality of tubes rotationally coupled to the hub; and a release mechanism including a hub lock coupled to the hub; wherein the hub lock is configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state to secure and release for rotation, respectively, the plurality of tubes, and wherein the hub lock remains within the hub height in both the locked state and unlocked state.

2. The playard of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism further comprises a pull tab configured to transition the hub lock from the locked state to the unlocked state.

3. The playard of claim 2, wherein the release mechanism further comprises a pull tab pin coupled to an end of the pull tab, wherein actuation of the pull tab causes the pull tab pin to translate through a cam slot positioned within a sidewall of the hub lock.

4. The playard of claim 1 , wherein transition of the hub lock between the locked state and the unlocked state comprises the hub lock rotating about a central axis of the hub lock.

5. The playard of claim 4, wherein the central axis of the hub lock is axially aligned with a central axis of the hub.

6. The playard of claim 4, wherein the hub lock comprises a first wing and a second wing extending radially outward from the hub lock at an angle perpendicular to the central axis of the hub lock.

7. The playard of claim 6, wherein the hub lock being in the locked state comprises the first wing and the second wing preventing rotation of at least some of the plurality of tubes with respect to the hub.

8. The playard of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism further comprises a return spring that engages the hub lock, the return spring being configured to bias the hub lock into the locked state.

9. The playard of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of legs are formed from a wooden material, and each of the plurality of legs include a channel.

10. The playard of claim 9, wherein the channel of each of the plurality of legs is configured to receive a portion of the soft goods assembly.11 . The playard of claim 10, wherein a plurality of stiffeners are inserted into a plurality of soft goods sheaths of the soft goods assembly, which soft goods sheaths are configured to be positioned within the channel of each of the plurality of legs, such that the stiffeners secure the soft goods assembly to each of the plurality of legs.

12. A child support assembly comprising: a frame assembly and a soft goods assembly connected to the frame assembly; a bassinet removably connected to at least one of the frame assembly and the soft goods assembly, the bassinet including a mattress configured to fit within the bassinet, wherein the mattress is removeable from the bassinet; and a toy bar that is configured to selectively attach to either a top rail of the frame assembly or the mattress, wherein the toy bar is attachable to the mattress when the mattress is removed from the bassinet, and wherein the toy bar includes at least one clip that includes a main clip and a pivoting clip, with the pivoting clip being pivotable relative to the main clip about a pivoting clip pivot.

13. The child support assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one clip is configured to couple to the top rail of the frame assembly to secure the toy bar to the frame assembly.

14. The child support assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one clip comprises a clip disposed at each end of the toy bar.

15. The child support assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one clip is configured to couple to the mattress to secure the toy bar to the mattress.

16. The child support assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one clip is pivotable relative to a toy bar stalk of the toy bar.

17. The child support assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one clip comprises a clip disposed at each end of the toy bar.

18. A hub for a playard, the hub comprising: a housing; a tube rotationally connected to the housing, the tube being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; a lock connected to the housing and configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the lock prevents rotation of the tube relative to the housing, and in the unlocked position, the tube is free to rotate relative to the housing, wherein the lock is biased toward the locked position when the tube is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration; and an actuator operatively connected to the lock, wherein when the actuator is actuated the lock transitions from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock disengages from the tube.

19. The hub of claim 18, further comprising a biasing member connected between the lock and the housing, the biasing member being configured to bias the lock toward the locked position.

20. The hub of claim 19, wherein the biasing member is directly connected to the lock.

21. The hub of claim 19, wherein the biasing member biases the lock in an outward direction away from a center of the housing.

22. The hub of claim 18, wherein the actuator defines a slot, the slot being sized to receive at least a portion of the lock within.

23. The hub of claim 18, further comprising pull tabs connected to the actuator, the pull tabs being positioned to be accessible by a user to actuate the actuator.

24. The hub of claim 18, wherein the tube includes an end with a ramped surface, the ramped surface positioned to engage the lock when transitioning between the locked position and the unlocked position.

25. The hub of claim 18, wherein the actuator is directly connected to the housing.

26. The hub of claim 25, wherein the actuator translates linearly relative to the housing during actuation.

27. The hub of claim 18, wherein actuating the actuator forces the lock in an inward direction toward a center of the housing such that the lock disengages from the tube.

28. A hub for a playard, the hub comprising: a housing; a pair of tubes rotationally connected to the housing; a pair of locks connected to the housing and configured to transition between locked positions and unlocked positions, wherein in the locked positions, the locks prevent rotation of respective tubes relative to the housing, and in the unlocked positions, the tubes are free to rotate relative to the housing; and an actuator connected to the housing and operatively connected to the pair of locks, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the pair of locks to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

29. The hub of claim 28, wherein the pair of locks are rotationally connected to the housing.

30. The hub of claim 29, wherein the actuator is pivotally connected to the housing.31 . The hub of claim 28, wherein a biasing member biases the pair of locks outward away from a center of the housing toward the locked positions.

32. The hub of claim 28, wherein the pair of tubes are configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein in both the expanded and collapsed configurations of the pair of tubes, the locks are biased toward the locked position.

33. The hub of claim 28, wherein the actuator is positioned between the pair of locks, and wherein the actuator engages both of the locks to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

34. The hub of claim 28, wherein a single pull strap is coupled to an end of the actuator, the single pull strap being configured to cause the actuator to pivot about a pivot point of the actuator to engages both of the locks.

35. The hub of claim 34, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the actuator to engage and force the pair of locks in a downward direction away from the single pull strap, causing the pair of locks to rotate inward towards a center of the housing to simultaneously transition from the locked position to the unlocked position.

36. A hub for a playard, the hub comprising: a housing; a tube rotationally connected to the housing, the tube being configured to rotate between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; a lock connected to the housing and configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the lock prevents rotation of the tube relative to the housing, and in the unlocked position, the tube is free to rotate relative to the housing; and an actuator directly connected to the lock, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the lock to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position and the lock disengages from the tube.

37. The hub of claim 36, wherein the lock is biased toward the locked position when the tube is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration38. The hub of claim 37, wherein a biasing member biases the lock toward the locked position when the tube is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.

39. The hub of claim 38, wherein a biasing member biases the lock toward the locked position when the tube is in both the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.

40. The hub of claim 39, wherein the biasing member is a spring.41 . The hub of claim 36, wherein the actuator is a pull strap, and the pull strap is directly connected to the lock.

42. The hub of claim 41 , wherein the pull strap is directly connected to an end extension of the lock.

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