Patent ID: 9103368
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: A47D,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A locking hinge mechanism for a folding playpen or play yard frame having rails for supporting sides and a floor of the playpen or play yard, the locking hinge mechanism comprising: a housing pivotally connected to the rails adjacent proximal portions thereof, wherein lifting the housing lifts the rails and induces the proximal portions of the rails to pivot upward relative to the housing; and a lock assembly movable relative to the housing to engage the proximal portions of the rails, the lock assembly configured and adapted for locking and unlocking the rails relative to the housing, wherein the lock assembly and the housing are configured and adapted to require the locking hinge mechanism to be lifted to effect a limited pivotally upward motion of the proximal portions of the rails relative to the housing prior to unlocking the lock assembly, the lock assembly comprising first and second movable portions that are movable relative to the housing to lock and unlock the rails, that when locked prevent the proximal portions of the rails from pivoting downward relative to the housing, that when unlocked permit the proximal portions of the rails to pivot downward relative to the housing, and that when locked are positioned relative to the housing to define an oversized gap that permits the limited pivotally upward motion of the proximal portions of the rails relative to the housing into the gap to provide a clearance between the movable portions and the proximal portions of the rails, the first and second movable portions being coupled to the housing by a pair of lock pins, the lock pins movable along a pair of angularly inclined slots in the housing, the lock assembly further comprising a lock actuator which is operable to unlock the lock assembly only after the locking hinge mechanism is first lifted to effect the limited pivotally upward motion of the proximal portions of the rails relative to the housing to free the lock actuator to unlock the lock assembly and is prevented from unlocking the lock assembly when the locking hinge mechanism is not so lifted.