FOLDABLE PLAYARD

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/669,904 filed Jul. 11, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/837,210 filed Jul. 2, 2025, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for a playard, and more particularly relates to a playard and its folding mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, a playard assembly includes a frame and softgoods connectable to and removeable from the frame. The softgoods defining sidewalls and a base surface of the playard. The frame includes a plurality of legs connected to a plurality of end rails and a plurality of side rails through a corner hub. A plurality of straps extend along at least one sidewall of the playard, the plurality of straps being connected between a side rail of the plurality of side rails and a leg of the plurality of legs along one sidewall of the playard, and the plurality of straps extending at an angle with respect to a central axis of the side rail.

In one aspect, the plurality of straps extend at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle with respect to the central axis of the side rail.

In one aspect, the plurality of straps cross over each other along one sidewall of the playard, forming an X-shaped strap configuration along the one sidewall.

In one aspect, the plurality of straps are tension straps configured to produce tension that holds the playard in an expanded configuration.

In one aspect, each of the plurality of straps are connected to one of the legs through a strap connector disposed at a distal end of the strap.

In one aspect, the strap connectors comprise clips, buckles, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or magnetic closures.

In one aspect, the plurality of legs are transitionable between expanded and collapsed configurations.

In one aspect, the plurality of end rails are transitionable between expanded and collapsed configurations.

In one aspect, a first pair of straps are disposed along a first sidewall of the playard, and a second pair of straps are disposed along a second sidewall of the playard.

According to another aspect, a child furniture assembly includes softgoods connectable to and removeable from a frame. The softgoods defining sidewalls and a base surface of the child furniture assembly. The frame being transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame including a first siderail and a second siderail oriented offset and parallel to each other; a first end rail and a second end rail disposed at one end of the frame, and a third end rail and a fourth end rail disposed at another end of the frame. Each of the end rails are connected to a siderail through one corner hub of a plurality of corner hubs. A first leg and a second leg are disposed at each end of the frame, each of the legs being connected to one of the corner hubs, each of the legs extending from the corner hub to a supporting surface, and the first and second legs crossing each other and forming an X-shaped configuration.

In one aspect, a leg hub connects the first leg to the second leg, and the leg hub is rotatable about a leg hub pivot axis of the leg hub.

In one aspect, each of the end rails have a length that is shorter than a length of the side rails.

In one aspect, an end hub connects the first end rail to the second end rail, and the end hub is rotatable about an end hub pivot axis of the end hub.

In one aspect, the end hub and the first and second end rails are configured to rotate and fold inwards towards a center of the frame when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the first and second end rails are pivotally connected to the corner hubs.

In one aspect, the legs are configured to fold or rotate inwards towards each other about the leg hub pivot axis when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the legs are configured to fold or rotate about a pivot point of the corner hubs inwards towards the side rails to be parallel to the side rails when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the child furniture assembly is a playard.

In one aspect, the child furniture assembly is a carrycot bassinet.

According to yet another aspect, a child furniture assembly includes softgoods connectable to and removeable from a frame. The softgoods defining sidewalls and a base surface of the child furniture assembly. The frame being transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame including a plurality of legs, a plurality of side rails, and a plurality of end rails. A leg hub rotatably connects at least some of the plurality of legs together; an end hub rotatably connects at least some of the plurality of end rails together; and one corner hub of a plurality of corner hubs is connected to a leg of the plurality of legs, an end rail of the plurality of end rails, and a side rail of the plurality of side rails. The end hub and the end rails are configured to rotate and fold inwards towards a center of the frame when the frame is in the collapsed configuration, and the legs are configured to fold inwards towards each other when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the leg hub includes a leg hub pivot axis disposed centrally about the leg hub, and the legs fold about the leg hub pivot axis when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the leg hub pivot axis extends horizontally and parallel to a ground or supporting surface.

In one aspect, the leg hub pivot axis extends parallel to the plurality of side rails.

In one aspect, the end hub is positioned centrally between first and second end rails, of the plurality of end rails, disposed at one end of the frame.

In one aspect, the end hub includes a top end hub that is rotatably connected to a bottom end hub, such that the top and bottom end hubs are rotatable relative to each other.

In one aspect, the top end hub and the bottom end hub each comprise an end hub aperture extending centrally therethrough, the end hub aperture defining an end hub pivot axis about which the top end hub rotates relative to the bottom end hub.

In one aspect, the end hub pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to a central axis of the side rails.

In one aspect, each of the top end hub and the bottom end hub comprise a rounded portion and an extension portion extending from the rounded portion.

In one aspect, the extension portion includes at least one extension aperture configured to be connected to an end rail, the at least one extension aperture being oriented perpendicular to the end hub pivot axis.

In one aspect, the end hub comprises a pin aperture extending therethrough, the pin aperture being radially offset from an end hub pivot axis extending centrally through the end hub.

In one aspect, a pin is configured to be inserted into the pin aperture to prevent the frame from folding from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the side rails are non-rotatable and non-expandable.

In one aspect, the corner hub includes a first bracket connected to an end rail of the plurality of ends rails and connected to a side rail of the plurality of side rails, and the corner hub includes a second bracket connected to a side rail of the plurality of side rails and a leg of the plurality of legs.

In one aspect, the second bracket is rotatably connected to the side rail.

In one aspect, the end rail is rotatably connected to the first bracket, and the side rail is non-rotatably connected to the first bracket.

In one aspect, a pin is insertable into a central aperture of the leg hub to prevent the frame from transitioning from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not constrained to limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playard according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the playard of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the playard of FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the playard of FIG. 1 in a collapsed and folded configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame of the playard of FIG. 1, with softgoods removed.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the frame of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 5 in a partially collapsed configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 5 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the frame of FIG. 5 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 5 in a collapsed configuration before folding.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 5 in a collapsed and folded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a magnified perspective view of a corner hub of the frame in an expanded configuration, as indicated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is a magnified perspective view of the corner hub of the frame in a collapsed configuration, as indicated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a magnified perspective view of an end hub of the frame in an expanded configuration, as indicated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the end hub of FIG. 15, taken along section line A-A in FIG. 6.

FIG. 17 is a magnified perspective view of the end hub of the frame in the collapsed configuration, as indicated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of child furniture according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an end view of the child furniture of FIG. 18 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the child furniture of FIG. 18 in the collapsed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playard 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view of the playard 10 in an expanded configuration. FIG. 3 is a side view of the playard 10 in a partially collapsed configuration. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the playard 10 in a collapsed configuration. FIGS. 1-4 will be discussed together. The playard 10 is a type of framed enclosure that provides a safe and comfortable space for an infant or young child (hereinafter referred to as a “child”) to both sleep and play. Playards generally include a mattress (not shown) providing a comfortable support surface for the child. Softgoods 14, such as fabric, mesh, or other material can be used to enclose and define an interior space of the playard 10. In some examples, the softgoods 14 can include sidewalls having some transparency such that caregivers can watch children inside of the playard 10. The playard 10 is configured to be a lightweight playard 10 with a rigid structure that is easily collapsible and expandable, enabling ease of use as well as transportation. Further, the playard 10 can be referred to as a playard assembly, a child furniture assembly, or an assembly, each of which are to be understood as referring to the playard 10.

The playard 10 includes a frame 12 and the softgoods 14 are connectable to and removable from the frame 12. The frame 12 is a rigid support structure that is expandable and collapsible, and the frame 12 provides connection points and support for the softgoods 14. When the softgoods 14 is connected to the frame 12 and the frame 12 is in the expanded configuration, the softgoods 14 define the sidewalls of the playard 10 as well as the base of the playard 10. In some examples, the base of the softgoods 14 can be positioned above or offset from a ground or supporting surface upon which the playard 10 is supported, and a mattress can be placed on an interior of the base of the softgoods 14. The frame 12 can include a plurality of legs 16, a plurality of side rails 18, and a plurality of end rails 20, each of which are connected together to define the frame 12. Specifically, the frame 12 can include at least one end hub 22 connecting at least some of the plurality of end rails 20, at least one corner hub 24 connecting at least some of the end rails 20 and the side rails 18 to at least some of the legs 16, and at least one leg hub 26 connecting at least some of the legs 16. The specific details of the frame 12 are described below.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in some embodiments, the playard 10 further includes a plurality of straps 28 that are configured to aid in securing the playard 10 in the expanded configuration. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of straps 28 can be positioned along a first and second sidewall of the softgoods 14, with the first and second sidewalls being positioned generally parallel and opposite each other across the frame 12. More specifically, in some examples, a first end of the plurality of straps 28 can be connected to the side rails 18 of the frame 12, and a second end of the plurality of straps 28 can be connected to the legs 16 of the frame 12.

In some embdoiments, the plurality of straps 28 can be connected and oriented to form an X-shape or pattern, in which two of the plurality of straps 28 cross over each other and connect to a leg 16 positioned at an opposite corner of the sidewall of the softgoods 14. In other examples, the plurality of straps 28 can be connected at a first end to the end rails 20 of the frame 12, and connected at a second end to the legs 16 of the frame 12. The plurality of straps 28 can be described as tension straps 28 that can be constructed from a cloth, fabric, rubber, or other similar material.

When the plurality of straps 28 are connected to the legs 16 in the X-shape or pattern (see FIG. 2), the plurality of straps 28 provide tension to the frame 12 which holds the frame 12 in the expanded configuration. Further, when the plurality of straps 28 are disconnected from the legs 16 (see FIG. 3), the tension is released and the frame 12 is foldable into the collapsed configuration. The plurality of straps 28 can be connected to and disconnected from the legs 16 through the use of strap connectors 30 disposed at the distal ends of each of the straps 28 that are not connected to the side rails 18. The strap connectors 30 can be clips, buckles, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or magnetic closures, among other options not specifically listed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the playard 10 can be collapsed and folded into a compact collapsed configuration for transport. When in the compact collapsed configuration, the softgoods 14 can either remain connected to and fold with the frame 12, or the softgoods 14 can be removed from the frame 12 and then wrapped around the frame 12 after the frame 12 is folded. Further, the straps 28 and strap connectors 30 can be utilized to wrap and cinch the softgoods 14 around the frame 12, securing the softgoods 14 to the frame 12 and enabling ease of transport of the playard 10.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the plurality of straps 28 may be omitted. The frame 12 of the playard 10 may provide suitable shape and rigidity without the plurality of straps 28. In other instances, the softgoods 14 may provide a suitable degree of tension without the plurality of straps 28.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame 12 of the playard 10, with the softgoods 14 removed. FIG. 6 is an end view of the frame 12. FIG. 7 is a side view of the frame 12. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the frame 12 in a partially collapsed configuration. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame 12 in a collapsed configuration. FIG. 10 is an end view of the frame 12 in a collapsed configuration. FIGS. 5-10 will be discussed together. The frame 12 is the rigid support structure that is expandable and collapsible, and the frame 12 provides connection points and support for the softgoods 14. The frame 12 can include a plurality of legs 16, a plurality of side rails 18, and a plurality of end rails 20, each of which are connected together to define and form the frame 12. The frame 12 can include at least one end hub 22 connecting at least some of the plurality of end rails 20, at least one corner hub 24 connecting at least some of the end rails 20 and the side rails 18 to at least some of the legs 16, and at least one leg hub 26 connecting at least some of the legs 16.

Specifically, the frame 12 includes two side rails 18 that are oriented generally parallel to each other and offset from each other in a perpendicular direction, relative to an extension and axial direction of the side rails 18, by a distance defined by the length of the end rails 20. The side rails 18 can be identical in shape, length, and overall design, and the side rails 18 define an upper surface or edge of the frame 12. Each of the ends of the side rails 18 are connected to a corner hub 24, such that the frame 12 of the playard 10 includes four corner hubs 24. The frame 12 also includes end rails 20 that are oriented generally perpendicular to the side rails 18, and each of the end rails 20 are connected to one of the corner hubs 24. Specifically, the frame 12 includes four end rails 20, with two end rails 20 disposed at each end of the frame 12, with the two end rails 20 each being connected to a corner hub 24 and an end hub 22 positioned between the two end rails 20. The two end rails 20 at one end of the frame 12 are oriented generally parallel to the two end rails 20 at the other end of the frame 12, and the pairs of end rails 20 are offset from each other in a perpendicular direction, relative to an extension and axial direction of the end rails 20, by a distance defined by the length of the side rails 18. The end rails 20 can be identical in shape, length, and overall design, and the end rails 20 define an upper surface or edge of the frame 12. In some examples, the end rails 20 can have a shorter length than the side rails 18. As such, with the end rails 20 and side rails 18 connected to the corner hubs 24, the upper surface of the frame 12 is generally rectangular in shape.

The legs 16 of the frame 12 are configured to contact the ground or supporting surface and provide structural support to the side rails 18 and the end rails 20, positioning the side rails 18 and the end rails 20 above the ground or supporting surface. The legs 16 of the frame 12 are positioned at the ends of the frame 12 adjacent to or generally aligned with the end rails 20, and adjacent the distal ends of the side rails 18 that are connected to the corner hubs 24. The frame 12 includes four legs 16, with two legs 16 positioned at each of the ends of the frame 12. Each of the legs 16 are connected to one corner hub 24 of the plurality of corner hubs 24 of the frame 12. In some examples, as illustrated best in FIG. 6, each of the legs 16 can include a wave-like or curved shape extending from one end of the leg 16 to the other end of the leg 16. At each end of the frame 12, a first leg 16 is connected at a first end to the corner hub 24 along a first lateral side of the frame 12 and the other end of the first leg 16 extends at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle, with respect to the ground or supporting surface, towards the supporting surface and the second lateral side of the frame 12. Similarly, a second leg 16 is connected at a first end to the corner hub 24 along the second lateral side of the frame 12 and the other end of the second leg 16 extends at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle, with respect to the ground or supporting surface, towards the supporting surface and the first lateral side of the frame 12. As such, the first and second legs 16 positioned at each end of the frame 12 cross each other and form an X-shaped leg 16 configuration or pattern.

A leg hub 26 is connected to each of the first and second legs 16 at each end of the frame 12. The leg hub 26 can be described as having a flat oval or flat rounded rectangular shape, and the leg hub 26 includes a leg hub pivot axis 32 extending centrally through the leg hub 26. In some examples, a pin, dowel, rod, or similar component can extend through the leg hub pivot axis 32 and connect the leg hub 26 and the legs 16 together, allowing rotation of the leg hub 26 relative to the legs 16. As shown best in FIGS. 8-10, the legs 16 can be rotated about the leg hub pivot axis 32 in an inward direction so that the legs 16 rotate towards each other into a more upright position, compared to when the legs 16 are in the expanded configuration. Further, during rotation of the legs 16, the leg hub 26 connected to each leg 16 also rotates a partial distance about the leg hub pivot axis 32. Each of the legs 16 include a notch 34 that is cutout into the leg 16 from the exterior surface. The notch 34 extends a partial distance along the length of the leg 16 and the notch 34 is shaped and sized such that the leg hub 26 fits at least partially within the notch 34 when the legs 16 are in the expanded configuration. Further, as illustrated best in FIG. 6, when the legs 16 and the overall playard 10 are in the expanded configuration the outer perimeter or edge of the leg hub 26 can contact the edge of the notch 34, preventing further rotation of the leg hub 26 and legs 16.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the frame 12 in a collapsed configuration before folding. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the frame 12 in a collapsed and folded configuration. FIGS. 11-12 will be discussed together. After the legs 16, side rails 18, and end rails 20 are rotated and collapsed inwards into the collapsed configuration (see FIG. 9), the legs 16 can further be folded inwards and upwards, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Specifically, the legs 16 can each be rotated about a pivot point 36 of the corner hubs 24, such that the legs 16, side rails 18, and end rails 20 are oriented generally parallel to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The playard 10 is designed to be fully collapsible and foldable to reduce the overall size of the playard 10 for efficient storage and transport, as will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 13 is a magnified perspective view of the corner hub 24 of the frame 12 in an expanded configuration, as indicated in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is a magnified perspective view of the corner hub 24 of the frame 12 in the collapsed configuration, as indicated in FIG. 9. FIGS. 13-14 will be discussed together. Each of the plurality of corner hubs 24 are identical, and therefore the following description equally applies to each of the corner hubs 24. The corner hub 24 includes a first bracket 38 and a second bracket 40 that can be formed integral with each other or formed as separate components that are connected and fastened to each other. The first bracket 38 includes an aperture 42 extending through two sidewalls that are separated and offset from each other in a vertical direction at a first end of the first bracket 38. The aperture 42 is configured to receive a fastener to secure a distal end of the end rail 20 to the corner hub 24, with the end rail 20 further including a hole or aperture to receive the fastener. The aperture 42 also defines the corner hub pivot axis 44, about which the end rail 20 pivots or rotates relative to the corner hub 24 when transitioning between the collapsed (FIG. 14) and expanded (FIG. 13) configurations. The first bracket 38 also includes a cylindrical portion 46 disposed at a second end of the first bracket 38, opposite the first end of the first bracket 38. The cylindrical portion 46 is shaped, sized, and configured to receive an end of the side rail 18. Further, one or more fasteners can be used to secure the side rail 18 to the cylindrical portion 46 of the first bracket 38, such that the side rail 18 is not rotatable or pivotable relative to the corner hub 24.

The second bracket 40 includes a first portion 48 that is generally U-shaped and connected to the end of the side rail 18, and the first portion 48 is disposed adjacent the axial ends of the cylindrical portion 46 of the first bracket 38. As such, the first portion 48 includes an aperture or hole extending through the first portion 48 that is shaped and sized to receive the end of the side rail 18. The first portion 48 of the second bracket 40 is rotatably connected to the side rail 18, such that the second bracket 40 can rotate relative to the side rail 18 about the central axis of the side rail 18 when transitioning between the collapsed (FIG. 14) and expanded (FIG. 13) configurations. The second bracket 40 also includes a second portion 50 that is connected to or formed integral with the first portion 48. The second portion 50 also includes a generally U-shaped profile, and the second portion 50 is connected to the end of the leg 16 positioned furthest from the ground or supporting surface. Therefore, the leg 16 can rotate relative to the side rail 18 through the connection by the second bracket 40. The corner hub 24 connects the end rails 20, the side rails 18, and the legs 16 together. Further, the corner hub 24 facilitates rotation of the end rails 20 relative to the corner hub 24, and facilitates rotation of the legs 16 relative to the side rails 18, when transitioning between the collapsed (FIG. 14) and expanded (FIG. 13) configurations.

FIG. 15 is a magnified perspective view of the end hub 22 of the frame 12 in the expanded configuration, as indicated in FIG. 5. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the end hub 22, taken along section line A-A in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is a magnified perspective view of the end hub 22 of the frame 12 in the collapsed configuration, as indicated in FIG. 9. FIGS. 15-17 will be discussed together. Each of the end hubs 22 are identical, and therefore the following description equally applies to each of the end hubs 22. The frame 12 includes an end hub 22 positioned at each end of the frame 12, therefore the frame 12 includes two end hubs 22. More specifically, an end hub 22 is positioned centrally between first and second end rails 20 at each end of the frame 12. The end hub 22 is connected to a distal end of an end rail 20 at a first side of the end hub 22, and connected to a distal end of another end rail 20 at a second side of the end hub 22. The end hub 22 is configured to facilitate the folding of the end rails 20 relative to the corner hubs 24 and side rails 18 when transitioning between the expanded and collapsed configurations.

The end hub 22 includes a top end hub 22A and a bottom end hub 22B, with the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B being identical to each other. The top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B each include a rounded portion 52 and an extension portion 54 formed integral with each other, with the extension portion 54 extending generally tangentially from the rounded portion 52. A gap is formed between upper and lower portions of the rounded portion 52 of each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B, and the gap is configured to create a mating structure between the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B for connection. Further, each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B include an end hub aperture 56 extending centrally through the rounded portions 52 of each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B. The end hub aperture 56 is configured to receive a pin, dowel, rod, or similar component, which is utilized to secure the top end hub 22A to the bottom end hub 22B, and which is utilized to allow rotation of the top end hub 22A relative to the bottom end hub 22B. As such, the end hub aperture 56 defines the end hub pivot axis 58 which is the axis about which the top end hub 22A rotates relative to the bottom end hub 22B during transition between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

The extension portion 54 of each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B includes at least one extension aperture 60 extending into the extension portion 54 at an angle generally perpendicular to the end hub aperture 56. Specifically, in some examples, the extension portion 54 includes two extension apertures 60 that are vertically aligned one above the other. The two extension apertures 60 are included in each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B such that the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B can be identical components that are flipped over (relative to each other) and connectable to each other, while also providing a location for the end rails 20 to connect at the same vertical position (i.e., aligned with each other). The distal end of a first end rail 20 is configured to be inserted in and secured to the top extension aperture 60 of the top end hub 22A, and the distal end of a second end rail is configured to be inserted in and secured to the top extension aperture 60 of the bottom end hub 22B. Therefore, the end rails 20 secured within the extension apertures 60 are axially aligned with each other, forming the top rail or surface of the playard 10.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the rounded portion 52 of each of the top end hub 22A and the bottom end hub 22B also include a pin aperture 62 extending fully through the rounded portion 52 in a vertical direction parallel to the end hub pivot axis 58. The pin aperture 62 is positioned radially outwards of the end hub aperture 56, with respect to the end hub pivot axis 58, such that the pin aperture 62 is positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the rounded portion 52. The pin aperture 62 is configured to receive a pin 64, such that when the pin 64 is inserted into the pin aperture 62 the end hub 22 is prevented from rotating. Further, when the pin 64 is removed from the pin aperture 62, the end hub 22 is able to rotate. As such, the pin 64 is configured to secure the end hub 22 and end rails 20 in the expanded configuration during use by preventing rotation of the top end hub 22A relative to the bottom end hub 22B. The pin 64 can be connected (e.g. tethered) to the frame 12 (not shown) to ensure the pin 64 remains attached to the frame 12, preventing the user from losing the pin 64 when the pin 64 is not inserted within the pin aperture 62.

The end hub 22 is configured to facilitate the folding of the end rails 20 relative to the corner hubs 24 and side rails 18 when transitioning between the expanded (FIG. 15) and collapsed (FIG. 16) configurations. When the end hub 22 is in the collapsed configuration, the end rails 20 are oriented generally parallel to each other, the two extension portions 54 are orientated generally parallel to each other, and the end rails 20 and extension portions 54 are oriented generally parallel to the side rails 18. Referring again to FIGS. 8-9, to transition the frame 12 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, the pin 64 is removed from the pin aperture 62. Then the top end hub 22A is rotated relative to the bottom end hub 22B, such that the end hubs 22 translate inwards towards a center of the frame 12. Further, simultaneously, the legs 16 are folded inwards towards each other into a more upright position, compared to before folding. The folding and rotation of the legs 16 and the end rails 20 continues until the end rails 20 are oriented generally parallel with the side rails 18, and side rails 18 are contacting an exterior surface of the end hub 22. To transition back to the expanded configuration, the opposite is performed with the legs 16 being pulled outwards, and the end rails 20 being unfolded along with the end hubs 22. The frame 12 and overall playard 10 are configured to be lightweight with a rigid structure that is easily collapsible and expandable, enabling ease of use as well as transportation.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a playard 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is an end view of the playard 100 in a collapsed configuration. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the playard 100 in the collapsed configuration. FIGS. 18-20 will be discussed together. The playard 100 is substantially similar to the playard 10, and therefore only the differences between the two are described below. Further, it is to be understood that the disclosure regarding the playard 10 equally applies to the playard 100 unless otherwise noted. The main differences between the playard 10 and the playard 100 are that the playard 100 includes end rails 110 that are not foldable or rotatable, and the mechanism used to lock the playard 100 in the expanded configuration.

Specifically, the end rails 110 of the playard 100 are rigid bars or components extending between the corner hubs 112. Similar to the side rails 108, the end rails 110 do not rotate, pivot, fold, or collapse during transition from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. Rather, both the end rails 110 and the side rails 108 remain fixed in length and position during the transition. The leg hubs 114 of the playard 100 are substantially similar to the leg hubs 114 of the playard 10. The only difference is that the leg hubs 114 include a pin 118 that is configured to be inserted into an aperture defining the leg hub pivot axis 116 about which the leg hub 114 pivots and rotates during transition. The pin 118 is configured to be inserted into the aperture defining the leg hub pivot axis 116 when the frame 102 is in the expanded configuration, such that the pin 118 prevents the leg hubs 114 from rotation, which secures the frame 102 in the expanded configuration. Further, the pin 118 can be removed from the aperture defining the leg hub pivot axis 116, allowing the leg hubs 114 to rotate which allows the overall frame 102 to transition from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

With the playard 100 in the expanded configuration (FIG. 18), the pin 118 is oriented within the aperture defining the leg hub pivot axis 116 and the playard 100 is in its tallest and most upright position. To transition the playard 100 to the collapsed configuration, the pin 118 is removed from the aperture defining the leg hub pivot axis 116, which allows the legs 106 to rotate or pivot relative to each other. In this embodiment, the legs 106 rotate or pivot away from each other about the leg hub pivot axis 116, causing the space between the legs 106 to widen and the end rails 110 and side rails 108 to translate vertically downwards towards the ground or supporting surface, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-20.

The playard 100 may be implemented in a relatively smaller size than the playard 10. For example, the playard 100 may be dimensioned for use as a bassinet for an infant. In some embodiments, the playard 100 is sized to attach to a stroller frame (not shown).

The frame 102 and overall playard 100 being in the collapsed configuration results in an arrangement that can be useful for a carrycot style portable playard or bassinet to readily collapse for storage and/or transport. Further, the frame 102 and overall playard 100 are configured to be lightweight with a rigid structure that is easily collapsible and expandable, enabling ease of use as well as transportation.

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

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