U.S. patent application number 09/809821 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-19 for multi-layered foldable playboard and method for packaging same.
Invention is credited to Brandt, Steven, Lenehan, Mary, Snow, Valerie, To, David.
Application Number | 20020132552 09/809821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25202294 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020132552 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
To, David ; et al. |
September 19, 2002 |
Multi-layered foldable playboard and method for packaging same
Abstract
A method for packaging a playboard is disclosed. The method
includes providing a playboard, a figurine, instructions, a
packaging label, and a transparent container. The playboard is
folded along a gap region between first and second substantially
planar backing members so that the first and second substantially
planar backing members lay substantially flat against one another
in mating relationship. The transparent container has a sealed
periphery forming a containment chamber. The containment chamber is
divided into a display window and a pocket. The display window is
adapted for receiving the packaging label and includes a handle for
carrying the transparent container. The pocket is adapted for
receiving the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions
and has a flap portion for removably securing the folded playboard,
the figurine, and the instructions within the pocket.
Inventors: |
To, David; (Vernon Hills,
IL) ; Snow, Valerie; (Chicago, IL) ; Brandt,
Steven; (Chicago, IL) ; Lenehan, Mary;
(Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Peter M. Klobuchar
Wallenstein & Wagner, Ltd.
311 South Wacker Drive, 53rd Floor
Chicago
IL
60606-6630
US
|
Family ID: |
25202294 |
Appl. No.: |
09/809821 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/42 20130101;
A63H 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/98 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of packaging a playboard comprising the steps of:
providing a playboard including first and second substantially
planar backing members, each backing member having an upper
surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge, a portion of the
peripheral edge of the first backing member adjacent and spaced
from a corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the second
backing member such that a gap region is formed between the first
and second backing members, the playboard further including a first
laminate fixed to the upper surface of each backing member and
spanning the gap region between the backing members, a second
laminate fixed to the lower surface of each backing member and also
spanning the gap region between the backing members, the first and
second laminates fixed to one another in the gap region, and a
third laminate of a first cloth material fixed to the first
laminate and substantially covering an area defined by the upper
surfaces of the backing members and the gap region; folding the
playboard along the gap region between the first and second
substantially planar backing members wherein the first and second
substantially planar backing members lay substantially flat against
one another in mating relationship; providing a figurine of a
second cloth material; providing instructions for use of the
playboard and the figurine; providing a packaging label; providing
a transparent container, the transparent container having a sealed
periphery forming a containment chamber, the containment chamber
divided into a display window and a pocket, the display window
adapted for receiving the packaging label and including a handle,
and the pocket adapted for receiving the folded playboard, the
figurine, and the instructions and having a flap portion for
removably securing the folded playboard, the figurine, and the
instructions within the pocket; inserting and sealing the packaging
label within the display window; and inserting the folded
playboard, the figurine, and the instructions within the
pocket.
2. A playboard comprising: a pair of backing members, each backing
member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral
edge, a portion of the peripheral edge of the first backing member
adjacent and spaced from a corresponding portion of the peripheral
edge of the second backing member such that a gap region is formed
between the first and second backing members; a first laminate
fixed to the upper surface of each backing member and spanning the
gap region between the backing members; a second laminate fixed to
the lower surface of each backing member and spanning the gap
region between the backing members wherein the first and second
laminates are fixed to one another in the gap region such that a
pair of score lines are formed along the adjacent portions of the
peripheral edges of the first and second backing members; a third
laminate of a first cloth material fixed to and substantially
covering an area defined by the upper surfaces of the backing
members and the gap region; a substantially planar playboard
surface formed by the third laminate, the substantially planar
playboard surface being inwardly foldable toward the gap region
along the pair of score lines wherein the first and second backing
members lay atop one another in mating relationship; and a figure
produced from a second cloth material identical to the first cloth
material wherein the figure adheres to the substantially planar
playboard without the use of an additional bonding agent.
3. A playboard comprising: a first backing member adjacent to and
in spaced relationship with a second backing member, each backing
member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral
edge, the first backing member and second backing member in spaced
relationship wherein a gap region is formed between corresponding
portions of the peripheral edges; a membrane fixed to the backing
members and spanning the gap region; and a cloth laminate at least
partially covering a region defined by the upper surfaces of the
first and second backing members and the gap region wherein the
first and second backing members are foldable along the gap portion
such that the first and second backing members lay flat against one
another.
4. The playboard of claim 3 wherein the membrane comprises a first
laminate fixed to the upper surfaces of the first and second
backing members.
5. The playboard of claim 4 wherein the membrane further comprises
a second laminate fixed to the lower surfaces of the first and
second backing members.
6. The playboard of claim 5 wherein the first laminate and the
second laminate are joined in the gap region.
7. The playboard of claim 6 wherein the first laminate and the
second laminate are joined such that a first score line is created
along a portion of the peripheral edge of the first backing
member.
8. The playboard of claim 7 wherein the first laminate and the
second laminate are joined such that a second score line is created
along a portion of the peripheral edge of the second backing member
wherein the first backing member is inwardly foldable along the
first score line and the second backing member is inwardly foldable
along the second score line such that the first and second backing
members lay flat against one another.
9. The playboard of claim 8 wherein the score lines are located
adjacent the upper surfaces of the backing members.
10. The playboard of claim 9 further comprising a figure of a cloth
material, the figure adhering to the cloth laminate.
11. The playboard of claim 10 wherein the figurine adheres to the
cloth laminate without the use of a chemical adhesive.
12. A method of packaging the playboard of claim 3 comprising the
steps of: folding the playboard along the gap region between the
pair of backing members wherein the pair of backing members lay
substantially flat against one another in mating relationship;
providing a transparent container, the transparent container having
a sealed periphery forming a containment chamber, the containment
chamber including a pocket adapted for receiving the folded
playboard; and inserting the folded playboard within the
pocket.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:
providing a figurine cut from a cloth material; and inserting the
figurine within the pocket.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of:
providing instructions for use of the playboard and figurine; and
inserting the instructions within the pocket.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of:
providing the containment chamber with a display window separate
from the pocket.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:
providing a packaging label; inserting the packaging label within
the display window; and sealing the packaging label within the
display window.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of:
providing the display window with a handle.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the handle comprises an aperture
passing through the display window.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a children's
laminated playboard, and more particularly, to a foldable,
laminated playboard and a method for packaging the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fiber covered playboards have been available for a number of
years. The playboards typically consist of a cardboard backing
having a layer of felt adhered to an upper surface. Felt figures
are provided with the playboard and adhere to the felt layer of the
playboard. The felt figures may be placed in any number of
arrangements on the felt covered backing.
[0003] One drawback of commercially available felt covered
playboards is their awkward size and packaging. Because it is
desirable to have a large, flat play surface, the backing is
typically provided in a unibody construction which does not fold. A
fold in the center of the playboard would prevent the felt figures
from laying flat on the surface of the playboard. Moreover, when
the figures do not lay flat against the playboard, they do not
adhere to the felt layer of the playboard as well as when the felt
surface is flat. Therefore, there is a need for an improved
playboard of this type and an improved method of packaging the
same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a foldable playboard
and a method for packaging the same. The playboard comprises a pair
of generally planar backing members. The backing members include
corresponding upper surfaces, lower surfaces, and peripheral
edges.
[0005] The backing members are positioned side-by-side so that
corresponding similar portions of the peripheral edges are adjacent
to each other. The corresponding similar portions of the peripheral
edges are spaced so that a gap region is formed between the backing
members. A flexible membrane is fixed to the backing members and
spans the gap region. The flexible membrane allows the playboard to
be inwardly foldable along the corresponding similar portions of
the peripheral edges so that the backing members lay atop one
another in mating relationship.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1a is a front perspective of the packaging of the
present invention;
[0007] FIG. 1b is a rear perspective of the packaging of the
present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a folded playboard of
the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the playboard;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a back view of the playboard; and
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the unfolded
playboard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiment illustrated.
[0013] The present invention is directed to a novel children's
playboard and a method of packaging the same. The package 10 of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The package 10 of FIGS.
1a and 1b allows a relatively large playboard 12 to be packaged in
a container 14 that is a fraction of the length and/or width of the
playboard 12 while maintaining the advantages of a typical unibody
playboard. The packaging also allows its contents to be visible to
a prospective purchaser.
[0014] The container 14 is generally produced from a polymeric
material such that the contents of the container 14 are visible.
The container may be tinted with a color to provide a pleasing
appearance to the eye, or the container 14 can be colorless.
Regardless, the container 14 is transparent so that the contents
can be examined by prospective purchasers.
[0015] The container 14 has a sealed periphery 16. The sealed
periphery 16 forms a containment chamber 18 which is divided into a
display window 20 and a pocket 22. The display window 20 is adapted
for receiving a packaging label 26. The packaging label 26 is
sealed within the display window 20 along a lower portion of the
display window 20 so that the packaging label 26 is fixed within
the display window 20 and cannot shift or be removed prior to
sale.
[0016] The display window 20 also includes a handle 28 for
transporting the container 14 or for hanging the container 14 on a
display. The handle 28 is generally an aperture in the display
window 20 but could just as easily be a loop member attached to the
container 14 or take any other form that is suitable for
transporting or displaying the container 14.
[0017] The pocket 22 is adapted for receiving numerous articles,
namely the playboard 12, a plurality of figurines 32, and written
instructions 34 for using the playboard 12 and the figurines 32.
The pocket 22 includes a flap portion 36 for removably securing the
playboard 30, the figurines 32, and the instructions 34 within the
pocket 22. The flap portion 36 includes some means for retaining
the flap portion 36 in a closed position. In the embodiment
illustrated such means is a snap/receiver combination 38; however,
a retaining loop can also be provided, as can a button, a hook and
loop fastener, a magnetic couple, a chemical adhesive, a zipper, or
virtually any fastening means.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the playboard 12 of the
present invention is illustrated. The playboard 12 comprises a pair
of generally planar backing members 40a, 40b. The backing members
40a, 40b are generally similar and produced from any rigid material
such as a rigid polymer, cardboard, or the like. The backing
members 40a, 40b include corresponding upper surfaces 42, lower
surfaces 44, and peripheral edges 46.
[0019] The backing members 40a, 40b are positioned side-by-side so
that corresponding similar portions of the peripheral edges 50 are
adjacent to each other. The corresponding similar portions of the
peripheral edges 50 are spaced so that a gap region 52 is formed
between the backing members 40a, 40b. The gap region 52 has a width
that is slightly wider than the total thickness of the backing
members 40a, 40b. The reason for this gap region 52 width will
become clear upon further description.
[0020] A flexible membrane 54 is fixed to the backing members 40a,
40b and spans the gap region 52. The membrane 54 is formed by a
first laminate 56 in cooperation with a second laminate 58. The
first laminate 56 is fixed to the upper surfaces 42 of the backing
members 40a, 40b and spans the gap region 52. The second laminate
58 is fixed to the lower surfaces 44 of the backing members 40a,
40b and spans the gap region 52.
[0021] The first and second laminates 56, 58 are joined to one
another in the gap region 52 such that a pair of score lines 60a,
60b are created along the corresponding similar portions of the
peripheral edges 50. The score lines 60a, 60b are created as the
second laminate 58 is slightly longer than the first laminate 56 in
the gap region 52. Thus, the score lines 60a, 60b are located along
the corresponding similar portions of the peripheral edges 50 and
near the upper surfaces 42 of the backing members 40a, 40b.
[0022] A third laminate or cloth laminate 62 of a first cloth
material is fixed to an outer surface of the first laminate 56.
This first cloth material is generally felt. The cloth laminate 62
covers an area defined by the upper surfaces 42 of the backing
members 40a, 40b and the gap region 52.
[0023] The cloth laminate 62 forms a substantially planar playboard
surface 64. The substantially planar playboard surface 64 is
inwardly foldable along the pair of score lines 60a, 60b so that
the corresponding similar portions of the peripheral edges 50 move
inwardly toward the gap region 52. The combination of the width of
the gap region 52 and the position of the score lines 60a, 60b
allows the backing members 40a, 40b to lay atop one another in
mating relationship when the substantially planar playboard 64 is
folded. This same combination allows the substantially planar
playboard surface 64 to remain relatively flat and minimizes or
eliminates bulging or ribbing of the cloth material in the gap
region 52 when the playboard 12 is unfolded.
[0024] The figurines 32 are generally produced from a second cloth
material that is identical to the material used to produce the
cloth laminate 62. Typically, the second cloth material is felt.
Felt is chosen because the felt figurines 32 have a tendency to
adhere to the felt laminate 62 without the use of an additional
adhesive or bonding agent. The figurines 32 may include animals,
humans, or any object such as clothing, umbrellas, purses, etc.
[0025] The method of packaging of the playboard 12 of the present
invention includes providing the playboard 12, the figurines 32,
and the written instructions 34, the packaging label 26, and the
transparent container 14. The playboard 12 is folded along the
score lines 60a, 60b between the backing members 40a, 40b so that
the backing members lay substantially flat against one another in
mating relationship. The packaging label 26 is inserted and sealed
within the display window 20. Finally, the folded playboard 12, the
figurine 32, and the instructions 34 are inserted within the pocket
22 of the container 14. The playboard 12, the figurines 32, and the
instructions 34 are visible through the transparent container
14.
[0026] While a specific embodiment has been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications are possible without departing
from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is
only limited by the scope of the accompanying claim.
* * * * *