Abstract: A universal post having a tapered elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end such that the proximal end is larger in size than the distal end of the elongated member for receiving one of a trash receptacle and a mail box thereon. A stabilizer is disposed orthogonal to and radially extending from the distal end of the elongated member. The stabilizer being substantially greater in length than width for placement on a ground surface so that a weighted member, received thereupon the stabilizer together with the stabilizer, supports the elongated member in a substantially vertical, stationary position with respect to the ground surface. The universal post capable of use on a flat paved surface and on a flat unpaved surface with the addition of a spike. The universal post further usable as a movable fence.

Abstract: A security enclosure in accordance with the present disclosure includes several wall units. The wall units are connected to one another in series to form a closed space bounded by the interconnected wall units that serves as a play area for children and pets.

Abstract: A foldable structure includes: an upper assembly forming an upper portion of the structure; a base assembly forming a lower portion of the structure; a centrally-located hub assembly operatively connected to the base assembly; and a post extending from each corner of the upper assembly to a corner of the base assembly. The upper assembly includes a plurality of arm assemblies. At least one latching mechanism is provided at each corner of the upper assembly extending from an upper portion of at least one of the posts to a portion of at least one of the arm assemblies.

Abstract: An improved bassinet frame for an infant playard comprising a plurality of structural members configured to nest within a playard top frame top and rest upon supports on corner members of the playard frame. The bassinet frame includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel side members connected by a pair of perpendicularly aligned uplift preventing end members. The bassinet frame end members extend beneath playard frame end members when the bassinet frame is deployed for use such that the playard end frame members inhibit uplift of the bassinet frame. The side members each further include a joint positioned approximately midway along the respective lengths allowing the bassinet frame to be folded along an axis parallel to its width. Folding the bassinet frame retracts the end members from beneath the playard end frame members and allows the bassinet frame to be removed from the playard.

Abstract: A playard having an easily and selectively attachable changing table platform including a saddle structure for resting upon upper perimeter frame members of the playard and secured from unintentional removal by a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a connector that is secured to the playard upper perimeter frame members in a manner fixing the vertical separation of the connector and the frame member. The changing table includes a latching member moveable between catch and release positions that engages the connector as the changing table is moved into an operable position and prevents the changing table from being uplifted from the playard. The moveable latching member is biased toward the catch position. Movement toward the release position allows the changing table to be removed from the playard.

Abstract: 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 comprises a rigid support frame and removable, flexible liner. The frame includes one or more moveable retention members configured to engage the liner in order to form a bounded play yard space. By permitting the liner to be secured to the frame via the retention members, a user is able to easily secure the liner to the frame for use and remove the liner from the frame for washing.

Abstract: The adjustable mechanism for changing floor height of a play yard according to the present invention comprises at least a foldable frame, a first bed floor, a flexible envelope and an adjustable mechanism. The foldable frame has an upper border portion and a base support assembly. The first bed floor is connected to the base support assembly. The flexible envelope has a second bed floor and a shading periphery connected with the second bed floor, the shading periphery is folded to form an indigitation length exposed outside the foldable frame thereby adjustably hanging on the upper border portion. The adjustable mechanism is operatively mounted on the foldable frame and connected with the lower end of the indigitation length for adjusting the second bed floor relative to the first bed floor in distance and height.

Abstract: A child retaining structure includes a wall assembly defining a child receiving area, a platform disposed within the child receiving area, and a support member connected to the wall assembly and supporting the platform. The support member and the platform are reconfigurable between a raised position so that the child retaining structure functions as a bassinet, and a lowered position so that the child retaining structure functions as a playpen, or alternatively, as a playhouse.

Abstract: A play yard has a pair of members that are spaced apart and arranged in a longitudinal direction and has a central coupling member located in a central portion in the longitudinal direction and pivotally coupled to the pair of members. One lock mechanism operates so that one of the members is not allowed to pivot with respect to the central coupling member. Another lock mechanism operates so that the other member is not allowed to pivot with respect to the central coupling member. A lock operation mechanism simultaneously unlocks both lock mechanisms to maintain them in the unlocked state.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a barrier device for protecting recreational fires from accidental intrusion by small children and animals. The barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels linearly connected by a plurality of hinge elements. A fastening element is employed to selectively engage the outer two gate panels so that they may be connected together. When in use, the plurality of gate elements rotate about the plurality of hinge elements to form a seven-sided polygon-shaped configuration that is connected together by the fastening element. Typically, a user arranges the fastened barrier device around the fire. The open structure of the gate panels prevents access to the fire by small children or animals while allowing easy viewing and access to the fire by adults.

Abstract: A customizable decorative fencing system. A plurality of stakes, configured to be driven into the ground at selected positions, have projecting portions projecting above the ground. Posts have cavities in lower distal ends thereof. Any stake projecting portion is configured to slide into any post cavity, and be frictionally, removably, interchangeably retained therein. Fence components, including base units, gate units, and end units, include post collars, and hinge collars, respectively, through which any post can slide. Removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to fence components, and removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to stakes, provides for an infinite number of possible fence configurations.

Abstract: A portable playyard comprises: a playyard frame having two opposite upper side rails and an upper end rail; a crossing rod bridging the upper side rails; a flexible bottom wall mounted to a bottom side of the playyard frame; a flexible surrounding wall unit mounted to the playyard frame and including two opposite side walls and an end wall; a flexible partitioning wall connected to the playyard frame, trained on the crossing rod and having a vertical wall portion extending downwardly from the crossing rod, the vertical wall portion cooperating with the end wall to define a chamber therebetween; and at least one flexible shelf disposed in the chamber and connected to and cooperating with the partitioning wall to define a storage compartment therebetween.

Abstract: A child holding accessory can be desirably installed on the play yard for use, and has two regions on opposite sides adapted to receive a child in different configurations of use. Examples of construction for these holding regions can include, without limitation, a changing table and a child sleeping bed. The child holding accessory can include a support board, and a cushion element mounted with the support board. The support board is configured to deform differently depending on whether the child is placed on the first or second region, so that the bearing surfaces associated with the holding regions can have different firmness to provide adequate resting of the child.

Abstract: A child holding accessory can be desirably installed on the play yard for use, and has two opposite regions adapted to receive a child in different configurations of use. Examples of construction for these holding regions can include, without limitation, a changing table and a child sleep bed. The child holding accessory can be attached with the play yard via one or more fixtures that is adjustable to turn upward either of the first and second regions for use.

Abstract: 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 comprises a rigid support frame and removable, washable liner. The frame includes one or more channels configured to receive engagement members positioned on the liner in order to form a bounded play yard space. By permitting the liner to be secured to the frame via the retention members, a user is able to easily secure the liner to the frame for use and remove the liner from the frame for washing.

Abstract: A modular outdoor playpen apparatus including a room-sized enclosure, having an area in a range of 10 square feet to 20 square feet, the enclosure having a cushioned bottom wall, an open top, four side panels releasably hingedly attached to each other, a unitary cushioned padding removably disposed over all of the entire inner walls of the side panels, and a padded covering removably disposed over the bottom wall between the side panels. The apparatus also provides a canopy that attaches to the cushioned padding. In addition, a side wall having a greater height than the side panels is included which interchangeably releasably hindgedly attaches to one of the side panels.

Abstract: A safe circular horse pen which is easily assembled and disassembled. The pen is constructed of multiple panels arranged end-to-end. Each panel includes a vertical pole with an L-shaped leg and six horizontal bars secured to the vertical pole at vertically spaced apart intervals. The unattached ends of the poles are hollow and each unattached end couples to the next adjacent panel by receiving a loop extending from the side of the pole of the next adjacent panel such that a bolt may be passed through a vertical opening in the unattached end to lock each horizontal arm to the pole of the next adjacent panel. The individual panels may be nested in pairs for storage and shipping.

Abstract: A playard includes standing posts. The standing posts are substantially arranged in parallel, and a gap is formed between two adjacent standing posts. The playard further includes a pillar disposed between the two adjacent standing posts, and a width of the pillar is larger than the gap formed between the two adjacent standing posts. The playard further includes an enclosure connected to the pillar. Two ends of the enclosure are pulled along directions away from the two adjacent standing posts respectively so that the pillar is abutted on the two adjacent standing posts.

Abstract: Foldable and portable playard assemblies with a storage compartment and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An example playard includes a lower frame having a collapsed position and an erected position, an upper frame having a collapsed position and an erected position and a plurality of corner posts coupling the lower frame and the upper frame. The example playard also includes an upper extension member coupled to and extending from the upper frame and a lower extension member coupled to extending from the lower frame. The upper extension member, the lower extension and two of the plurality of corner posts form a storage compartment frame. In addition, the storage compartment frame remains in an extended position when the lower frame is in the collapsed position and the upper frame is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A portable playpen which can be erected, collapsed and carried while holding a baby, includes a framework supporting an enclosure for a child. The framework has a generally pyramidal structure when it is erected.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for use by infants or pets which provides a fence for use by infants or pets to confine their activities within a restricted area so that caring of the infants or pets can become easier. The present invention comprises an assembly of fence plates rotatable in relation to each other, wherein the adjacent fence plates are assembled with each other by means of a rotating axle. The fence has a bottom portion which is disposed with fixing members. The present invention assembles a plurality of the fence plates to form a fence. The fence is fixed on the ground by the fixing members to prevent it from sliding. When infants or pets are put into an area restricted by the fence, they can enjoy sufficient rooms for activities. It is also possible to prevent the infants or pets from escaping out of the fence and to confine their activities within a restricted area, thus accidents due to absence of care could be avoided.

Abstract: A playpen includes a frame member and a fabric enclosure member. The frame member includes a top frame unit and a plurality of leg units that are connected to the top frame unit. Each of the leg units includes a plurality of first fasteners that are spacedly arranged along a longitudinal direction thereof. The fabric enclosure member includes a plurality of second fasteners for engaging respectively the first fasteners for securing the fabric enclosure member to the frame member. The fabric enclosure member cooperates with the leg units and the top frame unit of the frame member to define an inner play space.

Abstract: A corner brace for use in constructing a planter or enclosure is provided. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the corner brace comprises a first vertical plate, second vertical plate, transverse connecting bottom plate, and a bracket-forming internal support structure. In use, each corner brace supports and restricts the ends of at least two sidewalls of a planter or enclosure. A first sidewall is supported between the first vertical plate and one side of the internal support structure. A second sidewall is supported between the second vertical plate and a second side of said internal support structure. Preferably, the sidewalls comprise a resilient yet slightly flexible material such as wood, recycled plastic lumber or other similar materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular fence for enclosures and signs, preferably made of a plastic material and indistinctly usable both indoors and outdoors, offering an optimal degree of stability, being easily stackable when inoperative and in turn being easily coupled to other modules or fences used in the enclosure or signs. The fence has an essentially planar vertical face oriented towards the pedestrian sidewalk area, preventing obstacles that could be the cause of accidents, and is provided with a lighting system facilitating both seeing the fence io itself and drawing the attention of the pedestrians to the information or advertisement borne thereon.

Abstract: A child enclosure apparatus that includes a hub assembly, a base assembly having four base legs in an X-shaped configuration, a side structure having four side posts, an upper assembly having four pairs of upper arms with each pair connected with medial latch connectors, lower corner assemblies, each having a pair of plates that are pivotally mounted to a side post and a pair of base legs, upper corner assemblies, each having two pair of plates that are configured at a right angle to each other, and cables extending from the base assemblies, through the side posts and being connected to the upper arms and to the latch connectors. The enclosure apparatus is operated by linear movement of the hub assembly, either by a motor assembly or manually, to cause simultaneous movement of the base legs, the upper arms and the latch connectors between opened and folded positions by tensioning the cables.

Abstract: An intrusion-prevention enclosure of the type comprising a plurality of modular panels, that are mutually associatable in an orderly and predefined manner to provide a barrier structure, a plurality of ground support posts provided with detachable upper retention elements for lateral uprights of the panels, and a plurality of lower collars, which are arrangeable at adjustable heights along the posts and are provided with a peripherally distributed plurality of wings, which can engage detachably open lower ends of the uprights. Each wing forms a lateral supporting surface for the base of the open lower end, which allows tilting of the panel in a preset direction, with the retention elements in the configuration for releasing the panels.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioner cover having at least two posts, a plurality of slats, and a plurality of obstructions used to properly distance the slats from the ground. The air conditioner cover also has connectors disposed between said posts and said slats in some embodiments. The air conditioner cover is designed to surround an air conditioner unit in order to hide it from sight and to protect the air conditioner unit from various types of damage. The present invention is specifically designed to ensure appropriate ventilation, as the uniquely shaped slats have in order to provide a spacing gap for ventilation purposes, while still providing a barrier to the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A seamless plastic shielding dasher board system includes at least two lower dasher boards each with a top sill having a plastic shield trough or channel therein for receipt and support of the plastic shield. A clear plastic shield a panel fits into the trough of each board. A clear, plastic, H-shaped shield panel support with open opposing support channels loosely receives the side edges of adjacent shield panels to permit linear and non-linear alignment of adjacent dasher boards and plastic shield panels. The shield supports have inwardly opposing lip projections at their open edges of the support channels to support the side edges of the shielding panels in vertical alignment.

Abstract: There is disclosed garden fence apparatus and a method of constructing it. The garden fence apparatus may include a garden fence assembly having a plurality of fence sections and a gate section adapted to be joined together to provide an enclosure for a protected garden area. Each fence section may include a bottom transverse support member having a plurality of openings and a plurality of rods inserted through the openings to anchor the fence section to the ground and create a barrier in the ground to prohibit creatures such as rabbits and other animals from burrowing under the fence sections and gaining access to or leaving the protected garden area. The transverse support member may also be in the form of an independent barrier strip for existing fences. The garden fence apparatus may further include an upper level enclosure fixedly fastened to the fence and gate sections to prevent or at least discourage unwanted creatures from reaching over or jumping over the fence sections into the protected area.

Abstract: Described is a welded wire mesh-based modular animal containment panel adapted for post-manufacture assembly. More specifically, the modular animal containment panel includes a welded wire mesh panel that provides the durability required by animal containment. However, the frame of the animal containment panel is adapted to receive the welded wire mesh panel such that the welded wire mesh panel is not welded to the frame. As a result, the animal containment panel can be assembled by, for example, a consumer such that the animal containment panel can be shipped prior to assembly. Shipping the animal containment panel in a disassembled state reduces the size of the packaging required for the animal containment panel, thus reducing the cost of shipping and storing the animal containment panel.

Abstract: A collapsible barrier to enclose a body of water, maneuverable between a deployed enclosure position and a collapsed position which barrier is comprised of panels articulated to each other, a ground panel (1) and an enclosure panel (2) which panels are formed from struts (4,7) supported by side rails (5,6), the struts (7) of the ground panel (1) together comprise a plate in which slits (3) are made through which the enclosure panel (2) struts, consisting of rods (4), can pass, so that in the deployed position of the barrier, the walkway surface provided by the ground panel (1) is nearly continuous.

Abstract: A decorative fencing system is provided for use as a small fence or decorative accent for a yard. The fencing system comprises several different structural components that may be joined in various combinations so as to create a limitless number of different configurations or arrangements. The components include base units, decorative end units and gate units, each of which may be attached to the other components in any combination thereof. Each of these components are attached to post sections which are inserted through post rings or post hinges on the individual components to thereby allow for each component to be rotated to the desired position relative to the post section. The post sections are secured to the ground by means of stakes that are first driven into the ground and the post section is then inserted into a sleeve in the stake to thereby provide support and stability for the fencing system. A separate and smaller pin is provided on the end units to anchor these components to the ground.

Abstract: A control barrier includes a barrier wall having a front face and an opposing back face each extending between a top end and an opposing bottom end, a first recess being formed on the front face at the bottom end of the barrier wall. A first slot extends through the barrier wall from the first recess to the back face. A first foot coupled with the barrier wall and being movable between a first position wherein the first foot is at least partially disposed within the recess of the barrier wall and a second position wherein the first foot is rotated a least 45° relative to the first position and is removably positioned within the slot extending through the barrier wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security barrier (1) for deployment in crowd control and/or containment, the security barrier being capable of adopting at least two configurations. In a first configuration the security barrier is erected for deployment and comprises a compartment bounded at its front by a front panel (5, 6, 7) for providing a barricade, at its rear by a rear panel (12, 13, 14) of lower height than the front panel, at its sides by respective side panels (8, 9, 10, 11) pivotally connecting the rear and front panels, and at its bottom by a bottom panel (15, 16, 17) connected at least two of the front panel, the rear panel, and the respective side panels. In its second configuration the security barrier is collapsed for storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: A base shoe that uses a simple internal clamp system that makes initial installation and removal a very simple process. This system eliminates the need for grout and costly wedge systems. Stainless setscrews are mounted in one of the vertical legs of the base shoe and spaced at some interval. The stainless setscrews exert force on a stainless steel and neoprene compression plate, which exerts force on the glass panel. The opposite side of the glass panel then seats against a neoprene compression pad/setting block. This system allows for very easy glass installation, makes minor glass adjustments very simple, and allows for glass removal with a turn or two of the setscrews. Another important feature of this design is that the end users can insert temporary panels, such as wood, that can be installed as a temporary railing while the jobsite is waiting for the glass panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for a water containing body, the enclosure including a frame configurable between multiple frame positions, a connective material associated with the frame, wherein the connective material is configurable into multiple connective material positions, and at least one association structure configured to moveably associate at least a portion of the frame with the water containing body.

Abstract: An intrusion-prevention enclosure comprising a plurality of modular panels, which can be mutually associated in an orderly and predefined manner so as to provide a barrier structure, comprising a plurality of elastically deformable U-shaped connectors, which can be associated with at least one pair of adjacent uprights of at least two converging panels, in order to arrange the panels mutually adjacent and lock them stably and detachably.

Abstract: An electric fence is provided. The electric fence includes a plurality of panels that are releasably connected to one another to form at least a partial enclosure. Each of the panels has a frame that includes a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member, and two side vertical members. The panels are arranged side by side such that the vertical members of adjacent panels are releasably connected to one another. The frame carries a wire member that is electrically conductive for use in delivering an electrical shock to livestock that comes into contact with the wire member.

Abstract: A curb-mounted screen for roof-top equipment has wall structure spaced outwardly from the curb for concealing the equipment from view. Fasteners secured to generally horizontally extending support members are hooked over the curb to secure the screen thereto without attaching the screen to the underlying roof or the equipment thereon.

Abstract: A crib assembly for permitting access to an infant in a crib without lifting the infant over the top of the crib includes a base panel supporting an infant when the infant is placed on the base panel. Each of a pair of opposing ends of the base panel has one of a first and second end walls coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. A front wall is hingedly coupled to the first end wall and is pivotal between a closed position and an open position. The front wall inhibits the infant sliding over the front edge of the base panel when the front wall is in the closed position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a privacy system for use with an existing screen enclosure enclosing an area where privacy is desired. The screen enclosure includes vertical members attached to upper horizontal members to form a screen enclosure frame and a screen attached to the horizontal and vertical members. The privacy system comprises a substantially horizontal support member attached to the vertical members of the screen enclosure; a channel along a lower surface of the horizontal support member, the channel comprising stop elements at open ends of the channel; a plurality of fasteners having a first end slidably engaged with the channel, the stop dements cooperating with the channel to retain fasteners within the channel; a valence affixed to a surface of the support, tie su:i1ace feeing toward an interior region of the enclosed area; and illumination devices attached to the tower surface of the horizontal support member between the valence and the privacy screen.

Abstract: A foldable foam-based divider device includes a plurality of panels, each panel including a middle foam plate and front and back semi-rigid paper plates mounted on and sandwiching the middle foam plate, the middle foam plate further including at least one outwardly extending connecting tab and at least one tab-receiving recess with adjacent ones of the plurality of panels connected to one another in accordion-like fashion with the connecting tab extending into the tab-receiving recess and being secured therein by connection of the front and back semi-rigid paper plates to the connecting tab. The plurality of panels is movable between a closed position with the plurality of panels forming a folded stack of generally parallel panels and an opened position wherein the plurality of panels forms an extended wall operative to selectively divide an area.

Abstract: This invention comprises a series of lightweight, easily transportable identical frame pieces attached together to form an expandable pet enclosure that can be assembled into a multiplicity of configurations, optionally with a floor or a roof that comprises the same frame pieces.

Abstract: A novel fence module is provided for use in a burrowing-animal discouraging modular fence, the module comprising a plurality of generally parallel elongate members each having an upper end and a tapered lower end, upper and lower crossbars connecting the plurality of elongate members in a row with a pair of end members and a plurality of intermediate members, wherein the elongate members have a spacing of between about 1 inch and about 2½ inches, a connector extending outwardly beyond at least one of the pair of end members for closely connecting the module to another module, wherein the tapered lower ends of the elongate members extend at least about 3 inches below the lower crossbar for insertion into ground, and wherein the elongate members extend at least about 16 inches above the lower crossbar.

Abstract: An outdoor screen fence is made up of a series of molded panels with simulated paneling and lattice in relief bounded on each lateral side by a leg. Each leg has a plurality of brackets along the length thereof. The brackets on one leg are disposed intermediate the brackets on the other leg. Each of the brackets has an aperture therethrough for receiving a tubular fence post. In assembly, the brackets of different panels are aligned in an interspersed relationship and a fence post with a removable impact cap is inserted through the apertures and driven into a support surface such that each leg is supported by at least two brackets.

Abstract: A fencing system is provided that is constructed from durable polymer components that are sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the modular fence is an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and uniquely configured connector element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening faces of a substantially rectangular equipment. The apparatus having a frame structure including a plurality of screen support frames disposed around the equipment, each face having edge screen support frames laterally spaced horizontally between two vertical edges of each face such that a corner of the equipment includes edge screen support frames disposed in perpendicular relationship secured thereto, a plurality of movable screen cover panels and stationary screen cover panels supported within the screen support frame, the movable screen cover panels being slidably moved to substantially overlap the stationary cover panels to substantially expose the faces of the equipment.

Abstract: A rail barricade includes a bottom rail and a U-shaped body frame having a top rail and a pair of vertical rails. A plurality of vertical spokes are located between the vertical rails. The bottom rail further includes an opposing pair of curved ends each having a projection that is received in a notch in one of the vertical rails. The connection is then welded. A foot is pivotally attached to each of the vertical rails. Hooks are attached to one of the vertical rails for attachment of a second rail barricade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cart corral assembly of the type employed by stores, such as grocery stores, to encourage the consumer to temporarily store grocery carts in the parking lot before bringing the cart within the store structure. The cart corral includes a first set of two spaced apart vertical rails in a base support extended between these rails. The base support supports the vertical rails in an upright position. At least two spaced apart horizontal rails are provided and are removably engaged with the vertical rails in a position abut above the base support. The horizontal rails form an obtuse angle with the vertical rails. A second set of two spaced apart vertical rails are provided opposite the first set of vertical rails and are removably engaged with the horizontal rails. A second base support extends between the second set of vertical rails and supports the vertical rails in an upright position.