Patent Publication Number: US-9848714-B2

Title: Play yard with removable enclosure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Application Number 61/363,902 entitled “Play Yard with Removable Fabric Enclosure,” which was filed on Jul. 13, 2010 and is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to children&#39;s play yard apparatuses and methods for attaching and removing a play yard liner to a play yard frame. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A play yard is a containment device often used for providing a partially enclosed space for a child. Typically, play yards include a rigid frame having upper and lower horizontal frame members joined by vertical frame members. A floor panel and sidewalls are usually defined in between the frame members along with an upper opening through which a child may be moved in and out of the play yard. The sidewalls and floor panel are often comprised of a fabric material disposed over the frame members. In addition, the frame members may be collapsible to allow for easier portability and storage of the play yard. 
     Recent play yards have been provided with a fabric enclosure that may be secured to a play yard frame in order to form surrounding sidewalls. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,859,957, 7,568,242, and U.S. Publication No. 2010/0132115 disclose play yards including a fabric enclosure having vertical corner posts. The vertical posts of the enclosures are configured to be inserted into vertical tubes disposed on a play yard frame, thereby permitting the enclosure to be assembled and secured to the play yard frame. However, enclosures having posts—such as those in the above-referenced patent publications—can often be difficult to secure to a corresponding play yard frame. As the vertical posts must be closely aligned with their respective vertical tubes in order to be inserted into the tubes, assembling each corner of the fabric enclosure to the play yard frame can be tedious and time consuming. 
     In addition, as play yard enclosures often become soiled as a result of use by infants, it is desirable for such play yard enclosures to be easily washable. However, the enclosures described in the above-referenced patent publications are not configured for being machine washed when disassembled from the play yard frame. In other play yards, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,366, a removable slip cover or liner of similar size and shape to that of a play yard enclosure is provided. The slip cover or liner is positioned on the play yard enclosure to form a barrier between the play yard&#39;s permanent fabric enclosure and an infant or child positioned therein. Such slip covers or liners may be removed and washed separately. However, this configuration requires the use of a redundant fabric liner that adds cost to the consumer and requires the consumer to maintain an additional component to use the play yard. Further, the additional fabric associated with the slip cover or liner can be detrimental to the visibility of the child from the perspective of a caregiver as it may cover or reduce visibility through transparent portions of the play yard walls. In addition, such slip covers and liners often interfere with the play yard&#39;s functional features, aesthetics, and airflow through the play yard&#39;s walls. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved play yard having a removable, washable liner that is easily secured to and removed from a play yard frame. In addition, there is a need for a removable liner configured for use with a collapsible play yard frame and configured for covering various components of the frame, such as joints between frame members. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children&#39;s play yard. According to various embodiments, the play yard comprises a play yard frame and a removable play yard liner. The play yard frame generally comprises one or more lower horizontal frame members and one or more vertical frame members. According to various embodiments, the vertical frame members extend upwardly from the lower horizontal frame members and define one or more vertical channels. The removable play yard liner generally comprises one or more sidewalls and one or more engagement members disposed along the sidewalls. The engagement members are dimensioned to be inserted within the channels of the vertical frame members such that the sidewalls of the play yard extend between the vertical frame members of the play yard frame and define a bounded area within the play yard. In certain embodiments, the play yard liner is constructed from machine-washable materials and is configured for being machine-washed when removed from the play yard frame. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments, the vertical channels of the play yard frame define an upper opening having a cross-sectional width that is substantially larger than the cross-sectional width of the engagement members. In further embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the vertical channels may also taper downward toward a narrower width at a medial portion of the vertical channels. 
     Furthermore, various embodiments of the play yard frame may also comprise one or more upper horizontal frame members, while the play yard liner further comprises one or more flap panels. In certain embodiments, the flap panels of the play yard liner may be configured to extend over and cover the upper horizontal frame members—including joints connecting adjacent upper horizontal frame members—when the play yard liner is secured to the play yard frame. 
     Moreover, a method for securing a removable play yard liner to a play yard frame is contemplated comprising the steps of setting up a play yard frame to have one or more vertical frame members defining vertical channels and one or more upper horizontal frame members; orienting a play yard liner having one or more sidewalls, one or more flap panels, and one or more engagement members such that the engagement members are generally adjacent the vertical frame members; sliding the one or more engagement members into the vertical channels such that the full length of the engagement members is within the vertical channels; positioning the flap panels over upper portions and around outer side portions of the one or more upper horizontal frame members; and securing the flap panels over the one or more upper horizontal frame members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of a vertical frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the upper portion of a vertical frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a partially collapsed play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a collapsed play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a lower connecting member of a play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a play yard liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an engagement member secured to a play yard liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of an engagement member secured to a tab of a play yard liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of an engagement member secured to a tab of a play yard liner according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of an engagement member secured to a tab of a play yard liner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an engagement member secured to a play yard liner according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an engagement member secured to a play yard liner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a play yard liner engagement member being inserted into the channel of a vertical frame member according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of an engagement member positioned within a vertical frame member channel according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of an end cap disengaged from a vertical frame member channel according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of an end cap positioned on a play yard liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a lower liner fastener being engaged with a a lower frame fastener according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of an upper perimeter of a play yard liner being secured to upper horizontal frame members of a play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a play yard liner having an upper perimeter secured to a play yard frame according one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of a play yard liner having flap panels secured over upper horizontal frame members of a play yard frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present inventions will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a play yard configured for providing an enclosed space for a child. According to various embodiments, the play yard is generally comprised of a play yard frame (e.g., the frame  100  described herein) and a removable play yard liner (e.g., the liner  200  described herein). Generally, the play yard frame is a substantially rigid structure configured for receiving and supporting the removable liner, which may be constructed from a flexible, washable material. When secured to the frame, the removable liner defines a partially enclosed space dimensioned for receiving a child. 
     Play Yard Frame 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a play yard frame  100  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  100  includes a plurality of upper horizontal frame members  102 , a plurality of lower horizontal frame members  104 , and four vertical frame members  106 . As shown, the vertical frame members  106  are positioned at the corners of the frame  100  and include feet configured to rest on a floor or support surface. The upper horizontal frame members  102  and lower horizontal frame members  104  are connected at different heights to the vertical frame members  106  such that they are vertically spaced from one another. The upper horizontal frame members  102  extend between adjacent vertical frame members  106 , thereby forming an upper perimeter of the frame  100 . The lower horizontal frame members  104  are positioned inwardly from the vertical frame members  106  and are connected to one another at various points to form a lower support surface spaced above the floor (or other support surface upon which the frame  100  is positioned). The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used herein to indicate components that are generally horizontally or vertically oriented with respect to a floor (or other support surface) and are not intended to indicate that particular components must be strictly or entirely horizontal or vertical. 
     According to various embodiments, each of the vertical frame members  106  define a vertical channel  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the vertical channels  110  extend longitudinally from the upper end of the vertical frame members  106  (e.g., proximate to the upper horizontal frame members  102 ) to the lower end of the vertical frame members  106  (e.g., proximate to the lower horizontal frame members  104 ). As described in greater detail herein, the vertical channels  110  are configured to provide a cavity in which an engagement member (e.g., a rod) of the play yard liner  200  may be inserted. By inserting such engagement members into the vertical channels  110  of each of the vertical frame members  106 , the play yard liner  200  may be secured in tension between adjacent vertical frame members  106 . 
     The vertical channels  110  are defined by the cross-sectional shape of the vertical frame members  106 . For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates the cross-section of a portion of a vertical frame member  106  according to one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the vertical frame member  106  comprises an outer wall  111  and a channel wall  112 . The channel wall  112  forms a recessed portion of the vertical frame member  106  and defines the cross-sectional shape of the channel  110 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the channel wall  112  is concave and forms a generally elliptical shape. At the point where the ends of the channel wall  112  meet the outer wall  111 , a pair of channel arms  113  are formed. The space between the channel arms  113  defines a gap  114 , which results in the channel  110  remaining in spatial communication with the area outside of the vertical frame members  106 . As described in greater detail herein, the gap  114  extends longitudinally along the vertical frame member  106  and is dimensioned to permit an engagement member inserted into the channel  110  to remain attached to the play yard liner  200 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the upper portion of one of the vertical frame members  106  according to one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the vertical frame member&#39;s channel  110  includes an upper opening  115  positioned at a height proximate to the upper horizontal frame members  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upper opening  115  is configured such that the channel  110  is generally wider at its upper end and tapers to a narrower dimension toward its medial portion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the gap  114  is wider at a point  114   a  near the top of the vertical frame member  106  and narrower at a point  114   b  proximate a medial portion of the vertical frame member  106 . 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, the vertical frame members  106  may be configured to define channels having a variety of cross-sectional profiles. For example, in various other embodiments, the channel wall  112  may be configured such that the channel  110  has a cross-section that is non-elliptical and resembles other polygons having dimensions capable of retaining an engagement member. 
     According to various embodiments, the vertical frame members  106  defining the channels  110  may be constructed from an extruded piece of metal (e.g., aluminum) or another material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support loads applied by the play yard liner  200  (e.g., high-modulus polymer materials). In such embodiments, the vertical frame member&#39;s outer wall  111  and channel wall  112  may constitute different portions of a single, continuous wall (e.g., as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ). However, in other embodiments, the vertical frame members  106  may be constructed from separate pieces affixed together. In addition, according to various embodiments, the vertical frame members  106  may be substantially solid or may define a hollow interior space (e.g., the cavity  118  shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In certain embodiments, the frame  100  is also configured to be collapsed into a more compact form in order to minimize the space required for storage. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates the frame  100  in a partially collapsed state according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  100  includes upper connecting members  109  positioned at the upper ends of the vertical frame members  106  and upper joint members  121  disposed between the upper horizontal frame members  102 . In particular, the upper horizontal frame members  102  are pivotally connected to one another by the upper joint members  121  and pivotally connected to the vertical frame members  106  by the upper connecting members  109 . In the illustrated embodiment, each upper horizontal frame member  102  is secured to an upper joint member  121  and an upper connecting member  109  by pins that permit the upper horizontal frame member  102  to pivot in a downward direction. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper connecting members  109  and upper joint members  121  permit each of the upper horizontal frame members  102  to move downward along a plane perpendicular to a support surface on which the frame  100  rests. 
     Likewise, the frame  100  also includes lower connecting members  108  positioned at the lower ends of the vertical frame members  106  and lower joint members  122  disposed between the lower horizontal frame members  104 . In particular, the lower horizontal frame members  104  are pivotally connected to one another by the lower joint members  122 . In addition, certain of the lower horizontal frame members  104  are pivotally connected to the vertical frame members  106  by the lower connecting members  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower horizontal frame members  104  are secured to the various lower joint members  122  and connecting members  108  by pins that permit the lower horizontal frame members  104  to pivot in an upward direction. However, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the various upper and lower horizontal frame members  102 ,  104  may be secured to the joint members  121 ,  122  and connecting members  108 ,  109  by various other fastening mechanisms permitting the frame members to move between an expanded and collapsed state. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the frame  100  in a fully collapsed state according to one embodiment. By pivoting the upper horizontal frame members  102  downward and the lower horizontal frame members  104  upward, the vertical frame members  106  are able to move inward and adjacent one another, thereby achieving the fully collapsed state of  FIG. 5 . According to various embodiments, one or more of the various joint members  121 ,  122  and connecting members  109 ,  108  may further include locking mechanisms configured to selectively lock the frame  100  in an expanded position, such as that of  FIG. 1 , and selectively unlock the frame  100  to permit it to be collapsed to a storage position, such as that of  FIG. 5 . In addition, a quick release mechanism may be provided to permit a user easily unlock or lock the frame  100 . Further, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the frame  100  may be collapsed with or without a play yard liner secured to it (e.g., the liner  200  described below). 
     According to various embodiments, the frame  100  may further include one or more fasteners. As described in greater detail herein, these fasteners may be configured to engage corresponding fasteners on the play yard liner  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a lower frame fastener  131  is provided on each of the lower connecting members  108  positioned at the bottom of the vertical frame members  106  proximate the lower horizontal frame members  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame fastener  131  is a female side-release buckle component configured to receive and secure a male side-release buckle component (e.g., the lower liner fasteners  231  described below). However, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the fastener components provided on the frame  100  may comprise a variety of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, zippers, Velcro®, and the like. 
     According to various embodiments, the various components of the frame  100  described herein may be constructed from a variety of materials of suitable strength for withstanding loads applied by the removable play yard liner and any children or other items placed therein (e.g., dynamic loads resulting from a child jumping). For example, the various frame members  102 ,  104 ,  106  may be constructed from generally rigid materials, such as aluminum or high-modulus polymer materials. 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, various modifications may be made to the play yard frame embodiments described herein while remaining within the scope of the present inventions. In various embodiments, the play yard frame may include any number of vertical frame members, which may be arranged in a variety of ways. As an example, the play yard frame may include a plurality of vertical frame members positioned in a triangular, trapezoidal, or circular relationship. In addition, the play yard frame may include vertical channels defined on some or all of the vertical frame members, and may include more than one vertical channel defined on a single vertical frame member. Further, in various embodiments, the play yard frame&#39;s upper and lower horizontal frame members may be comprised of any number of individual members, including a single, unitary upper or lower horizontal frame member. In addition, the play yard frame may be configured not to collapse. 
     Play Yard Liner 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a removable play yard liner  200  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner  200  is a unitary fabric enclosure defined by four sidewalls  202  and a floor panel  204 . Together, the sidewalls  202  and floor panel  204  define a partially enclosed area having an upper opening and a generally rectangular cross-section. The sidewalls  202  further define an upper perimeter  206  and lower perimeter  208  of the liner  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the liner  200  also includes four flap panels  209 , which extend outwardly from the liner&#39;s upper perimeter  206 . In various embodiments, the flap panels  209  are fabric panels having an inner edge that extends along the liner&#39;s upper perimeter  206 . As described in greater detail herein, the flap panels  209  are configured to extend over and substantially cover the upper horizontal frame members  102  of the play yard frame  100  when the liner  200  is attached to the frame  100 . 
     The liner  200  also includes four engagement members  210  attached to outer portions of the liner  200  at the liner&#39;s four corners. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the engagement members  210  are vertically oriented and extend the full height of the side walls  202  (e.g., from their upper perimeter  206  to lower perimeter  208 ). According to various embodiments, the engagement members  210  are generally dimensioned to be inserted into the channels  110  of the play yard frame  100  and thereby secure the play yard liner  200  in tension between the frame&#39;s vertical frame members  106 . 
     For example,  FIG. 8  shows an engagement member  210  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  210  comprises a rod  211  having a generally elliptical cross-section dimensioned to fit within one of the channels  110 . The engagement member  210  further comprises a flange  212 , which extends outwardly from the rod  211  and is attached to the play yard liner  200 . The rod  211  and flange  212  may be formed, for example, from single piece of material (e.g., an extruded piece of polypropylene material). 
     According various embodiments, the engagement member  210  is secured to the liner  200  via its flange  212 , which may be affixed to the play yard liner  200  in a variety of ways. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the sidewalls  202  include a fabric tab  220  extending outwardly from the play yard liner  200  and the engagement member&#39;s flange  212  is attached by stitching  221  to the fabric tab  220 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the stitching  221  secures the fabric tab  220  to a medial portion of the flange  212 . In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 10 , the fabric tab  220  is attached to the flange  212  by stitching  221  positioned proximate to the end of the flange  212  adjacent the rod  211 . In yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , the fabric tab  220  is bonded to the flange  212  (e.g., by an adhesive disposed along the length of the flange  212 ). According to various other embodiments, the flange  212  may be secured directly to one of the sidewalls  202  of the play yard liner  200  (e.g., where the sidewalls do not include a fabric tab) and may be attached using any suitable method of securing the flange to the liner  200 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an engagement member  210  according to another embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member  210  comprises a rod segmented into a plurality of rod segments  211  each having their own outwardly extending flange  212 . Each rod segment  211  has a generally elliptical cross-section dimensioned to fit within one of the channels  110  and is individually attached to the play yard liner  200  via its respective flange  212 . Each rod segment may be attached to the play yard liner  200  via the methods described herein (e.g., those shown in  FIGS. 9-11 ). In addition, the rod  211  and flange  212  of  FIG. 12  may be formed from a single piece of material cut into the various rod segments (e.g., an extruded piece of polypropylene material cut into segments). 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the rod segments  211  are placed closely together and are vertically aligned with one another. As such, the rod segments  211  may be inserted into a channel  110  in much the same manner as the single, continuous rod of  FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 13 , the engagement members  210  comprise similar rod segments  211  connected to the play yard liner  200  via flanges  212 . However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the rod segments are substantially spaced from another. As in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the rod segments  211  shown in  FIG. 13  are vertically aligned and may be easily inserted into one of the channels  110 . 
     In certain embodiments, the engagement members  210  are configured to be generally flexible and bendable. For example, in the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the spacing of the engagement member&#39;s rod segments  211  along the play yard liner  200  permits the corner of the liner  200  to remain flexible and generally does not inhibit the ability of the play yard liner&#39;s corners to be folded or otherwise contorted. As described in greater detail herein, such flexible embodiments of the engagement members  210  may be incorporated in certain machine washable embodiments of the play yard liner  200 . 
     As noted above, the play yard frame&#39;s channels  110  may have a variety of cross-sectional dimensions. As such, the engagement members  210  may also be provided in a variety of cross-sectional dimensions, each configured to fit within a corresponding channel  110 . For example, the engagement members  210  may have a rectangular or triangular cross-section. In addition, it is not necessary that the cross-sectional shape of the engagement members  210  and channels  110  are the same. For example, in one embodiment, the channel  110  may have a substantially square cross-section dimensioned to receive a substantially circular engagement member  210 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the liner  200  also includes four lower liner fasteners  231  positioned at the corners of the liner  200  proximate the lower end of the engagement members  210 . For example, in one embodiment, the lower liner fasteners  231  comprise male side-release buckle components configured to be inserted within female side-release buckle components (e.g., the above-descried lower frame fasteners  131 ). In addition, as described in greater detail herein, the liner  200  may also include upper liner fasteners positioned proximate the upper perimeter  206  and configured to secure the liner  200  to the upper horizontal frame members  102  (e.g., the upper liner fasteners  232  of  FIG. 20  described below). According to various embodiments, the fastener components provided on the liner  200  may comprise a variety of fasteners (e.g., snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, zippers, Velcro®, and the like) and may be configured to engage corresponding fasteners on the play yard frame  100 . 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, the various components of the liner  200 —including the sidewalls  202 , floor panel  204 , and engagement members  210 —may be constructed from a variety of materials, including various combinations of fabric and non-fabric materials. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the sidewalls  202  are formed from a breathable mesh fabric material with solid fabric material surrounding the mesh material along edge portions of the sidewalls  202 . Similarly, the floor panel  204  is formed from a solid fabric material. 
     In certain embodiments, the materials used to form various components of the liner  200  are constructed from machine-washable materials. In such embodiments, the fabrics used to construct the liner may be, for example, washable nylon, while the non-fabric components (e.g., the engagement members  210  and fasteners  231 ) may be formed from washable, durable plastics or other polymer materials. In particular, the engagement members  210  may be configured to be sufficiently flexible and bendable in order to be placed in a washing machine (e.g., engagement members comprising single, continuous rods made from a flexible and washable material, or segmented rods such those shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). In the above-described washable play yard liner embodiments, the liner  200  is generally configured to endure multiple machine washings without sustaining damage to its various components and is configured such that it is not necessary for a user to remove components from, or otherwise modify, the liner  200  for washing. 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, various other modifications may be made to the play yard liner embodiments described herein while remaining within the scope of the present inventions. For example, in certain embodiments the play yard liner may not include a floor panel and/or a flap panel. In addition, various embodiments of the play yard liner may be configured to be secured to the various embodiments of the play yard frame described herein. As such, the liner may include any number of sidewalls arranged in a variety of ways corresponding to a particular play yard frame embodiment. Indeed, the liner may include a plurality of sidewalls defining a shape other than the rectangular shape illustrated herein. For example, the liner may comprise a single or multiple sidewalls defining other shapes such as rounded rectangles, circles, ovals, triangles, and pentagons. In yet another embodiment, the liner may be comprised of separate sidewall panels configured to be individually positioned on the play yard frame. For example, such separate sidewall panels may each include engagement members disposed on side edges of the panels, fasteners disposed on their upper and lower perimeters, and/or individual flap panels. In addition, the liner may include any number of engagement members positioned on the liner to correspond with one or more channels defined on the play yard frame. 
     Securing the Play Yard Liner to the Play Yard Frame 
     As noted earlier, various embodiments of the play yard liner  200  are configured to be secured to the play yard frame  100  in order to provide a play yard enclosure for a child.  FIGS. 14-21  illustrate various steps of a method for securing the liner  200  to the frame  100  according to various embodiments. 
     First, as shown in  FIG. 14 , each of the engagement members  210  disposed on the liner  200  are inserted into a corresponding one of the channels  110  defined along the vertical frame members  106 . This may be accomplished at each corner of the liner  200  by inserting the lower end of the engagement member  210  into the upper opening  115  of the channel  110 , such that the engagement member&#39;s flange  212  is aligned with the channel&#39;s gap  114  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 15  described below). The engagement member  210  is then inserted fully within the channel  110  such that a portion of the liner&#39;s sidewalls  202  is adjacent the respective vertical frame member  106  defining the channel  110 . Upon inserting each of the liner&#39;s engagement members  210  into a corresponding channel  110 , the sidewalls  202  and floor panel  204  of the liner  200  will be held in tension between the frame&#39;s vertical frame members  106 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the channel  110  with the engagement member  210  positioned therein according to one embodiment. As shown, the engagement member&#39;s rod  211  is positioned within the channel  110 , while the engagement member&#39;s flange  212  extends through the gap between the channel arms  113 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area and width of the upper portion of the channel  110  is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area and width of the rod  211 . Among other advantages, this configuration enhances the ease with which the engagement member  210  may be positioned within the channel  110  as it is not necessary that engagement member&#39;s rod  211  be perfectly aligned with the channel  110  in order to be inserted into the channel  110  and guided downward. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the engagement member&#39;s flange  212  is attached to a fabric tab  220  extending outwardly from the play yard liner  200 . This configuration permits the play yard&#39;s fabric portions to remain substantially out of contact with the vertical frame member  106  when the play yard liner  200  is secured to the play yard frame  100 , thereby eliminating undesirable friction applied to the liner&#39;s fabric portions. In addition, in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the liner&#39;s fabric tab  220  is stitched to the flange  212  at a location proximate to the rod  211 . As a result, when the rod  211  is inserted into the channel  110 , the stitching securing the flange  212  to the fabric tab  220  is positioned substantially between the channel arms  113 . This configuration effectively conceals the stitching from view when the rod  211  is inserted into the channel  110 . As such, when the liner  200  is secured to the frame, the liner  200  appears directly adjacent the vertical frame members  106 , while remaining substantially out of contact with frame  100  and minimizing the friction applied to the liner&#39;s fabric portions. 
     After fully inserting the engagement members  210  into the channels  110 , an end cap may be placed into the top of each respective channel  110  in order to secure the engagement members  210  within the channels  110 . For example,  FIG. 16  illustrates an end cap  140  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap  140  is a separate component configured to be inserted into the channel  110  and selectively locked into place (e.g., using a snapping action or latch mechanism). In other embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 17 , the end cap  140  may be affixed to the top of the engagement member  210  such that the engagement member  210  may be not be fully inserted into the channel  110  without the end cap  140  locking into place. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 18 , each of the lower liner fasteners  231  are secured to the corresponding lower frame fasteners  131 , further securing the liner  200  to the frame  100 . Next, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , upper liner fasteners  232  disposed along the upper perimeter  206  of the liner  200  are secured to the upper horizontal frame members  102 . According to various embodiments, the upper liner fasteners  232  are configured to wrap around the upper horizontal frame member  102  and may be secured by any suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., buckle, snap, Velcro®, etc.). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper liner fasteners  232  comprises male side-release buckle component affixed to a fabric strip configured to wrap around an upper horizontal frame member  102  and a female side-release buckle component configured to receive the male component. By engaging the upper liner fasteners  232 , the upper perimeter  206  of the liner  200  is secured to the upper horizontal frame members  102 , thereby providing additional support to maintain the sidewalls  202  of the liner  200  in a substantially upright, vertical position around the perimeter of the play yard. 
     Next, the flap panels  209  of the liner  200  are lifted over the upper horizontal frame members  102  and pulled downward adjacent the outer sides of the sidewalls  202 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the flap panels  209  include flap fasteners  233  in the form of Velcro® strips disposed along outer edges of the panels and along the upper perimeter  206  of the play yard  200 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the flap panels  209  may be secured over the upper horizontal frame members  102  by engaging the flap fasteners  233  with one another. By securing the flap panels  209  in this manner, the flap panel covers the components of the frame  100  accessible from the interior of the play yard liner  200  and provides a safety barrier between a child positioned within the play yard and the various frame components. In particular, the flap panels  209  are configured to cover the upper joint members  121 . As will be appreciated from the description herein, the flap fasteners  233  may be comprised of any other suitable fasteners, including—but not limited to—snaps, buckles, and various other hook and loop combinations. 
     By securing the play yard liner  200  to the play yard frame  100  in the manner described herein, a complete play yard assembly may be achieved in which the play yard&#39;s sidewalls are supported in tension by vertical frame members, thereby defining a substantially vertical, rectangular perimeter within which a child may safely play or rest. 
     Conclusion 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.