BASSINET ACCESSORY FOR A PLAYARD

Abstract

A bassinet accessory for a foldable playard, wherein 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. Thus, in the compact folded configuration, the bassinet hub is surrounded by and within the folded frame of the playard or flush with the top of the playard (so as not to appreciably extend beyond a top of the playard).

Claims

1. A foldable playard having a compact folded configuration for storage and a deployed unfolded configuration for placement on a ground surface to contain a child, the foldable playard comprising: a frame defining an interior space to contain the child when the foldable playard is in the deployed unfolded configuration, the frame comprising: a plurality of leg support assemblies extending upward from the ground surface when the frame is in the unfolded configuration, each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies being disposed at a corresponding side edge of the interior space and only coupled to another leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies that is separated by a single side face via a folding mechanism; soft goods coupled to the plurality of leg support assemblies; and a bassinet accessory, coupled to the soft goods and disposed within the interior space, to support the child at an elevated position above the ground surface, wherein the frame, the soft goods, and the bassinet accessory fold together when changing the foldable playard to the compact folded configuration and unfold together when changing the foldable playard to the deployed unfolded configuration.

2. The foldable playard of claim 1, wherein the bassinet accessory comprises: a support structure, comprising: bassinet soft goods having a plurality of side surfaces and a bottom surface; and a plurality of support tubes, disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the deployed unfolded configuration, to support a mattress.

3. The foldable playard of claim 2, wherein the bassinet accessory further comprises: the mattress, disposed on the plurality of support tubes in the deployed unfolded configuration, to support the child.

4. The foldable playard of claim 3, wherein the mattress has a top surface that is offset from a top side of the foldable playard by a distance ranging between 7.5 inches and about 10 inches.

5. The foldable playard of claim 2, wherein respective bottom corner portions of the bassinet soft goods are offset from a top horizontal plane of the frame by a height in the deployed unfolded configuration, the height ranging between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches.

6. The foldable playard of claim 2, wherein: respective bottom corner portions of the bassinet soft goods are offset from a top horizontal plane of the frame by a height in the deployed unfolded configuration; and each support tube of the plurality of support tubes has a first length greater than the height in the deployed unfolded configuration that changes to a second length that is approximately equal to or less than the height in the compact folded configuration.

7. The foldable playard of claim 6, wherein: each support tube of the plurality of support tubes includes an end; and when the bassinet is installed on the foldable playard, each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is oriented vertically in the compact folded configuration such that the end is located above the top horizontal plane of the foldable playard by a distance less than or equal to about 1 inch.

8. The foldable playard of claim 6, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes comprises: a first support tube; and a second support tube telescopically coupled to the first support tube.

9. The foldable playard of claim 8, wherein: the bassinet accessory further comprises a hub disposed on a center portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded configuration; and each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is pivotably coupled to the hub.

10. The foldable playard of claim 9, wherein the hub moves upwards away from the ground surface and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub when transitioning from the deployed unfolded configuration to the compact folded configuration.

11. The foldable playard of claim 10, wherein the hub is flush with the top horizontal plane of the foldable playard in the compact folded configuration.

12. The foldable playard of claim 9, wherein the hub moves downwards towards the ground surface and the plurality of support tubes rotate relative to the hub when transitioning from the deployed unfolded configuration to the compact folded configuration.

13. The foldable playard of claim 12, wherein the hub comprises a hub latch to constrain vertical downwards movement of the hub when actuated thereby maintaining the support structure in the deployed unfolded configuration.

14. The foldable playard of claim 1, wherein: each leg support assembly of the plurality of leg support assemblies comprises a top portion, the top portions of respective leg support assemblies of the plurality of leg support assemblies defining a top horizontal plane of the foldable playard; and the foldable playard has a height defined as a distance between the ground surface and the top horizontal plane that remains substantially constant between the deployed unfolded configuration and the compact folded configuration.

15.-66. (canceled)

67. A bassinet accessory for a foldable playard, the foldable playard having a compact folded configuration for storage and a deployed unfolded configuration for placement in an upright position on a ground surface to contain a child, the foldable playard having a frame that defines an interior space to contain the child when the playard is in the deployed unfolded configuration, the bassinet accessory comprising: a support structure couplable to the frame and disposable within the interior space, to support the child at an elevated position above the ground surface; and bassinet soft goods coupled to the support structure, wherein the support structure and the bassinet soft goods are configured to fold together with the foldable playard when changing the foldable playard to the compact folded configuration and unfold together when changing the foldable playard to the deployed unfolded configuration.

68. The bassinet accessory of claim 67, wherein the bassinet soft goods include a plurality of side surfaces and a bottom surface, the bassinet accessory further comprising: a plurality of support tubes, disposed along the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the deployed unfolded configuration, to support a mattress.

69. The bassinet accessory of claim 67, further comprising: the mattress disposed on the plurality of support tubes in the deployed unfolded configuration.

70. The bassinet accessory of claim 68, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes comprises a first support tube and a second support tube telescopically coupled to the first support tube.

71. The bassinet accessory of claim 70, further comprising: a hub disposed on a center portion of the bottom surface of the bassinet soft goods in the unfolded configuration of the foldable playard, wherein each support tube of the plurality of support tubes is pivotably coupled to the hub.

72. The bassinet accessory of claim 71, wherein the hub moves upwards away from the ground surface and the plurality of tubes rotate relative to the hub when transitioning from the deployed unfolded configuration of the foldable playard to the compact folded configuration of the foldable playard.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).

[0071] FIG. 1A shows a conventional outdoor playard with a pivot-only X-frame assembly and a canopy cover.

[0072] FIG. 1B shows another conventional outdoor playard with a pivot and slidable X-frame assembly.

[0073] FIG. 1C shows a conventional indoor playard.

[0074] FIG. 1D shows the indoor playard of FIG. 1C being folded for storage or transport.

[0075] FIG. 1E shows the assembly of a bassinet accessory for the indoor playard of FIG. 1C.

[0076] FIG. 1F shows a conventional outdoor playard with a canopy cover assembly where the canopy cover is pulled off the corner of the X-frame assembly by a child located within the playard.

[0077] FIG. 1G shows another conventional outdoor playard with a canopy cover assembly where the canopy cover is pulled inside the interior space of the playard by a child located within the playard.

[0078] FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary playard forming a hexagonal-shaped interior space. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0079] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0080] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0081] FIG. 2D shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A in a folded configuration.

[0082] FIG. 2E shows a front view of the playard of FIG. 2D.

[0083] FIG. 2F shows a top view of the playard of FIG. 2D.

[0084] FIG. 3A shows a top perspective view of a X-frame assembly in the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0085] FIG. 3B shows a top view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0086] FIG. 3C shows a top perspective view of a corner and a slider of a leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0087] FIG. 3D shows a bottom perspective view of the corner and the slider of FIG. 3C.

[0088] FIG. 3E shows a top perspective view of a leg tube and a foot in the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C.

[0089] FIG. 4A shows an exploded top perspective view of the X-frame assembly of FIG. 3A and the leg support assembly of FIG. 3C.

[0090] FIG. 4B shows a magnified top perspective view of the corner and the slider in the leg support assembly and the X-tubes in the X-frame assembly of FIG. 4A.

[0091] FIG. 4C shows a magnified top perspective view of the leg tube and the foot in the leg support assembly of FIG. 4A.

[0092] FIG. 5A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods.

[0093] FIG. 5B shows a magnified view of top portion of the soft goods of FIG. 5A disposed over the corner of the leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0094] FIG. 5C shows a magnified view of the top portion of FIG. 5B flipped upwards to show a tab and a snap-fit connector.

[0095] FIG. 6A shows a top perspective of a double-action latch mechanism in the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0096] FIG. 6B shows a top perspective of the double-action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A with the latch member removed.

[0097] FIG. 6C shows a magnified view of the latch member in the double-action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A.

[0098] FIG. 6D shows a magnified view of the latch boss in the double-action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A.

[0099] FIG. 6E shows an illustration for unlocking the double-action latch mechanism of FIG. 6A.

[0100] FIG. 7A shows a test being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A to evaluate the restraining force of the latch mechanism of FIG. 6A.

[0101] FIG. 7B shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 2A.

[0102] FIG. 8A shows a top perspective of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex lock latch mechanism with a latch opening. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0103] FIG. 8B shows a magnified view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8A.

[0104] FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8A with the soft goods removed and the flex lock latch mechanism in a locked configuration.

[0105] FIG. 8D shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 8C in an unlocked configuration.

[0106] FIG. 9A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex lock latch mechanism with a latch member having a snap-fit connector. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0107] FIG. 9B shows a magnified view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9A.

[0108] FIG. 9C shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 9A with the soft goods removed.

[0109] FIG. 9D shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9C in a locked configuration.

[0110] FIG. 9E shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9D in an unlocked configuration.

[0111] FIG. 9F shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 9E where the playard is partially folded after unlocking the flex lock latch mechanism.

[0112] FIG. 10 shows another flex lock latch mechanism with a latch member having a snap-fit connector where the latch member of the latch mechanism is coupled to a X-tube of an X-frame assembly.

[0113] FIG. 11A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with soft goods and a flex lock latch mechanism with a hook structure. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0114] FIG. 11B shows a magnified view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 11A.

[0115] FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 11A with the soft goods removed and the flex lock latch mechanism in a locked configuration.

[0116] FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of the flex lock latch mechanism of FIG. 11C in an unlocked configuration.

[0117] FIG. 12A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism mounted to a slider and a corner of a leg support assembly. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0118] FIG. 12B shows a magnified view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 12A.

[0119] FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism mounted to a pair of X-tubes in the X-frame assembly. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0120] FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 13A in a folded configuration.

[0121] FIG. 13C shows a perspective of the X-frame assembly with the latch mechanism of FIG. 13A.

[0122] FIG. 13D shows an exploded view of the X-frame assembly with the latch mechanism of FIG. 13C.

[0123] FIG. 13E shows a perspective view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13A in a locked configuration.

[0124] FIG. 13F shows a perspective view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13E in an unlocked configuration.

[0125] FIG. 13G shows a top view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13E.

[0126] FIG. 13H shows a top view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 13F.

[0127] FIG. 14A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism that includes a spring-loaded pin disposed at one end of a X-tube to engage with a leg tube. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0128] FIG. 14B shows a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14A in a locked configuration.

[0129] FIG. 14C shows a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14B in an unlocked configuration.

[0130] FIG. 14D shows a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 14C after the playard is folded.

[0131] FIG. 15A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with a latch mechanism that includes a snap-fit connector disposed at one end of a X-tube. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0132] FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 15A in a folded configuration.

[0133] FIG. 15C shows a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 15A in a locked configuration.

[0134] FIG. 15D shows a side view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 15A in an unlocked configuration and the playard in a folded configuration.

[0135] FIG. 16A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with the latch mechanisms of FIGS. 13A and 14A installed. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0136] FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 16A in a folded configuration.

[0137] FIG. 17A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary playard forming a rectangular-shaped interior space with soft goods. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0138] FIG. 17B shows another perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A.

[0139] FIG. 17C shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a folded configuration.

[0140] FIG. 17D shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A in a partially unfolded configuration.

[0141] FIG. 18A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A with the soft goods removed.

[0142] FIG. 18B shows a magnified view of a corner and a slider of a leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 18A.

[0143] FIG. 19A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17C with the soft goods removed.

[0144] FIG. 19B shows a magnified view of the slider and a foot in the leg support assembly of FIG. 19A.

[0145] FIG. 20A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods removed.

[0146] FIG. 20B shows a top, side perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A.

[0147] FIG. 20C shows a top, front perspective view of the playard of FIG. 20A.

[0148] FIG. 20D shows a magnified view of the corner in the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A.

[0149] FIG. 20E shows a magnified view of the slider in the leg support assembly of FIG. 20A.

[0150] FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17D with the soft goods partially removed from the leg support assembly.

[0151] FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of the foot of the leg support assembly attached to the soft goods of FIG. 21A.

[0152] FIG. 22 shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 17A.

[0153] FIG. 23A shows a top, front perspective view of another exemplary playard forming a rectangular, convex-shaped interior space with soft goods. The rectangular playard is also shown with the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A. The playard is in an unfolded configuration.

[0154] FIG. 23B shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0155] FIG. 23C shows a front view of the playard of FIG. 23B.

[0156] FIG. 23D shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23B where the soft goods are shown as being transparent.

[0157] FIG. 23E shows a front view of the playard of FIG. 23D.

[0158] FIG. 24 shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23B with the soft goods removed.

[0159] FIG. 25A shows an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly having a wheel in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0160] FIG. 25B shows an exploded perspective view of a leg assembly having a foot in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0161] FIG. 26A shows a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A in a partially unfolded configuration.

[0162] FIG. 26B shows a cross-sectional view of a slider of a leg support assembly in the playard corresponding to the plane A-A of FIG. 26A.

[0163] FIG. 27A shows a magnified view of the slider and a corner of the leg support assembly in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0164] FIG. 27B shows the soft goods attached to the corner of FIG. 27A.

[0165] FIG. 27C shows the soft goods removed from the corner of FIG. 27A.

[0166] FIG. 28A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 23A with a snap-fit latch mechanism disposed over the soft goods.

[0167] FIG. 28B shows a magnified view of the latch member of the latch mechanism of FIG. 28A.

[0168] FIG. 28C shows a perspective of a latch member in the latch mechanism of FIG. 28A.

[0169] FIG. 29A shows a top rail to corner post attachment test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0170] FIG. 29B shows a testing apparatus mounted to the double X-frame assembly in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0171] FIG. 29C shows the playard after conducting the test of FIG. 29A.

[0172] FIG. 29D shows the testing apparatus mounted to the double X-frame assembly in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0173] FIG. 30A shows a strength test being applied to the double X-frame assembly in the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0174] FIG. 30B shows the playard of FIG. 30A after the strength test.

[0175] FIG. 30C shows the playard of FIG. 30B with the soft goods partially removed from the X-frame assembly.

[0176] FIG. 31 shows a stability test being performed on the playard of FIG. 23A.

[0177] FIG. 32A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers the entire interior space of the playard. The canopy cover is not shown.

[0178] FIG. 32B shows a front view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A.

[0179] FIG. 32C shows a top view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A.

[0180] FIG. 32D shows a magnified view of a canopy clip of a canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A coupled to the leg support assembly of the playard.

[0181] FIG. 32E shows a magnified view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D.

[0182] FIG. 32F shows a perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D.

[0183] FIG. 33A shows a top view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D being pressed onto the leg tube.

[0184] FIG. 33B shows a perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 32D where one lead-in feature is hooked onto the leg tube first and the canopy clip is rotated such that the other lead-in feature contacts the leg tube.

[0185] FIG. 34A shows a top perspective view of a hub in the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 32A.

[0186] FIG. 34B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 34A.

[0187] FIG. 35A shows a top, front perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers half the interior space of the playard and does not include a hub.

[0188] FIG. 35B shows a top, side perspective view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 35A.

[0189] FIG. 36A shows a top perspective view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 35A with the canopy cover removed.

[0190] FIG. 36B shows a front view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A.

[0191] FIG. 36C shows a top view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A.

[0192] FIG. 36D shows a perspective view of the canopy clip of the canopy support assembly in the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 36A.

[0193] FIG. 36E shows another perspective view of the canopy clip of FIG. 36D.

[0194] FIG. 37A shows a top, front perspective view of the playard of FIG. 2A with an exemplary canopy cover assembly that covers half interior space of the playard and includes a hub.

[0195] FIG. 37B shows a front view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 37A.

[0196] FIG. 37C shows a top view of the playard and the canopy cover assembly of FIG. 37A.

[0197] FIG. 38A shows a top perspective view of the hub of FIG. 37A.

[0198] FIG. 38B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 38A.

[0199] FIG. 39A shows a top perspective view of another hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the hub.

[0200] FIG. 39B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 39A.

[0201] FIG. 40A shows a top perspective view of another hub that allows each canopy bow to pivot about a vertical axis relative to the hub.

[0202] FIG. 40B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub of FIG. 40A.

[0203] FIG. 41A shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A and an exemplary bassinet accessory installed on the playard with a hub that moves downwards when folding the playard and the bassinet accessory. The playard and the bassinet accessory are shown in an unfolded configuration.

[0204] FIG. 41B shows another top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A in the unfolded configuration.

[0205] FIG. 41C shows a front side view of the playard of FIG. 23A with the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A.

[0206] FIG. 42A shows a top perspective view of a mattress in the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A that is partially folded and disposed in a partially enclosed space of the bassinet accessory.

[0207] FIG. 42B shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 41A with the bassinet accessory removed and the mattress of FIG. 42A partially folded and disposed in a partially enclosed space defined by soft goods of the playard.

[0208] FIG. 43 shows a top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A without the mattress revealing a hub and multiple support tubes of the bassinet accessory. The playard and the bassinet accessory are shown in the unfolded configuration.

[0209] FIG. 44A shows a magnified view of bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory corresponding to Inset A of FIG. 41B where the bassinet soft goods are coupled to soft goods in the playard via a zipper mechanism.

[0210] FIG. 44B shows a top perspective view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 41A removed from the playard of FIG. 41A.

[0211] FIG. 45A shows a top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 43 where the playard and the bassinet accessory are in the folded configuration.

[0212] FIG. 45B shows a top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 43 where the playard and the bassinet accessory are partially unfolded and beginning to transition from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration. The playard and the bassinet accessory may also be viewed as being partially folded and approaching the folded configuration.

[0213] FIG. 45C shows a top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 43 where the playard and the bassinet accessory are partially unfolded and approaching the unfolded configuration. The playard and the bassinet accessory may also be viewed as being partially folded and beginning to transition to the folded configuration.

[0214] FIG. 46A shows a top perspective view of the hub with the hub latch and the support tubes of FIG. 43. The hub latch is shown in a locked state where rotational movement of the support tubes relative to the hub latch is constrained.

[0215] FIG. 46B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub, the hub latch, and the support tubes of FIG. 46A.

[0216] FIG. 47A shows a top perspective view of the hub with the hub latch and the support tubes of FIG. 43. The hub latch is shown in an unlocked state where rotational movement of the support tubes relative to the hub latch is permitted.

[0217] FIG. 47B shows a bottom perspective view of the hub, the hub latch, and the support tubes of FIG. 47A. Several support tubes are rotated to the folded configuration.

[0218] FIG. 48 shows a top perspective view of the playard of FIG. 17A and another exemplary bassinet accessory installed on the playard with a hub that moves upwards when folding the playard and the bassinet accessory. The playard and the bassinet accessory are shown in an unfolded configuration.

[0219] FIG. 49A shows a top perspective view of a user's hand reaching through respective openings of a hub and bassinet soft goods in the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 to access a bottom portion of playard disposed below the bassinet accessory.

[0220] FIG. 49B shows a side view of the user's hand grasping a strap disposed on a bottom portion of soft goods in the playard of FIG. 48 to initiate folding of the playard and the bassinet accessory.

[0221] FIG. 49C shows a top perspective view of the user pulling the strap of FIG. 49B up and through the respective openings of the hub and the bassinet soft goods to fold the playard and the bassinet accessory.

[0222] FIG. 49D shows a top perspective view of the playard and the bassinet accessory of FIG. 49C where the playard and the bassinet accessory are in a folded configuration.

[0223] FIG. 50A shows a top view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 in the unfolded configuration.

[0224] FIG. 50B shows a bottom view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A in the unfolded configuration.

[0225] FIG. 50C shows a side view of the bassinet accessory of FIG. 50A in the folded configuration.

[0226] FIG. 51A shows a top view of a telescoping support tube in the bassinet accessory of FIG. 48 coupled to the hub and the bassinet soft goods where the support tube is in an extended state in the unfolded configuration.

[0227] FIG. 51B shows a bottom view of the bassinet soft goods of FIG. 51A with the support tubes attached to the bassinet soft goods.

[0228] FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of the hub and the support tubes of FIG. 48 installed on the playard of FIG. 23A. The playard is shown in the folded configuration and the support tubes are in a contracted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0229] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, foldable playards that include; 1) a mechanically-sound rigid frame with a simpler construction compared to conventional playards that is easier to operate; 2) soft goods attached to the frame to provide a partially enclosed space for the child; optionally 3) a canopy cover assembly mounted to the frame to provide shade for the child; and optionally 4) a bassinet accessory coupled to the frame and/or the soft goods to provide an elevated surface to support the child. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in multiple ways. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations and alternatives apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0230] The figures and example implementations described below are not meant to limit the scope of the present implementations to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the disclosed example implementations may be partially or fully implemented using known components, in some instances only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present implementations are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the present implementations.

[0231] In the discussion below, various examples of inventive foldable playards are provided, wherein a given example or set of examples showcases one or more particular features of a frame, a X-frame assembly, a leg support assembly, a latch mechanism, soft goods, a canopy cover assembly, and a bassinet accessory. It should be appreciated that one or more features discussed in connection with a given example of a foldable playard may be employed in other examples of foldable playards according to the present disclosure, such that the various features disclosed herein may be readily combined in a given foldable playard according to the present disclosure (provided that respective features are not mutually inconsistent).

[0232] Certain dimensions and features of the foldable playard are described herein using the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and/or “similar.” As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and/or “similar” indicates that each of the described dimensions or features is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and/or “similar” in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

An Exemplary Foldable Playard with X-Frame Assemblies

[0233] FIGS. 2A-2C show an exemplary frame 100a for a foldable playard in an unfolded configuration. As shown, the frame 100a may include multiple leg support assemblies 110a and multiple X-frame assemblies 140a that are arranged to outline and define an interior space 102. In particular, each leg support assembly 110a may be coupled to another adjacent leg support assembly 110a via a X-frame assembly 140a to form a closed frame structure (e.g., a frame that surrounds and separates the interior space 102 from the surrounding environment). As discussed further below in connection with FIG. 5A, in addition to the frame 100a, a foldable playard 1000a also includes soft goods 300 that are partially disposed within the interior space 102 to provide a padded, partially enclosed space 301 to contain a child 50. The soft goods 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0234] With reference again to FIG. 2A, the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a may provide vertical or nearly vertical support stands that define the spatial extent of the interior space 102 in the unfolded configuration. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110a may define and/or otherwise be disposed along side edges 104 of the interior space 102. The X-frame assemblies 140a may provide the structural support to position and orient the leg support assemblies 110a as desired, as well as provide a mechanism to facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 2A, each X-frame assembly 140a may define and/or otherwise be disposed on a side face 106 of the interior space 102 between adjacent side edges 104.

[0235] For the frame 100a shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the interior space 102 has a horizontal cross-section (i.e., a cross-section in a plane parallel to a ground 90 supporting the frame 100a) shaped as a regular hexagon. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations disclosed herein and discussed in further detail below, the number of leg support assemblies 110a and/or X-frame assemblies 140a may be adjusted to form interior spaces 102 with different horizontal cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a regular polygon, and an irregular polygon (i.e., the sides have different dimensions).

[0236] In some implementations, the interior space 102 may further form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a right prism. Said in another way, the leg support assemblies 110a may be vertically oriented such that the horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102 is identical or substantially identical in shape and dimensions at any vertical position along the length of the leg support assemblies 110a. In other implementations, the interior space 102 may form a three-dimensional volume shaped as a truncated pyramid where a bottom portion of the interior space 102 near the ground 90 is larger than a top portion of the interior space 102. Said in another way, the leg support assemblies 110a may be tilted when the frame 100a is deployed such that the top portions of the leg support assemblies 110a are positioned closer together than a bottom portion of the leg support assemblies 110a so that the area of the horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102 decreases from the bottom portion to the top portion of the leg support assemblies 110a if the leg support assemblies 110a are substantially straight in shape. In one aspect, a frame 100a forming a truncated pyramidal interior space 102 may be preferable for enhancing mechanical stability. The manner in which this geometry is achieved will be discussed in more detail below.

[0237] In the frame 100a shown in FIG. 2A, each leg support assembly 110a may include a leg tube 112 having a top end 113a and a bottom end 113b (see, for example, FIG. 4A), a foot 114 coupled to the bottom end 113b to support the frame 100a on the ground 90, a corner 130 coupled to the top end 113a of the leg tube 112, and a slider 120 that is slidably coupled to the leg tube 112 and positioned between the foot 114 and the corner 130. The top end 113a of the leg tube 112 and/or the corner 130 may coincide with a top vertex 105 of the interior space 102 and the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112 and/or the foot 114 may coincide with a bottom vertex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0238] In this implementation, each X-frame assembly 140a may include a pair of X-tubes 142a and 142b that are arranged to cross one another to form a single X-shaped structure. The X-tubes 142a and 142b may be rotatably coupled to each other and to respective corners 130 and sliders 120 of adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. Thus, the X-frame assemblies 140a are pivot and slidable X-frame assemblies where the X-tubes 142a and 142b rotate relative to each other and the leg support assemblies 110a and translate relative to the leg tubes 112 via movement of the sliders 120. This enables the frame 100a to be folded into a more compact structure that occupies less volume and/or allows for a larger interior space 102 compared to, for example, conventional playards with pivot-only X-frame assemblies.

[0239] In some implementations, the manner in which the multiple X-frame assemblies 140a and the leg support assemblies 110a are coupled to each other may enable a caregiver to fold and/or unfold the frame 100a in a single step. For example, the caregiver may unfold the frame 100a by moving the slider 120 in one leg support assembly 110a towards the corner 130. The motion of the slider 120, in turn, causes the adjoining X-frame assemblies 140a to rotate and translate. The motion of the adjoining X-frame assemblies 140a, in turn, causes the sliders 120 in the adjacent leg support assemblies 110a to move in a similar manner. This process may occur simultaneously for all X-frame assemblies 140a and all sliders 120 resulting in the frame 100a being unfolded as the caregiver moves the slider 120 for the one leg support assembly 110a. Once the frame 100a is unfolded, a latch mechanism 200a, which will be described in more detail below, may be actuated to lock the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration (e.g., the latch mechanism 200a prevents the sliders 120 from sliding back down the respective leg tubes 112 towards the feet 114).

[0240] In some implementations, the frame 100a may be folded and/or unfolded with the feet 114 of the leg support assemblies 110a remaining in contact with the ground 90. The leg tubes 112 may also remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright (e.g., leg tubes 112 may intentionally be tilted when the frame 100a is unfolded to improve stability) as the frame 100a is folded and/or unfolded. In this manner, the process of folding and/or unfolding the frame 100a may be made easier for the caregiver. For example, the caregiver would not have to balance the frame 100a from tipping over while setting up and/or tearing down the playard 1000a.

[0241] With reference to FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the X-tubes 142a and 142b of each X-frame assembly 140a may be positioned within a top portion 108 of the frame 100a and/or the interior space 102 when the frame 100a is unfolded. Said in another way, the X-frame assemblies 140a may form a perimeter structure around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a that outlines the horizontal cross section of the top opening of the interior space 102. For example, FIG. 2C shows the X-frame assemblies 140a form a top perimeter structure 109 that outlines a regular hexagon corresponding to the shape of the interior space 102.

[0242] Positioning the X-tubes 142a and 142b in the top portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in the unfolded configuration provides several benefits to the frame 100a and, in turn, to a foldable playard comprising the frame 100a.

[0243] First, each X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a may function as a top rail that couples together two adjacent leg support assemblies 110a and provides mechanical rigidity and stability to the frame 100a. Said in another way, the X-frame assembly 140a may be unfolded to such an extent that the X-tubes 142a and 142b form a shallow X-frame structure in the top portion 108 of the frame that effectively functions as a rigid top rail. For example, in the limit where the respective sliders 120 are positioned proximate to the respective corners 130 in adjacent leg support assemblies 110a, the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be in near parallel alignment with one another when viewing the frame 100a from the side or the front. Thus, each X-tube 142a and 142b may separately function as a top rail.

[0244] In some implementations, the leg support assemblies 110a may only be coupled to one another via the X-frame assemblies 140a. In other words, the frame 100a may exclude other support structures, such as a separate compliant and/or rigid top rail (e.g., the webbing 14 of the playards 10a and 10b shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the rigid top rails 32 of the playard 10c shown in FIG. 1C) or a bottom support structure (e.g., the bottom support structure 34 of the playard 10c shown in FIG. 1C), which may appreciably reduce the number of parts for manufacture and assembly. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the portion of the leg tubes 112 located between the bottom end 113b and the slider 120 when the frame 100a is unfolded may not be coupled to another portion of the frame 100a (e.g., the bottom portions of the leg tubes 112 are mechanically unconstrained).

[0245] In some implementations, the frame 100a, comprising only leg support assemblies 110a and X-frame assemblies 140a to couple the leg support assemblies 110a together, may have sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and/or strength to meet the requirements set forth in various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3, 7.11). For example, FIG. 7B shows the playard 1000a with the frame 100a unfolded and with soft goods 300 installed undergoing a stability test (e.g., ASTM F406-19, 5.12, 8.17). For this test, the playard 1000a was placed onto a flat piece of plywood and tilted at varying angles with a test weight disposed within the playard 1000a leaning against one side of the frame 100a. Based on this test, it was found the playard 1000a did not tip even when tilted at an angle of 20 degrees with at least three feet 114 remaining in contact with the plywood base. This result exceeds the requirements set forth in ASTM F406-19, 8.17, which require the playard to maintain three contact points with the plywood base when tilted to an angle of 10 degrees.

[0246] This may be accomplished, in part, by tailoring the materials and/or dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b to provide the mechanical properties that ensure the frame 100a is mechanically rigid and stable when deployed. For example, the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from steel tubing with an outer diameter of about 0.625 inches (⅝ inches) and a total length of about 24.5 inches. The term “about,” when used to describe the dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b, are intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. For example, “about 0.625 inches” may correspond to the following dimensional ranges: 0.61875 to 0.63125 inches (+/−1% tolerance), 0.62 to 0.63 inches (+/−0.8% tolerance), 0.62125 to 0.62875 inches (+/−0.6% tolerance), 0.6225 to 0.6275 inches (+/−0.4% tolerance), 0.62375 to 0.62625 inches (+/−0.2% tolerance). Similar tolerances may be applied to describe the total length of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0247] It should also be appreciated the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be formed from other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum and carbon fiber. The X-tubes 142 and 142b may also have different dimensions depending, in part, on the desired size of the frame 100a and/or the interior space 102 and the mechanical properties of the materials used to form the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the X-frame assemblies 140a may all have substantially identical or identical dimensions and/or shapes resulting in an interior space 102 with a horizontal cross-section shaped as a regular polygon. In some implementations, the frame 100a may include X-frame assemblies 140a having different dimensions and/or shapes resulting in an interior space 102 that is skewed in shape.

[0248] Additionally, with reference to FIG. 2B, the length L of the leg tubes 112, defined as the distance between the top end 113a and the bottom end 113b, may generally be kept relatively small where possible in order to reduce the likelihood of the frame 100a being tilted especially when a force is applied along the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. For example, the length L may be chosen to ensure certain constraints on the frame 100a are satisfied. These constraints include: (1) providing a desired height for the interior space 102; (2) providing sufficient overlap with the foot 114 and the corner 130 to couple the foot 114 and corner 130 to leg tube 112; and/or (3) providing sufficient room for the slider 120 to move between the foot 114 and the corner 130 to fold and/or unfold the frame 100a. It should be appreciated that the lateral and vertical dimensions of the interior space 102 are coupled due, in part, to the rotational and translational motion of the X-frame assemblies 140a (e.g., an increase in the lateral dimensions of the interior space 102 results in a corresponding increase in the vertical dimensions to ensure the X-frame assemblies 140a have sufficient room to slide vertically along the leg tubes and hence fold).

[0249] In some implementations, the length L of the leg tubes 112 may be about 26 inches. Similar to the dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b, the term “about,” when used to describe the dimensions of the leg tube 112, are intended to cover manufacturing tolerances. The tolerance values may be the same as the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 in the leg support assemblies 110a may be substantially identical or identical. In some implementations, the leg tubes 112 may have different shapes and/or dimensions (e.g., some leg tubes 112 may be vertically oriented while other leg tubes 112 may be tilted when the frame 100a is unfolded).

[0250] Second, another benefit provided by positioning the X-tubes 142a and 142b in the top portion 108 of the frame when the frame is in the unfolded configuration is that the X-frame assemblies 140a occupy a smaller portion of the side faces 106 of the interior space 102 as compared to conventional playards with X-frame assemblies. When the soft goods 300 includes transparent and/or see-through side portions, the placement of the X-frame assemblies 140a in the top portion 108 of the frame allows for greater visibility of the partially enclosed space 301 when the soft goods 300 are coupled to the frame 100a. Said in another way, the X-frame assemblies 140a do not appreciable visually obstruct and/or impede the caregiver from seeing their child when the child 50 is in the playard 1000a.

[0251] Additionally, the soft goods 300 may use less material to cover the X-frame assemblies 140a. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may cover the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110a and partially cover the X-frame assemblies 140a such that the latch mechanism 200a, when disposed in the top portion 108 of the frame 100a, remains accessible to the caregiver. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may fully cover the X-frame assemblies 140a as well as the corners 130 and the sliders 120 of the leg support assemblies 110a such that an observer may only see the leg tubes 112 and/or the feet 114 of the leg support assemblies 110a. In this manner, the foldable playard 1000a may be presented with a cleaner, more aesthetically desirable appearance to a consumer, in both indoor and outdoor settings.

[0252] As discussed above in connection with FIG. 2B, the top portion 108 may generally correspond to the portion of the frame 100a proximate to the top ends 113a of the leg tubes 112 and/or the corners 130 of each leg support assembly 110a. More specifically, the top portion 108 may be defined as the portion of the frame 100a located between a top horizontal plane 92 that intersects the top ends 113a of the leg tubes 112 and/or the corners 130, and a bottom horizontal plane 91 that is offset from the top horizontal plane 92 by an offset distance, x.sub.1, along the length of the respective leg tubes 112. When the frame 100a is unfolded, the X-tubes 142a and 142b, the sliders 120, and the corners 130 are disposed within the top portion 108. The offset distance, x.sub.1, may be defined as a fraction of the total length L of the leg tube 112 assuming the leg tubes 112 in the frame 100a have identical lengths. In some implementations, the offset distance, x.sub.1, may be less than or equal to 30% of the total length, L, of the leg tubes 112 and, more preferably, less than or equal to 20% of the total length of the leg tubes 112.

[0253] FIG. 2B also shows the frame 100a may have an overall vertical height, H.sub.1, defined as the distance from the ground 90 to the top horizontal plane 92 along a vertical axis (i.e., normal to the ground) in the unfolded configuration. FIG. 2E similarly shows the frame 100a may have an overall vertical height, H.sub.2, defined as the distance from the ground 90 to a top horizontal plane 92A in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the height of the frame 100a may remain substantially constant or constant between the folded and unfolded configurations of the frame. In other words, the heights H.sub.1 and H.sub.2 may be equal or substantially similar and the planes 92 and 92A are coplanar or substantially coplanar. In some implementations, however, the height of the frame 100a may vary due, for example, to the leg support assemblies 110a flaring outwards when the frame 100a is unfolded as discussed in greater detail below. If the frame 100a flares outwards in the unfolded configuration, the height H.sub.2 may be somewhat greater than the height H.sub.1 (i.e., the plane 92A in the folded configuration may be disposed somewhat above the plane 92 in the unfolded configuration).

[0254] FIGS. 3A and 3B show additional views of the X-frame assembly 140a in the frame 100a. As shown, the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be rotatably coupled to each other via a pin joint 145. The X-tube 142a may have a first end 143a rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146a and a second end 143b rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146d and rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146c.

[0255] The pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may generally include a fastener (not shown) with a shaft inserted through openings 147 (see FIG. 4B) on the X-tubes 142a and 142b to allow rotational motion between the X-tubes 142a and 142b, the sliders 120, and the corners 130. The fastener may be various types of captive fasteners including, but not limited to, a rivet with a cap (e.g., a rolled rivet) and a bolt fastener with a nut.

[0256] Generally, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the openings 147 and the shaft of the fastener affects the tightness or looseness of the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d. If the opening 147 is dimensioned to interfere with the fastener (e.g., the size of the opening 147 is smaller than the size of the shaft of the fastener), the caregiver may have to apply a greater force to rotate the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some instances, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may be too tight such that the respective feet 114 of each leg support assembly 110a do not contact the ground 90 when the frame 100a is unfolded. For example, the caregiver may move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a towards the corresponding corner 130, but the opposing sides of the frame 100a may only be partially unfolded. In contrast, if the size of the opening 147 is appreciably larger than the fastener shaft, the pin joints 145 and 146a-146d may allow the X-tubes 142a and 142b to rotate and/or translate along other unwanted axes of motion (e.g., the frame 100a may wobble), which may compromise the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. Thus, in some implementations, the nominal dimensions and tolerances of the opening 147 and the shaft of the fastener are particularly chosen to be sufficiently loose to ensure the feet 114 of the leg support assemblies 110a contact the ground 90 while still being sufficiently tight to limit unwanted rotational and/or translation motion between the X-tubes 142a and 142b and/or the sliders 120 or corners 130. For example, the tolerance (or clearance) between the shaft of the fastener and the edge of the opening 147 may greater than or equal to about 0.010 inches and, more preferably, greater than or equal to about 0.015 inches.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 3A, the pin joint 145 may generally be located along the length of the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b. For example, the pin joint 145 may be positioned at an offset distance, z.sub.1, from the first end 143a and an offset distance, z.sub.2, from the second end 143b. In some implementations, the offset distances z.sub.1 and z.sub.2 may be equal, which causes the respective first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tubes 142a and 142b to follow the same circular path when the X-tubes 142a and 142b are rotated. This, in turn, causes the orientation of the leg support assemblies 110a to remain unchanged when the frame 100a is being folded and/or unfolded. For example, the leg tubes 112 of each leg support assembly 110a may remain vertically oriented for both folded and unfolded configurations.

[0258] In other implementations, however, the offset distances z.sub.1 and z.sub.2 may not be equal. For example, the offset distance z.sub.2 may be larger than the offset distance z.sub.1 causing the first end 143a of the X-tube 142a to follow a smaller circular path and the second 143b to follow larger circular path when the X-tube 142a is rotated. The respective first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tube 142b may similarly follow smaller and larger circular paths, respectively. This, in turn, may cause the leg support assemblies 110a and, in particular, the leg tubes 112 to flare outwards when the frame 100a is unfolded. In other words, the leg tubes 112 of the leg support assemblies 110a may be tilted due to the rotational motion of the X-tubes 142a and 142b in the X-frame assemblies 140a such that the top ends 113a constitute the vertices of a smaller horizontal cross-section (parallel to the ground) than the bottom ends 113b (i.e., the top ends 113a are positioned closer to one another than the bottom ends 113b). In this manner, the frame 100a may define an interior space 102 with a truncated pyramidal interior shape as described above, which may be beneficial in improving the mechanical stability of the frame 100a (e.g., the frame 100a is less likely to be tilted over). With reference again to FIG. 2B, in some implementations the leg support assemblies 110a may be flared outwards such that respective longitudinal axes 111a associated with the leg tubes 110a are tilted at an angle, Θ, relative to the ground 90, wherein the angle ranges between 80 degrees and 88 degrees and, more preferably, between 83 degrees and 85 degrees.

[0259] Turning now to FIG. 3B, in some implementations the X-tubes 142a and 142b may also be bent in shape. For example, the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tube 142a may be aligned along a first axis 141a while a central portion 144 of the X-tube 142a is aligned along a second axis 141b that is parallel to and offset from the axis 141a. The X-tube 142b may have a similar bent shape as the X-tube 142a. In some implementations, the offset between the first and second axes 141a and 141b may be chosen to provide sufficient clearance between the X-tubes 142a and 142b such that the respective first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tubes 142a and 142b lie on the same plane (e.g., the side face 106 of the interior space 102) as shown in FIG. 3B. This, in turn, allows the portions of the corners 130 and the sliders 120 to also lie on the same plane with the first and second ends 143a and 143b of the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, aligning the corners 130 and sliders 120 in this manner may allow the frame 100a to fold more compactly.

[0260] FIGS. 3C-3E show additional views of the leg support assemblies 110a in the frame 100a. As shown, the leg tube 112 may be a substantially elongated, hollow tube that defines that path along which the slider 120 travels when the frame 100a is being folded and/or unfolded. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 may be substantially straight such that the slider 120 follows a straight path along the longitudinal axis 111a (see FIGS. 2A-2C). However, it should be appreciated the leg tube 112 may also be curved in other implementations to define a correspondingly curved path for the slider 120 to follow. Examples of curved leg tubes 112 will be discussed in further detail below. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 may have a cross-section that remains constant along the length, L, of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the leg tube 112 may have various cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to a circle, an oval, and an oblong shape. The leg tube 112 may also be formed from various materials including, but not limited to steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

[0261] The slider 120 may include a base 121 that defines a through hole opening 122 shaped and/or dimensioned to surround the leg tube 112, thus enabling the slider 120 to slidably move along the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 122 may conform with the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The slider 120 may further include an extended portion 124 coupled to one side of the base 121 to couple the X-tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via a fastener inserted through an opening on the extended portion 124 aligned to the opening 147 of the X-tube 142a (see, for example, the exploded views of FIGS. 4A and 4B). The extended portion 124 may also include a recessed opening to receive the end of the X-tube 142a that is coupled to the slider 120. The slider 120 may also include an extended portion 126 similar to the extended portion 124 that is disposed opposite from the extended portion 124 to couple the X-tube 142b of another X-frame assembly 140a to the slider 120 via another fastener inserted through an opening on the extended portion 126 aligned to the opening 147 of the X-tube 142b.

[0262] The extended portions 124 and 126 may generally be oriented at an angle relative to each other to align the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b from adjoining X-frame assemblies 140a along the desired geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the extended portions 124 and 126 may be rotated relative to one another by an obtuse angle of approximately 120 degrees corresponding to the angles between adjoining sides of a hexagon. In some implementations, the extended portions 124 and 126 may lie on the same horizontal plane. In some implementations, the extended portions 124 and 126 may be offset vertically from one another if the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b coupled to the slider 120 are not identical. In some implementations, the sliders 120 of the leg support assemblies 110a may be identical with one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacture.

[0263] The corner 130 may include a base 131 that defines an opening 132 to receive the top end 113a of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 132 may conform with the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. Similar to the slider 120, the corner 130 may include extended portions 134 and 136 disposed on opposing sides of the base 131 to couple the X-tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a and the X-tube 142a of another X-frame assembly 140a to the corner 130 using a similar attachment mechanism as the slider 120, e.g., a fastener inserted through an opening aligned to the openings 147 of the X-tubes 142a and 142b (see, for example, the exploded views of FIGS. 4A and 4B). The extended portions 134 and 136 may each have recessed openings to receive respective ends of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0264] The extended portions 134 and 136 may also be oriented at an angle relative to each other to align the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b from adjoining X-frame assemblies 140a along the desired geometry of the interior space 102. The extended portions 134 and 136 may also lie on the same horizontal plane and/or offset vertically from one another if the respective X-tubes 142a and 142b coupled to the corner 130 are not identical. In some implementations, the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110a may be identical with one another, thus reducing the number of unique parts for manufacture.

[0265] FIG. 3C further shows the corner 130 may include a tab portion 138 that extends downwards along the leg tube 112 to support a snap-fit connector 139 to attach 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 top end 113a to ensure the soft goods 300 overlaps and wraps around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, an opening formed in the tab portion 138 to attach the snap-fit connector 139 to the corner 130 may also be used to securely couple the corner 130 to the leg tube 112 using the same fastener.

[0266] FIG. 3E shows a magnified 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 may define an opening 115 to receive the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the shape of the opening 115 may conform with the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112. The foot 114 may further include an opening 119 to securely couple the foot 114 to the leg tube 112 using, for example, a fastener (see, for example, FIG. 4C).

[0267] In some implementations, the foot 114 may also include a looped or ringed structure that extends from the base of the foot 114 to provide another attachment point to couple the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. For example, FIG. 3C shows the foot 114 may include a D-ring 116 defining a D-shaped opening 117. The soft goods 300 may include a strap or a tether that is inserted through the D-shaped opening 117 and tied to the foot 114 to mechanically attach a bottom portion of the soft goods 300 to the frame 100a. As shown, the D-shaped opening 117 may be aligned such that a centerline axis 118 of the opening 117 is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 111a of the leg tube 112. This orientation also allows the D-ring 116 to increase the area that the foot 114 contacts the ground 90, which may further improve the mechanical stability of the frame 100a. However, it should be appreciated the orientation and placement of the D-ring 116 may be varied in other implementations. For example, the D-ring 116 may be rotated 90 degrees relative to the ground such that the axis 118 of the opening 117 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0268] FIG. 5A shows the foldable playard 1000a with the soft goods 300 coupled to the frame 100a. As described above, the soft goods 300 defines a partially enclosed space 301 placed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100a to contain the child. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may remain attached to the frame 100a as the frame 100a is folded and/or unfolded. As shown in FIG. 5A, the soft goods 300 may include a floor portion 304 that rests on the ground 90 when the playard 1000a is unfolded. The soft goods 300 may also include side portions 306 that define and surround the partially enclosed space 301. In some implementations, the side portions 306 may be transparent (e.g., a transparent plastic) or see-through (e.g., a mesh) so that a child in the playard is observable from outside the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 may also include one or more straps (e.g., a Velcro strap) and/or tethers to couple the soft goods 300 to each D-ring 116 of each foot 114 in the leg support assemblies 110a.

[0269] The soft goods 300 may also include a soft goods top portion 302 to wrap the soft goods 300 around the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the soft goods top portion 302 may be formed from an opaque textile material with multiple layers of fabric to provide padding on the portions of the frame 100a that are covered. The soft goods 300 also may include integrated snap-fit connectors 312 that couple to the snap-fit receivers 139 of the corners 130. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may include the same number of snap-fit connectors 312 such that the soft goods 300 attaches to each corner 130 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the snap-fit connector 312 may be disposed on a tab 310 that is attached to an interior piece of the soft goods 300 along the soft goods top portion 302 as shown in FIG. 5C. The tab 310 may stiffen the interior piece of the soft goods top portion 302 to ensure the soft goods top portion 302 remains flush against the frame 100a (e.g., the soft goods top portion 302 does not curl upwards) when the snap-fit connector 312 is coupled to the snap-fit connector 139 on the corner 130 as shown in FIG. 5B. The tab 310 may be formed from a compliant material, such as polyethylene, and shaped to be stiffer than the surrounding textile material of the soft goods 300.

[0270] FIGS. 6A-6D show multiple views of the latch mechanism 200a disposed on the frame 100a. As described above, the latch mechanism 200a may lock the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. In particular, the latch mechanism 200a may maintain the sliders 120 of the leg support assemblies 110a proximate to the corresponding corners 130 such that the X-frame assemblies 140a remain unfolded forming a shallow X-frame structure in the top portion 108 of the frame. Thus, the latch mechanism 200a may provide sufficient mechanical restraints to support the various forces and/or torques applied to one or more of the sliders 120 (e.g., the weight of the X-tubes 142a and 142b acting on the slider 120).

[0271] The latch mechanism 200a may generally be coupled to and/or couple together various components of the frame 100a including, but not limited to the slider 120, the corner 130, and the X-tubes 142a or 142b. Furthermore, the latch mechanism 200a may be disposed, at least in part, within the top portion 108 of the frame 100a. This may enable the latch mechanism 200a to be at least partially covered by the soft goods 300. For example, the latch mechanism 200a may directly couple the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to a X-tube 142a or 142b of an adjoining X-frame assembly 140a as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0272] The frame 100a may generally include one or more latch mechanisms disposed on one or more leg support assemblies 110a and/or the X-frame assemblies 140a. For example, the frame 100a may include latch mechanisms disposed on opposing sides of the frame 100a to ensure the frame 100a, when unfolded, maintains an even, unfolded shape (e.g., one side of the frame 100a does not sag downwards relative to another side). However, in other implementations, a single latch mechanism is sufficient to lock the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration while keeping the various leg support assemblies 110a and X-frame assemblies 140a unfolded evenly. For example, with reference again to FIGS. 2A-2C, these figures show that the frame 100a includes a single latch mechanism 200a disposed, in part, on one leg support assembly 110a and one X-frame assembly 140a. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a may be configured to withstand a load greater than or equal to 10 lbs. before being disengaged or unlocked.

[0273] FIG. 6A shows the latch mechanism 200a may include a latch member 210 (also referred to herein as a “flex lock”) with a top end 211a coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a and a latch boss 230 coupled to the X-tube 142a of one X-frame assembly 140a. The latch member 210 may include an opening 212 disposed at the first end 211a that aligns with the opening on the corner 130 used to couple to the X-tube 142b. In this manner, a single fastener may couple the latch member 210, the corner 130, and the X-tube 142b together and the corner 130 may remain unmodified. In other words, the latch member 210 may be coupled to any one of the corners 130 in the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a provided the latch boss 230 is coupled to one of the X-tubes 142a and 142b adjoining the leg support assembly 110a. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be coupled to the corner 130 via a pin joint connection or a rigid connection (e.g., in which the latch member 210 cannot be rotated relative to the corner 130). The latch boss 230 may include an opening that is shaped and/or dimensioned to conform with the X-tube 142a, thus enabling the latch boss 230 is slid onto the X-tube 142a for assembly. FIG. 6B shows the latch boss 230 may then be coupled to the X-tube 142a using, for example, a fastener inserted through respective openings (not shown) on the latch boss 230 and the X-tube 142a.

[0274] With reference again to FIG. 6A, the latch member 210 may include a latch opening 214 disposed at a second end 211b of the latch member 210 located opposite from the first end 211a. The latch opening 214 may be shaped and/or dimensioned to receive the latch boss 230. In other words, the latch opening 214 may function as a latch catch. In this manner, the latch member 210 may directly couple the corner 130 to the X-tube 142b by engaging with the latch boss 230, thus holding the slider 120 in the top portion 108 of the frame 100a near the corner 130.

[0275] The latch member 210 may also include a tab 220 disposed at the second end 211b. Generally, the latch member 210 may be a mechanically compliant component that bends when the caregiver pulls on the tab 220 to disengage the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. The latch member 210 may also have sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated when bent by the caregiver. When the caregiver releases the tab 220, the restoring force may return the latch member 210 back to its original shape. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be formed from a plastic material. The latch member 210 may further have a sufficient thickness and/or be reinforced with integral rib structures to provide the desired mechanical rigidity.

[0276] In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200a may be a double-action latch mechanism (e.g., the caregiver needs to perform two operations to unlock the latch mechanism). For example, FIG. 6C shows the latch opening 214 of the latch member 210 may include a tab 216 disposed within the latch opening 214. FIG. 6D shows the latch boss 230 may include an undercut portion 232 that forms a notch or a slot between the X-tube 142a and an end portion 236. Thus, when the latch member 210 is coupled to the latch boss 230, the tab 216 of the latch member 210 is disposed within the undercut portion 232 and retained by the end portion 236 of the latch boss 230. In some implementations, the tab 216 may further define a slot 218 as shown in FIG. 6C, and the latch boss 230 may further include a rib 234 partially disposed within the undercut portion 232 as shown in FIG. 6D, that together facilitate alignment of the tab 216 to the undercut portion 232 to ensure the latch member 210 is properly engaged with the latch boss 230.

[0277] To setup the frame 100a and, by extension the playard 1000a, the caregiver may initially move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a towards the corresponding corner 130 to partially unfold the frame 100a. As the frame 100a is being unfolded, the latch boss 230 disposed on the X-tube 142a is displaced towards the latch member 210 coupled to the corner 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 outwards. In some implementations, the latch member 210 may include a lead-in feature on the tab 216 (not shown), such as a sloped or a ramped wall. The lead-in feature may allow the latch member 210 to be deflected more effectively as the latch boss 230 slides against the latch member 210 by orienting the contact force between the latch member 210 and the latch boss 230 along a direction that increases the magnitude of the torque applied to bend the latch member 210 (note that the pivot point of the latch member 210 is located at the mounting opening 212 as shown in FIG. 6A).

[0278] As the latch member 210 is deflected with further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112, an internal restoring force is generated within the latch member 210, which is applied against the latch boss 230. As the caregiver continues to move the slider 120 towards the corner 130, the latch member 210 is deflected further outwards resulting in a higher magnitude restoring force being applied against the latch boss 230. When the slider 120 is moved sufficiently close 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 such that the latch boss 230 protrudes through the latch opening 214. Once the caregiver releases the slider 120, the slider 120 may move slightly downwards along the leg tube 112 due to gravity, causing the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230 to rest onto the tab 216 of the latch member 210.

[0279] FIG. 6E illustrates how a caregiver may transition the frame 100a and the playard 1000a to a folded configuration from the unfolded configuration by disengaging the double-action latch mechanism 200a. As shown in FIG. 6E, the caregiver may first squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b (as shown by the upward and downward arrows in FIG. 6E), which causes the slider 120 to move upwards along the leg tube 112, thus disengaging the tab 216 of the latch member 210 from the undercut portion 232 of the latch boss 230. While the caregiver is squeezing the X-tubes 142a and 142b together with one hand, the caregiver may then pull on the tab 220 of the latch member 210 with another hand to release the latch boss 230 from the latch opening 214 (as shown by the curved arrow in FIG. 6E). The “double-action” of the latch mechanism 200a is thus “squeeze-and-pull.” While holding the latch member 210, the caregiver may then release the X-tubes 142a and 142b and the slider 120 may then fall downwards along the leg tube 112 due, in part, to the weight of the X-frame assemblies 140a. The caregiver may then move the slider 120 downwards towards the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a, thus folding the playard 1000a.

[0280] With reference again to FIG. 6D, in some implementations of the double-action latch mechanism 200a, the undercut portion 232 and the end portion 236 of the latch boss 230 and the tab 216 of the latch member 210 may be shaped and/or dimensioned such that latch member 210 cannot be pulled off the latch boss 230 without applying an appreciably large force (e.g., a force greater than 20 lbs). For example, FIG. 7A shows a force test being applied to the double-action latch mechanism 200a, which shows the latch member 210 remains engaged to the latch boss 230 when a force greater than 24 lbs is applied to the tab 220.

[0281] It should be appreciated that, in other implementations, the playard 1000a and, in particular, the frame 100a may include other types of latching mechanisms. For example, FIGS. 8A-8D show a playard 1000a where the frame 100a includes a single-action latch mechanism 200b (e.g., the caregiver needs to perform only one operation to release the latch mechanism) instead of (or in addition to) the double-action latch mechanism 200a discussed immediately above.

[0282] Specifically, FIG. 8A shows the playard 1000a with the soft goods 300 installed onto the frame 100a, where the soft goods 300 covers the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110a and partially covers the X-frame assemblies 140a. In this manner, a portion of the single-action latch mechanism 200b is left exposed to provide access to the caregiver (see, for example, FIG. 8B). As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the single-action latch mechanism 200b may also include a latch member 210 that is coupled at one end to the corner 130 via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 on the latch member 210. The latch member 210 may once again include a latch opening 214 to receive a latch boss 230. In this implementation, the latch boss 230 is shown coupled to the X-tube 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0283] The single-action latch mechanism 200b may be locked in a similar manner as the double-action latch mechanism 200a. Specifically, the slider 120 is moved towards the corner 130, which causes the latch boss 230 to initially deflect the latch member 210 until the latch boss 230 reaches the latch opening 214. At this point, 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 manner, the single-action latch mechanism 200b may hold the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration.

[0284] To unlock the single-action latch mechanism 200b and fold the frame 100a, the caregiver may pull on the tab 220 to deflect and/or bend the latching member 210 outwards, thus releasing the latch member 210 from the latch boss 230. As before, while the caregiver holds the latch member 210, the slider 120 may then move downwards along the leg tube 112 via a combination of gravity and the caregiver moving the slider 120 towards the foot 114 of the leg support assembly 110a as shown in FIG. 8D. In this manner, the playard 1000a may be folded.

[0285] FIGS. 9A-9F show another exemplary latch mechanism 200c installed on the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. FIG. 9A shows the frame 100a once again covered with soft goods 300. FIG. 9B shows the soft goods 300 only partially covers the X-frame assemblies 140a such that a bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200c is exposed. FIG. 9C shows the frame 100a without 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 and the single-action latch mechanism 200b, i.e., the latch mechanism 200c is disposed in the top portion 108 of the frame 100a.

[0286] FIG. 9D shows the latch mechanism 200c may once again include a latch member 210 that is coupled to the corner 130 via a fastener inserted through an opening 212 at one end of the latch member 212. However, in this example, the latch member 210 may form a notch 240a that is shaped and/or dimensioned to form a snap-fit connection with the X-tube 142b. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200c may utilize fewer parts compared to the latch mechanisms 200a and 200b (e.g., the latch mechanism 200c only includes the latch member 210 and a fastener to couple the latch member 210 to the corner 130). As shown, the notch 240a may be shaped to conform with the cross-sectional shape of the X-tube 142b. As before, the latch member 210 may be a mechanically compliant component that may be bent and/or deflected due to contact with the X-tube 142b (e.g., when unfolding the frame 100a) and/or by the caregiver pulling on the tab 220 disposed at the bottom end of the latch member 210 to release the latch member 210 from the X-tube 142b (e.g., when folding the frame 100a).

[0287] In the implementation shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the frame 100a and, by extension, the playard 1000a may be setup once again by having the caregiver move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a towards the corresponding corner 130. When the X-tube 142b contacts the latch member 210 and, specifically, the tab 220, the latch member 210 may be deflected outwards. The latch member 210 may further include a lead-in feature 222 (e.g., a sloped wall) to deflect the latch member 210 as the latch member 210 contacts the X-tube 142b. The caregiver may then continue to move the slider 120 towards the corner 130 until the notch 240a aligns with the X-tube 142b.

[0288] In some implementations, the latch member 210 may be sufficiently compliant such that deflection of the latch member 210 does not produce an appreciable restoring force. Thus, the caregiver needs to press the latch member 210 to snap-fit the latch member 210 onto the X-tube 142b. In other implementations, however, the latch member 210 may instead generate an internal restoring force when bent and/or deflected (e.g., the latch member 210 includes rib structures to increase the mechanical rigidity of the latch member 210). The restoring force may be of sufficient magnitude to cause the notch 240a to at least partially engage the X-tube 142b. In some instances, the caregiver may still press the latch member 210 onto the X-tube 142b, albeit with less force due to the restoring force generated in the latch member 210, to ensure the latch member 210 is properly engaged to the X-tube 142b. In yet other implementations, the restoring force may instead be sufficiently large to snap-fit connect the latch member 210 to the X-tube 142b without any additional action by the caregiver.

[0289] Turning now to FIG. 9E, to unlock the latch mechanism 200c the caregiver may pull on the tab 220 with sufficient force to disengage the notch 240a from the X-tube 142b. In implementations where the latch member 210 does not generate an appreciable restoring force, the caregiver may release the latch member 210, and the slider 120 may then move downwards along the leg tube 112 via gravity and/or the caregiver actively moving the slider 120 as shown in FIG. 9F. In implementations where the latch member 210 generates an appreciable restoring force, the caregiver may hold the latch member 210 with one hand until the slider 120 moves a sufficient distance along the leg tube 112 such that the X-tube 142b is no longer aligned with the notch 240a.

[0290] Additionally, FIGS. 9D-9F show the corner 130, in some implementations, may further include a hook 133 that protrudes outwards from the frame 100a. The hook 133 may be used, in part, to pull the soft goods 300 taut around the frame 100a and/or to function as a secondary restraining feature to prevent the soft goods 300 from prematurely detaching from the frame 100a. In some implementations, the hook 133 may also be used as a locating feature to facilitate installation of the soft goods 300 onto the frame 100a. FIGS. 9D-9F further show that, in some implementations, the corner 130 may not include the snap-fit connector 139 as before. Instead, a snap-fit connector 190 maybe mounted directly onto the leg tube 112.

[0291] FIG. 10 shows another exemplary latch mechanism 200d coupled to the frame 100a. The latch mechanism 200d is a variant of the latch mechanism 200c with the primary difference being the latch member 210 is coupled to the X-tube 142a instead of the corner 130 via a fastener inserted through the opening 212 and an opening on the X-tube 142a. The latch mechanism 200d may be locked and/or unlocked in the same manner as the latch mechanism 200c. In some implementations, the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200d may be dimensioned to be shorter in length due to the smaller separation distance between the X-tubes 142a and 142b compared to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200c.

[0292] FIGS. 11A-11D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200e installed on the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. FIG. 11A shows the frame 100a once again covered with soft goods 300. FIG. 11B shows the soft goods 300 again partially covering the X-frame assemblies 140a such that a bottom portion of the latch mechanism 200e is exposed similar to the latch mechanisms 200a-200d.

[0293] FIG. 11C shows the latch mechanism 200e may again include a latch member 210 coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a fastener inserted through the 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 contoured surface upon which the X-tube 142b may rest when the frame 100a is unfolded. As before, the latch member 210 may be a mechanically compliant component that may be deflected and/or bent due to contact with the X-tube 142b and/or the caregiver pulling on the tab 220 disposed at the bottom end of the latch member 210.

[0294] The latch mechanism 200e may lock the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration in a similar manner to the latch mechanisms 200a-200d. When the caregiver moves the slider 120 towards the corner 130, the X-tube 142b may contact the latch member 210 and deflect outwards. The latch member 210 may include a lead-in feature 222 formed between the hook structure 240b and the bottom end of the latch member 210 to guide the X-tube 142b moving against the latch member 210 and to deflect the latch member 210 outwards. Once the X-tube 142b is disposed above the hook structure 240b, the caregiver may release the slider 120 and the slider 120 may then move downwards along the leg tube 112 until the X-tube 142b comes to rest on the hook structure 240b.

[0295] In some implementations, the hook structure 240b may be shaped such that the caregiver may release the latch mechanism 240b by pulling on the tab 220 with sufficient force. In some implementations, the hook structure 240b may be shaped to cradle the X-tube 142b and/or the latch member 210 may be sufficiently rigid such that the latch member 210 acts as a double-action latch mechanism where the caregiver would have to apply an appreciably large force to disengage the latch member 210 from the X-tube 142b. Instead, the caregiver may raise the slider 120 and/or squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b such that the X-tube 142b is released from the hook structure 240b. While the caregiver holds the X-tube 142b above the hook structure 240b with one hand, the caregiver may then pull the latch member 210 outwards to allow the X-tube 142b to fall below the hook structure 240b as shown in FIG. 11D.

[0296] FIGS. 12A and 12B show another exemplary latch mechanism 200f that directly couples the slider 120 to the corner 130 in the frame 100a of the foldable playard 1000a. As shown in FIG. 12A, the frame 100a may only include one latch mechanism 200f coupled to one leg support assembly 110a to support the multiple sliders 120 and/or X-frame assemblies 140a when the frame 100a is unfolded.

[0297] FIG. 12B shows the latch mechanism 200f may include a latch member 243 disposed on the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a and a latch hook 242 disposed on the corresponding corner 130. The latch member 243 may be integrally formed onto the slider 120 to form one single component or fabricated as a separate component that is then coupled to the slider 120 using, for example, a fastener or a snap-fit connection. In some implementations, the latch member 243, when formed as a separate component, may be coupled to the openings of the slider 120 formed on the extended portions 124 and 126 to couple to the X-tubes 142a and/or 142b such that a single fastener couples the latch member 243, the slider 120, and one or more X-tubes 142a and/or 142b together. In this manner, the slider 120 may remain identical with the other sliders 120 in the frame 100a.

[0298] The latch hook 242 may similarly be integrally formed onto the corner 130 to form one single component or fabricated as a separate component that is then coupled to the slider 120. Similarly, the latch hook 242, when formed as a separate component, may be coupled to the openings of the corner 130 formed on the extended portions 134 and 136 in a manner similar to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200a where the corner 130 remains unchanged and/or identical with the other corners 130 in the frame 100a.

[0299] The latch member 243 may include a first end 241a coupled to the slider 120 and a latch opening 244 disposed near a second end 241b opposite from the first end 241a. The latch opening 244 may be shaped to receive the latch hook 242 on the corner 130. In some implementations, the latch hook 242 may have a contoured surface such that the portion of the latch member 243 forming the top side of the opening 244 rests upon the latch hook 242 when the latch mechanism 200f is locked. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200f may directly couple the slider 120 and the corner 130 together to hold the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. In some implementations, the latch opening 244 and the latch hook 242 may also be shaped to reduce or, in some instances, eliminate relative translational and/or rotational motion between the slider 120 and the corner 130 along axes of motion other than the longitudinal axis 111a.

[0300] The latch member 243 may be a mechanically compliant component with a tab 220 disposed at the second end 241b similar to the latch member 210 of the latch mechanism 200a. Although the latch member 243 is disposed on the slider 120, the latch member 243 may engage the latch hook 242 in a manner similar to the latch mechanisms 200a-200e. As before, the caregiver may move the slider 120 towards the corner 130. Once the tab 220 of the latch member 243 contacts the bottom surface of the latch hook 242, the latch member 243 may be deflected outwards. As shown in FIG. 12B, the bottom surface of the latch hook 242 may form a lead-in feature (e.g., a sloped surface) to guide the latch member 243 as it is deflected outwards. The latch member 243 may be sufficiently rigid to generate an internal restoring force when the latch member 243 is bent. Thus, once the slider 120 is moved sufficiently close to the corner 130 that the latch hook 242 is aligned with the latch opening 242, the restoring force may cause the latch member 243 to snap back to its original form and the latch hook 242 may then protrude through the latch opening 242.

[0301] Similar to the latch mechanism 200e, the latch mechanism 200f may be a single-action latch mechanism where the caregiver may 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 may be a double-action latch mechanism where the latch hook 242 may be sufficiently rigid and/or includes a sufficiently deep undercut portion such that the latch member 243 cannot be released by pulling the tab 220 without applying excessive force (e.g., a force greater than 20 lbf). The caregiver should instead raise the slider 120 such that the portion of the latch member 243 forming the top side of the opening 244 is released from the latch hook 242. While holding the slider 120 in the raised position, the caregiver may then pull the latch member 243 outwards so that the slider 120 may move downwards along the leg tube 112.

[0302] FIGS. 13A-13H show another exemplary latch mechanism 200g that is mounted to the X-tubes 142a and 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a. As shown in FIG. 13A, the frame 100a may include a single latch mechanism 200g mounted to one X-frame assembly 140a to support the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. In some implementations, the latch mechanism 200g may be shaped and/or dimensioned to have the same or similar thickness as the X-frame assembly 140a so that the latch mechanism 200g does not protrude appreciably outwards from the frame 100a particularly when the frame 100a is in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. 13B. In other words, the thickness of the latch mechanism 200g may be the same or similar as the distance separating the outer exterior edge of the central portion 144 of the X-tube 142a and the interior exterior edge of the central portion 144 of the X-tube 142b in FIG. 3B.

[0303] FIG. 13C shows the latch mechanism 200g may replace the pin joint 145 and, hence, may rotatably couple the X-tube 142a to the X-tube 142b such that the X-tubes 142a and 142b rotate about a rotation axis 252. FIG. 13D shows the latch mechanism 200g may include a first housing 250a disposed on an exterior portion of the frame 100a and rigidly coupled to the X-tube 142b. In particular, the first housing 250a may include a notch 251a and the X-tube 142b may be formed with a flat section 148 within the central portion 144 that fits into the notch 251a. Thus, the first housing 250a may rotate together with the X-tube 142b.

[0304] The latch mechanism 200g may further include a second housing 250b disposed within the interior space 102 of the frame 100a and rigidly coupled to the X-tube 142a. The second housing 250b may also include a notch 251b and the X-tube 142a may also have a flat section 148 that fits into the notch 251b so that the second housing 250b rotates together with the X-tube 142a. The first housing 250a may be rotatably coupled to the second housing 250b via a shaft or pin (not shown) inserted through respective openings in the first housing 250a, the second housing 250b, and the X-tubes 142a and 142b along the rotation axis 252 as shown in FIG. 13D.

[0305] The first and second housings 250a and 250b may form a cavity to contain a locking gear 254, which may translate along the rotation axis 252 relative to the first and second housings 250a and 250b to lock and/or unlock the latch mechanism 200g. The cavity may further contain a return spring 253 disposed between the locking gear 254 and the second housing 250b to impart a spring-bias force onto the locking gear 254 to maintain the latch mechanism 200g in a locked configuration by default. The locking gear 254 may include a pair of latch key sections 256 that have interior sidewalls 257a that define a channel 257c shaped to restrict and lock the X-tubes 142a and 142b when the frame 100a is unfolded (e.g., the X-tubes 142a and 142b are arranged to form a shallow X-frame structure). Said in another way, when the latch mechanism 200g is locked, the flat sections 148 of the X-tubes 142a and 142b may be disposed within the channel 257c where the sidewalls 257a abut opposing sides of each of flat sections 148 to prevent rotation of the X-tubes 142a and 142b.

[0306] When the playard 1000a is in the folded configuration, the locking gear 254 may be primarily disposed within the second housing 250b and the return spring 253 may be compressed due to the respective flat sections 148 of the X-tubes 142a and/or 142b contacting and/or pressing against the front portions 257b of the locking gear 254. To deploy the playard 1000a, the caregiver may once again move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a and/or squeeze the X-tubes 142a and 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a together to unfold the frame 100a. As the X-tubes 142a and 142b are rotated, the respective flat sections 148 of the X-tubes 142a and 142b may slide along the front portions 257b of the locking gear 254, thus maintaining compression of the return spring 253. Once the X-tubes 142a and 142b are sufficiently rotated such that the respective flat sections 148 of the X-tubes 142a and 142b are aligned to match the geometry of the channel 257c, the spring 253 may then push the locking gear 254 outwards towards the first housing 250a such that the flat sections 144 are disposed within the channel 257c and constrained by the latch key sections 256 (see FIGS. 13E and 13G).

[0307] FIG. 13D further shows the latch mechanism 200g may include a release button 260 disposed, in part, 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 and second housings 250a and 250b by a recessed front surface of the first housing 250a. The release button 260 may be slidably coupled to the first housing 250a via the slot guides 258 and may include one or more tabs 262 that protrude through the recessed surface of the first housing 250a to contact front portions 257b of the latch key sections 256 on the locking gear 254.

[0308] To unlock the latch mechanism 200g, the caregiver may push the release button 260 into the recessed opening 259 causing the tabs 262 to press against the latch key sections 256 of the locking gear 254. The locking gear 254, in turn, is then displaced towards the second housing 250b along the rotation axis 252 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-tubes 142a and 142b are no longer disposed within the channel 257c, the caregiver may then rotate the X-tubes 142a and 142b and/or move the slider 120 of at least one leg support assembly 110a to fold the frame 100a (see FIGS. 13F and 13H). In some implementations, the depth of the recessed opening 259 and/or the length of the tabs 262 of the release button 260 may be tailored to ensure sufficient travel distance for the release button 260 to disengage the locking gear 254 from the X-tubes 142a and 142b. In some implementations, the release button 260 may remain disposed within the recessed opening 259 until the playard 1000a is unfolded.

[0309] FIGS. 14A-14D show another exemplary latch mechanism 200h integrated into the X-tube 142b of one X-frame assembly 140a to engage the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a in the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. FIG. 14A once again shows the frame 100a may only include a single latch mechanism 200h to support the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration.

[0310] FIG. 14B shows the latch mechanism 200h may include a latch 270 that is slidably coupled to the X-tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. A return spring 272 may be disposed, at least in part, within an interior cavity of the X-tube 142b to impart a spring-bias force that pushes the latch 270 towards the leg tube 112. The leg tube 112 may include a latch opening 273 shaped and/or dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the latch 270 (e.g., the tip of the latch 270).

[0311] When the frame 100a is sufficiently unfolded such that the slider 120 is positioned along the leg tube 112 to overlap the latch opening 273, the return spring 272 may push the latch 270 into the latch opening 272, thus locking the slider 120 and, by extension, the X-tube 142b in place. Since the X-tube 142b is movably coupled to the X-tube 142a, the corners 130 and sliders 120 of other leg support assemblies 110a, and the other X-frame assemblies 140a (via the other leg support assemblies 110a) in the frame 100a, the constraints applied to the slider 120 and the X-tube 142b by the latch mechanism 200h may maintain the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration.

[0312] FIG. 14B further shows the latch mechanism 200h may include a collar 271 coupled to the latch 270 to provide an actuator for the caregiver to move when unlocking the latch mechanism 200h. In some implementations, the latch 270 may be directly coupled to the collar 271 using, for example, a fastener inserted through an opening 276 on the collar and an opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The collar 271, in turn, may be slidably coupled to the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b. For example, the collar 271 may include a recessed opening (not shown) shaped to receive the second end 143b with sufficient depth to enable the collar 271 and, by extension, the latch 270 to slide along the X-tube 142b. To compensate for the respective lengths of the latch 270 and the collar 271, the X-tube 142b supporting the latch 270 and the collar 271 may be shorter in length compared to other X-tubes 142b in other X-frame assemblies 140a.

[0313] The latch 270 may be rotatably coupled directly to the slider 120 via a pin 274 inserted through the opening on the slider 120 (previously used to couple to the X-tube 142b in other X-frame assemblies 140a) and an opening 275 formed along the latch 270. In some implementations, the opening 275 may be a slot that is shaped and/or dimensioned to allow the latch 270 to slidably move relative to the slider 120 to facilitate insertion of the latch 270 into the latch opening 273.

[0314] In some implementations, the latch 270 may instead be disposed within the interior cavity of the X-tube 142b such that the overall length of the X-tube 142b remains the same as other X-tubes 142b in other X-frame assemblies 140a. The second end 143b of the X-tube 142b, however, may have an opening through which the latch 270 may pass through when engaging and/or disengaging the latch opening 273 on the leg tube 112. The collar 271 may be disposed outside the X-tube 142b and configured to slide together with the latch 270 along the length of the X-tube 142b. As before, the latch 270 may be coupled to the collar 271 via a fastener inserted through the opening 276 on the collar 271 and another opening (not shown) on the latch 270. The fastener may pass through the X-tube 142b via a slotted opening (not shown) that is shaped and/or dimensioned to be similar to the opening 275 on the latch 270.

[0315] The latch 270 and the X-tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to the slider 120. For example, the pin 274 may pass through the openings on the slider 120, the opening 275 on the latch 270, and the opening 147 on the X-tube 142b. The latch 270 may still have a slotted opening 275 to allow the latch 270 to slidably move relative to the slider 120 to engage and/or disengage the latch opening 273.

[0316] To unlock the latch mechanism 200h, the caregiver may move the collar 271 along the X-tube 142b to release the latch 270 from the latch opening 273 as shown in FIG. 14C. This causes the return spring 272 to be compressed, thus generating and/or increasing a spring-bias force applied to the latch 270. While holding the collar 271, the slider 120 may then move downwards along the leg tube 112, thus folding the X-frame assembly 140a. Once the latch 270 is no longer aligned to the latch opening 273, the caregiver may release the collar 271 and continue folding the frame 100a. The spring-bias force applied to the latch 270 may cause the latch 270 to press against the exterior surfaces of the leg tube 112 as the slider 120 is moved towards the foot 114 and/or the surfaces of the slider 120 once the X-tube 142b is sufficiently rotated as shown in FIG. 14D. In some implementations, the end of the latch 270 may be shaped (e.g., curved or contoured) to allow the X-tube 142b to rotate smoothly when pressing against the leg tube 112 and/or the slider 120 as the frame 100a is being folded and/or unfolded.

[0317] FIGS. 15A-15D show yet another exemplary latch mechanism 200i mounted onto the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. Specifically, the latch mechanism 200i may be mounted to one end of the X-tube 142b (or 142a) of one X-frame assembly 140a to engage the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. FIG. 15A once again shows the frame 100a may only include a single latch mechanism 200i to support the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. The latch mechanism 200i may be shaped and/or dimensioned such that the latch mechanism 200i fits within the recessed opening of the extended section 126 (or 124) of the slider 120 together with the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b. In this manner, the latch mechanism 200i may not protrude outwards from the frame 100a even when the frame 100a is folded (see FIG. 15B), thus preserving the compact shape of the folded frame 100a.

[0318] FIG. 15C shows the latch mechanism 200i may include a latch base 280 coupled to the second end 143b of the X-tube 142b and rotatably coupled to the slider 120. In some implementations, a single fastener may couple the slider 120, the latch base 280, and the X-tube 142b together. As shown, the latch base 280 may include a latch member 284 that extends from the latch base 280. The latch member 284 may be a mechanically compliant component that is deformable and may have sufficient mechanical rigidity to generate a restoring force when deformed.

[0319] In some implementations, the latch base 280 may have a cylindrical shape and the latch member 284 may extend from the periphery of the latch base 280. The latch member 284 may have a curved and/or contoured shape as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D. The latch member 284 may include an integrally formed latch catch 281 that is shaped to engage a latch opening 283 formed on a bottom surface 127 of the slider 120. The latch member 284 may further include a tab 282 disposed at the end of the latch member 284, which may be pulled to bend the latch member 282, thus releasing the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283.

[0320] FIG. 15D shows the latch member 284 may be disposed between the sliders 120 from adjacent leg support assemblies 110a when the frame 100a is unfolded. When unfolding the frame 100a, the latch body 280 together with the latch member 284 may rotate with the X-tube 142b about the pin joint 146c relative to the slider 120 as the slider 120 moves up along the leg tube 112 towards the corner 130. As the latch body 280 rotates, the latch member 284 and, in particular, the latch catch 281, may initially contact the exterior portions of the slider 120, thus bending and/or deflecting 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 as the frame 100a is unfolded.

[0321] Once the slider 120 is positioned sufficiently close to the corner 130 and/or the X-tube 142b is sufficiently rotated such that the latch catch 281 aligns with the latch opening 283, the restoring force generated by the deflection of the latch member 284 may insert the latch catch 281 into the latch opening 283. The latch catch 281 and the latch opening 283 may thus prevent further rotation of the X-tube 142b relative to the slider 120 and, hence, further movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112 to hold the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration.

[0322] To unlock the latch mechanism 200i, the caregiver may pull on the tab 282 with sufficient force to release the latch catch 281 from the latch opening 283. While holding the tab 282, the slider 120 may then move downwards along the leg tube 112 towards the foot 114, which causes the X-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 may release the tab 282 and proceed with folding the frame 100a.

[0323] As described above, the frame 100a may generally include at least one latch mechanism to maintain the frame 100a and, by extension, the playard 1000a in the unfolded configuration. In some implementations, the frame 100a may include a single latch mechanism (e.g., one of the latch mechanisms 200a-200i) to lock the unfolded frame 100a, which may simplify the frame 100a by reducing the number of parts for manufacture. However, in other implementations, the frame 100a may include multiple latching mechanisms to ensure the various components of the frame 100a are kept evenly unfolded. Thus, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the frame 100a may include combinations of one or more of the latch mechanisms 200a-200i described above.

[0324] FIGS. 16A and 16B show one example of a frame 100a that includes the latch mechanism 200g coupled to one X-frame assembly 140a and the latch mechanism 200h coupled to the X-tube of another X-frame assembly 140a and the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a. FIG. 16A shows the latch mechanisms 200g and 200i being used to maintain the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. FIG. 16B shows the latch mechanisms 200g and 200i do not appreciably extend outwards from the frame 100a when the frame 100a is in the folded configuration.

[0325] As described above, the foldable playard may generally include a frame that outlines an interior space. The frame may include multiple leg support assemblies and X-frame assemblies that together define and/or align with the outer boundaries of the interior space. For example, the playard 1000a includes a frame 100a defining an interior space 102 with a horizontal cross-section shaped as a hexagon. It should be appreciated that the various implementations of the foldable playard described herein may define interior spaces having other geometries based, in part, on the number of leg support assemblies and/or the X-frame assemblies used for construction.

[0326] For example, the playard may outline an interior space with a square horizontal cross-section. The frame of the playard may include four identical leg support assemblies, which may 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 may couple adjacent leg support assemblies together.

[0327] In another example, FIGS. 17A-17D show an exemplary playard 1000b with a frame 100b that outlines an interior space 102 with a horizontal cross-section shaped as a rectangle. The frame 100a may include multiple leg support assemblies 110b defining and/or aligning with the respective side edges 104 of the interior space 102 when the frame 100b is unfolded to support the playard 1000b on the ground 90 (see, for example, FIG. 18A). The frame 100a may include a pair of X-frame assemblies 140a disposed on the smaller side faces 106 of the interior space 102 to couple together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the shorter sides of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102. The frame 100 may further include a pair of X-frame assemblies 140b disposed on the larger side faces 106 of the interior space 102 to couple together adjacent leg support assemblies 110b located on the longer sides of the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the interior space 102. Thus, each leg support assembly 110b may couple to one X-frame assembly 140a and one X-frame assembly 140b.

[0328] To form the rectangular-shaped interior space 102, each X-frame assembly 140a may form a single X-frame structure, as described above, and each X-frame assembly 140b may form a double X-frame structure (i.e., two pairs of crossing X-tubes where each pair of X-tubes couples to one leg support assembly). The combination of the single and double X-frame structures allows the frame 100b to define an interior space 102 where the sides of the horizontal cross-section have different dimensions while enabling the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to couple to the same components of the leg support assembly 110b (e.g., the same slider 120 and corner 130) so that the leg support assemblies 110b, the X-frame assemblies 140a, and the X-frame assemblies 140b may fold and/or unfold together (see FIG. 17C). Furthermore, the double X-frame structure of the X-frame assembly 140b may also enable the leg support assemblies 110b and, in particular, the length of the leg tube 112 to be shorter compared to a single X-frame structure that spans the same length as the X-frame assembly 140b when deployed. Thus, the frame 100b may be more compact, particularly, when folded.

[0329] Similar to the frame 100a, the frame 100b may be unfolded with the feet 114 of the leg support assemblies 110b remaining in contact with the ground 90. Additionally, the leg tubes 112 may remain vertically upright or nearly vertically upright (e.g., leg tubes 112 may intentionally be tilted when the frame 100b is unfolded to improve stability) while the frame 100b is being folded and/or unfolded to make the process of setting up and/or tearing down the playard 1000b easier for the caregiver (see FIG. 17D).

[0330] Additionally, the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b in the frame 100b may be disposed in the top portion 108 of the frame 100a to form a top perimeter structure along the interior space 102 (see FIG. 18A). As before, this may enable the respective X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as top rails to provide mechanical stability and rigidity to the frame 100b. In some implementations, the frame 100b may not include a separate compliant or rigid top rail and/or a bottom support structure.

[0331] In some implementations, the frame 100b with only X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b coupling the leg support assemblies 110b together may provide sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and/or strength to satisfy various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIG. 22 shows the playard 1000b subjected to a stability test. Similar to the playard 1000a, the playard 1000b was demonstrated to remain sufficiently stable (i.e., at least three feet 114 remained in contact with the underlying platform) when the playard 1000b was tilted more than 10 degrees.

[0332] FIGS. 17A and 17B further show the playard 1000b may include soft goods 300 coupled to the frame 100b and forming a partially enclosed space 301 disposed within the interior space 102 to contain the child 50. As before, the soft goods 300 may be readily folded together with the frame 100b as shown in FIG. 17C. The soft goods 300 may include a floor portion 306 that rests on the ground 90 supporting the playard 1000b and side portions 304 that together define and surround the partially enclosed space 301. The floor portion 306 may include a removable mat to provide padding on the ground 90. The side portions 304 may be formed from transparent and/or see-through materials to allow the caregiver to monitor their child 50 when the child 50 is placed into the partially enclosed space 301. The soft goods 300 may include tethers and/or straps to attach the floor portion 306 to the bottom portions of the leg support assemblies 110b.

[0333] The soft goods 300 may further include a top portion 302, formed from an opaque textile material, to attach the soft goods 300 to the top portions of the leg support assemblies 110b as well as cover the top portion of the frame 100b. In particular, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000b may fully cover one or more of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b, the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110b, and/or the sliders 120 of the leg support assemblies 110b. In some implementations, the soft goods 300 may fully cover the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b as well as the sliders 120 and the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110b such that only the leg tubes 112 and/or the feet 114 are observable as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As before, positioning the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b in the top portion 108 of the frame 100b when the frame 100b is unfolded may also increase the visibility of the child 50 due to the larger visually unobstructed portions of the side faces 106.

[0334] As described above, conventional playards and especially, indoor playards, 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, the playard 1000b may simultaneously improve ease of use, visibility of the child, and the overall appearance. First, the playard 1000b includes X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b that allow the frame 100b to be folded and/or unfolded in one step. For instance, the caregiver may move one slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b to fold and/or unfold the frame 100b. Second, the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are positioned in the top 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. Third, aesthetically undesirable components, such as the X-tubes, the sliders 120, the corners 130, may be readily hidden by the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to provide a cleaner, more aesthetically desirable appearance.

[0335] FIG. 18A shows the frame 100b without the soft goods 300 attached in the unfolded configuration. As shown, each leg support assembly 110b may be similar to leg support assemblies 110a used in the frame 100a. For instance, the leg support assembly 110b includes a leg tube 112 with a top end 113a and a bottom end 113b, a corner 130 coupled to the top end 113a, a foot 114 coupled to the bottom end 113b, and a slider 120 that is slidably coupled to be leg tube 112 and disposed between the foot 114 and the corner 130. The top end 113a of the leg tube 112 and/or the corner 130 may align with a top vertex 105 of the interior space 102 and generally define a top horizontal plane 92 of the frame and hence a height H.sub.1 of the frame between the ground surface 90 and the top horizontal plane 92. The bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112 and/or the foot 114 may align with a bottom vertex 107 of the interior space 102.

[0336] FIG. 18B further shows the leg tubes 112 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The leg tubes 112 may also remain vertical or nearly vertical for both the folded and unfolded configurations. Thus, the interior space 102 may be shaped as right prism with rectangular base. The slider 120 may once again include a base 121 that defines a through hole opening 122 that surrounds the leg tube 112. The slider 120 may include extended portions 124 and 126 disposed on opposing sides of the base 121 to couple respective X-tubes (e.g., X-tubes 142a and 142d in FIG. 18B) of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the slider 120. The corner 130 may include a base 131 with a recessed opening (not shown) to receive the top end 113a of the leg tube 112. The corner 130 may further include a snap-fit connector 139 coupled to the base 131 instead of a tab 138 extending from the base 131 as in the leg support assembly 110a. Once again, the corner 130 may include extended portions 134 and 136 disposed on opposing sides of the base 131 to couple respective X-tubes (e.g., X-tubes 142b and 142c in FIG. 18D) of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the corner 130.

[0337] FIG. 19A shows the frame 100b in the folded configuration. FIG. 19B shows the slider 120 may be disposed proximate to the foot 114 when the frame 100b is folded. As described above and shown in FIGS. 18B and 19B, the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may couple to the same corner 130 and slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110b. Furthermore, the pin joints that connect the respective X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to the slider 120 or the corner 130 may be located along the same horizontal plane. Thus, the respective ends of the X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b that couple to the leg support assembly 110b may travel the same distance along the leg tube 112 to fold and/or unfold both the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. This enables the slider 120 and the corner 130 to be thinner in size and, in turn, reduces the overall length, L, of the leg tube 112 such that the leg tube 112 only provides sufficient overlap to couple the foot 114 and the corner 130 to the leg tube 112 and sufficient clearance for the slider 120 to move a sufficient distance to fold and/or unfold the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. As shown in FIGS. 18B and 19B, the slider 120 may be disposed proximate to the corner 130 when the frame 100b is in the unfolded configuration and proximate to the foot 114 when the frame 100b is in the folded configuration. FIG. 19A also shows that, in the folded configuration, the frame has a height H.sub.2 between the ground surface 90 and a top horizontal plane 92A defined by the frame. As noted above in connection with FIGS. 2B and 2E, the height of the frame 100b may remain substantially constant or constant between the folded and unfolded configurations of the frame. In other words, the heights H.sub.1 and H.sub.2 may be equal or substantially similar and the planes 92 and 92A are coplanar or substantially coplanar. In some implementations, however, the height of the frame 100b may vary (e.g., the height H.sub.2 may be somewhat greater than the height H.sub.1 and the plane 92A in the folded configuration may be disposed somewhat above the plane 92 in the unfolded configuration).

[0338] FIGS. 20A-20E show several views of the frame 100b in a partially unfolded/folded state. In particular, FIG. 20B shows the X-frame assembly 140a may once again include X-tubes 142a and 142b that are rotatably coupled to one another via a pin joint (e.g., a rolled rivet joint). As shown, the X-tube 142a may be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 112b via a pin joint 146a and the slider 120 of another leg support assembly 112b via a pin joint 146b. Similarly, the X-tube 142b may be rotatably coupled to the slider 130 of the one leg support assembly 112b via a pin joint 146c and the corner 130 of the other leg support assembly 112b via a pin joint 146d. Thus, the X-frame assembly 140a may operate in a similar or same manner as the X-frame assemblies 140a in the frame 100a.

[0339] FIG. 20C shows the X-frame assembly 140b may include two pairs of X-tubes, i.e., the X-tubes 142c and 142d as well as the X-tubes 142e and 142f. The X-tubes 142c and 142d may be rotatably coupled to each other via a pin joint 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 coupled to each via another pin joint 145. Each pair of X-tubes 142c and 142d (or 142e and 1420 may be coupled to one leg support assembly 110b and to the other remaining pair of X-tubes. As shown, the X-tube 142c may be rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146e and the X-tube 142e via a pin joint 146f. The X-tube 142d may be rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of the one leg support assembly 110a via a pin joint 146g and to the X-tube 142e via a pin joint 146h. The X-tube 142e may be further rotatably coupled to the corner 130 of another leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146i. The X-tube 142f may be further rotatably coupled to the slider 120 of the other leg support assembly 110b via a pin joint 146j.

[0340] In some implementations, the shape and/or dimensions of the X-tubes 142c-142f may be substantially identical or identical with each other. The shape and/or dimensions of the X-tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a may be different from the X-tubes 142c-142f of the X-frame assembly 140b depending, in part, on the desired dimensions of the rectangular-shaped interior space 102. However, in some implementations, the shape and/or dimensions of the X-tubes 142c-142f may also be substantially identical or identical with the X-tubes 142a and 142b of the X-frame assembly 140a.

[0341] FIG. 20C further shows the pair of pin joints 145 may be offset from the respective center points of the X-tubes 142c-142f. In particular, the pin joint 145 coupling the X-tubes 142c and 142d together may be positioned closer to the pin joints 146h and 146f than the pin joints 146e and 146g. Similarly, the pin joint 145 coupling the X-tubes 142e and 142f together may also be positioned closer to the pin joints 146h and 146f than the pin joints 146i and 146j. The position of the pin joints 145 along the X-tubes 142c-142f may be tailored to ensure the respective ends of the X-tubes 142c-142f align with the ends of the X-tubes 142a and 142b when coupled to the same corner 130 or slider 120.

[0342] For example, FIG. 20D shows the pin joint 146d coupling the X-tube 142b to the corner 130 and the pin joint 146e coupling the X-tube 142c to the same corner 130 lie on the same horizontal plane 150a. FIG. 20E similarly shows the pin joint 146b coupling the X-tube 142a to the slider 120 and the pin joint 146g coupling the X-tube 142d to the same slider 120 may also lie on the same horizontal plane 150b. As described above, aligning the pin joints in this manner may allow for a thinner slider 120 and corner 130, which, in turn, may reduce the overall length of the leg tube 112. However, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, the pin joints may not be aligned to the same horizontal plane. For example, FIG. 20E shows the extended portion 126 of the slider 120 and the pin joint 146g may be vertically raised (i.e., see extended portion 126-1 and pin joint 146g) above the extended portion 124 and the pin joint 146b.

[0343] FIGS. 21A and 21B show the soft goods 300 may attach to the frame 100b in a similar manner as in the frame 100a. Specifically, FIG. 21A shows the soft goods 300 may include a snap-fit connector 312 disposed on an interior portion of the top portion 302 to couple with the snap-fit connector 139 on the corner 130. FIG. 21B shows the foot 114 of each leg support assembly 110b may include a D-ring 116 that provides an opening to tie a tether 320 of the soft goods 300 to the bottom portion of the leg support assemblies 110b. As shown, the tether 320 may form a closed via the snap-fit connector 322 coupled to another snap-fit connector (not shown) disposed at the base of the strap 320.

[0344] In yet another example, FIGS. 23A-23E show a playard 1000c with a frame 100c that also outlines an interior space 102 with a horizontal cross-section shaped as a rectangle. However, the frame 100c may include curved leg support assemblies 110c resulting in the interior space 102 having a convex shape. In other words, the leg support assemblies 110c curve outwards from the interior space 102 such that the size of the horizontal cross-section is larger at the mid-point of the leg support assemblies 110c than the top or bottom portions of the leg support assemblies 110c. In some implementations, a convex-shaped interior space 102 may provide the child 50 a larger volume to play and/or sleep compared to an interior space with straight leg support assemblies and the same footprint. Additionally, a convex-shaped interior space 102 may also provide a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0345] As shown in FIG. 23A, the playard 1000c may also include soft goods 300 that define a partially enclosed space 301 disposed within the interior 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 as well as a top portion 302 that covers the top portion 108 of the frame 100c. The soft goods 300 may include a removable mat placed onto the floor portion 304 to provide 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 before, the soft goods 300 may further include a removable mat that is placed onto the floor portion 304 to provide padding.

[0346] As shown in FIGS. 23D and 23E, the frame 100c may include multiple leg support assemblies 110c that each include at least a leg tube 112, a slider 120, and a corner 130. Compared to the leg support assemblies 110a and 110b, the leg tube 112 may be curved along an axis 111b such that the slider 120 moves along a curved path when the frame 100c is folded and/or unfolded. The leg support assemblies 110c may define and/or align with respective side edges 104 of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24).

[0347] The leg support assemblies 110c may further include either a foot 114 to support the playard 1000c on the ground 90 or a wheel assembly 151 to more easily move and/or reorient the playard 1000c after being unfolded. For example, FIG. 23D shows the leg support assemblies 110c at one end of the interior space 102 may both include wheel assemblies 151. Thus, the caregiver may pick up the playard 1000c from the opposing end and pull the playard 1000c with the wheel assemblies 151 rolling along the ground 90 to reposition the playard 1000c as desired. In a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 18A, FIG. 23E shows that the frame 100c has a height H.sub.1 between the ground surface 90 and a top horizontal plane 92.

[0348] FIG. 25A shows an exploded view of the leg support assembly 110c with the wheel assembly 151. As shown, the leg tube 112 may once again have a first end 113a and a second end 113b. The corner 130 may be coupled to the top end 113a of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may include a base 152 that couples to the bottom end 113b of the leg tube 112. The wheel assembly 151 may further include a wheel 153 that is rotatably coupled to the base 152 via a wheel cover 154. The slider 120 may thus be slidably coupled to the leg tube 112 such that the slider 120 is located between the base 152 of the wheel assembly 151 and the corner 130. FIG. 25A also shows the frame 100c may include a latch mechanism 200j that directly couples the slider 120 to the corner 130, which will be described in more detail below.

[0349] FIG. 25B shows an exploded view of the leg support assembly 110c with the foot 114. As shown, the leg tube 112, the slider 120, the corner 130, and the foot 114 may be assembled in a similar manner to the leg support assemblies 110a and 110b as described above.

[0350] The frame 100c may further include X-frame assemblies 140a, disposed on the smaller curved side faces 106 of the interior space 102, to couple adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the shorter sides of the rectangular cross-section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). The frame 100c may also include X-frame assemblies 140b, disposed on the larger curved side faces 106 of the interior space 102, to couple adjacent leg support assemblies 110c along the longer sides of the rectangular cross-section of the interior space 102 (see FIG. 24). As before, the X-frame assemblies 140a may form a single X-frame structure with one pair of X-tubes and the X-frame assemblies 140b may form a double X-frame structure with two pairs of X-tubes.

[0351] The shape and/or dimensions of the respective X-tubes in the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b and/or the location of the pin joints that rotatably couple each X-tube to another X-tube, the slider 120, and/or the corner 130 may be tailored based, in part, on the desired dimensions of the interior space 102 similar to the frame 100b. Additionally, in some implementations, the X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may be arranged such that the pin joints that couple the X-tubes to the same slider 120 or corner 130 of the leg support assembly 110c are aligned along the same horizontal plane.

[0352] The X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may once again be disposed within a top portion 108 of the frame 100c and/or the interior space 102. This enables the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b to function as top rails to mechanically reinforce the frame 100c while also eliminating other support structures, such as a separate top rail and/or a bottom support structure. The placement of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b may also provide a larger window for the caregiver to view their child 50 through the sides of the frame 100c.

[0353] In some implementations, the soft goods 300 in the playard 1000c may be divided into separate components, in part, to better conform with the geometry of the interior space 102. For example, the side portions 306 and the floor portion 304 may be installed separately from the top portion 302. To better conform with the shape of the interior space 102, the side portions 306 may be mounted along an interior side of the leg tube 112 to reduce or, in some instances, prevent gaps from forming between the side portions 306 and the leg support assemblies 110c (see, for example, FIG. 26A) when the playard 1000c is unfolded. Said in another way, the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 may be attached to the leg support assemblies 110c to provide a seamless appearance with the leg tubes 112, the feet 114, and/or the wheel assemblies 151 being exposed along the exterior portion of the playard 1000c as shown in FIGS. 23A-23C. Once the side portions 306 and the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 are installed, the top portion 302 may then be attached to the side portions 306 using, for example, a zipper connection (not shown), and subsequently coupled to the frame 100c to complete assembly.

[0354] This may be accomplished, in part, by incorporating a stiffener 330 into the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300, which may then the routed through a channel 171 formed along the leg tube 112. The stiffener 330 may be a compliant component, such as an extruded plastic rod that is inserted through a pocket formed along the respective corners of the side portions 306 located near the side edges 104 of the interior space 102. FIG. 26B shows the leg tube 112 may have an oblong cross-sectional shape with a curved side 172 that forms a recess along the interior side of the leg tube 112 facing the interior space 102. The channel 171 may be formed on the curved side 172 and may span a portion of or, in some instances, the entire length of the leg tube 112. As shown in FIG. 26B, the stiffener 330 may be inserted through the channel 171, thus holding the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 against the leg tube 112.

[0355] The slider 120 in the leg support assembly 110c may still be allowed to move along the leg tube 112 even with the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 installed onto the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 26B shows the slider 120 may include a base 121 that defines a through hole opening 122 that only partially surrounds the leg tube 112 to guide the movement of the slider 120 along the leg tube 112. As shown, a slotted opening 128 may be formed along an interior side of the base 121 to allow the side portions 306 attached to the leg tube 112 to pass through the base 121 of the slider 120. In this manner, the slider 120 may move along the leg tube 112 unimpeded by the side portions 306 when the playard 1000c is folded and/or unfolded.

[0356] FIG. 26B further shows the slider 120 may once again include extended portions 124 and 126 disposed on opposing sides of the base 121 to couple to respective X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b (e.g., X-tubes 142f and 142b).

[0357] FIG. 27A shows the corner 130 may once again include a base 131 with extended portions 134 and 136 disposed on opposing sides of the base 131 to couple to respective X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b (e.g., X-tubes 142e and 142a). The corner 130 may further include a tab 138 that extends downwards along the leg tube 112 and outwards from the frame 100c to form an overhang portion. As shown in FIG. 27A, the slider 120 may be positioned underneath the overhang portion formed by the tab 138 and, hence, disposed between the leg tube 112 and the tab 138 of the corner 130 when the frame 100c is unfolded.

[0358] The corner 130 may be shaped in this manner to provide a hook structure for the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around, thus ensuring the corners 130 and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b are covered. In some implementations, the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 may further include a pocket 331 to aid the caregiver in wrapping the soft goods 300 around the corners 130. Additionally, the soft goods 130 may primarily contact only the exterior surfaces of the corner 130, which may allow the corners of the playard 1000c to have a softer, gentler appearance. For example, the base 131 and the tab 138 of the corner 130 may have a smooth rounded shape for the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 to wrap around. The top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 may include a snap-fit connector 312 disposed along an interior portion of the top portion 302 that couples to a corresponding snap-fit connector 139 on the corner 139 as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C.

[0359] In some implementations, the slider 120 may also include a rounded bottom section 170 positioned underneath the overhang portion of the tab 138 when the frame 100c is unfolded. As shown in FIGS. 26B and 27A, the rounded bottom section 170 may extend further outwards from the frame 100c than the tab 138 of the corner 130 to provide a lead-off feature to reduce or, in some instances, prevent a string or another tethered object from becoming entangled with the overhang portion of the corner 130.

[0360] As described above, the frame 100c may include the latch mechanism 200j to lock the frame 100c in the unfolded configuration by engaging the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110c to the corresponding corner 130. Generally, the frame 100c may include one or more of the latch mechanisms 200j. For example, FIG. 28A shows the playard 1000c may include a single latch mechanism 200j coupled to one leg support assembly 110c. However, in other implementations, the playard 1000c may include another latch mechanism 200j coupled to another leg support assembly 110c on an opposite corner of the playard 1000c to ensure the frame 100c is evenly unfolded.

[0361] FIG. 28B shows the latch mechanism 200j may include a latch member 210 with a mounting base 224 at one end that is rigidly coupled to the slider 120 and a latch opening 214 disposed at an opposing end (see FIG. 28C) to receive a latch catch 291 disposed on the corner 130. The latch member 210 may be a mechanically compliant component with sufficient mechanical rigidity such that a restoring force is generated 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 outwards from the frame 100c to release the latch member 210 from the latch catch 291. Additionally, the latch member 210 may include a lead-in portion 222 to facilitate engagement of the latch member 210 to the latch catch 291 when unfolding the playard 1000c.

[0362] FIG. 28B further show the latch mechanism 200j may be locked and/or unlocked with the soft goods 300 and, in particular, the top portion 302 covering the top portion 108 of the frame 100c. As shown, the latch catch 291 may protrude through an opening formed on the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. The latch member 210 may be disposed over the top portion 302 when engaging with the latch catch 291. Thus, the latch member 210 may be left exposed. Furthermore, the internal restoring force generated by the latch member 210 may also cause at least a portion of the latch member 210 (e.g., the tab 220, the lead-in feature 222) to press onto the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300, thus further restraining the soft goods 300 against the corner 130. In other words, the latch member 210 may function as an integral escutcheon when engaged with the latch catch 291.

[0363] Similar to the playards 1000a and 1000b, the frame 100c of the playard 1000c may only include the leg support assemblies 110c and the X-frame assemblies 140a and 140b. In some implementations, the frame 100c may exhibit sufficient mechanical rigidity, stability, and strength to satisfy various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F406-19). For example, FIGS. 29A-29D show the playard 1000c being subjected to a Top Rail to Corner Post Attachment test as set defined under ASTM F406-19, 7.11 and 8.30. As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, a torque is applied to one of the X-frame assemblies 140b by clamping a 24 inch long rod to the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b and hanging a 15-20 lb weight onto the end of the rod. FIGS. 29C and 29D show that after applying the torque load for at least 10 seconds, the X-tubes of the X-frame assembly 140b were deformed, but the sliders 120 and the corners 130 coupled to the X-tubes did not crack and/or otherwise break, thus satisfying the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.11.

[0364] FIGS. 30A-30C show the playard 1000c being subjected to 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 FIG. 30A, a 100 lbf force was applied to the center of the X-frame assembly 140b at a 45 degree angle relative to the floor for at least 15 seconds. FIGS. 30B and 30C show 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, the rolled rivet joints, and the corners and sliders of the leg support assemblies did not crack and/or otherwise break, thus satisfying the requirements under ASTM F406-19, 7.3.3.

[0365] FIG. 31 further shows the playard 1000c being subjected to a stability test where the playard 1000c was placed onto playform and a load was applied to one side of the playard 1000c from within the partially enclosed space 301. Similar to the playards 1000a and 1000b, it was found at least three of the feet 114 and/or the wheels 151 of the playard 1000c maintained contact with the underlying platform when the playard 1000c was rotated more than 10 degrees, thus satisfying the requirements under ASTM F406-19 for stability.

[0366] In some implementations, the foldable playard, when deployed, may also provide a platform to support various accessories (also referred to herein as a “topper”) to augment the functionality of the playard. For example, FIG. 23D shows the frame 100c of the playard 1000c may include one or more topper supports 161 disposed on the respective X-tubes of the X-frame assemblies 140b. The combination of the topper supports 161 and the corners 130 of the leg support assemblies 110c may support one or more toppers 160 placed onto the top portion 108 of the frame 100c when the playard 1000c is in the unfolded configuration. The toppers 160 may be various accessories including, but not limited to a changing table, a bassinet, and a bouncer.

[0367] In another example, FIGS. 32A-32F show the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration with a canopy cover assembly 400a. The canopy cover assembly 400a may be coupled to the frame 100a and disposed, in part, above the interior space 102 of the frame 100a to support a canopy cover 440 (see, for example, FIG. 32E) that covers the interior space 102. The canopy cover 440 may be a compliant and/or flexible component formed from, for example, a textile material. For example, the playard 1000a may be deployed in an outdoor setting, thus the canopy cover 440 may provide shade for the child 50 when placed in the partially enclosed space 301 of the playard 1000a.

[0368] As shown in FIGS. 32A-32C, the canopy cover assembly 400a may include multiple canopy support assemblies 410 that couple to each leg support assembly 110a of the frame 100a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a may fully cover the interior space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400a is a full canopy cover). In some implementations, the canopy support assemblies 410 may be substantially identical or identical with the other canopy support assemblies 410.

[0369] Each canopy support assembly 410 may include a canopy bow 412 partially disposed above the interior space 102 to support the canopy cover 440 and a canopy clip 420a to couple the canopy bow 412 to the frame 100a. For the canopy cover assembly 400a, the canopy bows 412 from each canopy support assembly 410 may be coupled together via a hub 450a disposed above the interior space 102 as shown in FIG. 32A. In some implementations, the hub 450a may be approximately aligned or aligned to the center of the interior space 102 when the canopy cover assembly 400a is mounted to the frame 100a, as shown in FIG. 32C. FIG. 32B further shows the respective canopy bows 412 of the canopy support assemblies 410 may form a frame or support structure where each canopy bow 412 is bent, in part, to define the desired shape of the canopy cover 440 when the canopy cover 440 is installed onto the canopy support assemblies 410.

[0370] FIG. 32D shows the canopy clip 420a may be disposed along an exterior portion of the frame 100a (i.e., outside the interior space 102 of the frame 100a) proximate to the slider 120 and the top portion 108 of the frame 100a when the canopy clip 420a is coupled to the leg support assembly 110a. FIGS. 32E and 32F show the canopy clip 420a may include a base 422 with snap-fit features 424 that form a snap-fit connector to directly couple the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 of one leg support assembly 110a. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be mounted to the frame 100a without the use of any tools. Furthermore, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be coupled to the frame 100a without making any alterations or modifications to the frame 100a. In this manner, the canopy cover assembly 400a may not be limited for installation with only the frame 100a, but instead the canopy cover assembly 400a may be mounted onto the frames of other playards (e.g., other frames with six leg support assemblies). Said in another way, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be a universally compatible accessory that the caregiver may separately purchase and/or install onto their playard.

[0371] The snap-fit features 424 may generally be shaped to conform with the cross-sectional shape of the leg tube 112 to ensure the canopy clip 420a is securely coupled to the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 33A shows the snap-fit features 424 may form an oval-shaped channel that matches the oval-shaped cross-section of the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the asymmetric cross-section of the leg tube 112 (e.g., the oval-shaped cross section) may ensure the canopy clip 420a only couples to the leg tube 112 with a desired orientation and/or prevents unwanted rotation of the canopy clip 420a when coupled to the leg tube 112. In this manner, the canopy bow 4112 may be repeatedly and/or reliably positioned and/or oriented with respect to the frame 100a such that the canopy cover 440, when placed onto the canopy support assembly 410, provides the desired coverage and/or aesthetic appearance. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the shape of the snap-fit features 424 may be tailored to match the shape of the leg tubes most commonly used in various playard products (e.g., a circular-shaped leg tube). The snap-fit features 424 may further include lead-in features 425 to align the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 and/or to deflect the snap-fit features 424 outwards to facilitate engagement with the leg tube 112.

[0372] In some implementations, the caregiver may thus align and press the canopy clip 420a along the arrow shown in FIG. 33A to engage the snap-fit features 424 to the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the caregiver may instead hook one of the snap-fit features 424 (e.g., via the corresponding lead-in feature 425) onto the leg tube 112 and then rotate the opposing side of the canopy clip 420a such that the other snap-fit feature 424 engages the leg tube 112 (e.g., via the corresponding lead-in feature 425) as shown in FIG. 33B. Compared to conventional canopy cover assemblies, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be more securely and reliably coupled to the frame 100a by directly coupling the canopy clip 420a to the leg tube 112 instead of a portion of the frame covered by soft goods. Thus, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be less susceptible to being removed accidentally by, for example, wind or the child 50 when placed into the partially enclosed space 301.

[0373] FIGS. 32E and 32F further show the canopy clip 420a may include a canopy bow opening 426 (e.g., also referred to herein as a “canopy bow socket 426”) formed, in part, on the base 422 to receive a 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 may be inserted through the opening 432 disposed on the side of the base 422 to securely couple the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy clip 420a may alternatively utilize an integral snap finger to couple the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420a via a snap-fit connection.

[0374] In some implementations, a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be disposed outside the interior space 102 of the frame 102 and positioned proximate to the top portion 108 of the frame 100a when coupled to the canopy clip 420a. For example, FIG. 32D shows a portion of the canopy bow 412 may be in substantially parallel or parallel alignment with the leg tube 112 and positioned next to the corner 130. By positioning the canopy bow 412 to overlap with the top portion 108 of the frame 100a, the canopy bow 412 is less susceptible to being pulled into the partially enclosed space 301 of the playard 1000a by the child 50 compared to conventional playards with canopy cover assemblies. For example, the canopy bow 412 may be more difficult to reach since the child 50 has to extend their arms over the corners 130 of the frame 100a to grab the canopy bow 412. Additionally, even if the child 50 manages to grab onto the canopy bow 412, they have less leverage to pull the canopy cover assembly 400a into the playard 1000a due to the canopy bow 412 overlapping the top portion 108 of the frame 100a and the canopy clip 420a positioned on an exterior portion of the frame 100a.

[0375] The canopy clip 420a may further include an alignment rib 430 that protrudes outwards from the base 422 towards the frame 100a. The alignment rib 430 may be used, in part, as an alignment feature to position the canopy clip 420a onto the leg support assembly 110a. For example, FIGS. 42D-F show the alignment rib 430 may be disposed between the top surface of the slider 120 and the bottom surface of the corner 130 such that the snap-fit features 424 are disposed just below the slider 120 when the canopy clip 420a is coupled to the leg tube 112. In some implementations, the alignment rib 430 may also prevent the canopy clip 420a from sliding downwards along the leg tube 112. For example, FIG. 32E shows the alignment rib 430 may contact the top surface of the slider 120 if the canopy clip 420a moves down along the leg tube 112.

[0376] In some implementations, the canopy cover 440 may be laid directly over and onto the canopy support assemblies 410. The canopy cover 440 may include one or more tethers 442 to pull and/or hold the canopy cover 440 taut along the canopy bows 412 of the canopy support assemblies 410. For example, FIG. 32E shows each tether 442 may be looped around a hook 428 disposed at the bottom of the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0377] The canopy bow 412, the canopy clip 420a, and/or the hub 450a may be formed from various materials including, but not limited to plastic and fiberglass. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be formed as a single, mechanically compliant component that may bent into the desired shape to couple the canopy bow 412 to the hub 450a and/or the canopy clip 420a. In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be an assembly of components (e.g., tubes) coupled together via one or more shock cords or bungee cords. The tubes may be fitted to one another to form an assembly of tubes that mechanically function as a single, continuous rod. For example, FIG. 32E shows the canopy bow 412 may include an elastic cord 414 that passes through the canopy bow 412 to hold the various sections of the canopy bow 412 together. As shown, the elastic cord 414 may be terminated with a knot, which may be accessed by the caregiver through an opening 434 on the base 422 of the canopy clip 420a.

[0378] As described above, the canopy cover assembly 400a may include a hub 450a that couples the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412 together to form a structure that covers the interior space 102 of the frame 100a. In some implementations, the canopy bows 412 may be coupled to the hub 450a prior to purchase by a consumer (e.g., the canopy cover assembly 400a may be assembled at a factory) or by a caregiver when installing the canopy cover assembly 400a onto the playard 1000a for the first time. In other words, the canopy bows 412 may remain coupled to the hub 450a for subsequent installations of the canopy cover assembly 400a such that the caregiver only needs to couple the respective canopy clips 420a to corresponding leg tubes 112 for setup.

[0379] In some implementations, the canopy bow 412 may be rigidly coupled to the hub 450a (i.e., the second 413b of the canopy bow 412 may not translate and/or rotate relative to the hub 450a). Thus, the canopy bows 412 of the canopy support assemblies 410 may be bent to facilitate attachment of the respective canopy clips 420a to the frame 100a. In some implementations, the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 may be rotatably coupled to the hub 450a so that the canopy support assemblies 410 may be folded into a more compact structure for storage while remaining coupled to the hub 450a. For example, FIGS. 34A and 34B show the hub 450a may include a base 451 with multiple openings 452 to receive the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412. The openings 452 may be aligned, in part, according to the relative locations of the leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a in the unfolded configuration. For example, the hub 450a may have six openings 452 disposed evenly around the periphery of the base 451 to align with the six leg support assemblies 110a, which may be arranged to form a hexagonal-shaped interior space 102.

[0380] Once the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 is inserted into the opening 452, a pin 454 coupled to the second end 413b may be held in a corresponding slot 453 formed in the base 451 via, for example, a snap-fit connector. This allows the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 to rotate relative to the base 451 via rotation of the pin 454 within the slot 453 about a rotation axis 460 as shown in FIG. 34B. In some implementations, the pin 454 may be integrally formed into the canopy bow 412. In some implementations, the pin 454 may be a separate component that is inserted through openings along the sides of the canopy bow 412 near the second end 413b.

[0381] The base 451 may further include a lip 457 to constrain the range of rotational motion of the canopy bow 412 relative to the hub 450a. For example, FIG. 34B shows the lip 457 may be disposed along the bottom side of the base 451, which causes 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 assemblies 410 may be allowed to rotate such that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 is inserted through the opening 452 from the top side of the base 451 (i.e., the canopy clip 420a is positioned above the hub 450a). In this manner, the canopy cover assembly 400a may be folded for storage and/or transport separately or together with the playard 1000a.

[0382] FIGS. 35A and 35B show the playard 1000a with the frame 100a and soft goods 300 and another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400b with the canopy cover 440 installed onto the playard 1000a. In this example, the canopy cover assembly 400b may cover half the interior space 102 (i.e., the canopy cover assembly 400b is a half canopy cover).

[0383] FIGS. 36A-36E show the canopy cover assembly 400b may once again include multiple canopy support assemblies 410 coupled to the frame 100a to provide a support structure that defines the desired shape of the canopy cover 440 when mounted to the canopy support assemblies 410. Compared to the canopy cover assembly 400a, however, the canopy support assemblies 410 of the canopy cover assembly 400b may include a canopy bow 412 that is directly coupled to two canopy clips 420b mounted to different leg support assemblies 110a of the frame 100a instead of a central hub. For example, FIGS. 36A and 36C show the canopy cover assembly 400b may include two canopy support assemblies 410 where the canopy bow 412 of each canopy support assembly 410 is coupled to two non-adjacent leg support assemblies 110a. The canopy bows 412 may overlap and/or cross one another as shown in FIG. 36C.

[0384] In this example, the canopy bow 412 may include multiple bow sections 416 coupled together via connectors 415. The connector 415 may be a tubular-shaped component that receives respective ends of two bow sections 416. In some implementations, each bow section 416 may be coupled to the connector 415 via a fastener inserted through a corresponding opening on the connectors 415 and/or an integral snap finger.

[0385] The canopy clip 420b may incorporate several of the same features as the canopy clip 420a described above. For example, FIGS. 36D and 36E show the canopy clip 420b may include a base 422 with snap-fit features 424, a canopy bow opening 426 to receive one end of the canopy bow 412, a mounting hole 432 to securely couple the canopy bow 412 to the canopy clip 420b, an opening 434 to access the elastic cord in the canopy bow 412, and a hook 428 to secure 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 may be tilted such that the portion of the canopy bow 412 coupled to the canopy clip 420b is oriented an angle relative to the leg tube 112 of the leg support assembly 110a to ensure the canopy bow 412 extends over a center portion of the interior space 102 as shown in FIG. 36C.

[0386] FIGS. 37A-37C show another exemplary canopy cover assembly 400c without the canopy cover 440 coupled to the frame 100a of the playard 1000a. The canopy cover assembly 400c may also cover half the interior space 102 similar to the canopy cover assembly 400b. However, the canopy support assemblies 410 of the canopy cover assembly 400c may be joined together by a hub 450b in the canopy cover assembly 400a. As shown, the canopy support assemblies 410 may include the canopy bows 412 and canopy clips 420a described above. In this example, the canopy support assemblies 410 may couple to enough leg support assemblies 110a to cover half the interior space 102 as shown in FIG. 37C.

[0387] FIGS. 38A and 38B show the hub 450b may once again include a base 451 with openings 452 to receive the second ends 413b of each canopy bow 412. As shown, the openings 452 may be formed as sockets that rigidly couple the second ends 413b to the hub 450a such that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 is translationally and rotationally constrained to the hub 450b. In some implementations, the second end 413b may be coupled to the hub 450b via a fastener and/or a snap-fit connection.

[0388] FIGS. 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 be rotatable relative to the base 451 so that the canopy cover assembly 400c may be folded. The hub 450c may incorporate several of the same features as the hub 450a described above. For example, the base 451 may include a slot 453 to receive a pin 454 mounted to the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412. The slot 453 and the pin 454 may allow the canopy bow 412 to rotate about the axis 460. The base 451 may further include a lip 457 disposed on a bottom side of the base 451 to limit the rotational motion of the canopy bow 412.

[0389] FIGS. 40A and 40B show yet another hub 450d for the canopy cover assembly 400c. As shown, the hub 450d may include a base 451 with an opening 456 that extends along the curved side of the base 451. The opening 456 may be shaped to receive the second ends 413b of multiple canopy bows 412 as shown in FIG. 40A. The base 451 may further include holes 455 on the top and bottom sides of the base 451 to couple the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 to the base 451. In some implementations, a pin (not shown) may be inserted through the opening 455 and corresponding openings (not shown) on the canopy bow 412 such that the second end 413b of each canopy bow 412 may rotate about an axis 461 as shown in FIG. 40A. This, in turn, may enable the canopy cover assembly 400c to be folded by rotating each of the canopy bows 412 about a corresponding axis 461 to one side of the hub 451 such that the canopy bows 412 are approximately parallel or parallel with one another. In some implementations, a fastener may instead be inserted through the openings 455 to rigidly couple each canopy bow 412 to the hub 450d (i.e., the second end 413b of the canopy bow 412 does not rotate relative to the base 451).

[0390] Bassinet Accessory

[0391] The foldable playard may also include a bassinet accessory to provide an elevated surface to support a child in their first several months of life (e.g., an infant, a child weighing less than 15 lbs). Once the child outgrows the bassinet accessory, the bassinet accessory may be removed and the interior space of the foldable playard may be used to contain the child as described above. In this manner, the foldable playard may be reconfigured by the caregiver to adapt to the physical development of the child, thus extending the lifetime of the playard. When the bassinet accessory is installed on the playard, the playard may be considered as being in a “bassinet mode.” When the bassinet accessory is removed from the playard, the playard may considered as being in a “playard mode.”

[0392] FIGS. 41A and 41B show the playard 1000b with an exemplary bassinet accessory 500a in the deployed unfolded configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a may be disposed within a top portion of the partially enclosed space 301 defined by the soft goods 300. The bassinet accessory 500a may define a separate relatively smaller partially enclosed space 501 disposed within the partially enclosed space 301 to contain the child in the unfolded configuration. The bassinet accessory 500a may generally include a support structure 520 that physically defines the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 may also facilitate folding and unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500a together with the frame 100b and the soft goods 300, thus simplifying setup and tear down of the playard 1000b (i.e., the caregiver is not required to remove the support structure of the bassinet to fold the playard or install the support structure each time the playard is deployed).

[0393] The support structure 520 may include bassinet soft goods 522 with side surfaces 524 and a bottom surface 526 that physically surround at least a portion of the partially enclosed space 501. The support structure 520 may further include a hub 550 and multiple support tubes 540 that together form a foldable structure. The hub 550 may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., via injection molding). The support tube 540 may be formed from various rigid materials including, but not limited to, aluminum and steel. In the unfolded configuration, the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 provide a rigid platform to support a mattress 510 (see, for example, FIG. 43). The mattress 510, in turn, may provide a cushioned surface 511 located above the ground surface 90 to support the child.

[0394] It should be appreciated the bassinet accessories disclosed herein may also be installed onto different playards (e.g., playards having frame shapes that are different than that shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B). For example, with reference again to FIG. 23A, the bassinet accessory 500a may also be installed on the foldable playard 1000c in the same manner as the playard 1000b.

[0395] The bassinet accessory 500a may be dimensioned and/or shaped such that the partially enclosed space 501 extends laterally to the boundaries of the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300 and, in some instances, the interior space 102 of the frame 100b when the soft goods 300 are disposed along the boundaries of the interior space 102. For example, FIGS. 41A and 41B show the bassinet soft goods 522 may extend to the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a may be shaped and/or dimensioned such that a gap is formed between the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300 and the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, with reference again to FIG. 23A, this figure shows a gap is formed between the side portions 306 and the bassinet soft goods 522 due to the curved shape of the leg support assemblies 110c.

[0396] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a may define a partially enclosed space 501 with a cross-sectional shape that conforms with the cross-sectional shape of the partially enclosed space 301 and, in some implementations, the interior space 102. For example, FIGS. 41A and 41B show the partially enclosed space 501 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape that extends to the side portions 306 of the soft goods 300. In some implementations, the lateral dimensions of the partially enclosed space 501 may remain constant (or substantially constant as the bassinet soft goods 522 may be deformed by the soft goods 300) such that the three-dimensional volume of the partially enclosed space 501 is shaped as a right prism.

[0397] FIGS. 41A and 41B also show the bassinet soft goods 522 may be coupled to the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 such that the bassinet soft goods 522 hang below the top portion 302. As a result, the bassinet accessory 500a may be positioned below the top side of the playard 1000b. For simplicity, the partially enclosed space 501 may include the space between the bottom surface 526 of bassinet soft goods 522 and the top side of the playard 1000b (e.g., the top horizontal plane 92). The presence of the bassinet accessory 500a may further divide the partially enclosed space 301 such that a bottom portion 301a of the partially enclosed space 300 is formed below the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0398] The bassinet accessory 500a may provide a relatively shallow partially enclosed space 501 to improve accessibility. This may enable the bassinet accessory 500a to reduce the physical strain experienced by the caregiver since the caregiver would not bend over as much when directly placing the child into the partially enclosed space 301 of the soft goods 300 (or taking the child out of the partially enclosed space 301). Additionally, the shallow bassinet accessory 500a may also provide greater visibility of the child particularly when the caregiver is viewing the playard 1000b from an elevated position (e.g., viewing the top of the playard 1000b).

[0399] The bassinet accessory 500a may be characterized by a height, h.sub.t,1, defined as the distance from the respective bottom corner portions 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522 to the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b in the unfolded configuration as shown in FIG. 41B. The height, h.sub.t,1, also corresponds to the height of the partially enclosed space 501. In some implementations, the height, h.sub.t,1, may range between 7.5 inches and about 12 inches. In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a may also be characterized by a height, h.sub.m, defined as the distance from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b. When the mattress 510 is not compressed (e.g., the child is not resting on the mattress 510), the height, h.sub.m, may range between 7.5 inches and about 10 inches. The bottom portion 301a may also be characterized by a height, h.sub.b, defined as the distance from the ground surface 90 to the bottom surface 526. In some implementations, the height, h.sub.b, may be greater than or equal to about 18 inches.

[0400] The term “about,” when used to describe the height dimensions h.sub.t,1, h.sub.b, and h.sub.m, is intended to cover manufacturing tolerances and/or variations due to the deformation of the soft goods 300 and/or the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, “about 12 inches” may correspond to a height ranging between 11.75 inches and 12.25 inches or between 11.5 inches and 12.5 inches. In another example, “about 10 inches” may correspond to a height ranging between 9.75 inches and 10.25 inches or between 9.5 inches and 10.5 inches. In another example, “about 18 inches” may correspond to a height ranging between 17.75 inches and 18.25 inches or between 17.5 inches and 18.5 inches.

[0401] In some implementations, the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500a and/or the height, h.sub.b, of the bottom portion 301a may remain substantially unchanged between the folded and unfolded configurations. For example, the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 may only cause the bassinet accessory 500a to collapse along a lateral direction when folding the bassinet accessory 500a together with the playard 1000b (i.e., the lateral dimensions of the partially enclosed space 501 decrease while the height, h.sub.t,1, remains substantially unchanged). Furthermore, the leg support assemblies 110a may remain upright between the folded and unfolded configurations as described above, thus the height, h.sub.b, may also remain substantially unchanged.

[0402] In another example, the frame 100b may flare outwards when unfolded to improve, for example, the mechanical stability of the playard 1000b. Alternatively, as shown in the side view of FIG. 41C, a playard frame 100c with curved legs, similar to that shown in FIG. 23E, may be equipped with a bassinet accessory. In FIG. 41C, the bassinet soft goods are not shown so as to reveal a relative position of the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 as viewed from the side in an unfolded configuration. Although the bassinet soft goods are not explicitly shown in FIG. 41C, the figure nonetheless indicates that respective bottom corners 537 of the bassinet soft goods would be located at respective distal ends of the support tubes 540. FIG. 41C also shows the overall height H.sub.1 of the frame 100c, and the respective heights h.sub.t,1 and h.sub.b as discussed above.

[0403] Additionally, it should be appreciated that the bassinet accessory 500a and, in particular, the bassinet soft goods 522 may fold and/or crumple when folding the playard 1000b. These factors may contribute to small changes in the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500a and/or the height, h.sub.b, of the bottom portion 301a between the folded and unfolded configurations. For example, the height, h.sub.t,1, in the unfolded configuration may change to the height, h.sub.t,2, in the folded configuration (see, for example, FIG. 52). However, the variations in the heights h.sub.t,1 and h.sub.b may be sufficiently small such that the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 remain disposed near to or within the interior space 102 of the playard 1000b. Said in another way, the dimensional relations between, for example, the length of the support tube 540 and the heights h.sub.t,1 and h.sub.b, as described below, may remain substantially unaffected due to variations in the heights h.sub.t,1 and h.sub.b. In some implementations, the heights h.sub.t,1 and h.sub.b may increase or decrease by less than or equal to 1 inch.

[0404] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a may satisfy various consumer safety standards (e.g., ASTM F2194). Thus, the combination of the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a may satisfy ASTM F406, as described above, and ASTM F2194 together. For example, the bassinet accessory 500a and, in particular, the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 may provide a sufficiently flat platform for the mattress 510 to rest upon such that the angle between neighboring segments 512 of the mattress 510 are less than 7 degrees. Additionally, the bassinet accessory 500a may have no openings with a diameter ranging between 0.210 inches and 0.375 inches to prevent finger entrapment. The bassinet accessory 500a may further have no components that undergo a scissoring or shearing motion. The bassinet accessory 500a and, by extension, the playard 1000b may support a static load of 54 lb or 3 times the manufacturer's recommended weight (whichever is greater) for at least 60 seconds. The bassinet accessory 500a may be dimensioned and/or shaped such that any gaps between the edges of the mattress 510 and the side surfaces 524 of the bassinet soft goods 522 is less than 0.5 inches. Additionally, the height, h.sub.m, from the top surface 511 of the mattress 510 to the top side 92 of the playard 1000b may be greater than or equal to 7.5 inches.

[0405] FIGS. 42A and 42B show the mattress 510 may be removed from the bassinet accessory 500a and/or the playard 1000b for use in both the bassinet mode and the playard mode of the foldable playard 1000b. Specifically, FIG. 42A shows the playard 1000b in the bassinet mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is installed on the playard 1000b) where the mattress 510 is disposed on top of the hub 550 and the support tubes 540. FIG. 42B shows the playard 1000b in the playard mode (i.e., the bassinet accessory 500a is removed from the playard 1000b) where the mattress 510 is disposed on the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 (e.g., the mattress 510 rests on the ground). The mattress 510 may be a foldable component that provides a flat cushioned surface 511 for the child to play and/or sleep when unfolded and a compact structure for storage with the other components of the playard 1000b when folded.

[0406] In some implementations, the mattress 510 may be a segmented mattress with multiple panels 512 that fold relative to each another along corresponding creases formed between adjoining panels 512. For example, FIGS. 42A and 42B show the mattress 510 may include four panels 512 with one panel 512 folded for demonstration. In addition to providing a flat cushioned surface 511 to support the child, the mattress 510 may also wrap around the frame 100b, the soft goods 300, and the support structure 520 when the playard 1000b is folded for storage (see, for example, FIG. 45A). In some implementations, the mattress 510 may include one or more straps 514 disposed on a bottom side opposite the cushioned surface 511 to securely couple opposing panels 512 of the mattress 510 together to restrain the frame 100b and thus, maintain the playard 1000b in the folded configuration. The mattress 510 may further include a handle 516 for the caregiver to carry the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0407] FIG. 43 shows the bassinet accessory 500a with the mattress 510 removed, thus exposing the hub 550, the support tubes 540, and the remaining portions of the bassinet soft goods 522. The side surfaces 524 and the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may be formed of a compliant material including, but not limited to, a fabric, a mesh, and plastic. In some implementations, at least a portion of the side surfaces 524 may be transparent and/or see-through. Furthermore, the transparent and/or see-through portions of the bassinet soft goods 522 may overlap with the transparent and/or see-through portions of the soft goods 300 to effectively provide the caregiver one or more windows to monitor their child in the partially enclosed space 501.

[0408] In some implementations, a top portion of the side surfaces 524 may be formed of a fabric material to attach the bassinet accessory 500a to the soft goods 300 while the bottom portion of the side surfaces 524 may be formed of a transparent and/or see-through material. For the bassinet accessory 500a, the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may not include an opening sufficiently large for a user to insert their hand through and into the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. Said in another way, the bassinet soft goods 522 in the bassinet accessory 500a may prevent the user from accessing the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bottom surface 526 may include an opening, in part, to facilitate folding of the bassinet accessory and the playard together (see, for example, the bassinet accessory 500b).

[0409] The bassinet accessory 500a may generally be coupled to the soft goods 300 (or directly to the frame 100b) via a coupling mechanism that allows the bassinet accessory 500a to be readily removable from the playard 1000b when, for example, the child outgrows the bassinet accessory 500a. The bassinet accessory 500a may generally be coupled to the soft goods 300 and/or the frame 100b in several ways including, but not limited to, a zipper mechanism and straps (e.g., one strap connected to the bassinet accessory 500a may extend over a portion of the soft goods 300 covering a corner 130 and clip onto a corresponding strap coupled to the frame 100b via a buckle).

[0410] For example, FIG. 44A shows the bassinet accessory 500a may be coupled to the soft goods 300 via a zipper mechanism 527. As shown, the top edges of the side surfaces 524 may support one set of zipper teeth 529 and a zipper handle 528 that couples to another set of zipper teeth 340 disposed on an interior bottom edge of the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. Thus, the bassinet accessory 500a, via the bassinet soft goods 522, may hang from the interior side of the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300. Said in another way, the zipper mechanism 527 may be disposed within the partially enclosed space 501 along the interior sides of the bassinet soft goods 522 and the top portion 302 such that the zipper mechanism 527 is not observable from the exterior of the playard 1000b.

[0411] FIG. 43 shows the bassinet soft goods 522 may have a height, h.sub.sg, that is less than the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500a. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the bassinet soft goods 522 may extend over the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 and couple to the soft goods 300 and/or the frame 100b along the exterior of the playard 1000b. For these implementations, the height, h.sub.sg, may be approximately equal or equal to the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0412] The caregiver may align and attach the zipper teeth 340 and 529 via the zipper handle 528 to install the bassinet accessory 500a onto the playard 1000b. Additionally, the caregiver may readily remove the bassinet accessory 500a from the playard 1000b by pulling on the zipper handle 528 to disengage the zipper teeth 340 and 529. Once the bassinet accessory 500a is removed from the playard 1000b, the bassinet accessory 500a may be folded as shown in FIG. 44B and stowed separately.

[0413] The zipper mechanism 527 may generally span at least a portion of the side surfaces 524 to securely couple 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 that each span different portions of the side surfaces 524 such that collectively, the multiple zipper mechanisms 527 span the entirety of the top edges of the side surfaces 524. The zipper mechanism 527 may generally reduce or, in some instances, eliminate unwanted openings formed between the side surfaces 524 and the top portion 302.

[0414] As described above, the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 may form a foldable structure generally disposed on the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 to facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500a together with the frame 100b. As shown in FIG. 43, the hub 550 may be disposed at or near the center of the bottom surface 526 and the support tubes 540 may extend radially from the hub 550 to the respective corner portions 537 of the bottom surface 526 of bassinet soft goods 522. Said in another way, the support tubes 540 may be disposed along the diagonal segments of the bottom surface 526 (i.e., the line segments connecting the corners of the bottom surface 526 that do not share the same edge).

[0415] To facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500a, each support tube 540 may be rotatably coupled to the hub 550. In particular, each support tube 540 may have a first end 542a rotatably coupled to the hub 550 and a second end 542b opposite the first end 542a disposed at one corner portion 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522. Additionally, the support tubes 540 and/or the hub 550 may be directly coupled to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more attachment mechanisms so that the bassinet soft goods 522 move together with the support tubes 540 and/or the hub 550 when folding and/or unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a. The attachment mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a strap, a screw fastener, a webbing tab, and a fabric tunnel.

[0416] In some implementations, the attachment mechanism(s) may be disposed at or near opposing ends 542a and 542b of each support tube 540 to ensure the center portion and the side portions of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 fold together with the support tubes 540 and the hub 550. For instance, FIG. 43 shows the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may include a strap 530 that forms a fabric tunnel through which the support tube 540 is inserted. The strap 530 may be disposed near the first end 542a of the support tube 540 and sewn directly onto the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. For example, the support tube 540 may have a length, L.sub.t, and the strap 530 may be offset from the end 542a of the support tube 540 by a distance less than 50% of the length L.sub.t. In some implementations, the strap 530 may be positioned sufficiently close to the hub 550 such that at least a portion of the strap 530 physically contacts the hub 550. FIG. 44B further shows the second end 542b of each support tube 540 may be fastened directly to the bassinet soft goods 522 via a screw fastener 534a inserted from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526 through an opening 532 at the corner portion 537.

[0417] In the unfolded configuration, the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 provide a flat platform to support the mattress 510 as shown in FIG. 43 where the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially horizontal or horizontal along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tubes 540 rotate with respect to the hub 550 such that the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially vertical or vertical. For the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub 550 moves upwards when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a and, conversely, downwards when folding the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0418] In some implementations, the ends 542b of each support tube 540 may remain stationary or substantially stationary with respect to the ground 90 (e.g., the bassinet soft goods 522 may deform causing the ends 542b and/or the corner portions 537 to vary slightly as described above). In other words, the ends 542b of each support tube may remain at a height, h.sub.b, from the ground 90 even as the ends 542b displace laterally when the bassinet accessory 500a is folded and unfolded. Thus, as the hub 550 is displaced vertically, the support tubes 540 may rotate with respect to the hub 550 where the ends 542b of each support tube 540 function as a pivot point that is constrained to move only laterally (e.g., a pin joint disposed in a slider joint).

[0419] In some implementations, the bassinet accessory 500a and the playard 1000b may be shaped and/or dimensioned such that the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 remain substantially within or entirely within the interior space 102 in both the folded and unfolded configurations. In other words, the bassinet accessory 500a does not increase the overall size of the foldable playard 1000b. This may be accomplished by tailoring the length, L.sub.t, of each support tube 102 to be approximately less than or equal to the height, h.sub.b, of the bottom portion 301a separating the bottom surface 526 from the ground 90 in the unfolded configuration. Since the ends 542b of each support tube 540 remain at the same or similar height, h.sub.b, from the ground 90, the support tube 102 does not extend past the feet 114 of the frame 100b when it rotates from a horizontal orientation corresponding to the unfolded configuration to a vertical orientation corresponding to the folded configuration. In some implementations, the height, h.sub.b, may be sufficiently greater than the length, L.sub.t, of the support tube 540 such that the hub 550 is also contained entirely within the interior space 102 in the folded configuration.

[0420] It should be appreciated the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 of the bassinet accessory 500a may remain within the interior space 102 of the playard 1000b due, in part, to the relatively shallower height, h.sub.t,1, of the partially enclosed space 501, which results in a larger height, h.sub.b, for the bottom portion 301a for a given height, H, of the playard 1000b. As a result, the support tubes 540 may be formed from a single rigid component, simplifying manufacture and assembly of the bassinet accessory 500a. However, it should be appreciated that, in other implementations, the length of the support tube may be changed between the folded and unfolded configurations to ensure the bassinet accessory remains substantially confined within the interior space 102 of the playard 1000b (see, for example, the telescoping support tubes 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b).

[0421] FIGS. 45A-45C show a series of figures that illustrate the process of unfolding the foldable playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a. Specifically, FIG. 45A shows the foldable playard 1000b in the folded configuration. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500a is contained entirely within the interior space 102 of the playard 102 and, hence, is not observable in FIG. 45A. Furthermore, FIG. 45A shows the mattress 510 may wrap around the frame 100b to maintain the playard 1000b in the folded configuration.

[0422] To unfold the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500a, the mattress 510 is first removed from the frame 100b. The caregiver may then pull the slider 120 towards the corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to at least partially unfold the frame 100b. In some implementations, the caregiver may pull the slider 120 until the latch mechanism 200a is engaged, thus locking the frame 100b in the unfolded configuration. Since the bassinet soft goods 522 are coupled to the soft goods 300, the bassinet accessory 500a may also at least partially unfold in response to the frame 100b unfolding. However, the weight (i.e., the gravitational force) of the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 may cause the bassinet accessory 500a to sag downwards even when the frame 100b is locked in the deployed unfolded configuration.

[0423] To prevent the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 from sagging downwards, the hub 550 may include a hub latch 570 with a release handle 576 that, when in a locked state, prevents the support tubes 540 from rotating relative to the hub 550. While unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a, the hub latch 570 may instead be in an unlocked state to allow the caregiver to pull the hub latch 570 and, in turn, rotate the support tubes 540. As shown in FIGS. 45B and 45C, the support tubes 540 may rotate towards a horizontal orientation corresponding to the unfolded configuration as the hub latch 570 is pulled upwards (see A in FIG. 45C). Once the bassinet accessory 500a is unfolded, the hub latch 570 may be rotated (see B in FIG. 45C) to change the hub latch 570 from an unlocked state to a locked state thus maintaining the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 at the desired unfolded configuration. The hub 550 may further include integrated mechanical stops 554 to prevent the hub 550 from moving further upwards once the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 are at the deployed unfolded configuration. This ensures the caregiver is unable to move the hub 550 past the desired unfolded configuration.

[0424] Additionally, conventional playards typically include a bottom support structure that folds with the frame. When unfolding the playard, the caregiver should bend over and reach through an opening in the bassinet soft goods to press down upon the bottom support structure to ensure the bottom support structure is properly unfolded. In contrast, the playard 1000b may not include a separate bottom support structure as described above. This means the caregiver does not have to bend over and reach down towards the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a together with the playard 1000b. Rather, the caregiver may pull on the hub latch 570, which is already positioned above the ground 90 when the bassinet accessory 500a is partially unfolded in response to the unfolding of the frame 100b. In this manner, the caregiver may experience less physical strain when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0425] To fold the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500a, the caregiver may release the hub latch 570 (and the latch mechanism 200a) and press down on the hub 550 and/or move the slider 120 of one leg support assembly 110a downwards towards the corresponding foot 114. In this manner, the bassinet accessory 500a may be unfolded and folded without assembling and disassembling, respectively, a portion of the bassinet accessory 500a unlike conventional bassinet accessories (e.g., the support tube assemblies 64 in the bassinet accessory 60).

[0426] FIGS. 46A and 46B show several views of the hub 550 and the hub latch 570 in the locked state. FIGS. 47A and 47B show several views of the hub 550 and the hub latch 570 in the unlocked state. As shown, the hub 550 may include a base 551 with a channel 552 to receive 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 are disposed on opposing sides of the corresponding channel 552 and on a bottom side of the hub 550. The snap-fit hooks 555 are shaped to receive a pin 544 coupled to the support tube 540 to facilitate rotation of the support tube 540. Thus, each pair of snap-fit hooks 555 defines a rotation axis 556 about which the support tube 540 rotates with respect to the hub 550.

[0427] The channel 552 may extend from the edge of the base 551 to an end 567 located near the center of the base 551. The channel 552 may have a length, L.sub.c, corresponding to the distance between the edge of the base 551 and the end 567. As shown, the channel 552 may have a notched opening on the top side of the base 551 that 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 (e.g., a section of the hub 550 that extends around the support tube 540 and across the channel 552) disposed at the edge of the base 551 and an opening 553 that extends from the mechanical stop 554 to the end 567 of the channel 552.

[0428] The features of the channel 552 (e.g., the notched opening, the mechanical stop 554, the opening 553) may be shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to constrain the rotational motion of the support tube 540. In particular, the channel 522 may only allow the support tube 550 to rotate between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation when folding or unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a. For example, the notched opening allows the support tube 540 to rotate such that the end 542b may be disposed above the hub 550 when folding the bassinet accessory 500a. In another example, the mechanical stop 554 may be shaped to physically contact the support tubes 540 once the support tubes 540 are oriented horizontally. In this manner, the mechanical stops 554 may limit the rotation of the support tubes 540 such that the hub 550 is unable to move past the desired unfolded configuration when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a.

[0429] As described above, the hub 550 may further include a hub latch 570. When the hub latch 570 is in the locked state, the combination of the hub 550 and the hub latch 570 prevents the support tubes 540 from moving relative to the hub 550 and, hence, prevents the hub 550 from moving relative to the playard 1000b. In this manner, the hub latch 570 locks the bassinet accessory 500a in the unfolded configuration.

[0430] The hub latch 570 may be rotatably coupled to the base 551 via a rolled rivet 566 disposed at the center of the base 551. As shown in FIG. 46A, the hub latch 570 may include a base 572 disposed within a center opening 558 of the base 551. The hub latch 570 may include a release handle 576 for the caregiver to grab and pull when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500a. The hub 550 may further include multiple hooks 560 disposed on the bottom side of the base 551 and around the periphery of the base 572 of the hub latch 570 to provide additional mechanical support to the hub latch 570. In particular, the hooks 560 may impose mechanical constraints that limit the hub latch 570 only to rotational motion about the rolled rivet 566.

[0431] To lock the support tubes 540, the hub latch 570 may include arms 574 for each support tube 540 that extend radially from the base 572. FIG. 46B shows each arm 574 may be disposed over the opening 553 of a corresponding channel 552 in the locked state. Thus, the combination of the arm 574 and the mechanical stop 554 may effectively for a clamp that constrains and prevents movement of the support tube 540 relative to the hub 550. FIGS. 47A and 47B show when the hub latch 570 is rotated to the unlocked state, the arms 574 no longer cover the openings 553 of each channel 552, which allows the support tubes 540 to rotate relative to the hub 550 towards the folded configuration.

[0432] In some implementations, the hub 550 may further include a spring element 565 (e.g., a torsion spring) that generates a spring bias force to rotate the hub latch 570 towards the locked state. To ensure the hub latch 570 does not move past the locked state (e.g., the arms 574 move past the openings 553), the hub 550 may include mechanical stops 562 (e.g., a rib that projects downwards from the base 551) for the arms 574 to rest against. The mechanical stops 562 are positioned on the base 551 such that the arms 574 are disposed over the corresponding openings 553.

[0433] FIG. 48 shows another exemplary bassinet accessory 500b coupled to the playard 1000b. As shown, the bassinet accessory 500b may include a support structure 520 that defines a partially enclosed space 501 to contain the child in the unfolded configuration. The support structure 520 may include bassinet soft goods 522 with sides 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 that form a foldable structure to facilitate folding and unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500b. In the unfolded configuration, the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 may form a flat platform to support a mattress (not shown).

[0434] It should be appreciated that the bassinet accessory 500b may also be installed onto other playards. For examples, FIG. 52 shows the bassinet accessory 500b may be installed on the playard 1000c described above.

[0435] The bassinet soft goods 522, the support tubes 540, and the hub 550 of the bassinet accessory 500b may incorporate similar features described above for the bassinet accessory 500a. For brevity, these features are not repeated below. Additionally, the shape and dimensions of the bassinet accessory 500b, including the heights, h.sub.t,1, h.sub.b, and h.sub.m, may be similar to or the same as the dimensions described above for the bassinet accessory 500a. 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.

[0436] FIG. 48 shows the hub 550 may be disposed at or near the center of the bottom surface 526 and the support tubes 540 may extend radially from the hub 550 to the respective corner portions 537 of the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 similar to the bassinet accessory 500a. The support tubes 540 may be rotatably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to the hub 550 to facilitate folding and unfolding of the bassinet accessory 500b. The support tubes 540 may also be coupled directly to the bassinet soft goods 522 via one or more attachment mechanisms such that the bassinet soft goods 522 move together with the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 when folding and unfolding the bassinet accessory 500b. It should be appreciated that, in other implementations, the bassinet soft goods 522 may be coupled to the hub 550.

[0437] In this example, the hub 550 moves upwards when folding the bassinet accessory 500b and, conversely, downwards when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500b. The benefit of this approach is that the bassinet accessory 500b may maintain the deployed unfolded configuration without a separate locking mechanism (e.g., the hub latch 570), thus simplifying the hub 500. In the unfolded configuration, the support tubes 540 and the hub 550 may once again provide a flat platform to support the mattress 510 where the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially horizontal or horizontal along the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522. In the folded configuration, the support tubes 540 rotate (e.g., pivot) with respect to the hub 550 such that the support tubes 540 are oriented substantially vertical or vertical and such that the ends 542b of the support tubes are disposed below the hub 550 in the folded configuration.

[0438] The hub 550 may once again include integrated mechanical stops 554 to prevent the hub 550 from moving past the unfolded configuration once the support tubes 540 are aligned horizontally. Compared to the bassinet accessory 500a, however, the weight of the hub 550 and/or the support tubes 540 does not cause the bassinet accessory 500b to unfold. Rather, the weight of the hub 550, the support tubes 540, the child, and/or the mattress 510 apply a force that unfolds the bassinet accessory 500b and thereafter maintains the bassinet accessory 500b in the unfolded configuration. In this manner, the process of unfolding the bassinet accessor 500b may be simplified.

[0439] One challenge, however, is that the bassinet accessory 500b may provide a relatively shallow partially enclosed space 501. For example, in the folded configuration, the length, L.sub.t,1, of the support tubes 540, is longer than the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500b. Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the distal ends 542b of each support tube 540 in the bassinet accessory 500b may remain stationary or substantially stationary with respect to the ground 90. In other words, the distal ends 542b of each support tube may remain at a height, h.sub.t,1, from the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b as the ends 542b displace laterally when the bassinet accessory 500b is folded and unfolded. If the length of the support tubes 540 remains constant (e.g., the support tube is formed of a single rigid component), the rotation of the support tubes 540 from the horizontal orientation in the unfolded configuration to the vertical orientation in the folded configuration would cause the hub 550 and a portion of the support tubes 540 to protrude above the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration, thus increasing the overall size of the foldable playard 1000b in the folded configuration.

[0440] To reduce the extent the bassinet accessory 500b protrudes above the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration, the support tubes 540 may be telescoping such that the length, L.sub.t,1, of the support tubes 540 in the unfolded configuration changes to a shorter length L.sub.t,2, in the folded configuration. Thus, in some implementations, the length, L.sub.t,1, of the support tubes 540 in the unfolded configuration is greater than the height, h.sub.t,1, of the bassinet accessory 500b while the length, L.sub.t,2, of the support tubes 540 in the folded configuration is approximately equal to or less than the height, h.sub.t,1. It should be appreciated that, in some implementations, the height of the bassinet accessory 500b may change between the folded and unfolded configurations. For example, FIG. 52 shows the bassinet accessory 500b may have a height, h.sub.t,2, in the folded configuration that differs from the height, h.sub.t,1, in the unfolded configuration due, for example, to the deformation of the bassinet soft goods 522. For these implementations, the length, L.sub.t,1, of the support tubes 540 in the unfolded configuration remains greater than the height, h.sub.t,1, and the length, L.sub.t,2, of the support tubes 540 in the folded configuration is approximately equal to or less than the height, h.sub.t,2.

[0441] To unfold the playard 1000b with the bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver may remove the mattress 510 wrapped around the frame 100b as before. Then, the caregiver may move a slider 120 towards a corner 130 of one leg support assembly 110a to unfold the frame 100b. Once the slider 120 is moved sufficiently to engage the latch mechanism 200a, the frame 100b is locked in the unfolded configuration. As before, the unfolding of the frame 100b may cause the bassinet accessory 500b to at least partially unfold. In some implementations, the weight of the hub 550 and the support tubes 540 may be sufficient to ensure the bassinet accessory 500b unfolds without any external force applied by the caregiver. In some implementations, the caregiver may simply push down upon the hub 550 to unfold the bassinet accessory 500b. In some implementations, the caregiver may place the mattress 510 onto the hub 550 and the weight of the mattress 510 may ensure the bassinet accessory 500b is in the unfolded configuration. Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bassinet accessor 500b may be unfolded without the caregiver having to reach down towards the floor portion 304, which may reduce the physical strain experienced by the caregiver when unfolding the bassinet accessory 500b.

[0442] FIGS. 49A-49D show a series of figures that illustrate the process of folding the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b. FIG. 49A shows the hub 550 may include a center opening 558 and the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may include a center opening 536. To fold the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b, the caregiver may first disengage the latch mechanism 200a on the frame 100b. Then, the caregiver may extend their hand/arm through the center openings 558 and 536 to access the bottom portion 301a of the playard 1000b. FIG. 49B shows the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 may include a strap 342. When the caregiver reaches into the bottom portion 301a, they may pull the strap 342 together with the floor portion 304 of the soft goods 300 in an upwards direction. FIG. 49C shows the caregiver may continue to pull the strap 342 through the center openings 536 and 558, which causes the floor portion 304 to contact the bassinet soft goods 522 and/or a portion of the 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 the hub 550 causes the hub 550 to move upwards and the support tubes 540 to rotate such that the ends 542b move downwards relative to the hub 550 (see arrows in FIG. 49C). The caregiver may continue to pull on the strap 342 until the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b are folded as shown in FIG. 49D.

[0443] In some implementations, the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b may be folded without the caregiver having to insert their hand/arm through the center openings 536 and 558. Instead, the caregiver may pull up on the hub 550 and/or move the slider 120 down towards the foot 114 to fold the playard 1000b and the bassinet accessory 500b. Once the playard 1000b is folded, the caregiver may lay the playard 1000b on its side and press floor portion 304 into the interior space 102 before wrapping the mattress 510 around the frame 100b. In this manner, the caregiver does not have to bend over and reach down to the floor portion 304.

[0444] In some implementations, the length, L.sub.t,2, of the support tubes 540 in the folded configuration may be tailored such that the hub 550 is disposed entirely within the interior space 92 (i.e., the hub 550 does not extend significantly beyond the top horizontal plane 92). In some implementations, the length, L.sub.t,2, of the support tubes 540 may be tailored such that the hub 550 protrudes above the top horizontal plane 92 with a bottom side of the hub 550 flush against the top horizontal plane 92. This configuration may be preferential when the exterior width of the hub 550 is greater than or equal to the width of the interior space 102 in the folded configuration. Under these conditions, the lateral dimensions of the playard 1000b may increase if the hub 550 is disposed within the interior space 102, which may be undesirable. Thus, by positioning the hub 550 just above the playard 1000b, the lateral dimensions of the frame 100b in the folded configuration may be kept small (i.e., the lateral dimensions would be the same when the playard 1000b does not include the bassinet accessory 500b) without appreciably increasing the height of the playard 1000b in the folded configuration. In some implementations, the top side of the hub 550 may extend above the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000b by a distance less than or equal to 1 inch.

[0445] FIGS. 50A-50C show several views of the bassinet accessory 500b removed from the playard 1000b. As shown, the center opening 536 of the bassinet soft goods 522 may be aligned with the center opening 558 of the hub 550. In some implementations, the center opening 536 may have a width that is equal to or smaller than the exterior width of the hub 550. In other words, the center opening 536 may only be accessible through the center opening 558 and not from the sides of the hub 550. It should be appreciated that, in other implementations, the hub 550 and/or the bassinet soft goods 522 may not include the center openings 536 and 558, respectively. Instead, the caregiver may fold the bassinet accessory 500b by pulling on the hub 550 as described above.

[0446] FIG. 50A further shows each support tube 540 may have a first support tube 546a coupled to the hub 550 and a second support tube 546b telescopically coupled to the first support tube 546a. As shown, the first support tube 546a may have a larger width (or diameter) such that a portion of the second support tube 546b may be disposed within the first support tube 546a. It should be appreciated, however, that in other implementations, the first support tube 546a may have a smaller width than the second support tube 546b such that a portion of the first support tube 546a is disposed within the second support tube 546b. The relative lengths of the first and second support tubes 546a and 546b may be chosen to provide a desired length, L.sub.t,1, in the unfolded configuration and a desired length, L.sub.t,2, in the folded configuration. For example, the length, L.sub.t,1, may be chosen such that the end 542b extends to the corner portion 537 and the length, L.sub.t,2, may be approximately equal to or less than the height, h.sub.t,1 (or the height, h.sub.t,2) as described above.

[0447] In some implementations, the support tube 540 may include a spring element (not shown) disposed within the first support tube 546a to impart a bias force that extends the length of the support tube 540 (e.g., 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 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 the unfolded configuration. For example, FIG. 51A shows an overlap section 548. In some implementations, the overlap section 548 may have a length of about 1.5 inches to ensure the support tube 540 has sufficient mechanical rigidity to support the bassinet accessory 500b in the unfolded configuration.

[0448] FIGS. 50A and 50B further show each support tube 540 may be directly coupled to the bottom surface 526 of the bassinet soft goods 522 via a strap 530 with a fastener 534b disposed near the end 542a of the first support tube 546a. As shown in FIG. 51A, the strap 530 may include a fastener 534a to couple the strap 530 to the first support tube 546a. The strap 530 may further be sewn directly into the bottom surface 526 to form a fabric tunnel that physically contacts the hub 550. FIG. 51B further shows a fastener 534a may couple the bassinet soft goods 522 to the end 542b of the second support tube 546b. As shown, the fastener 534a may be inserted through an opening (not shown) at or near the corner portion 537 from the bottom side of the bottom surface 526.

[0449] Similar to the bassinet accessory 500a, the bassinet accessory 500b may be coupled to the top portion 302 of the soft goods 300 via multiple zipper mechanisms 527. In this manner, the caregiver may readily remove the bassinet accessory 500b from the playard 1000b for cleaning or storage. FIG. 50C shows the bassinet accessory 500b folded for storage. The hub 550 may once again include a base 551 with multiple channels 552 to receive the support tubes 540. The channel 552 may provide support for a pin 544 mounted to each support tube 540 to facilitate rotation of the support tube 540 relative to the hub 550. As shown in FIG. 50C, the top side of the channel 552 may be covered by a section of the base 551 corresponding to the mechanical stop 554 while the bottom side of the channel 552 may be exposed. Thus, support tube 540 may rotate such that the end 542b of the support tube 540 is disposed below the hub 550 when folding the bassinet accessory 500b. When the support tubes 540 are horizontally oriented in the unfolded configuration, the mechanical stops 544 may physically contact the support tubes 540 thus preventing the hub 550 from moving past the unfolded configuration.

[0450] FIG. 52 shows the bassinet accessory 500b may be installed onto the playard 1000c in a similar manner as the playard 1000b. For clarity, the bassinet soft goods 522 are not shown. Instead, FIG. 52 shows a plane 538 corresponding to the respective bottom corner portions 537 of the bassinet soft goods 522 for reference. As shown, the hub 550 may be disposed above the top horizontal plane 92 of the playard 1000c such that the bottom side of the hub 550 is flush with the top horizontal plane 92. As described above, this arrangement may ensure the frame 100c folds to its smallest lateral dimensions without appreciably increasing the height of the playard 1000c due to the addition of the bassinet accessory 500b. FIG. 52 also shows the support tube 540 in its contracted state where the second support tube 546b is disposed nearly entirely within the first support tube 546a.

CONCLUSION

[0451] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. It is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented primarily by way of example and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.

[0452] In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of respective elements of the exemplary implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of a numerical range does not preclude equivalents that fall outside the range that fulfill the same function, in the same way, to produce the same result.

[0453] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may in some instances be ordered in different ways. Accordingly, in some inventive implementations, respective acts of a given method may be performed in an order different than specifically illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously (even if such acts are shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments).

[0454] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0455] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0456] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0457] The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0458] As used herein in the specification 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” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0459] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference 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 and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting 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 refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0460] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.