US20060112486A1 - Transportable play assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Transportable play mats which act as a barrier between the surface of the ground and the child are known. Such devices can provide a clean play area for a child either inside or outside the home. They may also provide a convenient way to gather and transport toys or other play items once play time is concluded.
• Generally, such devices are made of some type of cloth material. One problem associated with the design of such devices is that they typically must be manually spread out by an adult or adolescent of appropriate age in order to maximize the surface area of the play mat. Additionally, the risk of the child tripping or falling in the play area is increased due to folded corners or wrinkles forming when manually spread out. Furthermore, dirt may easily accumulate on the surface of such a play mat if used in an outdoor environment, defeating the purpose of providing a clean play area for the child.
• Other games or play mats known in the art teach that they may be folded and transported once play time is concluded. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,685 B2 (Lish), U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,528 (Goodman, Jr.), and U.S. Pat. No. 2,667,353 (Lanice). These patents, however, exhibit the same problems as outlined above due to the fact that they must be manually spread out.
• In addition to the problems associated with the play mats which must be manually spread out, a separate problem presented by such devices is the inadequacy of their closing mechanisms for quick and efficient storage and transportability. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,541 (Landon); U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,611 (Rosengren). The closing mechanisms of those devices frequently comprise a drawstring cord. The drawstring cord is attached or strung through the periphery of the device leaving some portion of the cord exposed. The exposed portion of the cord, however, presents a danger of the child getting his or her foot caught on it and tripping. Additionally, the devices with the closing mechanism described result in a pouch-like container when in the closed position. Such pouch-like configurations may be undesirable for transportation purposes since they are bulky and cumbersome. Furthermore, such closed configurations cannot conveniently be stored out of sight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• One aspect of the present invention is to provide a play design mat which automatically takes the shape of its peripheral edges and does not have to be manually spread out to achieve the open position. This is accomplished by providing reinforcing flexible frame members substantially around the entire periphery of the panel. Such design eliminates the need for an adult or adolescents of appropriate age to manually spread out the panel and allows the child to do so independently. Additionally, the risk of the child tripping or falling on folded corners or wrinkles formed when the panel is spread out is virtually eliminated because the reinforcing flexible frame members cause the play area to be taut with respect to the frame members. Finally, the design of the present invention is less likely to accumulate dirt and more likely to provide a clean play area as compared to those designs in the prior art because the taut nature of the play area does not present such an opportunity.
• Another aspect of the invention is to provide a play design mat which can act as a storage container that can be easily transported after play time is concluded. This is accomplished by providing two panels which make up the play area and which are positioned such that they can be folded along their line of separation to form a folded closed configuration. Beneficially, the play items, e.g., toy cars, figures, or game pieces, are left on the play mat when folded and do not have to be separately carried or risk getting lost once the play mat is closed and prepared for transportation. Advantageously, a closing mechanism, such as a zipper, seals the two separate panels together when in the folded closed configuration such that the play items cannot fall out. Ease of transportability is accomplished by a recessed handle hold openings on each of the separate panels which may be gripped for easy carrying. Finally, the relatively flat folded closed configuration allows for out of sight storage in narrow areas, such as behind or under furniture.
• Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a play mat of the present invention with indicia and play items and illustrated in the open configuration.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first play panel of the play mat ofFIG. 1 being folded over a second play panel of the play mat to accomplish a closed configuration.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the play mat ofFIG. 1 in a closed configuration with the closing mechanism thereof partially engaged.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a user gripping the handle hold openings of the closed play mat ofFIG. 3 with the play items remaining therebetween in preparation for transportation.
• FIG. 5(a) is an enlarged view taken on circle5(a) ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line5(b)-5(b) ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 6(a) illustrates a first step for further folding of the closed configuration ofFIG. 3 for packaging purposes.
• FIG. 6(b) illustrates a second step for further folding of the closed configuration ofFIG. 3 for packaging purposes.
• FIG. 6(c) illustrates a third step for further folding of the closed configuration ofFIG. 3 for packaging purposes.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the further folded configuration ofFIG. 6(c) accompanied by its packaging.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative play mat of the present invention similar to that ofFIG. 1 with push buttons, sound and light emitting devices, indicia and play items in the open configuration ofFIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• InFIG. 1, the transportableplay design mat100 is illustrated in the open configuration. A first non-continuousflexible frame member104 defines the periphery of afirst play panel120. A second non-continuousflexible frame member108 defines the periphery of asecond play panel124. Eachflexible frame member104 and108 may be made of fiberglass, but other materials such as plastic coated metal may be suitable. Additionally, each of theplay panels120 and124 can be approximately thirty-two to forty inches at its widest location. Although shown in a substantially circular configuration inFIG. 1, other geometric configurations are contemplated by the present invention.
• Continuing to refer toFIG. 1, thefirst play panel120 is diametrically disposed to thesecond play panel124 at thehinge112 such that they define the play area of theplay design mat100. Thehinge112 may be a reinforced sewn stitching or an elongated fabric bead spanning the length of thehinge112; however, thehinge112 can alternatively be completely non-reinforced. Aflexible sheet116 substantially spans the area defined by theflexible frame members104 and108 and defines the surface area of theplay design mat100. Theflexible sheet116 may comprise a vinyl or plastic material; however, it should be appreciated that other materials may be used. Furthermore, theflexible sheet116 is held taut by its peripheral edges wrapped around theflexible frame members104 and108 and subsequently attached to itself by a reinforcing stitch. The taut construction of theplay design panel100 allows for the panel to take on a predefined shape when in the open position and eliminates the need for spreading it out manually.
• FIG. 1 further illustrates afirst opening128 positioned at a location furthest from the center of thehinge112 on thefirst play panel120 defining a handle hold when in the closed transportable storage position (not shown in this figure). Asecond opening132 is similarly positioned on thesecond play panel124 in an equal opposite location to that of thefirst opening128 and similarly defines a handle hold when in the closed transportable storage position (not shown in this figure). Theopenings128 and132 allow for ease of carrying of theplay design panel100 when in the closed transportable storage position.
• Finally,FIG. 1 showsindicia136 forming at least one play path along which a user can move aplay piece140 or144 on theplay design mat100, or alternatively formingindicia136 which may include representations ofhousing148 or a city, town, ocean, construction or similar theme on theflexible sheet116. It should be appreciated that theindicia136 on theplay design mat100 may comprise a game theme or alternatively comprise a gender-specific theme, such as a construction theme for boys or a shopping theme for girls. It should also be appreciated that eachplay panel120 and124 may include individually different play themes independent of one another. Last, forindicia136 representing a game theme, theplay pieces140 or144 will comprise game pieces, such as chess or checker pieces.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, theplay design mat100 is illustrated as it begins to be positioned to the closed transportable storage position (not shown in this figure). Thefirst play panel120 is folded along thehinge112 and begins to overlie thesecond play panel124. Theplay pieces140 or144 remain positioned on theflexible sheet116 during the folding movement as shown byarrow200. Advantageously, theplay pieces140 or144 are therefore able to be transported securely within theplay design mat100 without having to be carried separately and risk getting lost.
• InFIG. 3, the closedtransportable storage position300 of theplay design mat100 is illustrated. Thefirst play panel120 completely overlies thesecond play panel124 which may be folded along thehinge112 to form the closedtransportable storage position300. Aclosing mechanism304 spans the periphery of theclosed storage position300, except along thehinge112. Theclosing mechanism304 may be a zipper, Velcro®, snaps or similar closing mechanism. The closing mechanism beneficially prevents theplay pieces140 or144 enclosed in the closedtransportable storage position300 from falling out. Furthermore, theenclosed play pieces140 or144 may be easily transported in theclosed storage position300.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, theplay design mat100 in atransportable position400 is illustrated. Theopenings128 and132 may be overlaid on top of one another forming ahandle hold402. By gripping thehandle hold402, a user may easily and conveniently transport theplay design panel100 when in the closedtransportable storage position300. Cut-out area404 in theflexible sheet116 illustrates aplay piece140 being transported in thetransportable position400.
• InFIG. 5(a), a cross-sectional view of the hinge area as referenced inFIG. 2 is illustrated. The first non-continuousflexible frame member104 remains approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches from thehinge112 and has acap102 on its end for protective purposes. Similarly, the second non-continuousflexible frame member108 remains approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches from thehinge112, and has acap106 on its end, respectively. As a result, a one to three inch gap is realized between the diametrically disposedflexible frame members104 and108 at the location near thehinge112 where they would otherwise meet.
• InFIG. 5(b), a cross-sectional view of an end corner in the closedtransportable storage position300 as referenced inFIG. 3 is illustrated. As shown in this illustration, the width between theflexible frame member104 and theflexible frame member108 is approximately one to three inches, allowing the present invention to easily be stored out of sight behind furniture as an example.
• FIGS.6(a) through6(c) illustrate a way in which theplay design mat100 may be further folded for packaging purposes, such as by the manufacturer.FIG. 6(a) demonstrates the gripping of the end portions of theplay design mat100 when in the closedtransportable storage position300.FIG. 6(b) demonstrates the two end portions of theplay design mat100 folding toward each to achieve the configuration illustrated inFIG. 6(c). Finally,FIG. 6(c) shows theplay design mat100 in a further folded configuration604(c) which may be desirable, from a manufacturer's perspective, for packaging purposes and, from a retailer's perspective, for taking up less shelf space. It should be noted that a twisting action is not required at any step in order to ultimately achieve the further folded configuration604(c).
• InFIG. 7, the further folded configuration604(c) with its accompanying packaging704(a) and704(b) is illustrated. Because theplay design mat100 may be reduced in size to the further folded configuration604(c), costs in manufacturing packaging expenses may be substantially reduced and less display and/or storage space is needed by the retailer.
• InFIG. 8, an alternative preferred embodiment of theplay design mat100 withpush buttons804 and sound and/orlight emitting elements808 is illustrated. Playitems140 or144 are additionally illustrated in this alternative preferred embodiment.
• From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention includes any combination of the elements from the different species or embodiments disclosed herein, as well as subassemblies, assemblies, and methods thereof. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof.

Claims (21)

1-31. (canceled)

32. A foldable play assembly, comprising:

a flexible sheet;

a first arcuate frame member attached to the flexible sheet, the first arcuate frame member and a first portion of the flexible sheet defining a first panel;

a second arcuate frame member attached to the flexible sheet and diametrically opposed to the first arcuate frame member, the second arcuate frame member and a second portion of the flexible sheet defining a second panel;

the first and second panels being positionable in an open operative position wherein the panels are substantially flat and together form a play surface having play indicia;

at least one play piece positionable by a user on the play surface and relative to the play indicia;

the first and second panels being positionable in an alternative closed storage position wherein the first and second panels are folded and generally overlie one another; and

a closing mechanism adapted to secure the first and second panels in the closed storage position with the at least one play piece positioned therebetween.

33. The assembly ofclaim 32, wherein the flexible sheet is made of vinyl.

34. The assembly ofclaim 32, wherein each of the first and second panels includes an opening at a location most distant from the center of the flexible sheet and inside of the arcuate frame member defining a handle.

35. The assembly ofclaim 32, wherein indicia form at least one of a city, town, ocean and construction on the play surface.

36. The assembly ofclaim 32, further comprising at least one button which activates a light on at least one location on the play surface when pressed.

37. The assembly ofclaim 32, further comprising at least one button which activates a sound on at least one location on the play surface when pressed.

38. The assembly ofclaim 32, wherein indicia forms at least one play path on the play surface along which a user can move the at least one play piece.

39. The assembly ofclaim 32, wherein the closing mechanism is a zipper.

40. A foldable play assembly, comprising:

a first panel and a second panel diametrically disposed to one another and foldable toward each other from an open position forming a substantially flat play surface to a clamshell closed configuration;

the first and second panels each defining an opening which mate with each other with the panels in the closed configuration to define a carrying handle; and

a closing mechanism adapted to span a rounded portion of the clamshell configuration such that the first and second panels are substantially closed to the surrounding environment and play pieces are enclosed therebetween.

41. The assembly ofclaim 40, wherein indicia form at least one of a city, town, ocean and construction on the play surface.

42. The assembly ofclaim 40, further comprising at least one button which activates a light on at least one location on the play surface when pressed by a user.

43. The assembly ofclaim 40, further comprising at least one button which activates a sound on at least one location on the play surface when pressed by a user.

44. The assembly ofclaim 40, further comprising at least one play piece positionable at a desired location on the play surface by a user.

45. The assembly ofclaim 40, wherein indicia forms at least one play path on the play surface along which a user can move the at least one play piece.

46. The assembly ofclaim 40, wherein the assembly is approximately one to three inches thick when in the closed configuration.

47. A method of closing and transporting a transportable play assembly including two panels diametrically disposed to one another such that they form a play surface when in the open position and such that each of the two panels includes an opening defining a handle grip, comprising:

overlaying the first panel over the second panel with the play pieces disposed therebetween such that a closed panel configuration results;

fastening the two panels together to enclose the play items be means of a fastening mechanism; and

transporting the fastened semi-circular panel by grasping a handle grip.

48. The method ofclaim 43, wherein the hand grip is formed by mating openings in the first and second panels and adjacent flexible reinforcing members of the panels.

49. The method ofclaim 43, wherein the fastening includes zipping a zipper.

50. A foldable play assembly, comprising:

a flexible sheet;

a first arcuate frame member attached to the flexible sheet, the first arcuate frame member and a first portion of the flexible sheet defining a first panel;

a second arcuate frame member attached to the flexible sheet and diametrically opposed to the first arcuate frame member, the second arcuate frame member and a second portion of the flexible sheet defining a second panel;

the first and second panels being positionable in an open operative position wherein the panels are substantially flat and together form a play surface having play indicia for movement of at least one play piece thereon;

the first and second panels being positionable in an alternative closed storage position wherein the first and second panels are folded and generally overlie one another and form diametrically opposed corners;

closing means for securing the first and second panels in the closed storage position with the at least one play piece positioned therebetween;

the diametrically opposed corners of the closed storage position adapted to roll inward toward each other forming a further folded configuration; and

packaging adapted to hold and enclose the first and second panels when in the further folded configuration.

51. The assembly ofclaim 50 wherein the packaging is adapted to hold and enclose the play pieces with the panels.

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