Abstract:
A portable infant playyard including cladded legs, a central hub on the lower frame, an integrated electronic device, upper frame hinge mechanisms, and bag hooks.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a playyard for infants and children and, more particularly, to an improved playyard having improved features therein. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A wide variety of playyards, which are also referred to as playpens and as playyards for children, have been designed, developed, and commercialized for many years. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,948. Playyards provide an enclosed safe environment in which a child can be placed to sleep or to play. Although conventional playyards are built in many shapes, they are generally rectangular in shape and include upper and lower frame assemblies supported by legs at each corner of the rectangle. Playyards can typically be folded for transport and storage. The present invention provides additional features to improve the usability of conventional playyards. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a playyard having (among other things): a structural member preferably made of tubular metal, steel, aluminum, etc. cladded in a non-structural, non-fabric material, preferably made of plastic or the like. The cladding preferably is made of material having some structural rigidity but which does not provide significant structural support to the playyard. More specifically, the cladding member may cover substantially all of the structural member visible from the exterior of the playyard. As stated above, the structural member may be made of tubular metal and the cladding member may be a molded plastic member. Additionally, the structural member may have an outwardly bowing curved shape and the cladding member may have a corresponding shape. The structural member may be a top rail, a bottom rail, or the like and is preferably a leg assembly which may be supported from a receiving surface by a wheel. 
         [0006]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a central hub mechanism for the base of a playyard for children, including: a central hub; a diagonal member pivotably connected to the central hub; a retainer mounted within the central hub, the retainer being rotatable about a vertical axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the retainer comprising an extended portion; and an engaging member slidably extending from within the diagonal member and adapted to releasably couple with the extended portion of the retainer when the retainer is in the engaged position; wherein the releasable coupling of the engaging member with the extended portion of the retainer in the engaged position prevents pivoting of the diagonal member. The mechanism may further include a torsion spring, the torsion spring rotationally biasing the retainer in a direction causing the retainer to return to the engaged position. Additionally, the mechanism may further include a handle attached to the upper portion of the retainer. The mechanism may also include a compression spring contained within the diagonal member, the spring biasing the engaging member and causing the engaging member to extend from the diagonal member. The mechanism may optionally include a frame member, the frame member being rigidly connected to the central hub. 
         [0007]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved playyard for children including: a playyard and an integrally incorporated electronic device. The electronic device may be, but is not limited to, a music box, an infant/child monitor, a night light, a mobile, or a toy. The electronic device may be integrally incorporated, for example, into a storage console which is connected to the frame of the playyard or into a corner connector which attaches an upper frame member to a leg member. 
         [0008]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a hinge mechanism for a playyard for children, including: a main body; a first frame member and a second frame member pivotably connected to the main body, the first and second frame members each having an end portion extending into the main body; and a first pivot lock and a second pivot lock pivotably mounted within the main body, the first pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the first frame member and the second pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the second frame member; wherein the first and the second pivot locks rotate about a common axis. 
         [0009]    More specifically, the hinge mechanism may further include a spring arranged to bias the pivot locks such that the engagement surfaces are pushed apart. The spring may be a torsion spring. The main body of the hinge mechanism may include two side plates connected by a intermediate curved portion. The hinge mechanism may include a handle that, when actuated by a user, acts upon the first and second pivot locks causing the pivot locks to rotate inward, thereby disengaging the first and second pivot locks from the end portions of their respective frame members. 
         [0010]    Additionally, the first and second pivot locks may each include a first appendage and a second appendage, wherein the first appendage of each pivot lock includes the engagement surface and wherein the handle, when actuated, acts upon the second appendages of the first and second pivot locks causing their respective first appendages to rotate inward, thereby releasing their respective frame members. 
         [0011]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved playyard for children, including: a playyard and an integrally molded hook on the playyard for suspending a bag. More specifically, the hook may optionally be located on a storage console portion of the playyard, on a member defining an upper extent of the playyard, or on a member defining a corner of the playyard. The integrally molded hook may have an outer surface matching the contour of the surrounding portion of the playyard. The integrally molded hook may include an inverted U-shaped slot, the slot defining a tab. 
         [0012]    These and other aspects, along with advantages and features of the invention disclosed herein, will be made more apparent from the description, drawings, and claims that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a playyard frame assembly; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a wheel on a leg member; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower frame and central hub mechanism; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lower frame and central hub mechanism; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a section view of an embodiment of a central hub mechanism; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an embodiment of an upper frame horizontal segment and a hinge mechanism; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an upper frame horizontal segment and a hinge mechanism; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a front view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a side view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a section view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of an embodiment of a storage console; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage console; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a corner block with integral electronics; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a corner block with integral electronics. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The various components of the improved playyard are supported by a frame assembly  100 . The frame assembly  100  includes an upper frame  102 , four generally vertical leg members  108 , and a lower frame  110 . The upper frame  102  comprises four generally horizontal segments defining the approximately rectangular extent of the main portion of the playyard. The two longer, lengthwise horizontal segments are minimally arched downward and outward, while the two shorter, widthwise horizontal segments include pronounced upward and outward arches. Each generally horizontal segment comprises two horizontal members  104 / 106  connected by a hinge mechanism  200 . The upper frame  102  is supported by the four generally vertical leg members  108  which define the corners of the main portion of the playyard. 
         [0032]    The leg members  108  are connected to the lower frame  110  comprising a centered cross segment, comprising two cross members  112 ; two diagonal segments traversing the distance between opposite vertical legs  108 , each segment comprising two diagonal members  114 / 116 ; and a center hub mechanism  250  connecting to the cross members  112  and the diagonal members  114 / 116 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 2-4  show elevation views of an embodiment of a leg member  108 . Structural support for the playyard is provided by a generally vertical tubular member  120 . The lower end of the tubular member  120  is connected to a wheel  122  by a lower coupling  124  which also pivotably connects to the diagonal member  114 / 116 .  FIG. 5  shows the lower coupling  124  without the diagonal member  114 / 116  installed. The upper end of the tubular member  120  is rigidly connected to a corner block  128  which also pivotably connects to the horizontal members  104 / 106 . 
         [0034]    The leg member also preferably includes a cladding member  126  which partially covers the tubular member  120 . In order to cover the structural tubular member  120 , the cladding member  126  may be attached thereto in any of many ways known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one way the cladding member  126  may be attached is by having a recessed portion (not shown) of the top of the cladding member  126  be shaped to be received under a lip  125  of the corner block  128  and a bottom of the cladding member  126  including an integrally molded clip  127  shaped to receive and clip onto a bottom portion of the tubular member  120 . Thus, using this method, the cladding member  126  may be removably installed over the tubular member  120  by first sliding the recessed portion (not shown) of the cladding member under the lip  125  of the corner block  128  and then snapping clip  127  onto the lower portion of the tubular member  120 . Other non-limiting examples of methods for attaching the cladding member  126  to the tubular member  128  include the use of multiple clips, either integrally or non-integrally attached to the cladding member  126 , to attach to the cladding member  126  to the tubular member  120 . Furthermore, other attachment mechanisms besides clips, such as straps, zip-ties, snaps, etc. may be used within the scope of the invention as well as well. Additionally, the cladding member  126  could be integrally formed with the corner block  128  and the lower coupling  124  if desired or the clips could be located on the structural member  120  as opposed to the cladding member  126 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the cladding member  126  extends around approximately 270 degrees of the tubular member  120  for substantially all of its length. In addition, the cladding member  126  extends to cover a majority of the wheel  122 . 
         [0036]    In the preferred embodiment, two of the four leg members  108  include wheels  122  attached to the lower coupling  124  as depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 . The remaining two leg members  108  include plastic feet in place of the wheels  122 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of the lower frame includes a center hub mechanism  250  which serves as a connector for the diagonal members  114 / 116  and the cross members  112 . The cross members  112  and diagonal members  116  are rigidly fixed to the center hub mechanism  250 . The other diagonal members  114  are pivotably connected to the center hub mechanism  250 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the lower frame  110  and the center hub mechanism  250 . A retainer  252  within the central hub  251  rigidly holds the pivotably connected members  114  until the retainer  252  is actuated to allow the pivotably connected members  114  to pivot. The retainer  252  is actuated by turning a handle  254  located on the top of the cover plate  258 . The handle  254  is attached to connector  256  which is attached to retainer  252 . The retainer  252  has extended portions  262  which couple with the engaging members  270  extending from the ends of the pivotably connected diagonal members  114 . As the handle  254  is turned clockwise into the disengaged position, the extended portions  262  disengage from the engaging members  270 , thereby allowing the pivotably connected diagonal members  114  to pivot. When the user releases the handle  254 , a torsion spring  260  returns the retainer  252  to its fully counter-clockwise initial position, which is the engaged position. 
         [0039]    The engaging members  270  extending from the ends of the pivotably connected diagonal members  114  are held in the extended position by compression springs  272  contained within the pivotably mounted diagonal members  114 . As a user pivots the pivotably mounted diagonal members  114  into their horizontal positions, the engaging members  270  are depressed into the pivotably mounted diagonal members  114  as they pass the extended portions  262  of the retainer. Once clear of the extended portions  262  of the retainer  252 , the engaging members  270  return to their fully extended positions due to the force of the compression springs  272 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is a section view of the center hub mechanism  250  with the retainer  252  in the engaged position. The coupling of the engaging members  270  with the extended portions  262  of the retainer  252  is visible. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 9-13 , one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper frame hinge mechanism  200  comprising a main body  202 , two horizontal members  104 / 106 , two coaxially-located rotating pivot locks  204 / 206 , a handle  208 , and a torsion spring  210 . 
         [0042]    The main body  202  is preferably constructed of metal and has two parallel side plates  201  connected by an intermediate curved portion  203 . The side plates  201  provide support for the other components of the hinge mechanism  200  including the pin  217 . Additionally, side plates  201  provide support for pins  215  which pivotably attach the horizontal members  104 / 106  to the hinge mechanism  200 . Cover  209  is attached to the outer portions of main body  202   
         [0043]    The pivot locks  204 / 206  are preferably composed of molded plastic. Each pivot lock  204 / 206  has two appendages  212 / 214  connected together to form an approximate right angle similar to an L-shape. When the hinge mechanism is assembled, pivot axes  216  of the pivot locks are coaxially located such that a single pin  217  runs through both pivot locks. The pivot locks  204 / 206  face outward in opposite directions such that one pivot lock&#39;s  204  lower appendage  212  extends to the left and the other pivot lock&#39;s  206  lower appendage  212  extends to the right when viewed from the front. To allow the pivot locks  204 / 206  to be located coaxially while facilitating linear alignment of the upper frame horizontal members  104 / 106 , the pivot locks  204 / 206  are adapted to rotate one within the other. As such, one pivot lock  204  includes a central slot  218  within which the other pivot lock  206  rotates. 
         [0044]    The upper appendage  214  of each pivot lock  204 / 206  includes a receiving surface  220  which is shaped to accommodate the end of a horizontal member  104 / 106  of the upper frame  102 . Preferably, the receiving surface  220  is ledge which has a surface curvature complementary to that of the ends of the horizontal members  104 / 106 . 
         [0045]    The upper appendages  214  of the pivot locks  204 / 206  are biased outwardly by a torsion spring  210 . The pin  217  about which the pivot locks  204 / 206  rotate also extends through the coil portion of the torsion spring  210 , holding the torsion spring  210  in place. It is within the scope of the invention to utilize alternative means for biasing apart the upper appendages of the pivot locks  204 / 206 , including compression springs and pieces of spring steel. 
         [0046]    A handle  208  is located beneath the lower appendages  212  of the pivot locks  204 / 206 . When the handle  208  is actuated by being pushed upwards, it pushes on the bottom of each pivot lock&#39;s  204 / 206  lower appendage  212  and forces each pivot lock  204 / 206  to rotate inward about the pin  217 , thereby overcoming the force of the torsion spring  210  and releasing the end portions of the horizontal members  104 / 106  from the receiving surfaces  220  of the pivot locks  204 / 206 . Once released from the receiving surfaces  220  of the pivot locks  204 / 206 , the horizontal members  104 / 106  rotate freely about their respective pins  215 . This permits a user to collapse the playyard for easier transportation and/or storage. 
         [0047]    To set up the playyard for normal use, the user pivots the horizontal members  104 / 106  into their approximately horizontal positions. As the horizontal members  104 / 106  are pivoted into their approximately horizontal positions, the ends of the horizontal members  104 / 106  press against the angled outer surfaces  221  of the upper appendages  214  of the pivot locks  204 / 206 . This causes the pivot locks  204 / 206  rotate inward against the force of the torsion spring  210 . Once the horizontal members  104 / 106  are pivoted to the extent that their ends have reached the receiving surfaces  220  of the pivot locks  204 / 206 , the pivot locks  204 / 206  rotate outward due to the force of the torsion spring  210  and engage the ends of the horizontal members  104 / 106 . Once the pivot locks  204 / 206  have engaged the horizontal members  104 / 106  on the receiving surfaces  220 , the hinge mechanism  200  is locked and the horizontal members  104 / 106  are fixed in their horizontal positions. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , one embodiment of the storage console  450  includes an electronic music box  470 . The electronic music box  470  is incorporated integrally into the storage console  450 . As used herein, the term “integral” means formed as a unit with another part. In other words, the incorporated device is a part of a larger unified assembly as opposed to being merely attached to, suspended from, detachably attached to, placed upon, etc. another component. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment, an electronic music box is included in an upper frame corner connector  128  shown in  FIGS. 16-17 .  FIG. 16  shows the portion of the corner connector that is located on the outside of the upper frame and  FIG. 17  shows the portion of the corner connector that is located on the inside of the upper frame. Controls  484  are located on the outside portion and the speaker  486  is located on the inside portion. It is within the scope of the invention to integrally incorporate into a playyard other electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, monitors, music boxes, night lights, toys, or mobiles. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , one embodiment of the storage console  450  includes two bag hooks  452 . The hooks are defined by inverted U-shaped cutouts  454  in the molded plastic surface of the storage console  450 . The bag hooks  452  are used by placing the handle of a handled bag over the hook  452  formed by the U-shaped cutout  454 . The bag hooks  452  are molded such that the hooks  452  have the same surface contour as the storage console  450 . 
         [0051]    Following from the above description and invention summaries it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the systems and processes herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these precise systems and processes and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claim, as the invention is defined by the claims and because inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.