Universal dynamic hinge for a foldable apparatus
AssigneeKids II, Inc.
InventorsDavid THRIFT, Bradford Joseph ROGERS, Keena HOLLEY, ErJui WANG, Franco LODATO, Andy LOGAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dynamic hinge mechanism that connects frame elements of a foldable apparatus such as for example a children's play-yard or other folding containment or structure, including an elastic element that applies a biasing force to assist in erecting the apparatus from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration.
Claims24
A children's play-yard apparatus comprising:
- a support frame comprising a plurality of frame elements, at least a portion of the plurality of frame elements being pivotally coupled to one another to enable folding of the support frame from an expanded configuration to a folded configuration;
- a flexible cover material supported by the support frame, the cover material configured to move with the support frame as it folds from the expanded configuration to the folded configuration;
- and
- at least one dynamic hinge coupled between at least two of the plurality of frame elements, the dynamic hinge allowing pivotal movement between the at least two frame elements, and biasing the support frame from the folded configuration toward the expanded configuration.
A dynamic hinge assembly for pivotally coupling a first frame element and a second frame element of an apparatus, the dynamic hinge assembly comprising at least one elastic member having a first portion attached to the first frame element, a second portion attached to the second frame element, and an intermediate portion retained in tension between the first and second portions to bias the first and second frame elements from a first configuration to a different second configuration.
A folding apparatus comprising:
- a structural support frame comprising a first frame element, a second frame element, a third frame element, and a fourth frame element, the frame being reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a compact configuration;
- and
- a dynamic hinge pivotally coupling at least the first frame element and the second frame element, the dynamic hinge comprising at least one elastic element engaged in tension between the first frame element and the second frame element when the frame is in its compact configuration, whereby the elastic element at least partially assists in erecting the frame from the compact configuration to the expanded configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.