Thorley Exhibit No. 1003
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 22, 1991
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`Sheet 1 014
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`4,985,948 %
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 22, 1991
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 22, 1991
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`Sheet 3 of4
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`4,985,948 %
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`

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`Patent
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`Jan. 22, 1991
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`Sheet 4 of4
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`4,985,948
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`1
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`FOLDABLE PLAYYARD
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`4,985,948
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`1. History of the Invention
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ap-
`plication Ser. No. 07/266,619 filed Nov. 3, 1988, now
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,025 and assigned to the assignee of
`the instant application.
`2. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to a foldable playyard and,
`more particularly, to improved foldable playyards with
`upper and lower rectangular support, vertical comer
`legs at the corners thereof, and a fully supported fabric
`floor and walls.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
`
`A wide variety of playyards, previously referred to as
`play pens, have been designed, developed and commer-
`cialized for many years. Such playyards have frequently
`been foldable, being of the knock-down type. These
`foldable playyards featured various types of frame as-
`semblies with various types of locking and folding
`mechanisms including various types of floors and side
`panels.
`Types of foldable playyards are described in the pa-
`tent literature. Consider, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
`4,811,437 to Dillner et al. According to that disclosure,
`an upper rectangular form cooperates with vertical
`comer rails and a lower support formed of a spider—like
`array of rails positionable in a horizontal plane. The
`lower support includes a central hub for raising the
`lower rails upwardly while collapsing the rails of the
`upper support downwardly to thereby collapse the
`playyard. In addition, a fabric assembly is included with
`four vertical side panels and a lower horizontal floor
`. panel. The lower panel, however, is free floating being
`held in position solely by the vertical panels and a rigid
`removable floor.
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`In addition, two other U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,486,054 to
`Morse and 2,698,443 to Ralick, disclose foldable cribs
`with upper and lower rectangular supports. These two
`patents both feature independent side panels and a sepa-
`rate lower horizontal floor panel. In all instances, how-
`ever, hinges of the frame are exposed for creating a
`safety hazard for a child within the crib or a parent
`raising or lowering the crib. Further, the replacing of
`damaged fabric panels is excessively difficult.
`While the prior art generally, and the above referred
`to patents in particular, disclose various features in fold-
`able playyards and cribs, none disclose the structure by
`which applicant’s playyard may be readily assembled
`and disassembled by an operator. Further, none disclose
`a fabric floor and side walls, all of which are fully se-
`cured peripherally to the frame assembly for more safe,
`efficient, convenient and economical use.
`Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide
`a playyard for safe occupation by a child comprising in
`combination an essentially rectangular upper support
`formed of four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a
`hinge; an essentially rectangular lower support formed
`of four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`four vertical rails interconnecting the corners of the
`upper and lower supports to retain the upper and lower
`supports in a box-like configuration with the rods of the
`upper and lower supports pivotally coupled to the verti-
`cal rails to allow for pivoting the rods of the upper
`support and lower support between horizontal orienta-
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`tions when the playyard is in an unfolded condition for
`operation and use and vertical orientations when the
`playyard is in a folded condition for storage; a unitive
`fabric assembly comprising four vertically disposed
`panels each coupled between a pair of rods of the upper
`support and lower support and adjacent vertical tubes,
`the fabric assembly also including a lower horizontal
`panel stitched to the vertically disposed panels and
`coupled between the rods of the lower rectangular
`support,
`the lower edge of each vertically disposed
`panel extending downwardly and folded inwardly and
`then stitched to the lower horizontal panel; a support
`funnel depending downwardly from the midpoint of the
`horizontal fabric panel, the funnel being attached at its
`upper end to the underside of the horizontal fabric with
`its lower end being in contact with the floor for sup-
`porting the central portion of the playyard; and a re-
`movable floor peripherally positionable on the lower
`support for supporting a child when the playyard is
`deployed in the operative, unfolded orientation.
`It is a further object of the present invention to pro-
`vide an improved playyard wherein the frame is con-
`structed of upper and lower horizontal frame portions
`and vertical legs which fully support a fabric floor and
`walls.
`
`It is a further object of this invention to support a
`horizontal fabric floor and vertical fabric walls in an
`essentially box-like configuration by a plurality of rect-
`angularly shaped frame sections.
`It is a further object of this invention to fully enclose
`all hinges of a playyard by its fabric panels.
`Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to more
`safely, efficiently, conveniently and economically fabri-
`cate and use foldable playyards.
`The foregoing has outlined some of the more perti-
`nent objects of the invention. These objects should be
`construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more
`prominent features and applications of the intended
`invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained
`by applying the disclosed invention in a different man-
`ner or by modifying the invention within the scope of
`the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller
`understanding of the invention may be had by referring
`to the summary of the invention and the detailed de-
`scription of the preferred embodiment in addition to the
`scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention is defined by the appended claims with
`the specific embodiment shown in the attached draw-
`ings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the
`invention may be incorporated into a foldable playyard
`for safe occupation by a child comprising in combina-
`tion an essentially rectangular upper support formed of
`four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge; an
`essentially rectangular lower support formed of four
`pair of rods. each centrally coupled by a hinge; four
`vertical rails interconnecting the corners of the upper
`and lower supports to retain the upper and lower sup-
`ports in a box-like configuration with the rods of the
`upper and lower supports pivotally coupled to the verti-
`cal rails to allow for pivoting the rods of the upper
`support and lower support between horizontal orienta-
`tions when the playyard is in an unfolded condition for
`operation and use and vertical orientations when the
`playyard is in a folded condition for storage; and a
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`unitive fabric assembly comprising four vertically dis-
`posed panels each coupled between a pair of rods of the
`upper support and lower support and adjacent vertical
`tubes, the fabric assembly also including a lower hori-
`zontal panel stitched to the vertically disposed panels
`and coupled between the rods of the lower rectangular
`support.
`
`In addition, the invention may also be incorporated
`into an improved playyard further includes a support
`funnel depending downwardly from the midpoint of the
`horizontal fabric panel, the funnel being attached at its
`upper end to the underside of the horizontal fabric with
`its lower end being in contact with the floor for sup-
`porting the central portion of the playyard. The play-
`yard further includes a removable floor peripherally
`positionable on the lower support for supporting a child
`when the playyard is deployed in the operative, un-
`folded orientation. Each vertical panel includes a hem
`at its upper edge for receiving adjacent rails of the
`upper horizontal support. The lower horizontal support
`panel has a peripheral hem for receiving the rails of the
`lower horizontal support. Each vertical region of join-
`ing of adjacent vertical panels includes a hem for re-
`ceiving the adjacent vertical rail. The lower edges of
`the vertical panels extend downwardly and are folded
`inwardly and are then stitched to the upper surface of
`the lower horizontal support panel. The playyard fur-
`ther includes separable flaps on the hems of the upper
`and lower horizontal supports for access to the hinges.
`The invention may also be incorporated into a fold-
`able playyard for safe occupation by a child comprising
`in combination an essentially rectangular
`support
`formed of four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a
`hinge; an essentially rectangular lower support formed
`of four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`four vertical rails interconnecting the comers of the
`upper and lower supports to retain the upper and lower
`supports in a box-like configuration with the rods of the
`upper and lower supports pivotally coupled to the verti-
`cal rails to allow for pivoting the rods of the upper
`support and lower support between horizontal orienta-
`tions when the playyard is in an unfolded condition for
`operation and use and vertical orientations when the
`playyard is in a folded condition for storage; a unitive
`fabric assembly comprising four vertically disposed
`panels each coupled between a pair of rods of the upper
`support and lower support and adjacent vertical tubes,
`the fabric assembly also including a lower horizontal
`panel stitched to the vertically disposed panels and
`coupled between the rods of the lower rectangular
`support,
`the lower edge of each vertically disposed
`panel extending downwardly and folded inwardly and
`then stitched to the lower horizontal panel; a support
`funnel depending downwardly from the midpoint of the
`horizontal fabric panel, the funnel being attached at its
`upper end to the underside of the horizontal fabric with
`its lower end being in contact with the floor for sup-
`porting the central portion of the playyard; and a re-
`movable floor peripherally positionable on the lower
`support for supporting a child when the playyard is
`deployed in the operative, unfolded orientation.
`The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more
`pertinent and important features of the present inven-
`tion in order that the detailed description of the inven-
`tion that follows may be better understood so that the
`present contribution to the art can be more fully appre-
`ciated. Additional features of the invention will be de-
`scribed hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
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`of the invention. It should be appreciated by those
`skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed
`specific embodiment may be readily utilized as a basis
`for modifying or designing other structures for carrying
`out
`the same purposes of the present
`invention.
`It
`should also be realized by those skilled in the art that
`such equivalent constructions do not depart from the
`spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the ap-
`pended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a further understanding of the nature and objects
`of the invention, reference should be had to the follow-
`ing detailed description taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a foldable play-
`yard constructed in accordance with the principles of
`the present invention.
`FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective showings of a
`hinge of FIG. 1 illustrating its movement between its
`various positions.
`FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hinge of FIGS. 1 and
`2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
`FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are elevational, plan and end views
`of one hinge half of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
`FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a ratchet ring of
`FIGS. 1, 2 and.3.
`FIGS. 8 and 9 are sectional views of portions of the
`rails and fabric panel assembly taken along lines 8-8
`and 9-9 of FIG. 1.
`
`Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
`throughout the several FIGURES.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`With particular reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a
`perspective illustration of a playyard 10 constructed in
`accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`The frame assembly 12 includes an upper horizontal
`support 14, a lower horizontal support 16 and vertical
`support rails 18, all pivotally coupled with respect to
`each other.
`»
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`The lower horizontal support 16 is preferably con-
`structed in a generally rectangular orientation when
`assembled as shown in FIG. 1. The lower horizontal
`support has four sides but is constructed of eight rails 22
`with central hinges 24 connecting the rail pairs at the
`center of each side. Each hinge 24 pivotally couples the
`rail pairs of each side by pins 26. The upper surface of
`each hinge 24 cooperates with its adjacent rails to con-
`strain the rails from falling below the horizontal when
`set up for operation and use. The ends of the rails 22
`opposite from the central hinges 24 couple with the foot
`brackets 28 through pins 30, again for pivoting between
`the collapsed and operable positions. The hinges are
`constructed so as to allow for movement upwardly on
`pins 26 when collapsed to render the coupled rails verti-
`cal and parallel with each other and, when in the opera-
`tive position, to have the coupled rails of each rail pair
`axially aligned in a horizontal orientation.
`Each foot bracket 28 is secured by rivet 34 to the
`lower region of a vertical support rail 18. Securement is
`at a height so that the lowermost portions of the vertical
`support rails 18, foot brackets 28, will constitute legs for
`elevating the floor 38 of the playyard in proper orienta-
`tion above the playyard floor for maximum conve-
`nience.
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`A removable playyard floor 38 is positioned upon the
`rails 22 of the lower horizontal support 16. The floor 38
`is constructed of four rectangular sections 40 with fab-
`ric thereover and with stitched lines of juncture 42
`about which the four sections may pivot. A pile-type
`fastener 44 is located at the free ends of the sections of
`the floor so that the floor 38 may be folded into a rect-
`angular cross-sectional configuration and secured for
`holding together the collapsed playyard for conve-
`nience of storage and movement. A handle not shown,
`may also be included.
`When spread flat and set upon the rails 22 of the
`lower support 16, the peripheral edges of the floor 38
`rest on the rails 22 for the full peripheral support of the
`floor on the rails and that portion of the fabric assembly
`therebeneath.
`A funnel 48 is centrally stitched to the center of the
`horizontal
`lower floor portion of the fabric support
`assembly 50 for providing support to such fabric as well
`as the floor 38 located there above. Similarly, the sides
`of the playyard frame between the upper and lower
`horizontal supports 14 and 16 as well as the bottom of
`the frame with the periphery of the lower horizontal
`support are covered with a fabric assembly 50, for the
`safety of the child within the playyard 10. The fabric
`assembly 50 will be described in greater detail hereinaf-
`ter.
`
`The vertical support rails 18 extend upwardly a dis-
`tance and terminate in comer shoulder brackets 52.
`
`Joining therebetween is through a frictional coupling
`between a vertical opening of the shoulder brackets and
`the tops of the vertical support rails 18. The upper edges
`of the vertical support rails 18 and the shoulder brackets
`52 are at a height
`to correspond with the intended
`height of the rails of the upper horizontal support 14 so
`as to safely retain a child within the playyard 10. The
`shoulder brackets 52 are molded with lateral openings
`of a size and shape to receive the adjacent ends of the
`rails 54 of the upper horizontal support 14. Securement
`between these rails 54 and the shoulder brackets 52 are
`by pivot pins 58 which will allow the rails to move from
`their assembled horizontal positions to their collapsed
`downwardly extending vertical positions.
`The upper horizontal support 14 is preferably formed
`in a generally rectangular orientation when assembled
`as shown in FIG. 1 with four sides but constructed of
`eight rails 54 with hinges 60 centrally connecting the
`rails of each side. Their sides are essentially straight
`while the head and foot ends are preferably bowed
`upwardly. Cooperable with the upper horizontal sup-
`port 14 and pivot pins 58, the hinges 60 constitute lock-
`ing components of the folding, unfolding and locking of
`the playyard between its folded, collapsed orientation
`and its opened operative orientation. Each hinge 60 is of
`similar construction. with central bores 62 for receiving
`the rail ends at their central location for rendering the
`upper horizontal support rectangular when assembled.
`The axes of the bores are the axes of the hinges. The
`hinge construction also allows the rails and hinges to
`extend downwardly in a vertical orientation when col-
`lapsed. Compare FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.
`Details of the structures of each hinge 60 are best seen
`by reference to FIGS. 3 through 6. Their mode of oper-
`ation may be seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. Each hinge
`is fabricated of two major components or hinge halves
`64. Each hinge half is of identical construction with an
`axial bore 62 for slidably receiving a rail end. Each
`hinge half also includes a circumferential slot 66 extend-
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`ing about 180 degrees around its periphery. The slot is
`adapted to be positioned upwardly, note FIG. 2A,
`when the playyard is assembled and to extend down-
`wardly, note FIG. 2C, when collapsed. A ratchet ring
`68 is secured by a rivet 70 to each rail and projects
`radially outwardly from the received rail end through
`the slot 66 to thereby allow the hinge components to be
`rotated 180 degrees for facilitating locking and unlock-
`ing the hinge and the assembly and collapse of the play-
`yard. The ratchet teeth 72 and 74 generally hold the
`hinges 60 in proper rotational orientation, but rotation
`of the hinges by an operator will effect movement of the
`ratchet teeth 72 of the hinge 60 with respect to the
`ratchet teeth 74 of the ring 68 moving the hinges be-
`tween rotational orientations. The resilience of the
`ratchet teeth and hinge halves allows for rotational
`movement of the hinges about their axes.
`The hinge halves have offset circular sections 76
`which are joined together centrally by a pivot pin 78
`extending through the hinge halves. Rods 80 are located
`within the hinge halves 64 for strength and include a
`bottoming surface 82 for the ends of the rails 54.
`Located on the facing surfaces 84 of the hinge halves
`64 and ratchet rings 68, are offset projections 88 and 90
`of an arcuate configuration with offset mating abutment
`surfaces 92, 94, 96 and 98 which function to limit the
`rotation of the hinges 60 and rails 54 with respect to
`each other. The abutment surfaces 92 and 96 are in
`contact with each other when the offset segments are in
`the downward locked position of FIGS. 2A and the
`abutment surfaces 94 and 98 are in contact with each
`other when the offset segments are in the upward un-
`locked position of FIG. 2C. Abutment projections 88
`and 90 each extend circumferentially for 90 degrees.
`Consequently, full rotation of the hinges 60 from one
`position to another will rotate the hinges 180 degrees.
`Located on the facing surfaces 84 of the hinge halves
`64, extending into each associated hinge half, are offset
`projections 102 with mating abutment surfaces 104.
`When in the FIG. 1 orientation, the opposing abutment
`surfaces 104 preclude further rotation of the hinge
`halves and, therefore, securely hold the upper horizon-
`tal support 14 and the entire playyard 10 in a secure
`operational orientation. When, however, as shown in
`FIG. 2C, the hinge halves are rotated about pivot pin 78
`and may be lowered to thereby allow for the bending of
`the hinge 60 with rails 54, the downward movement of
`the hinge 60 and the adjacent ends of the rails concur-
`rent with the lifting of the hinges of the lower horizon-
`tal support 16. The entire collapse of the frame assembly
`of the playyard 10 converts it into the collapsed orienta-
`tion as for storage or relocation.
`The fabric assembly 50 referred to hereinabove is of
`essentially box-like construction without a top. It in-
`cludes vertical side panels or walls 112 and a horizontal
`bottom panel or wall 114 all coupled together as to
`stitching to form a unitive fabric assembly with each
`panel or wall positively supported about its periphery
`by rails on all four sides. An upper horizontal hem 116
`is located along the upper peripheral edge of all four
`vertical panels 112 for receiving the upper horizontal
`support 14. A parallel rectangular hem 118 in the pe-
`riphery of the horizontal bottom panel 114 receives the
`lower horizontal support 16. Four vertical hems 122
`receive the four vertical rails 18 and are stitched to the
`adjacent vertical edges of vertical panels 112. Note
`FIG. 8.
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`The lowermost edges of the vertical panels 112 are
`folded around the exterior of the rails 22 of the lower
`horizontal support 16 where they are then stitched to
`the upper surface of the bottom panel 114 about
`halfway between the center and edges of the bottom
`panel 114. This configuration facilitates the raising of
`the hinges of the lower support upon lifting of the tab
`126 which is stitched to the center of the upper surface
`of panel 114. In this manner, all five fabric panels of the
`fabric assembly are supported along all of their edges
`during operation and use for greater structural integrity
`of the fabric assembly, for greater support of the floor
`38, and for greater safety of the child within the play-
`yard 10.
`The panels are fabricated of a sturdy fabric material
`for strength, cleanability and toxic safety. The upper
`comers and other areas of wear are preferably double
`ply. The vertical side panels preferably include open
`mesh centrally stitched in location to allow visual com-
`munication between child and parent and for a better
`flow of air for child comfort.
`
`In order to obtain access to the hinges 24 and 60, a
`flap 130 is preferably stitched to the fabric material at an
`opening 132 for each of the hinges at the midpoints of
`the upper and lower supports 14 and 16. Each flap 130
`is capable of being lifted to expose a hinge as during
`their movement when assembling or collapsing the
`playyard. The periphery of the flap is provided with a
`releasable pile-type fastener 134, matable with a similar
`releasable pile-type fastener 136 along the periphery of
`the opening of the hem. As such, access to the hinges, as
`well as their concealment for safety purposes, is readily
`facilitated.
`
`The system involves a very simple method of opera-
`tion. Beginning with a playyard 10 in a folded condi-
`tion, the operator would first open the enclosing floor
`38 and then straighten out the rails 54 of the upper
`horizontal support 14 while the hinges 60 face up-
`wardly. Once the rails are in a fully straightened condi-
`tion, the hinges 60 would be rotated inwardly 180 de-
`grees about the axes of the rails. This rotation about the
`axes of the rails would cause the hinge to hold the rails
`in an aligned horizontal position during the other
`straightening motion of the other three sides. This pro-
`cedure is illustrated in the drawings provided at FIGS.
`2A, 2B and 2C. With the hinges all rotated in the fully
`downward position of FIG. 2A, the rails are locked in
`position and the tab 126, lower rails 22 and their hinges
`24 fall to the FIG. 1 orientation for operation and use of
`the playyard. The floor 38 is then laid flat on the rails 22
`of the lower horizontal support 16. All flaps 130 are
`then closed prior to placing a child in the playyard.
`Folding up or collapse of the playyard simply involves
`the operator performing these steps in the reverse direc-
`tion. The floor 38 may also be folded about the col-
`lapsedplayyard 10, secured in position by the pile-type
`fastener 44 and transported by the handle 46.
`The rails are preferably formed of a toxically safe
`material such as steel which is powder coated during
`fabrication with no solvents utilized. The foot and
`shoulder brackets as well as the hub and hinge materials
`are also toxically safe preferably being molded of a high
`polymer plastic. These various parts may be con-
`structed of ABS, acetel or other moldable plastics of
`similar properties.
`The present disclosure includes that contained in the
`appended claims as well as that of the foregoing de-
`scription. Although this invention has been described in
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`its preferred forms with a certain degree of particular-
`ity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the
`preferred form has been made only by way of example
`and numerous changes in the details of construction and
`combination of arrangement of parts may be resorted to
`without departing from the spirit and scope of the in-
`vention.
`
`Now that the invention has been described,
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A foldable playyard for safe occupation by a child
`comprising in combination:
`an essentially rectangular upper support formed of
`four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`an essentially rectangular lower support formed of
`four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`four vertical rails interconnecting the comers of the
`upper and lower supports to retain the upper and
`lower supports in a box-like configuration with the
`rods of the upper and lower supports pivotally
`coupled to the vertical rails to allow for pivoting
`the rods of the upper support and lower support
`between horizontal orientations when the playyard
`is in an unfolded condition for operation and use
`and vertical orientations when the playyard is in a
`folded condition for storage; and
`a unitive fabric assembly comprising four vertically
`disposed panels each coupled between a pair of
`rods of the upper support and lower support and
`adjacent vertical
`tubes,
`the fabric assembly also
`including a lower horizontal panel stitched to the
`vertically disposed panels and coupled between the
`rods of the lower rectangular support.
`2. The playyard as set forth in claim 1 and further
`including a support
`funnel depending downwardly
`from the midpoint of the horizontal fabric panel, the
`funnel being attached at its upper end to the underside
`of the horizontal fabric with its lower end being in
`contact with the floor for supporting the central portion
`of the playyard.
`3. The playyard as set forth in claim 1 and further
`including a removable floor peripherally positionable
`on the lower support for supporting a child when the
`playyard is deployed in the operative, unfolded orienta-
`txon.
`
`4. The playyard as set forth in claim 1 wherein each
`vertical panel includes a hem at its upper edge for re-
`ceiving adjacent rails of the upper horizontal support.
`5." The playyard as set forth in claim 4 wherein the
`lower horizontal support panel has a peripheral hem for
`receiving in the rails of the lower horizontal support.
`6. The playyard as set forth in claim 5 wherein each
`vertical region of joining of adjacent vertical panels
`includes a hem for receiving in the adjacent vertical rail.
`7. The playyard as set forth in claim 6 wherein the
`lower edges of the vertical panels extend downwardly
`and are folded inwardly and are then stitched to the
`upper surface of the lower horizontal panel.
`8. The playyard as set forth in claim ‘5 and further
`including separable flaps on the hems of the upper and
`lower horizontal supports for access to the hinges.
`9. A foldable playyard for safe occupation by a child
`comprising in combination:
`an essentially rectangular upper support formed of
`four pair of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`an essentially rectangular lower support formed of
`four of rods each centrally coupled by a hinge;
`four vertical rails interconnecting the comers of the
`upper and lower supports to retain the upper and
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`lower supports in a box-like configuration with the
`rods of the upper and lower supports pivotally
`coupled to the vertical rails to allow for pivoting
`the rods of the upper support and lower support
`between horizontal orientations when the playyard
`is in an unfolded condition for operation and use
`and vertical orientations when the playyard is in
`folded condition for storage;
`a unitive fabric assembly comprising four vertically
`disposed panels each coupled between a pair of 10
`rods of the upper support and lower support and
`adjacent vertical
`tubes,
`the fabric assembly also
`including a lower horizontal panel stitched to the
`vertically disposed panels and coupled between the
`rods of the lower rectangular support, the lower
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`10
`edge of each vertically disposed panel extending
`downwardly and folded inwardly and then stitched
`to the lower horizontal panel;
`support funnel depending downwardly from the
`midpoint of the horizontal fabric panel, the funnel
`being attached at its upper end to the underside of
`the horizontal fabric with its lower end being in
`contact with the floor for supporting the central
`portion of the playyard; and
`removable floor peripherally positionable on the
`lower support for supporting a child when the
`playyard is deployed in the operative, unfolded
`orientation.
`It
`It
`1
`1|
`8
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`

`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`PATENT N0.
`
`: 4,935,943
`
`DATED
`
`5 January 22
`
`1991
`
`It is certified that error appears in the abnveidentified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
`corrected as shown below:
`
`On the cover page, column 1, delete lines 5 and 6 to
`
`thereby remove "[73] Assignee: Spalding & Evenflo Companies,
`
`Inc., Tampa, Florida"
`
`
`
`Signed and Sealed this
`
`Seventeenth Day of November, 1992
`
`Arrest:
`
`Arresting Oflicer
`
`DOUGLAS BA COM ER
`
`Acting Commissioner of Parents and Trademarks