Abstract: A reconfigurable accessory frame for use with an infant crib having a perimeter similarly sized to that of the top of the crib frame upon which it is used. The frame is foldable about an asymmetrically positioned transverse axis into one of the two positions. In the first position, the frame extends to substantially cover the open perimeter of the crib disposed underneath. Soft goods supported from the frame define a generally level surface that is convenient for changing an infant diaper along with a storage compartment disposed at one end. The level changing surface encompasses a majority of the area encompassed by the frame. In the second position, the frame is folded so that the end portion opposite of the storage compartment is moved into a positon adjacently above the remainder of the changing table surface.

Abstract: A foldable frame for use as an infant crib or child play yard comprising a generally planar, rectangular upper frame supported by a plurality of upstanding leg members preferably extending from respective corners of the rectangular upper frame, each leg member being connected to the upper frame by a respective hinge connection configured to permit movement of respective leg members between upstanding deployed positions for use and folded positions for stowing the frame, a pair of folding hinges disposed in opposing portions of the upper frame that permit folding of the upper frame, preferably once the legs have been folded, wherein the hinge connections further include latching mechanisms to maintain the leg members in at least the folded position and to prevent inadvertent movement therefrom.

Abstract: A reconfigurable accessory frame for use with an infant crib having a perimeter similarly sized to that of the top of the crib frame upon which it is used. The frame is foldable about an asymmetrically positioned transverse axis into one of the two positions. In the first position, the frame extends to substantially cover the open perimeter of the crib disposed underneath. Soft goods supported from the frame define a generally level surface that is convenient for changing an infant diaper along with a storage compartment disposed at one end. The level changing surface encompasses a majority of the area encompassed by the frame. In the second position, the frame is folded so that the end portion opposite of the storage compartment is moved into a positon adjacently above the remainder of the changing table surface.

Abstract: A foldable seat frame for attachment to a table surface for supporting a young child. The frame comprises a pivotally a pair of members coupled in an X-shape. Contact members are provided on adjacent opposing ends of the frame members on a first side of the pivot connection configured for adjacent contact with top and bottom surfaces of the table. Lower contact members positioned adjacent to the bottom surface are movable between a first position generally parallel to the table surface and second position slightly over-center of a generally perpendicular alignment to the table surface. When the lower contact members are in the first position, the seat frame may be easily detached from a table having downardly extending a peripheral skirt structure without requiring large pivoting movement of the frame. When the lower contact members are in the second position, they extend upwardly toward the lower table surface to reduce the degree of frame pivoting movement necessary to clamp the frame to the table.

Abstract: A foldable frame comprising at least an elongate first frame member foldable about an intermediately disposed first folding axis and a pair of second frame members, each foldably connected to portions of the first frame member on opposing ends of the first folding axis. The second frame members are each foldable about respective end axes, but only when the respective end axes are aligned on a second folding axis. Alignment of the end axes on the second folding axis occurs only when the frame is folded to approximately a discrete position about the first folding axis; folding of the second frame members is not enable when the frame is mis-positioned from the discrete position.

Abstract: A folding lock assembly for use in a frame for a portable child enclosure that includes a body housing first and second hinges for connecting a pair of equal-length side frame members. The respective hinges are limited in the degree of pivotal movement permitted each between a locked position in which the frame members are linearly aligned and a folded position in which the frame members are substantially parallel. The first hinge permits angular rotation less than 90 degrees while the second hinge permits angular rotation greater than 90 degrees. The differences in the range of hinge rotation offset the distal ends of the frame when the connected members are folded to eliminate a pinch point between frame end members. A latching mechanism is provided to maintain the hinges in a locked configuration wherein one hinge is locked by the position of the second hinge. Releasing the second hinge allows the first hinge to pivot as well.

Abstract: A foldable frame comprises opposing pairs of side and end frame members joined at respective ends to define a generally rectangular and planar frame perimeter. The end members and the side members are generally movable between folded and unfolded positions. The end members are spaced-apart along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The side frame members extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to define a frame length. Pivoting connections enable the end members and the side frame members to pivot, each member having a pivot connection at each end thereof. Pivoting of a respective end or side member is permitted when the frame is configured to align the respective end pivots, but is inhibited when the frame is configured to move the respective end pivots out of alignment. The respective pivot axes of the end and side members are generally perpendicular oriented and define a folding and unfolding sequence.

Abstract: A folding lock assembly for use in a frame for a portable child enclosure that includes a body housing first and second hinges for connecting a pair of equal-length side frame members. The hinges are limited in the degree of pivotal movement permitted between a locked position in which the frame members are linearly aligned and a folded position in which the frame members are substantially parallel. The first hinge permits angular rotation less than 90 degrees while the second hinge permits angular rotation greater than 90 degrees. The differences in the range of hinge rotation offset the distal ends of the frame when the connected members are folded to eliminate a pinch point between frame end members.

Abstract: A travel seat locking system including a travel seat comprising a front seating surface, a back surface, left and right sides, and left and right stroller securing members respectively positioned on the left and right sides of the travel seat. A stroller is provided comprising a frame having at least one front leg, at least one rear leg, a passenger seating area, and a pair of left and right seat securing members connected to the frame for releasable engagement with a respective one of the left and right stroller securing members of the travel seat. At least one of the travel seat or stroller comprising an actuator to release the engagement between the left and right stroller securing members of the travel seat and the left and right seat securing members of the stroller.

Abstract: A carseat system comprising a base, a child seat, and four locking points. The base comprises an upper surface that receives a child seat and a lower surface that rests upon a vehicle seat, left and rights sides, and first and second ends. The child seat comprises a seating surface, an exterior surface, and left and right sides. The four locking points removably engage the child seat to the base and comprise a first pair of locking points positioned toward the first end of the base and a second pair of locking points positioned toward the second end of the base. The first pair of locking points comprise left and right securing members connected to the child seat and extendable in a direction perpendicular to the left and right sides of the child seat, and slots defined in the upper surface of the base that can engage the securing members.

Abstract: A selectively installable calf support having a seat portion for overlay on the lower seating surface of a child safety seat and a moveably connected extension portion extending forwardly therefrom that is retained in a forwardly and downwardly angled position by contact between the extension portion and the forward portion of the seating portion of the safety seat to support an occupant's legs. The extension portion may include stiffening elements to limit the amount of deflection thereof during use and a folding joint enabling the extension portion to be folded to position above and adjacent to the seat portion for storage when the seat is not occupied. Provisions to selectively secure the calf support to the safety seat may also be provided.

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: An adjustable travel stop mechanism for a leg support on a foldable stroller frame. The leg support is moveable between opposing first and second positions wherein folding of the stroller frame moves the leg support to the second position. The user-positionable travel stop interacts with the leg support which is biased toward the first position to limit the extent to which the leg support can move toward the first position when the stroller is unfolded.

Abstract: A foldable frame comprises opposing pairs of side and end frame members joined at respective ends to define a generally rectangular and planar frame perimeter. The end members and the side members are generally movable between folded and unfolded positions. The end members are spaced-apart along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The side frame members extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to define a frame length. Pivoting connections enable the end members and the side frame members to pivot, each member having a pivot connection at each end thereof. Pivoting of a respective end or side member is permitted when the frame is configured to align the respective end pivots, but is inhibited when the frame is configured to move the respective end pivots out of alignment. The respective pivot axes of the end and side members are generally perpendicular oriented and define a folding and unfolding sequence.

Abstract: A folding lock assembly for use in a frame for a portable child enclosure that includes a body housing first and second hinges for connecting a pair of equal-length side frame members. The hinges are limited in the degree of pivotal movement permitted between a locked position in which the frame members are linearly aligned and a folded position in which the frame members are substantially parallel. The first hinge permits angular rotation less than 90 degrees while the second hinge permits angular rotation greater than 90 degrees. The differences in the range of hinge rotation offset the distal ends of the frame when the connected members are folded to eliminate a pinch point between frame end members.

Abstract: A foldable frame for supporting a bassinet for fitment on a child's playard comprising a pair of longitudinally extending upper frame rails connected at each end to a one of pair of transversely extending end members for pivotal movement about the transverse axis. A longitudinally extending lower frame rail is connected at each end to the respective end members and spaced apart from the upper frame rails. The length of the lower frame may be adjusted enabling the end members to pivot inwardly from an unfolded position toward a folded position and reduce the spacing between the upper and lower frame rails. The upper frame rails further include a wing pivot at each end member connection which are aligned to allow the upper frame rails to pivot about a longitudinal axis and reduce the frame width when the frame is folded, but do not allow pivoting when the frame is unfolded.

Abstract: A carseat system comprising a base, a child seat, and four locking points. The base comprises an upper surface that receives a child seat and a lower surface that rests upon a vehicle seat, left and rights sides, and first and second ends. The child seat comprises a seating surface, an exterior surface, and left and right sides. The four locking points removably engage the child seat to the base and comprise a first pair of locking points positioned toward the first end of the base and a second pair of locking points positioned toward the second end of the base. The first pair of locking points comprise left and right securing members connected to the child seat and extendable in a direction perpendicular to the left and right sides of the child seat, and slots defined in the upper surface of the base that can engage the securing members.

Abstract: A buckle for a child safety seat comprising a body having an opening for receiving and selectively retaining in position a tang portion of a first belt portion connector, a loop element for connecting a second belt portion, the loop element engaging the tang portion to connect the first and second belt portions, the loop element comprising a base with a pair of legs extending therefrom and abutting at distal ends at a split surface. Each leg includes an anti-spread tab extending generally perpendicularly from the leg configured to engage the opening when the buckle is operably assembled to prevent separation of the split surface and retain the loop element engaged on the tang portion. The anti-separation tabs allow separation of the split surface as the tang is partially withdrawn from the opening so that the lop portion may be disengaged from the tang by movement generally transverse to the tang.

Abstract: An improved lower anchor strap tension adjusting mechanism for varying tension in a restraint connected to a vehicle. The mechanism comprises first and second adjuster ends and a length of web spanning therebetween. One end of the web is attached to one of the adjuster ends. A guide is provided on one or both adjuster ends enabling the web to be looped around the guide(s) and between the ends in multiple passes. A web lock device is connected one of the ends to engage the web and allow the length of the web spanning between the first and second adjuster portions to be fixed. The number of loops of web spanning between the adjuster ends determines the mechanical advantage in the tension force applied to the anchor strap by the adjuster compared to the tension applied to the free end, improving ease and security of safety seat installation.