Patent Publication Number: US-9888788-B2

Title: Playards, changing table assemblies, and methods of operating the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/356,407, filed on Jan. 20, 2009, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/141,575, filed Dec. 30, 2008. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/356,407 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/141,575 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to child care products, and, more particularly, to playards, changing table assemblies, and methods of operating the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, portable playards or cribs have become very popular. Portable playards typically include a frame, a flexible enclosure supported by the frame, and a removable floor board or mat. The frame is largely or completely contained within the flexible enclosure so that there are few if any loose parts when the frame is collapsed or when the frame is erected. When collapsed, the portable playard typically has a compact form factor to enable easy transport and storage of the playard. Sometimes, the floorboard is wrapped around the collapsed frame to prevent the frame from inadvertently leaving the collapsed state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a left front perspective view of an example playard constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure 
         FIG. 2  is a left front perspective view of an example playard and changing table assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure 
         FIG. 3  is a right front perspective view of an example frame of the example playard and changing table assembly of  FIG. 2 , showing the example changing table mounted to the playard in a first position. 
         FIG. 4  is a right front perspective view similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing the example changing table mounted in a second position. 
         FIG. 5  is a front plan view of the example playard and changing table assembly of  FIG. 3 , showing the example changing table in the first position. 
         FIG. 6  is a front plan view similar to  FIG. 5 , but showing the example changing table mounted in the second position. 
         FIG. 7  is a right side plan view of the example playard and changing table assembly of  FIG. 3 , showing the example changing table in the first position. 
         FIG. 8  is a right side plan view similar to  FIG. 7 , but showing the example changing table mounted in the second position. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the example playard and changing table assembly of  FIG. 3 , showing the example changing table in the first position. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view similar to  FIG. 9 , but showing the example changing table mounted in the second position. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged partial perspective view illustrating the engagement of the example changing table with the example playard. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged bottom plan view illustrating the engagement of the example changing table with the example playard. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged top plan view illustrating the engagement of the example changing table with the example playard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-13  illustrate example configurations of playards, and playard and changing table assemblies constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Each illustrated example playard may be movable between a collapsed position (not shown) for transportation or storage, and an extended position (as shown) for use. The illustrated playards include an upper frame having a swooping profile. More specifically, a first pair of posts at a first end of the playard has a first height and a second pair of posts at a second, opposite, end of the playard has a second height. The second height is different from the first height. The upper frame of the illustrated example has four collapsible sides. One pair of the sides are connected between respective ones of the first and second pair of posts (e.g., between one of the first posts and one of the second posts). To accommodate the difference in height between these posts, these sides step downward in the general area of a pivot joint. In the illustrated example, each of these sides includes a first rail, a rail joint, and a second rail. One of the rails has a downwardly curved profile when viewed from the front (see  FIG. 5 ) and the other has an upwardly curved profile when viewed from that same perspective. Alternatively, the rails could be straight. To provide the step down, the ends of the first and second rails are bent (one downwardly, and one upwardly) and the joint pivotally joining the first and second rails is positioned in a plane that is transversely oriented relative to a floor board of the playard. 
     In the illustrated examples, an optional child care accessory such as, for example, a mobile, storage compartment, changing table, etc. is removably mountable to both the higher side and the lower side of the playard (at different times). The changing table of the illustrated example provides a convenient platform for holding and/or changing an infant, for storing items, for providing additional storage capacity, etc. 
     Traditionally, changing tables have been configured to be attached to a specific location along a portion of the top rails of the playard. In such configurations, the height of the playard&#39;s top rails dictates at least an initial height of the changing table&#39;s changing surface. Safety standards, however, currently limit the height or distance between the changing table and the playard in order to avoid potential entrapment of a child or infant between the changing table and the playard. Advantageously, the example changing tables disclosed herein are adjustable in height during use, but avoid potential entrapment issues between the changing table and the playard. In particular, in the illustrated example playards and changing table assemblies, the changing table may be mounted to the first end of the playard to present the changing table surface at a first height, and/or may be mounted to the second end of the playard to present the changing table surface at a second height which is different from the first height. Thus, the structure of the playard (e.g., having the first set of posts with a first height and the second set of the posts with the second height) provides height adjustability of the changing table. Moreover, this height adjustability is achieved without changing a distance between the bottom of the changing table and the closest top surface of the playard when the changing table is mounted on the playard and thusly ensuring no entrapment issues are created by changing the height of the changing table relative to the playard&#39;s top rails. 
     Turning more specifically to  FIGS. 1-10 , an example playard and changing table assembly  10  includes a foldable playard  12  and an optional childcare accessory such as, for example, a removable changing table  14  or a mobile  15 . In the examples of  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9  the changing table  14  is coupled to the playard  12  in a first location (e.g., a first end), and in the examples of  FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10  the changing table  14  is coupled to the playard  12  in a second location (e.g., a second end). When installed, the example changing table  14  provides a convenient raised platform or holding area to facilitate child care, such as, for example, dressing or changing an infant, toddler, or other child. The example of  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9 , illustrate the changing table  14  at a first height above the playard support surface, while the example of  FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10 , illustrate the changing table  14  at a second height above the playard support surface. In both examples, the distance between the changing table and a portion of the an upper frame of the playard directly below the changing table are sufficiently small to prevent a child&#39;s head from entering therebetween and thus, avoid an entrapment hazard. 
     The playard  12  of the illustrated example has a frame  20  including a collapsible upper frame  22 , a collapsible lower frame  24 , and four upright corner posts  26  that are coupled between the upper frame  22  and the lower frame  24 . As will be described in detail below, two of the four upright corner posts  27 A extend a first height above the lower frame  24  while the other two upright corners post  27 B extend a second height above the lower frame  24 . The second height is different than the first height. Additionally, the example changing table  14  is mounted to the upper frame  12  via any suitable fastener, including, for example, by insertion of the changing table  14  into at least one of a plurality of upper corner housings  30  or end caps, disposed at, or near, the junction of the upper frame  22  and each upright corner post  26 . Therefore, the changing table  14 , if present, may be installed at either of two different heights above the lower frame  24 , and thus at either of two different heights above the support surface upon which the playard  12  rests. Furthermore, in this example at least a portion of the changing table  14  extends over the playard  12 , while still permitting access to the child receiving space and while avoiding an entrapment hazard. The example changing table  14  may be disposed at either end of the upper frame  22  of the playard  12 . The example changing table  14  may also be used with any other type of playard and/or crib, such as, for example, a conventional crib, which is or is not foldable, provided the ends of the playard and/or crib have different heights. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a fabric enclosure  32  secured to the frame  20 . The enclosure  32  of the illustrated example includes a front side panel  34 , a rear side panel  36 , and end side panels  38 ,  40 . For convenience of description, two of the panels ( 34 ,  36 ) will be referred to as front and rear panels, and two of the panels ( 38 ,  40 ) will be referred to as end panels. It will be understood, however, that the relative terms (front, back, sides, ends, upper, lower, etc) describing any of the panels  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and/or any other component of the example playard and changing table assembly  10  may vary depending upon the orientation of the playard  12  and/or the changing table  14  and are not intended to be restrictive, but illustrative. The example enclosure  32  also includes a floor panel  42 , provided to cover the lower frame  24 . Together, the panels  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42  define a child receiving space  44 . Each of the panels  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42  may be constructed of any suitable pliable material and are shown, for instance, with the front, rear, and side panels  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , having mesh portions for improved visual access and ventilation of the enclosure  32 . 
     The example playard  12  may also include a removable padded floor  46  provided to cover the floor panel  42  and to provide a support surface when the playard is extended for use in the erected position (see, for example,  FIGS. 5-10 ). The padded floor  46  may also be disposed as a bassinet a distance above the lower frame  24 , such as for example, via hooks, clips, straps, and/or any suitable fasteners to provide a higher support surface ( FIG. 2 ). The padded floor  46  may be constructed of any suitable materials. In the illustrated example it includes a plurality of fairly rigid sections (e.g., cardboard and/or pressed wood panels with foam or other padding) enclosed by a pliable fabric covering. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , the upper frame  22  of the example playard  12  includes a pair of collapsible upper end rail members  50 , and a pair of collapsible upper side rail members  52 . Each upper end rail member  50  includes a pair of rails  50   a ,  50   b  that are pivotably coupled by a first rail joint  51   a . Similarly, each upper side rail member  52  includes a pair of rails  52   a ,  52   b  that are pivotally coupled by a second rail joint  51   b . Each of the example first and second rail joints  51   a ,  51   b  can be constructed in any desired manner to provide a locking mechanism to selectively form a relatively rigid upper rail member  50 ,  52  when the playard  12  is erected for use while also permitting the upper rail members  50 ,  52  to be pivoted or otherwise moved, to move the playard  12  into the collapsed, or folded state. An example construction of the rail joints  51   a ,  51   b  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,837 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The upper end rail members  50  and upper side rail members  52  of the upper frame  22  may be constructed of any suitable material such as with relatively rigid (metal or plastic) tubing, or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of the upper side rail members  52  extends between two of the upper corner housings  30 . Additionally, because two of the four upright corner posts  26  (e.g. posts  27   a ) extend a first height above the lower frame  24  and the other two (e.g. post  27   b ) extend a second height above the lower frame  24  different than the first height, the upper corner housings  30  of the opposite ends of the playard  12  are similarly disposed at different heights above the lower frame  24 . Accordingly, each of the upper side rails  52  includes a first rail end that is located a first height above the lower frame (e.g. coupled to posts  27   a ), and a second rail end that is located at a second height above the lower frame (e.g. coupled to posts  27   b ). 
     The example upper side rail members  52  each include a generally downwardly curved rail ( 52   a ) and a generally upwardly curved rail ( 52   b ). Specifically, the example rail  52   a  includes an arcuate portion  53   a  and a substantially linear portion  53   b . Similarly, the example rail  52   b  includes an arcuate portion  53   c  and a substantially linear portion  53   d . In the illustrated examples, the arcuate portions  53   a  and  53   c  are separated from the linear portions  53   b  and  53   b  by a bending portion  53   e  and  53   f , respectively. The bending portions  53   e ,  53   f  of the illustrated example are bent substantially the same, but opposite, to bring the linear portions  53   b  and  53   d  into co-alignment when the playard is in the erected condition. In particular, some of the bending portions form a concave downward curve and other of the bending portions form a concave upward curve. In the illustrated example, the linear portions are co-linearly aligned. In this example arrangement, the rails  52   a  and  52   b  are aligned so that they can each be pivotally attached to the rail joints  51   b , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The swooping nature of the rails provides a pleasing visual appearance. It also provides easy access to a child and/or object located within the playard. While in the illustrated example, at least a portion of each of the rails  52   a  and  52   b  is generally arcuate (e.g., non-linear) throughout the length of the rails portions  53   a ,  53   c , the rails  52   a  and  52   b  may be formed with any or all of the rails having a straight (e.g., linear) and/or arcuate (e.g., non-linear) portion(s). Also, the example rails  52   a  and  52   b  are illustrated as having the same construction (e.g. the same shape), the only difference being the orientation of the rails in relation to the upper corner housing  30  and the joint to which they are coupled. Still further, the example rails  52   a  and  52   b  may be substantially linear along their entire length, thereby lying in a plane that is non-coplanar with the plane of the floor. In still other examples each of the rails  52   a ,  52   b  may be constructed with different shapes as desired. 
     As noted above, the upper frame  22  is pivotally coupled to the upper corner housings  30 . The housings  30  may be formed, for example, by molded plastic, formed metal, or the like. In the illustrated example, each upper corner housing  30  pivotally couples an end of one of the upper end rail members  50  to an end of one of the upper side rail members  52 . Additionally, each upper corner housing  30  couples the rail members  50 ,  52  to an upper end of one of the upright corner posts  26 . In this example, the upright corner posts  26  are fixedly coupled to the upper corner housings  30 , while the ends of the rail members  50 ,  52  are pivotally coupled to the upper corner housings  30  via fasteners, such as bolts of the like, to facilitate folding of the playard  12 . 
     The lower frame  24  of the example playard  12  includes four lower rail members  70  each having a first end  70   a  pivotally mounted to a respective one of the upright corner post  26 , and a second end  70   b  pivotally mounted to a central hub  72 . The example central hub  72  includes a releasable locking mechanism (not shown) to releasably maintain the playard  12  in the erected position shown, while allowing the playard  12  to be unlocked and folded in any desired manner. The example central hub  72  additionally includes two support members  74  pivotally mounted to the hub  72  to provide additional support for the playard  12  when in the erected position shown. The lower rail members  70  of the lower frame  24  may be constructed in a similar manner to the components of the upper frame  22  (e.g., as metal or plastic tubes). The lower frame  24  also includes lower corner housings  76  to join the lower rail members  70  and the lower ends of the corner posts  26 . Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-10 , the example lower frame  24  provides a generally horizontal, generally planar support surface upon which the padded floor  46  may rest. 
     While the lower frame  24  of the example playard  12  is shown with a lower rails and a central hub assembly, any suitable lower frame assembly may be utilized. In particular, the lower frame  24  may include any combination of rail(s), hub(s), support mechanism(s), locking mechanism(s), etc. to provide support for the playard  12 . Additionally, while the lower frame  24  of the example playard  12  is illustrated as being collapsible or foldable, the lower frame  24  may be constructed so as to be rigid (e.g., when the playard is implemented as a crib intended for non mobile usage). 
     In the illustrated example, each lower corner housing  76  couples an end of each of the lower rail members  70  to a lower end of the one of the upright corner posts  26 . In the illustrated example, two of the lower corner housings  76  are provided with a ground engaging wheel assembly  78 . Each wheel assembly  78  may be provided with a caster mechanism or may have a fixed axis of rotation. In the illustrated example, each wheel assembly  78  includes a single wheel with a fixed axis of rotation. Any other desired rotatable element may alternatively be used to produce movement over a ground surface. Additionally, any number of wheel assemblies (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, fixed (non-rotatable) feet may be used. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11-13 , an example corner housing  30  and changing table  14  connection is shown. While the example of  FIGS. 11-13  illustrate a changing table being coupled to the corner housing  30 , any child care accessory, including, for example, the mobile  15 , ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be mounted to the housing  30  in any suitable manner. In particular, each example upper corner housings  30  defines two generally horizontally disposed channels  31  and one generally vertically disposed socket  33 . In this example, the horizontal channels  31  extend generally perpendicular to one another and are at least partially open to allow for pivotal movement of the rail members  50 ,  52  when the playard moves between the erected and collapsed positions. In the illustrated example, each of the channels  31 , may deviate from horizontal (e.g., may be slightly off horizontal, may be arcuate, etc.) to conform to the shape of the rail members  50 ,  52 , coupled thereto. The example channel  31  includes a pivot pin  35  to pivotally secure an end of the rail members  50 ,  52  to the upper corner housing  30 . The pivot pins  35  allow for rotational movement of the respective rail members  50 ,  52  relative to the channel  31 . In addition, the example rail members  50 ,  52  may include a spring-biased push button  37  such as a VALCO® push button and an aperture or detent  39  correspondingly located on an inner wall of the channel  31  to assist in at least partially retaining the rail members  50 ,  52  in their respective extended positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the example vertical socket  33  extends generally orthogonal to both the horizontal channels  31  and is defined by a wall  41  that is sized to at least partially surround the upright corner post  26  and to substantially prevent lateral movement of the upright corner post  26  within the vertical socket  33 . In the illustrated example, the wall  41  is a single continuous wall. However, the wall  41  may be formed by any number of walls as desired. 
     To prevent rotation of the post  26  within the socket  33 , the example wall  41  includes a keyed portion  45  (e.g., a flattened area), while the post  26  includes a similarly dimensioned feature (not shown) to matingly engage the keyed portion  45  when the post  26  is properly inserted into the socket  33 . In this example, the wall  41  of the socket  33  also includes a tab  43  and/or any other suitable feature, extending from a portion of the wall  41 , while the post  26  includes a similarly dimensioned slot (not shown) to matingly engage the tab  43 . Additionally, the example socket  33  may include a pin (not shown) insertable through at least a portion of the wall  41  of the socket  33  and at least a portion of the post  26  to fixedly secure an end of the upright corner post  26  to the socket  33 , and to substantially prevent any relative longitudinal movement between the post  26  and the upper corner housing  30 . However, any other suitable shape and/or device, such as, for example, a spring-biased push button (e.g., a VALCO® push button) may be employed to prevent the post  26  from moving within the socket  33 . Furthermore, while the keyed portion  45  and the tab  43  are described as being formed with the wall  41 , either of the keyed portion  45 , the tab  43 , and/or any other suitable device may be formed in either the post  26  or the socket  33 . Still further, the socket  33  may include a plurality of detents, apertures, and/or other structure to support the child care accessory (e.g., the mobile  15  or the changing table  14 ) in a plurality of positions. In any configuration, the distance between the child care accessory and the upper frame may be designed to comply with all industry standards of safety (e.g., to avoid entrapment issues). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the example upper corner housing  30  also includes a second vertical socket  51  extending generally parallel to the socket  33 . Thus, when in the erected position as shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , the socket  51  is disposed generally perpendicular (e.g., vertical) relative to the lower frame  24 . In the illustrated example, the socket  51  is offset from the socket  33  and is disposed generally adjacent to the socket  33 . Accordingly, in this example, when the playard  12  is in the erected position the socket  51  is located with at least a portion of the socket  51  below the channels  31 , and therefore, below the rail members  50 ,  52 . The socket  51  is dimensioned to matingly receive a projection depending from the changing table  14 . As a result, the distance between the bottom of the frame of the changing table  14  and the top of the upper rail members  50 ,  52 , (e.g., the gap) is maintained sufficiently small to avoid entrapment risks. In other examples, the location of the socket  51  relative to any of the channels  31 , and/or the socket  33  may vary. 
     As mentioned above, the socket  51  is sized to releasably receive a projection (e.g., a mounting post  55 ) of the changing table  14 . In particular, the mounting post  55  may be releasably inserted into the socket  51  to mount the changing table  14  to the playard  12 . In this example, the mounting post  55  includes a spring-biased push button  54  such as a VALCO® push button. The socket  51  also includes at least one aperture or detent  56  correspondingly located in the socket  51  to releasably retain the mounting post  55  in the socket  51 . Additionally, to permit only certain orientations of the mounting post  55  within the socket  51 , the example socket  51  includes a keyed portion  58  (e.g., a slot), while the mounting post  55  includes a similarly dimensioned feature (e.g., a tab) (not shown). The keyed portion  58  may also assist in further preventing rotation of the mounting post  55  within the socket  51 . However, any other suitable shape(s) and/or device(s), such as, for example, multiple slots and tabs may be employed to enforce alignment of the mounting post  55  within the socket  51 . Furthermore, while the keyed portion  58  and the corresponding tab are described as being formed within the socket  51  and mounting post  55 , respectively, either of the keyed portion  58 , the tab, and/or any other suitable device(s) may be formed on either the socket  51  or the mounting post  55  in any combination. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3-13 , the example changing table  14  includes a changing table frame  80  and a pair of couplers  82 . Each of the couplers  82  is provided with one of the mounting post  55  as described above for releasably coupling the changing table  14  with the upper corner housings  30 . The example frame  80  includes a pair of side rails  84 , a proximal end rail  86 , and a distal end rail  88 . The side rails  84 , the proximal end rail  86 , the distal end rail  88 , and the mounting posts  55  may be constructed of any suitable material such as with relatively rigid (metal or plastic) tubing, or the like. Similarly, the coupler  82  may be constructed of any suitable material such as with a relatively rigid (metal or plastic) molding. 
     In the illustrated example, the side rails  84  are mounted to the couplers  82  such that the changing table  14  extends over at least a portion of the playard  12 . The proximal end rail  86  is mounted to the couplers  82  such that the end rail  86  is located in substantial vertical alignment with the rail  50  of the playard  12 , and so that the gap between the end rail  86  and the playard rail  50  (as measured by a vertical line) is less than one inch. Similarly, each of the example side rails  84  of the changing table  14  are formed such that the side rails  82  are in substantial alignment with the upper rails  52  of the playard  12 . Accordingly, the gaps between the frame  80  of the changing table  14  and the upper rails  52  of the playard  12  (as measured by a vertical line) is less than one inch. The minimized gaps between the frame  80  and the upper rails  50 ,  52  of the playard  12  can be any size sufficiently small to eliminate entrapment hazards between the changing table  14  and the playard  12  when assembled. 
     Additionally, as shown, the example end rail  86  is sized to place the mounting posts  55  of the couplers  82  into alignment with the sockets  51  of the upper corner housings  30  of either end of the playard. Accordingly, the changing table  14  is selectively mountable to either end of the playard  12 , and thus, the height of the changing table  14  above the lower frame  24  of the playard  12  may be selectively changed by moving the changing table  14  to the opposite playard end. Specifically, in the example of  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 9 , the changing table  14  is mounted to the upper corners housings  30  coupling the upper rails  50 ,  52  to the two taller vertical corner posts  27   a . Therefore, when mounted to the upper corner housings  30  in this location, the changing table  14  is a distance D above the lower frame  24  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     In the example of  FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10 , the changing table  14  is mounted to the upper corners housings  30  coupling the upper rails  50 ,  52  to the two shorter vertical corner posts  27   b . Therefore, when mounted to the upper corner housings  30  in this location, the changing table  14  is a distance D′ above the lower frame  24  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     In the illustrated example, the frame  80  of the changing table  14  is rigidly formed and cannot collapse and/or fold. Furthermore, the frame  80  is rigidly coupled to each of the couplers  82 . However, the frame  80  and/or the attachment between the frame  80  and any of the couplers  82  may be formed such that the changing table  14  is collapsible and/or foldable for storage or other purposes. Furthermore, the frame  80  may be formed such that at least a portion of the changing table  14  extends outside the footprint of the upper frame  22  of the playard  12 . Still further, the changing table  14  may be formed with any number of compartment(s) and/or accessories, including, for example, storage compartments, child care product holders, fasteners, mobiles, etc. 
     Foldable and portable playard assemblies with a changing table and methods of using the same have been disclosed. The example playard includes vertical posts of at least two different heights and the example changing table may be mounted to either end of the playard to vary the height of the changing table relative to the lower frame of the playard. 
     Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.