PLAY YARD WITH REMOVABLE PADDED FLOOR

Abstract

Apparatus forming either a play yard cover or a bassinet. The apparatus having an interior space, a plurality of clips, a first bassinet securement means, and a second bassinet securement means. The interior space bound by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls having an inner and outer face and a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion. The clips located on the outer face of each wall woven fabric portion and are removably securable to the play yard. The first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of the mesh portion of each wall and the second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly. The apparatus forming a cover when the first bassinet securement means is not secured to the second bassinet securement means, and a bassinet when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement means.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a play yard cover for use with a plurality of different play yards. More particularly, the invention relates to a play yard cover that includes a built-in padded floor such that any child cannot access the built-in padded floor. Most particularly, the invention relates to a play yard cover with a built-in padded floor that replaces the mattress provided with the play yard and allows for the built-in padded floor to be flush against the floor inside of a play yard or wherein the built-in padded floor can be placed into a position to use the built-in padded floor as the floor of a bassinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional play yard or portable crib typically comprises a support frame, a stand mounted on the bottom of the support frame, mesh walls coming up from the support frame to create an enclosure, and a mattress secured or securable within the support frame. Thus, the play yard or portable crib has an inner space to receive an infant or a baby so that the infant or baby can play within the enclosure created by the bottom fabric floor, mesh walls and the support frame or so that they can sleep on the mattress.

Under the safety standard, the mattress provided with a play yard is limited in thickness which parents perceive as not comfortable enough for a child and thus have historically decided to add an additional mattress or extra padding to increase the comfort for the child. However, extra padding or an incorrectly sized mattress within the play yard or portable crib can cause safety issues. Such safety issues include entrapment of the infant between the incorrectly sized mattress or padding and the mesh walls of the play yard or portable crib which can lead to asphyxiation/suffocation of the infant. The safety standard requires a warning against the addition of extra padding or mattresses; however, consumers continue to ignore that warning and add extra padding or incorrectly sized mattresses leading to the death of infants. There has even been a submission to the Consumer Product Safety Commission entitled “Petition Requesting Rulemaking on Supplemental Mattresses for Play Yards with Non-Rigid Sides” that requested the Commission to issue a ban on supplemental mattresses thicker than 1.5 inches for play yards with non-rigid sides because CPSC research indicates that incorrectly sized mattresses create a suffocation hazard because they create a gap between the mattress sides and the sides of the portable crib where a baby can suffocate when the baby's head or torso falls in such a gap while lying in a prone position.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to create a play yard or portable crib that provides enhanced comfort to the infant while also not providing any opportunities for the infant to get entrapped by a mattress or padding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory adapted to be removably securable to upper edges of the play yard, the play yard accessory comprising: an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion; and a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall, wherein the plurality of clips are removably securable to the upper edges of the play yard.

A second embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in any embodiment above, wherein the play yard accessory further comprises a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means, with the proviso that when the first bassinet securement means is not secured to the second bassinet securement means, then the play yard accessory forms a cover for the play yard and, when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement, then the accessory forms a bassinet.

A third embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory forming either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet, said play yard accessory adapted to be removably securable to upper edges of the play yard, the play yard accessory comprising: an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion; a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall, wherein the plurality of clips are removably securable to the upper edges of the play yard; a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall, and a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means, with the proviso that when the first bassinet securement means is not secured to the second bassinet securement means, then the play yard accessory forms the cover for the play yard and, when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement, then the play yard accessory forms the bassinet.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein the plurality of clips includes between one and four clips on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein each clip of the plurality of clips also includes a plastic strength extension secured to each clip.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein the first bassinet securement means are secured to a bassinet connection portion located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the sixth embodiment above, further comprising upper excess material secured to the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall at a position above the bassinet connection portion of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and further comprising lower excess material secured along the periphery of the padded floor assembly adjacent the second bassinet securement means.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, further comprising at least one webbing support strip located on the outer face of the mesh portion of each said wall.

A ninth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein the first bassinet securement means, and the second bassinet securement means are selected from the group consisting of zippers, hook and loop type fasteners, and male and female snap fasteners.

A tenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein the padded floor assembly comprises a foam padding portion and a support board portion contained within a fabric covering.

An eleventh embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the tenth embodiment above, wherein the padded floor assembly additionally comprises a plurality of play yard securement means on an underside of the padded floor assembly and a plurality of support tube tunnels.

A twelfth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the eleventh embodiment above, further comprising a plurality of support tubes receivable within the plurality of support tube tunnels.

A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the tenth embodiment above, wherein the foam padding portion includes a two-piece foam padding and wherein the support board portion includes a two-piece support board.

A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the tenth embodiment above, wherein the foam padding portion includes a four-piece foam padding and wherein the support board portion includes a two-piece support board.

A fifteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the third embodiment above, wherein the first bassinet securement means comprises a first and second female zipper track each said first and second female zipper tracks including a zipper slider and wherein the second bassinet securement means comprises a first and second male zipper track; wherein the first female zipper track is removably securable with the first male zipper track and wherein the second female zipper track is removable securable with the second male zipper track.

A sixteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the fifteenth embodiment above, further comprising a zipper slider clasp secured adjacent an end of the first and second male zipper track; such that when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement the zipper slider of the first female zipper track is connectable with the zipper slider clasp of the first male zipper track and the zipper slider of the second female zipper track is connectable with the zipper slider clasp of the second male zipper track.

A seventeenth embodiment of the present invention provides a play yard accessory as in the sixteenth embodiment above, wherein when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement a pocket is formed adjacent the end of the first and second male zipper track; such that the zipper slider of the first female zipper track and the zipper slider clasp of the first male zipper track are placeable within the pocket adjacent the end of the first male zipper track and the zipper slider of the second female zipper track and the zipper slider clasp of the second male zipper track are placeable within the pocket adjacent the end of the second male zipper track.

An eighteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a method of installing a play yard accessory in a play yard wherein the play yard accessory can form either a play yard cover or a bassinet comprising: positioning the play yard accessory within an interior space of the play yard, the play yard accessory comprising: an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion, a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall, a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall, and a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means; flipping over the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall to be flush against upper edges of the play yard; and securing each clip of the plurality of clips to the upper edges of the play yard such that the play yard accessory is acting as a play yard cover.

A nineteenth embodiment of the present invention provides a method as in the eighteenth embodiment above, further comprising an additional step after the securing step of: securing the first bassinet securement means with the second bassinet securement means such that the play yard accessory is acting as a bassinet.

A twentieth embodiment of the present invention provides a method as in the eighteenth embodiment above, further comprising an additional step prior to the positioning step of: securing the first bassinet securement means with the second bassinet securement means such that the play yard accessory is acting as a bassinet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention positioned above a play yard frame prior to said apparatus being placed within the play yard frame to be used as a play yard cover;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of FIG. 1A with the apparatus of the present invention placed within the play yard frame but not secured thereto;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of FIG. 1A with the apparatus of the present invention both placed within and secured to the play yard frame;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention positioned above the play yard frame prior to said apparatus being placed within the play yard frame to be used as a bassinet;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of FIG. 2A with the apparatus of the present invention being placed within the play yard frame but not secured thereto;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of FIG. 2A with the apparatus of the present invention being placed within and secured to the play yard frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective overhead view of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 4A is a locally perspective view of portions of the first and second bassinet securement means;

FIG. 4B is a locally perspective enlarged view of the end of a connected zipper track of the first and second bassinet securement means prior to the zipper slider and clasp being placed within a formed pocket;

FIG. 4C is a locally perspective enlarged view of FIG. 4B with the zipper slider and clasp being placed within the formed pocket;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one of the clips of the plurality of clips;

FIG. 6A is a plan side view of an embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a plan side view of another embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of the present invention:

FIG. 6C is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6D is a plan view of the underside of the padded floor assembly as shown in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention positioned above a play yard frame prior to said apparatus being placed within the play yard frame to be used as a play yard cover;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of FIG. 7A with the apparatus of the present invention placed within the play yard frame but not secured thereto;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of FIG. 7A with the apparatus of the present invention both placed within and secured to the play yard frame;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of FIG. 7A with the apparatus of the present invention being placed within the play yard frame to be used as a bassinet but not secured thereto;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of FIG. 7A with the apparatus of the present invention being placed within and secured to the play yard frame to be used as a bassinet;

FIG. 9A is a locally perspective view of a tension strap assembly utilized to secure the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention to a play yard;

FIG. 9B is a locally perspective view of the lower play yard webbing of the tension strap assembly;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the first and second attachment means of the tension strap assembly of FIG. 9A unconnected from the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a locally perspective view of an inner face of two walls of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a locally perspective view of the securement means of FIG. 10A secured to each other;

FIG. 10C shows a locally perspective view of the securement means of FIG. 10A not secured to each other;

FIG. 11 shows a locally perspective view of a support rail being inserted into an upper support rail channel;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the underside of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 13B;

FIG. 13A is a plan side view of an embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 13B is a plan side view of another embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 13C is a plan view of yet another embodiment of the padded floor assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the interior space of the apparatus of FIG. 7C; and

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the interior space of the apparatus of FIG. 8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the apparatus that forms either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet that fits within the play yard made in accordance with the present invention is indicated by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C. FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the apparatus 10 in a play yard mode of operation while FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show the apparatus 10 in a bassinet mode of operation, each of which will be explained in detail below. Apparatus 10 includes an interior space 12 bounded by a padded floor assembly 14 and four walls 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Walls 16a and 16b can also be referred to as end walls 16a and 16b while walls 16c and 16d can also be referred to as side walls 16c and 16d. Each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d has an inner face 17 and an outer face 18. Each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d additionally includes a mesh portion 19 and a woven fabric portion 20. The padded floor assembly 14 is sewn into the apparatus 10.

Located along the outer face 18 of each woven fabric portion 20 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are a plurality of clips 22. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B show that each woven fabric portion 20 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d includes two clips 22, but the present invention contemplates that each wall could have between one and four clips 22 and wherein the end walls 16a and 16b could or could not have the same number of clips as the side walls 16c and 16d. The present invention also contemplates that the clips 22 located along the end walls 16a and 16b could or could not have the same size dimensions as the clips 22 located along the side walls 16c and 16d. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B also show that plastic strength extensions 23 were secured to each clip 22 to add additional support for the apparatus 10. The clips 22 and plastic extensions 23 will be shown and described in greater detail below.

FIG. 3 shows more detail of the interior space 12 of the apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, apparatus 10 further includes bassinet connection portions 24 located at about the mid-height of the inner face 17 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. In one or more embodiments, the bassinet connection portions 24 are made from webbing material. Secured to each bassinet connection portion 24 are a first bassinet securement means 26. As also shown in FIG. 3, located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly 14 are a second bassinet securement means 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the first bassinet securement means 26 is in the form of a zipper track, specifically a female zipper track, and the second bassinet securement means 28 is in the form of a male zipper track. It is also contemplated that the second bassinet securement means 28 could be a female zipper track while the first bassinet securement means 26 could be a male zipper track. By male zipper track, the present invention is referring to the portion of a zipper assembly that includes an insert pin and by female zipper track, the present invention is referring to the portion of a zipper assembly that includes a stationary end of the zipper. The function of the first and second bassinet securement means 26 and 28 will be discussed in greater detail below.

Although the above section discusses the use of zippers as the first and second bassinet securement means 26 and 28, the present invention also contemplates other securement means such as hook and loop type fasteners and male and female snap fasteners.

FIG. 3 shows that the zipper track of the first bassinet securement means 26 includes two zipper sliders 27, located along end walls 16a and 16b. The two zipper sliders 27 of the zipper track of the first bassinet securement means 26 will correspond with two separate portions of zipper tracks of the second bassinet securement means 28. The present invention also contemplated that the zipper track of the first bassinet securement means 26 could include just one zipper slider 27, which would correspond with just one zipper track of the second bassinet securement means 28; or in other embodiments, there could be four zipper sliders 27, which would correspond with four zipper tracks for the second bassinet securement means 28, each zipper slider 27 corresponding to a one of the four walls 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d.

FIG. 3 also shows how the apparatus 10 of the present invention can also include additional webbing support strips 25. The optional webbing support strips 25 are located on the outer face 18 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. FIG. 3 shows that the optional webbing support strips 25 running the entire length of the outer face 18 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall, although it is contemplated that the optional webbing support strips 25 will only run from the woven fabric portion 20 to the bassinet connection portions 24. Although only one webbing support strip 25 is shown on the outer face 18 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d; it is contemplated that a plurality of webbing support strips could be secured on the outer face 18 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. In some embodiments, the outer face 18 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d includes between one and five webbing support strips. It is additionally contemplated that the end walls 16a and 16b could or could not have the same number of webbing support strips as the side walls 16c and 16d.

FIG. 4A shows a portion of the zipper track of the second bassinet securement means 28 located along the periphery of the padded floor assembly 14. FIG. 4A shows that there is a flap of excess material 29 that will cover the zipper track(s) of the second bassinet securement means 28 when the apparatus 10 is forming a cover for a play yard. This flap of excess material 29 will hide the zipper track(s) such that an infant cannot easily access it. FIG. 4A also shows that there is a similar flap of excess material 32 that will cover the zipper track(s) of the first bassinet securement means 26.

FIGS. 4B and 4C shows the end of a portion of the zipper track of the first bassinet securement means 26 and second bassinet securement means 28 secured together. A small pocket 30 will be formed at the area shown in FIG. 4C when the zipper portions are connected that will allow for the zipper slider 27 to be tucked away therewithin to prevent occupants to be able to access said slider 27 when the apparatus 10 forms a bassinet. Too further prevent any tampering with the zipper slider 27, a clasp 31 is secured near the end of a portion of each zipper track of either the first or second bassinet securement means 26 and 28. The clasp 31 will connect with the zipper slider 27 and then both the clasp 31 and the zipper slider 27 will be tucked into pocket 30. Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention wherein there are two zipper sliders 27, there will be two corresponding pockets 30 and two corresponding clasps 31 that will work with the zipper sliders 27 once the first bassinet securement means 26 and the second bassinet securement means 28 have been secured together.

Apparatus 10 is adapted to be removably securable to upper edges of a play yard, such as play yard 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C. The present invention is not limited by the specifics of the play yard utilized with the apparatus 10, as long as the play yard, such as play yard 100 includes upper edges 101, 102, 103, 104. However, most play yards, such as play yard 100 includes four vertical arms 106, two horizontal side arms 108, and two horizontal end arms 110. Wherein each of the horizontal arms 108 and 110 are positioned and secured between two of the vertical arms 106. The two horizontal side arms 108 and the two horizontal end arms 110 define the upper edges 101, 102, 103, and 104.

The play yard 100 also includes a two side mesh walls 112, two end mesh walls 114, four upper horizontal fabric sections 116, four vertical fabric sections 118, and a floor section 120. The four upper horizontal fabric sections 116 surround and enclose the horizontal arms 108 and 110 and the four vertical fabric sections 118 surround and enclose the four vertical arms 106.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the apparatus 10 of the present invention forming a cover for the play yard 100. FIG. 1A shows the apparatus 10 in a position above play yard 100, FIG. 1B shows the apparatus 10 placed within, but not secured to the play yard 100, and FIG. 1C shows the apparatus 10 in a secured position within the play yard 100. In FIGS. 1B and 1C it should be appreciated that the padded floor assembly 14 is positioned adjacent the floor section 120 of the play yard 100. FIG. 1B also shows the clips 22 placed adjacent the upper edges 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the play yard 100 and FIG. 1C shows the clips 22 secured against the upper edges 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the play yard 100 and that the outer face 18 of each woven fabric portion 20 has been flipped around and placed adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of the play yard 100.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C shows the apparatus 10 of the present invention forming a bassinet to be placed within play yard 100. FIG. 2A shows the apparatus 10 in a position above play yard 100, FIG. 2B shows the apparatus 10 placed within, but not secured to the play yard 100, and FIG. 2C shows the apparatus 10 in a secured position within the play yard 100. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C also show that the first bassinet securement means 26 and the second bassinet securement means 28 have been secured together such that the padded floor assembly 14 has been raised to a position within the interior space 12 of the apparatus 10 such that the padded floor assembly 14 is now right beneath the bassinet connection portions 24 located about the mid-height of the inner face 17 of the mesh portion 19 of each wall 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. FIG. 2B shows the clips 22 placed adjacent the upper edges 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the play yard 100 and FIG. 1C shows the clips 22 secured against the upper edges 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the play yard 100 and that the outer face 18 of each woven fabric portion 20 has been flipped around and placed adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of the play yard 100.

Although FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show an embodiment of the present invention wherein the first bassinet securement means 26 and the second bassinet securement means 28 have been secured together prior to placement within the play yard 100, it is also contemplated that the first bassinet securement means 26 and the second bassinet securement means 28 can be secured together after the apparatus 10 has been placed and secured within the play yard 100. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 would be in the position shown in FIG. 1C, and once in this position, the second bassinet securement means 28 will be lifted up and placed into a secured connection with the first bassinet securement means 26 such that the apparatus 10 would then be in the position shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 5 shows a close up of one of the clips 22 and its accompanying plastic support 23. The clip 22 is first secured to the outer face 18 of a woven fabric portion 20 of one of the walls 16 through a securement means 22a. Next, a plastic support 23 is secured to outer face 18 of each woven fabric portion 20 through a portion of the clip 22 with a first extension securement means 23a; and finally, the plastic support 23 is secured again to outer face 18 of each woven fabric portion 20 with a second extension securement means 23b. In one or more embodiments, the securement means 22a, the first extension securement means 23a, and the second extension securement means 23b are selected from the group consisting of stitching or staples. In other embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the clips 22, could be secured to the outer face 18 of a woven fabric portion 20 of one of the walls 16 in a different orientation. In such an embodiment, the clips 22 would be rotated 180 degrees while the plastic support 23 will remain in the same position. In this case, plastic support 23 would not be secured directly to the clip 22.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show the details of various embodiments of the padded floor assembly 14 of the apparatus 10 of the present invention. As stated above, the padded floor assembly 14 is sewn into the apparatus 10 and is not accessible by the user, FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are utilized to show various embodiments of the elements that make up the padded floor assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 6A, this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 includes a one-piece foam padding portion 42 and a one-piece support board portion 44. The one-piece foam padding portion 42 and the one-piece support board portion 44 are contained within a fabric covering 40. Although only two securement means 46 are shown adjacent the corners of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 of FIG. 4A also has two additional securement means 46 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 14.

As shown in FIG. 6B, this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 includes a two-piece foam padding assembly 42a and a two-piece support board assembly 44a. It is important to note that in the embodiment of FIG. 6B, the two-piece foam padding assembly 42a, although separated into two pieces of foam padding, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece foam padding assembly shown in FIG. 6A when unfolded to a flat orientation. In a comparable manner, the two-piece support board assembly 44a, although separated into two pieces of support board, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece support board portion as shown in FIG. 6A when unfolded to a flat orientation. The assemblies 42a and 44a are contained within a fabric cover 40. The fabric cover 40 additionally includes stitching 45, located on the underside of fabric cover 40, to split the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 into two attached but separate portions. Although only two securement means 46 are shown adjacent the corners of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 of FIG. 4B also has two additional securement means 46 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 14.

As shown in FIG. 6C this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 includes a four-piece segmented foam assembly 42b and a four-piece segmented support board assembly 44b. It is important to note that in the embodiment of FIG. 6C, the four-piece foam padding assembly 42b, although separated into four pieces of foam padding, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece foam padding assembly of FIG. 6A when unfolded to a flat orientation. In a comparable manner, the four-piece support board assembly 44b, although separated into four pieces of support board, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece support board portion of FIG. 6A when unfolded to a flat orientation. The assemblies 42b and 44b are contained within a fabric cover 40. The fabric cover 40 additionally includes stitching 45a, 45b, and 45c, located on the underside of fabric cover 40, to split the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 into four attached but separate pieces. Although only two securement means 46 are shown adjacent the corners of the assembly 14, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 46 of FIG. 6C also has two additional securement means 46 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 14.

FIG. 6D shows the underside of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 6B. The underside 47 of the padded floor assembly 14 optionally includes two support tube tunnels 48 in which optional support tubes (not shown) can be inserted to provide additional support for apparatus 10 when used as a bassinet such as shown in FIG. 2C. Although FIG. 6D shows two optional support tube tunnels 48, it is contemplated that the underside 47 of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 could also include three or four support tube tunnels.

The padded floor assembly 14 is oriented within the apparatus 10 such that the foam assembly 42/42a/42b is closest to any child within the interior space 12 of apparatus 10, when the apparatus is being used as either a play yard cover or a bassinet. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the padded floor assembly 14, including the foam assembly 42/42a/42b, the support board assembly 44/44a/44b, and the fabric cover 40 is from 0.5 inches to 4.0 inches, in other embodiments from 1.0 inches to 3.75 inches, and in yet other embodiments from 2.0 inches to 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness is greater that 0.5 inches, in other embodiments greater than 1.0 inches, and in yet other embodiments greater than 2.0 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness is less than 4.0 inches, in other embodiments less than 3.75 inches, and in yet other embodiments less than 3.25 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the padded floor assembly 14, including the foam assembly 42/42a/42b, the support board assembly 44/44a/44b, and the fabric cover 40 is 3.0 inches.

When apparatus 10 is being used as a play yard cover, the padded floor assembly 14 will be positioned adjacent the floor section 120 of the play yard 100. Although not bound by being used with a particular model play yard, most play yards on the market will have an attachment point either on or below the floor section such that the securement means 46 of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 can be secured to said attachment point. This will provide extra means of security when the apparatus 10 is being used as a play yard cover.

A second embodiment of the apparatus that forms either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet that fits within the play yard made in accordance with the present invention is indicated by the numeral 200 in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, and 8B. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show the progression of placing the apparatus 200 in a play yard mode of operation while FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 8B show the progression of placing apparatus 200 in a bassinet mode of operation, each of which will be explained. Apparatus 200 includes an interior space 202 bounded by a padded floor assembly 204 and four walls 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d. Walls 206a and 206b can also be referred to as end walls 206a and 206b while walls 206c and 206d can also be referred to as side walls 206c and 206d. Each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d has an inner face 207 and an outer face 208. Each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d additionally includes a mesh portion 209 and a woven fabric portion 210. The padded floor assembly 204 is sewn into the apparatus 200.

FIGS. 7B and 7C show the apparatus 200 of the present invention forming a cover for the play yard 100. FIG. 7A shows the apparatus 200 in a position above the play yard 100, FIG. 7B shows the apparatus 200 placed within, but not secured to the play yard 100, and FIG. 7C shows the apparatus 200 in a secured position within the play yard 100. In FIGS. 7B and 7C it should be appreciated that the padded floor assembly 204 is positioned adjacent the floor section 120 of the play yard 100. FIG. 7B shows the vertical webbing 212 and the first attachment means 216 prior to being secured with the lower play yard webbing 218 and the second attachment means 217. FIG. 7C shows the vertical webbing 212 and the first attachment means 216 secured with the lower play yard webbing 218 and the second attachment means 217 with the outer face 208 of each woven fabric portion 210 having been flipped around and placed adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of play yard 100. Additionally, if present, the metal support rails 223 have been placed within the upper support rail channels 222 and are now also adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of play yard 100. Although not bound by being used with a particular model play yard, most play yards on the market will have an attachment point either on or below the floor section 120 such that the securement means 228 of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 can be secured to. This will provide extra means of security when the apparatus 200 is being used as a play yard cover.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the apparatus 200 of the present invention forming a bassinet to be placed within the play yard 100. FIG. 7A shows the apparatus 200 in a position about the play yard 100, FIG. 8A shows the apparatus 200 placed within, but not secured to the play yard 100 while having the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 at a bassinet level. To properly place the apparatus 200 at a bassinet level, it is contemplated that a strip of leveling material 236 is located at about the mid-height along the inner face 207 of mesh portion 209 of the side walls 206c and 206d, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. 14A shows the position of the strip of leveling material 236 when the apparatus 200 is forming a play yard cover such as in FIGS. 7B and 7C while FIG. 14B shows the position of the strip of leveling material 236 as placed against an upper edge of a wall of a play yard 100 when the apparatus 200 is forming a bassinet such as in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A also shows the vertical webbing 212 and the first attachment means 216 prior to being secured with the lower play yard webbing 218 and the second attachment means 217. FIG. 8B shows the apparatus 200 as a bassinet in a secured position within the play yard 100 while also showing the vertical webbing 212 and the first attachment means 216 secured with the lower play yard webbing 218 and the second attachment means 217. As stated above, both the vertical webbing 212 and the lower play yard webbing 218 are height adjustable. Therefore, to properly utilize the apparatus 200 as a bassinet, the vertical webbing 212 and the lower play yard webbing 218 should be height adjusted prior to utilizing the apparatus 200 as a bassinet.

FIG. 8B additionally shows the outer face 208 of each woven fabric portion 210 having been flipped around and placed adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of play yard 100. Additionally, if present, the metal support rails 223 have been placed within the upper support rail channels 222 and are now also adjacent the outside surface of the mesh walls 112 and 114 of play yard 100. In FIGS. 8A and 8B it should be appreciated that if present, the support tube tunnels 226 on the underside 224 of the padded floor assembly 204 will have support tubes placed within so as to provide support for a child placed in the apparatus 200 when being used as a bassinet.

Located at the corner between each respective wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d is a tension strap assembly 211. The details of each tension strap assembly 211 can be seen in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C. Each tension strap assembly 211 includes a top webbing loop 213, a vertical webbing 212, a cross webbing 215, first attachment means 216, second attachment means 217, and a lower play yard webbing 218. As will be discussed in detail below, both the vertical webbing 212 and lower play yard webbing 218 are height adjustable so that the apparatus 200 can be used as either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet utilized within a play yard. As seen in FIG. 9A, a first end 213a of the top webbing loop 213 is secured to the woven fabric portion 210 of a first wall, such as 206a with the second end 213b of the top webbing loop 213 secured to the woven fabric portion 210 of an adjacent wall, such as 206c. The vertical webbing 212 is secured through the loop of the top webbing loop 213 and the cross webbing 215 is secured over the two side of the top webbing loop above the vertical webbing 212 so as to minimize the risk of an entrapment hazard. As seen in FIG. 9B, the lower play yard webbing 218 is removably securable to the frame of the play yard 100 utilizing a lower rail securement means 219. As seen in FIG. 9C, the first attachment means 216 is secured to the end of the vertical webbing 212 and the second attachment means 217 is secured to the end of the lower play yard webbing 218, wherein the first and second attachment means 216, 217 are removably securable to each other so as to secure the apparatus 200 to a play yard 100. Although only the corner between wall 206a and 206c is discussed and shown, a similar tension strap assembly 211 can be found for each corner between each respective wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d. Although shown as two separate pieces of webbing 212 and 218, it is also contemplated that the tension strap assembly 211 could be made from one unitary piece of webbing such that there would not be a need for the first and second attachment means 216, 217

Although FIGS. 9B and 9C show the first and second attachment means 216, 217 as being buckles, it is also contemplated that the first and second attachment means could be clips, hooks, or buttons. Furthermore, although FIGS. 9B and 9C show lower rail securement means 219 as being a snap, it is also contemplated that the lower rail securement means 219 could be a buckle, hooks, or clips.

Apparatus 200 is adapted to be removably securable to the lower frame 111 of a play yard, such as play yard 100 as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, and 8B. The present invention is not limited by the specifics of the play yard utilized with the apparatus 200, as long as the play yard, such as play yard 100 includes a lower frame 111. Play yard 100 also includes four vertical arms 106, two upper horizontal side arms 108, two horizontal end arms 110. Wherein each of the horizontal arms 108 and 110 are positioned and secured between two of the vertical arms 106. The play yard 100 also includes a two side mesh walls 112, two end mesh walls 114, four upper horizontal fabric sections 116, four vertical fabric sections 118, and a floor section 120. The four upper horizontal fabric sections 116 surround and enclose the horizontal arms 108 and 110 and the four vertical fabric sections 118 surround and enclose the four vertical arms 106.

In one embodiment of apparatus 200 of the present invention, the inner face 207 of each end of each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d will include an additional piece of woven fabric material 220 and each additional piece of woven fabric material 220 will include a securement means 221. The additional piece of woven fabric material 220 with the securement means 221 will run to about the mid-height of each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d. The additional pieces of woven fabric material 220 with the securement means 221 for each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d will mate with the additional piece of woven fabric material 220 with the securement means 221 of its adjacent wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d such as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C. The securement means 221 is shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C as being of the hook and loop variety, but the present invention also envisions other securement means such as clips, buttons, or buckles.

The purpose of the additional piece of woven fabric material 220 with the securement means 221 is to allow for the apparatus 200 to fit over any play yard 100, such as those with bulkier top rail corner pieces. With a bulkier top rail corner piece, the securement means 221 of the adjacent additional pieces of woven fabric material 220 will not be secured, as shown in FIG. 10C. With a play yard that does not have a bulky corner piece, the securement means 221 of the adjacent additional pieces of woven fabric material 220 can be secured together as in FIG. 10B for a tighter fit of the apparatus 200 over the corners of the play yard 100.

In one embodiment of apparatus 200 of the present invention, along the upper portion of the outer face 208 of the woven fabric portion 210 of each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d an upper support rail channel 222 can be found. The upper support rail channels 222 can hold metal support rails 223 such as shown in FIG. 11 to provide support along the length of each wall 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d and to prevent the walls from being pulled into the interior of the play yard 100 when the apparatus 200 is installed on the play yard 100. FIG. 11 shows a support rail 223 being placed into an upper support rail channel 222 after the apparatus 200 has already been partially installed on the play yard 100. However, it is also contemplated that the support rails 223 can be placed into the upper support rail channels 222 prior to the apparatus being placed within the play yard 100. It is contemplated that the apparatus 200 can be secured to play yards having both straight and curved upper side arms and upper end arms. Therefore, it is contemplated that the support rails 223 can have both a straight and curved orientation to comply with either type of play yard 100.

FIG. 12 shows the underside 224 of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200. Although FIG. 12 shows the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200, it is contemplated that the underside of the padded floor assembly 14 of apparatus 10 will look the same and have the same features. The underside 224 of the padded floor assembly 204 optionally includes two support tube tunnels 226 in which optional support tubes (not shown) can be inserted to provide additional support for apparatus 200 when used as a bassinet such as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Although FIG. 12 shows two optional support tube tunnels 226, it is contemplated that the underside 224 of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 could also include three or four support tube tunnels. FIG. 12 also shows the securement means 228 located on the underside 224 of the padded floor assembly 204, which will be discussed in more detail below.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show the details of various embodiments of the padded floor assembly 204 of the apparatus 200 of the present invention. As stated above, the padded floor assembly 204 is sewn into the apparatus 200 and is not accessible by the user, FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are utilized to show various embodiments of the elements that make up the padded floor assembly 204. As shown in FIG. 13A, this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 includes a one-piece foam padding portion 230 and a one-piece support board portion 232. The one-piece foam padding portion 230 and the one-piece support board portion 232 are contained within a fabric covering 234. Although only two securement means 228 are shown adjacent the corners of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 of FIG. 13A also has two additional securement means 228 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 204.

As shown in FIG. 13B, this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 includes a two-piece foam padding assembly 230a and a two-piece support board assembly 232a. It is important to note that in the embodiment of FIG. 13B, the two-piece foam padding assembly 230a, although separated into two pieces of foam padding, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece foam padding assembly shown in FIG. 13A when unfolded to a flat orientation. In a comparable manner, the two-piece support board assembly 232a, although separated into two pieces of support board, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece support board portion as shown in FIG. 13A when unfolded to a flat orientation. The assemblies 230a and 232a are contained within a fabric cover 234. The fabric cover 234 additionally includes stitching 235, located on the underside of fabric cover 234, to split the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 into two attached but separate portions. Although only two securement means 228 are shown adjacent the corners of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 of FIG. 13B also has two additional securement means 228 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 204.

As shown in FIG. 13C this embodiment of the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 includes a four-piece segmented foam assembly 230b and a four-piece segmented support board assembly 232b. It is important to note that in the embodiment of FIG. 13C, the four-piece foam padding assembly 230b, although separated into four pieces of foam padding, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece foam padding assembly of FIG. 13A when unfolded to a flat orientation. In a comparable manner, the four-piece support board assembly 232b, although separated into four pieces of support board, will operate in a comparable manner to the one-piece support board portion of FIG. 13A when unfolded to a flat orientation. The assemblies 230b and 232b are contained within a fabric cover 234. The fabric cover 234 additionally includes stitching 235a, 235b, and 235c, located on the underside of fabric cover 234, to split the padded floor assembly 204 of apparatus 200 into four attached but separate pieces. Although only two securement means 228 are shown adjacent the corners of the assembly 204, it is contemplated that the padded floor assembly 204 of FIG. 13C also has two additional securement means 228 located adjacent the other corners of the assembly 204.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present invention significantly advances the art by providing apparatus forming either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet that is structurally and functionally improved in a number of ways. While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations on the invention herein will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention shall be appreciated from the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A play yard accessory adapted to be removably securable to upper edges of the play yard, the apparatus comprising:

an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion; and

a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall, wherein the plurality of clips are removably securable to the upper edges of the play yard.

2. The play yard accessory of claim 1, further comprising:

a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and

a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means, with the proviso that when the first bassinet securement means is not secured to the second bassinet securement means, then the play yard accessory forms a cover for the play yard and, when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement, then the accessory forms a bassinet.

3. An apparatus forming either a cover for a play yard or a bassinet, said apparatus adapted to be removably securable to upper edges of the play yard, the apparatus comprising:

an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion;

a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall, wherein the plurality of clips are removably securable to the upper edges of the play yard;

a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and

a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means, with the proviso that when the first bassinet securement means is not secured to the second bassinet securement means, then the apparatus forms the cover for the play yard and, when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement, then the apparatus forms the bassinet.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of clips includes between one and four clips on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each clip of the plurality of clips also includes a plastic strength extension secured to each clip.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first bassinet securement means are secured to a bassinet connection portion located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising upper excess material secured to the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall at a position above the bassinet connection portion of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and further comprising lower excess material secured along the periphery of the padded floor assembly adjacent the second bassinet securement means.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one webbing support strip located on the outer face of the mesh portion of each said wall.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first bassinet securement means, and the second bassinet securement means are selected from the group consisting of zippers, hook and loop type fasteners, and male and female snap fasteners.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the padded floor assembly comprises a foam padding portion and a support board portion contained within a fabric covering.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the padded floor assembly additionally comprises a plurality of play yard securement means on an underside of the padded floor assembly and a plurality of support tube tunnels.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of support tubes receivable within the plurality of support tube tunnels.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the foam padding portion includes a two-piece foam padding and wherein the support board portion includes a two-piece support board.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the foam padding portion includes a four-piece foam padding and wherein the support board portion includes a two-piece support board.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first bassinet securement means comprises a first and second female zipper track each said first and second female zipper tracks including a zipper slider and wherein the second bassinet securement means comprises a first and second male zipper track; wherein the first female zipper track is removably securable with the first male zipper track and wherein the second female zipper track is removable securable with the second male zipper track.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a zipper slider clasp secured adjacent an end of the first and second male zipper track; such that when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement the zipper slider of the first female zipper track is connectable with the zipper slider clasp of the first male zipper track and the zipper slider of the second female zipper track is connectable with the zipper slider clasp of the second male zipper track.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein when the first bassinet securement means is secured to the second bassinet securement a pocket is formed adjacent the end of the first and second male zipper track; such that the zipper slider of the first female zipper track and the zipper slider clasp of the first male zipper track are placeable within the pocket adjacent the end of the first male zipper track and the zipper slider of the second female zipper track and the zipper slider clasp of the second male zipper track are placeable within the pocket adjacent the end of the second male zipper track.

18. A method of installing an apparatus in a play yard wherein the apparatus can form either a play yard cover or a bassinet comprising:

a. positioning the apparatus within an interior space of the play yard, the apparatus comprising: i. an interior space bounded by a padded floor assembly and four vertical walls, wherein each said wall has an inner face and an outer face and wherein each said wall includes a mesh portion and a woven fabric portion upwardly extending from the mesh portion; ii. a plurality of clips located on the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall; iii. a first bassinet securement means located along a mid-height of the inner face of each mesh portion of each said wall; and iv. a second bassinet securement means located along a periphery of the padded floor assembly, wherein said second bassinet securement means is removably securable to said first bassinet securement means

b. flipping over the outer face of each woven fabric portion of each said wall to be flush against upper edges of the play yard; and

c. securing each clip of the plurality of clips to the upper edges of the play yard such that the apparatus is acting as a play yard cover.

19. The method of claim 18; further comprising an additional step after the securing step of:

a. securing the first bassinet securement means with the second bassinet securement means such that the apparatus is acting as a bassinet.

20. The method of claim 18; further comprising an additional step prior to the positioning step of:

a. securing the first bassinet securement means with the second bassinet securement means such that the apparatus is acting as a bassinet.