Patent Publication Number: US-8966679-B2

Title: Locking mechanism for a play yard frame

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Application No. 61/530,467 entitled “Locking Mechanism for a Play Yard,” which was filed on Sep. 2, 2011 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to a locking mechanism for a frame, particularly a locking mechanism for a collapsible children&#39;s play yard frame. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional children&#39;s play yards, also referred to as play pens, typically include a plurality of side walls, a floor, and an upper opening through which a child may be moved into and out of the play yard. These features are often defined by a frame, which may include upper and lower horizontal frame members joined by vertical frame members, and a solid fabric material positioned over the frame members. Many play yards frames are configured to be collapsible in order to allow for easier portability and storage of the play yard. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2009/0077742 discloses a collapsible frame having a release mechanism disposed on the floor of the play yard frame. A user may collapse the frame by pulling upwardly on the release mechanism, thereby causing lower horizontal frame members to fold upwardly, upper horizontal frame members to be folded downwardly, and vertical frame members to move inwardly. 
     However, there remains a need in the art for a collapsible play yard frame that is easier and more convenient for users to actuate when collapsing the frame, and that provides additional structural security when the frame is expanded. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a collapsible frame for a children&#39;s play yard. According to various embodiments, the frame comprises one or more lower frame members at least partially defining a floor of the play yard frame, the lower frame members being configured for movement between an expanded frame configuration and a collapsed frame configuration; and a locking mechanism operatively connected to one or more of the lower frame members, the locking mechanism comprising a rotatable member configured for being rotated to adjust the locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the lower frame members from being adjusted from the expanded frame configuration to the collapsed frame configuration when in the locked position, and configured to permit the lower frame members to be adjusted from the expanded frame configuration to the collapsed frame configuration when in the unlocked position. 
     In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for collapsing a children&#39;s play yard frame having one or more lower frame members, one or more vertical frame members, and a locking mechanism. In various embodiments, the method comprises setting up the play yard frame in an expanded frame configuration such that the one or more lower frame members of the play yard frame are in a substantially horizontal orientation and define a floor of the play yard; manually rotating a portion of the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position; and pulling the locking mechanism upwardly such that the lower frame members pivot upwardly with the locking mechanism and the vertical frame members move laterally towards the locking mechanism, thereby adjusting the play yard frame to a collapsed frame configuration. 
     In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a linking mechanism for use with collapsible children&#39;s play yard frames. According to various embodiments, the linking mechanism comprises a first connecting member configured for being pivotably connected to a first frame member of a collapsible play yard frame; and a second connecting member operatively connected to the first connecting member and configured for being pivotably connected to a second frame member of a collapsible play yard frame. In various embodiments, the second connecting member is movable relative to the first connecting member such that the position of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member can be adjusted to accommodate various play yard frame configurations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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 collapsible children&#39;s play yard frame in an expanded configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a collapsible children&#39;s play yard frame in a partially collapsed configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a collapsible children&#39;s play yard frame in a collapsed configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism in a locked configuration and an associated handle in a lay-flat position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism in a locked configuration and an associated handle in an upright position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism in an unlocked configuration and an associated handle in an upright position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a linking mechanism in a wide angle configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a linking mechanism in a narrow angle configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  shows schematic views of a square floor play yard frame having a linking mechanism and a rectangular floor play yard frame having a linking mechanism according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, 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 be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a locking mechanism for a collapsible play yard frame. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to be adjusted between a locked position, in which the play yard frame is restricted from collapsing, and an unlocked position, in which the play yard frame is permitted to collapse. In particular embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively connected to the play yard frame&#39;s lower frame members and includes a rotatable member configured for being rotated to adjust the locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position. As described in greater detail below, the locking mechanism&#39;s rotatable member enables the locking mechanism to be secured in the locked position when the play yard is in use and is easily adjusted by a user to the unlocked position when the play yard is to be collapsed for storage. 
     Collapsible Play Yard Frame 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a play yard frame  2  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  2  includes a plurality of upper horizontal frame members  4 , a plurality of lower horizontal frame members  6 , and four vertical frame members  8 . As shown, the vertical frame members  8  are positioned at the corners of the frame  2  and include feet configured to rest on a floor or support surface. The upper horizontal frame members  4  and lower horizontal frame members  6  are connected at different heights to the vertical frame members  8  such that they are vertically spaced from one another. The upper horizontal frame members  4  extend between adjacent vertical frame members  8 , thereby forming an upper perimeter of the frame  2 . The lower horizontal frame members  6  are positioned inwardly from the vertical frame members  8  and are connected to one another at various points to form a play yard floor spaced above the support surface (i.e., the surface upon which the frame  2  is positioned). The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used herein to indicate components that are generally horizontally or vertically oriented with respect to a support surface and are not intended to indicate that particular components must be strictly or entirely horizontal or vertical. 
     In various embodiments, the frame  2  is configured to be collapsed into a more compact form in order to minimize the space required for storage. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates the frame  2  in a partially collapsed state according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  2  includes upper connecting members  41  positioned at the upper ends of the vertical frame members  8  and upper joint members  43  disposed between the upper horizontal frame members  4 . In particular, the upper horizontal frame members  4  are pivotally connected to one another by the upper joint members  43  and pivotally connected to the vertical frame members  8  by the upper connecting members  41 . In the illustrated embodiment, each upper horizontal frame member  4  is secured to an upper joint member  43  and an upper connecting member  41  by pins that permit the upper horizontal frame member  4  to pivot in a downward direction. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the upper connecting members  41  and upper joint members  43  permit each of the upper horizontal frame members  4  to move downward along a plane perpendicular to a support surface on which the frame  2  rests. 
     Likewise, the frame  2  also includes lower connecting members  42  positioned at the lower ends of the vertical frame members  8  and a locking mechanism  10  positioned centrally in the play yard frame&#39;s floor. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lower horizontal frame members  6  is pivotally connected proximate its outer end to the vertical frame members  8  by the lower connecting members  42 . In addition, each of the lower horizontal frame members  6  is pivotally connected to the locking mechanism  10  proximate its inner end. As will be appreciated from  FIG. 2 , additional lower cross-members may be provided between the lower horizontal frame members  6  to provide additional structural stability. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower horizontal frame members  6  are secured to the connecting members  42  and locking mechanism  10  by pins that permit the lower horizontal frame members  6  to pivot in an upward direction. However, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the various upper and lower horizontal frame members  4 ,  6  may be secured by various other fastening mechanisms permitting the frame members to move between an expanded and collapsed state. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the frame  2  in a fully collapsed state according to one embodiment. As described in greater detail below, the frame  2  can be collapsed into the configuration of  FIG. 3  by pivoting the upper horizontal frame members  4  downward and the lower horizontal frame members  6  upward, thereby moving the vertical frame members  8  inward and adjacent one another. 
     Locking Mechanism 
       FIG. 4  shows a detailed perspective view of the locking mechanism  10  according to one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  10  generally comprises a hub member  11 , a rotatable plate  12 , and a handle  17 . In the illustrated embodiment, hub member  11  includes four collar members  20   a , which extend radially outwardly from the hub member  11 . Each collar member  20   a  defines an interior area  21 , within which an inner-most end of one the lower horizontal frame members  6  is disposed. Each of the lower horizontal frame members  6  is secured at its inner-most end to a respective collar member  20   a  by a pin  22 . As will be appreciated from  FIG. 4 , the pins  22  generally permit each lower horizontal frame member  6  to pivot about its inner-most end relative to the locking mechanism  10 . As such, each of the lower horizontal frame members  6  are pivotably connected to the hub member  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, the hub member  11  also includes auxiliary collar members  20   b , to which additional lower horizontal frame members  6  may be secured in various other embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the rotatable plate  12  is rotatably connected to an upper surface of the hub member  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable plate  12  is substantially circular. However, according to various other embodiments, the plate  12  may be any suitable shape. In various embodiments, the rotatable plate  12  and hub member  11  are configured such that the rotatable plate  12  rotates about a substantially vertical axis  14 , which extends longitudinally through the hub member  11 . In addition, the rotatable plate  12  is dimensioned such that outer portions of the plate  12  pass through recessed areas  25  defined on an inner side of each collar member  20   a . These recessed areas  25  are open to the inner area  21  of each respective collar member  20   a  such that portions of the plate  25  positioned within the recessed areas  25  are at least partially disposed within the interior areas  21 . 
     With the rotatable plate  12  in the position shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  10  is in a locked position that prevents the play yard frame  2  from being collapsed. As noted earlier herein, the play yard frame  2  may be collapsed by moving the locking mechanism  10  upwardly such that the lower horizontal frame members  6  pivot toward a vertical orientation and move inwardly (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As this occurs, each respective lower horizontal frame member  6  rotates about its associated pin  22  such that its inner-most end (i.e., the portion of the frame member  6  positioned past the pin  22  toward the center of the hub member  11 ) pivots upwardly within the interior area  21  of a collar member  20   a  and toward the bottom surface of the rotatable plate  12 . Thus, with the locking mechanism  10  in the locked position of  FIG. 4 , the inner-most end of each lower horizontal frame member  6  is aligned beneath a portion of the rotatable plate  12  disposed within the recessed area  25  and will engage this portion of the rotatable plate  12  when pivoted. As such, the lower horizontal frame members  6  are prevented from pivoting toward the collapsed configuration of  FIG. 3  with the locking mechanism  10  in its locked position. 
     According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism  10  may be adjusted to an unlocked position by rotating the rotatable plate  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  10  includes a handle  17 , which is pivotably connected to an upper surface of the rotatable plate  12  (e.g., by pins).  FIG. 4  shows the handle  17  in a lay-flat configuration, in which it is oriented substantially parallel to the lower horizontal frame members  6 . To rotate the rotatable member  12 , the handle  17  can be grasped and pivoted upwardly to the upright orientation shown in  FIG. 5 . With the handle  17  in the upright orientation of  FIG. 5 , a user can easily twist the handle  17  such that it is rotated about the axis  14  (which is substantially perpendicular to the play yard floor when the frame  2  is in the expanded configuration of  FIG. 1 ), thereby rotating the rotatable member  12  about the axis  14 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the locking mechanism  10  in an unlocked position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the rotatable plate  12  defines an outer perimeter having recessed portions  13 . The recessed portions  13  are positioned such that, when the rotatable plate  12  is rotated to the locking mechanism&#39;s unlocked position, the recessed portions  13  are aligned with the collar members  20   a . In this position, the recessed portions  13  of the rotatable plate  12  do not extend through the collar member&#39;s recessed portions  25  and into the interior area  21 . As a result, the rotatable plate  12  will not obstruct the lower horizontal frame members  6  from pivoting about their respective pins  22  toward the collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism  10  also includes an internal spring (not shown) operatively connected to the rotatable plate  12  and configured to bias the plate toward the locked position. As such, the spring functions as a biasing component to prevent the locking mechanism  10  from being adjusted to the unlocked configuration absent deliberate force by a user. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a user must apply a torque on the handle  17  in a direction toward the unlocked position that is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring in order to adjust the locking mechanism  10  from the locked position to the unlocked position. In addition, in certain embodiments, the hub member  11  may be configured to prevent the rotatable plate  12  from rotating in a direction opposite the unlocked position when the locking mechanism  10  is in its locked position. 
     In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism  10  also includes secondary locking means which must be released by a caregiver before the rotatable plate  12  can be rotated to the unlocked position (or returned to locked position). For example, in one embodiment, the secondary locking means may comprise the handle  17  where the handle  17  is configured to prevent movement of the rotatable plate  12  when the handle is in the lay-flat orientation (e.g., by engaging one of the collar members  20   a  or via other means). In such embodiments, rotating the handle  17  to its upright orientation would then permit the rotatable plate  12  to be rotated. 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, the locking mechanism  10  permits the play yard frame  2  to be conveniently secured in an expanded frame configuration (e.g., that of  FIG. 1 ) and easily adjusted to a collapsed frame configuration (e.g., that of  FIG. 3 ). In particular, to collapse the play yard frame  2 , a user may first grasp the handle  17  and lift it to its upright orientation. Next the user may rotate the handle about the axis  14  from the locked position to the unlocked position. Notably, in embodiments in which the rotatable plate  12  is prevented from rotating in a direction opposite the unlocked position when the locking mechanism  10  is in its locked position, it is easy for a user to understand which direction to rotate the handle  17 . In addition, in embodiments in which the hub member  11  includes a biasing component, the biasing force implies to the user that the locking mechanism  10  is being disengaged and requires deliberate force by the user to be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     Once the locking mechanism  10  is adjusted to the unlocked position, the user may manually pull the locking mechanism  10  upwardly (e.g., via the handle  17 ) such that the lower frame members  6  pivot upwardly with the locking mechanism  10  and the vertical frame members  8  move laterally towards the locking mechanism  10 , thereby adjusting the play yard frame  2  to the collapsed frame configuration. As will be appreciated from the description herein, this method of collapsing the play yard frame  2  is both safe and convenient for a user. In addition, as a child positioned in the play yard could not perform these steps (e.g., pulling up on the handle  17 ), the locking mechanism  10  serves as a safety feature preventing inadvertent collapsing of the play yard. 
     Various Other Embodiments 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, various changes and modifications to the locking mechanism  10  and play yard frame  2  are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, as will be appreciated from the description herein, not all of the lower horizontal frame members  6  must be engaged by the rotatable plate  12 . Indeed, in certain embodiments, the rotatable plate  12  is configured to engage only one of the lower horizontal frame members  6  (e.g., in embodiments in which only one collar member  20   a  is provided and the remaining frame members are rotatably connected to the hub member  11  elsewhere, such as the collar members  20   b ). In such embodiments, the engagement of one lower horizontal frame member would still prevent the play yard  2  from being collapsed. In other embodiments, the rotatable plate  12  is configured to engage all of the lower horizontal frame members  6  when in the locked position. Accordingly, in various embodiments, any number of collar members  20   a  may be provided. 
     In addition, according to various embodiments, the locking mechanism  10  may be configured such that, in the locked position, the lower horizontal frame members  6  are fully restricted from pivoting away from the expanded frame configuration (e.g., such that the lower frame members cannot be moved upwardly at all). In other embodiments, the locking mechanism  10  may be configured such that, in the locked position, the lower horizontal frame members  6  are able to move upwardly slightly before engaging the rotatable plate  12  and being prevented from moving further towards the collapsed frame configuration. 
     In addition, the hub member  11  may be configured such that the rotatable plate  12  functions in an analogous way with other structures and orientations. For example, the hub member  11  may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and may be comprised of one or more separate, joined members. In addition, in various embodiments, the plate  12  may have any suitable profile (e.g., a square plate configured such that its pointed edges engage the lower frame members  6  in the locked configuration). Moreover, the handle  17  may be formed as part of the rotatable plate and may be provided in other orientations or configurations. In various other embodiments of the locking mechanism  10  may include alternative secondary locking means, such as, for example, a removable locking pin. 
     Furthermore, in various embodiments, the play yard frame  2  may include any number of lower frame members  6 . In addition, the play yard frame  2  may be generally configured in a variety of shapes and orientations. Indeed, the configuration of the locking mechanism  10  permits the locking mechanism  10  to be used with a variety of play yard frame configurations (e.g., circular, rectangular, or square play yard frames). In various embodiments, the play yard frame may include any number of vertical frame members, which may be arranged in a variety of ways. 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. 
     Adjustable Linking Mechanism 
       FIG. 7  shows a linking mechanism  100  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the linking mechanism  100  is configured for linking frame members of a collapsible play yard frame. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the linking mechanism  100  is positioned centrally in the floor of a play yard frame and configured for linking various lower horizontal frame members  6 . According to various embodiments, the linking mechanism  100  is adjustable such that it can be adapted for use with various play yard frame configurations (e.g., play yard frames having square, rectangular, or circular floors), in which the lower horizontal frame members  6  intersect the linking mechanism  100  at different angles. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the linking mechanism  100  generally comprises a hub member  50 , a first connecting member  60 , and a second connecting member  70 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the linking mechanism&#39;s hub member  50  is vertically oriented and defines central vertical axis  14 . The first connecting member  60  and the second connecting member  70  are each oriented generally horizontally (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical axis  14 ) and are rotatably connected to the hub member  50  such that each may rotated about the central vertical axis  14 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the first connecting member  60  is rotatably connected to the hub member  50  at a height above the second connecting member  70  with the hub member  50  extending vertically through central portions of the first and second connecting members  60 ,  70 . As a result of this configuration, the first connecting member  60  and second connecting member  70  extend outwardly from the hub member  50  and define an angle θ 1  between one another. 
     As will be appreciated from  FIG. 7 , the ends of the first connecting member  60  and second connecting member  70  are configured analogously to the collar members  20   a  in the above described locking mechanism  10 . As such, lower horizontal frame members  6  are pivotably connected to ends the first connecting member  60  and second connecting member  70 . In particular, the lower horizontal frame members  6  are disposed within interior portions of first ends of the first connecting members  60 ,  70  by pins (e.g., in the manner described above using the pins  22  and interior areas  21  of the collar members  20   a ). In addition, second ends of the first connecting members  60 ,  70  (e.g., opposite the first ends shown in  FIGS. 7 , and  8 ) may be similarly configured and may be pivotally connected to additional lower horizontal frame members  6  on the opposite side of the linking mechanism  100 . 
     As the lower horizontal frame members  6  are pivotably connected to the linking mechanism  100 , the linking mechanism  100  enables the lower horizontal frame members  6  to be linked together and pivoted between an expanded frame configuration (e.g., the configuration of  FIG. 1 ) and a collapsed frame configuration (e.g., the configuration of  FIG. 3 ). However, various play yard configurations may result in the lower frame members  6  intersecting the linking mechanism  100  at different angles. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a schematic diagram of a square floor play yard frame and a rectangular floor play yard frame. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lower horizontal frame members  6  of the square floor play yard frame are pivotably connected to the linking mechanism  100  at evenly spaced angles θE. In contrast, the lower horizontal frame members  6  of the rectangular floor play yard frame are pivotably connected to the linking mechanism  100  at wide angles θW and narrow angles θN. 
     As the linking mechanism&#39;s first connecting member  60  and second connecting member  70  are rotatably connected to the hub member  50 , the position of the connecting members  60 ,  70  relative to one another can be adjusted to accommodate various play yard frame configurations (e.g., the square or rectangular frames show in  FIG. 9 ). For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates the linking mechanism  100  in a first configuration in which the first connecting member  60  and second connecting member  70  are separated by an angle θ 1 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the linking mechanism  100  in a second configuration in which the connecting members  60 ,  70  have been adjusted closer to one another and are separated by a smaller angle θ 2 . As such, the linking mechanism  100  can be reconfigured for use with different play yard frame configurations. This can be advantageous as it enables one type of linking mechanism  100  to be manufactured for use with different play yard frames, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiencies. 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the linking mechanism  100  also includes a rotatable plate  12  and handle  17 , which may be configured to function as a locking component in the manner described above in relation to the locking mechanism  10  (e.g., where the plate  12  is rotatable about the axis  14  and is configured for extending at least partially into recesses  25  defined by the first connecting members  60 ,  70 ). As such, the linking mechanism  100  can be adjusted between a locked position, in which the frame members  6  are prevented from being adjusted from the expanded frame configuration to the collapsed frame configuration, and an unlocked position, in which the frame members  6  are permitted to move from expanded frame configuration to the collapsed frame configuration. 
     As will be appreciated from the description herein, various changes and modifications to the linking mechanism  100  are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, as will be appreciated from the description herein, the linking mechanism  100  may include additional connecting members to accommodate play yard frames having additional lower frame members. In addition, the connecting members  60 ,  70  may be configured such that their position may be adjusted by any suitable means (e.g., using tracks, joints, or other linkages provided on the linking mechanism  100  to enable the connecting members  60 ,  70  to be moved relative to one another). In addition, the linking mechanism  100  may be provided with or without a locking component. Moreover, the linking mechanism  100  (and locking mechanism  10 ) may be adapted for use with any portion of a play yard frame and are not restricted to use in a play yard floor. 
     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.