U.S. patent application number 11/374355 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for collapsible structure for demonstrating and interacting with large-scale dolls.
Invention is credited to Laura Hughes.
Application Number | 20070224912 11/374355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38534087 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070224912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes; Laura |
September 27, 2007 |
Collapsible structure for demonstrating and interacting with
large-scale dolls
Abstract
The invention relates to a structure for demonstrating and
interacting wherein the structure includes a collapsed position for
long-term storage, a folded or storage position for temporary
storage, and a plurality of expanded positions that are suitable
for displaying or interacting with large-scale dolls. The structure
or dollhouse includes a central support surface or platform. A
hinge connects a lower rear wall to the platform. When removed from
storage, the lower rear wall folds down and to the rear of the
platform. Columns are attached to the bottom of the platform, and
the columns support the platform above a floor. At least one wing
is selectively attached to one of the columns and can rotate about
the connection to the column. The at least one wing rotates from a
position that partially encloses the space beneath the platform to
a second position that creates a simulated room next to the
platform. The at least one wing includes a support surface in-plane
with the platform. The space defined by the platform and wing(s)
simulates rooms in a house. The support surfaces in conjunction
with the platform form the simulated ceiling for each room.
Additional walls create additional simulated rooms within the
simulated house.
Inventors: |
Hughes; Laura; (Glen Allen,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN H. THOMAS, P.C.
536 GRANITE AVENUE
RICHMOND
VA
23226
US
|
Family ID: |
38534087 |
Appl. No.: |
11/374355 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/476 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/52 20060101
A63H003/52 |
Claims
1. A dollhouse having a long-term storage position, a temporary
storage position, and at least one expanded configuration, the doll
house comprising: a central platform having a top, a bottom, first
and second sides, and front and back ends; a rear bottom wall
hinged to the platform and having a first folded position and
second unfolded position, the rear bottom wall unfoldable from a
position parallel to the bottom of the platform to a position
perpendicular to the bottom of the platform, the unfolded rear
bottom wall proximate the back end of the platform and extending
from the bottom of the platform; a plurality of selectively
attached columns supporting the platform above a floor; a first
wing on the first side of the platform, the first wing selectively
hinged to one of the columns in the plurality of columns, the first
wing rotatable about the hinged connection from a storage position
partially enclosing the space beneath the central platform to an
expanded position adjacent the space beneath the central platform;
and wherein the space beneath the platform and the space defined by
the unfolded first wing define two distinct, simulated rooms for
use with large-scale dolls.
2. The dollhouse of claim 1, the first wing further comprising in
the expanded position a first wing rear wall in-plane with the
unfolded rear bottom wall, a first wing sidewall perpendicular to
the first wing rear wall, and a first wing support surface in-plane
with the central platform.
3. The dollhouse of claim 2, further comprising a first support and
second support, the first support selectively mounted to the first
wing sidewall and the second support selectively mounted to the
platform, the first and second support operable to bear the first
wing support surface in-plane with the central platform.
4. The dollhouse of claim 2, the first wing further comprising in
the expanded position a first wing upper rear wall in-plane with
the first wing rear wall, a first wing upper sidewall in-plane with
the first wing sidewall; and wherein the first wing upper sidewall
is hinged to the first wing sidewall and the first wing upper rear
wall is hinged to the first wing upper sidewall.
5. The dollhouse of claim 1, further comprising a second wing on
the second side of the platform, the wing selectively hinged to one
of the columns in the plurality of columns, the second wing
rotatable about the hinged connection from a temporary storage
position partially enclosing the space beneath the central platform
to an expanded position adjacent the space beneath the central
platform; and wherein the space beneath the platform and the space
defined by the unfolded first and second wings define three
distinct, simulated rooms for use with large-scale dolls.
6. The dollhouse of claim 5, wherein the first wing further
comprises in the expanded position a first wing rear wall in-plane
with the unfolded rear bottom wall, a first wing sidewall
perpendicular to the first wing rear wall, and a first wing support
surface in-plane with the central platform.
7. The dollhouse of claim 6, wherein the second wing further
comprises in the expanded position a second wing rear wall in-plane
with the unfolded rear bottom wall, a second wing sidewall
perpendicular to the second wing rear wall, and a second wing
support surface in-plane with the central platform.
8. The dollhouse of claim 7, the first wing further comprising in
the unfolded position a first wing upper rear wall in-plane with
the first wing rear wall, a first wing upper sidewall in-plane with
the first wing sidewall; and wherein the first wing upper sidewall
is hinged to the first wing sidewall and the first wing upper rear
wall is hinged to the first wing upper sidewall.
9. The dollhouse of claim 8, further comprising a rear upper wall
hinged to the platform and having a first folded position and
second expanded position, the rear upper wall unfoldable from a
position parallel to the top of the platform to a position
perpendicular to the platform, wherein the unfolded rear upper wall
is proximate the back end of the platform, is in-plane with the
unfolded rear lower wall, and extends from the top of the
platform.
10. The dollhouse of claim 9, the second wing further comprising in
the expanded position a second wing upper rear wall in-plane with
the second wing rear wall, a second wing upper sidewall in-plane
with the second wing sidewall; and wherein the second wing upper
sidewall is hinged to the second wing upper rear wall, and the
second wing upper rear wall is hinged to the rear upper wall.
11. The dollhouse of claim 1, further comprising an opening in the
platform suitable to pass a doll from a position below the platform
to the top of the platform.
12. The dollhouse of claim 11, further comprising a simulated
stairway selectively mounted to dollhouse, the simulated stairway
aligned from the floor up to the opening in the platform.
13. A dollhouse having a long-term storage position, a temporary
storage position, and at least one expanded configuration, the doll
house comprising: a central platform defining a planar surface; a
rear bottom wall hinged to the platform and having a first folded
position and second unfolded position, the rear bottom wall aligned
perpendicular to the central platform when placed in the unfolded
position; a plurality of selectively attached columns supporting
the platform above a floor; a first wing and a second wing, the
first and second wings each selectively hinged to separate columns
within the plurality of columns, the first and second wings
rotatable about the hinged connection from a storage position
partially enclosing the space beneath the central platform to an
expanded position adjacent the space beneath the central platform
wherein the space beneath the platform and the space defined by the
unfolded first and second wings define three distinct, simulated
rooms, the first and second wings each further comprising in the
expanded position a wing rear wall in-plane with the unfolded rear
bottom wall, a wing sidewall perpendicular to the wing rear walls,
and a wing support surface in-plane with the central platform.
14. The dollhouse of claim 13, the first and second wings each
further comprising in the expanded position a wing upper rear wall
in-plane with the wing rear wall, a wing upper sidewall in-plane
with the wing sidewall; and wherein at least one wing upper
sidewall is hinged to a wing sidewall and the wing upper rear wall
is hinged to a wing upper sidewall.
15. The dollhouse of claim 14, further comprising a rear upper wall
hinged to the platform and having a first folded position and
second unfolded position, the rear upper wall aligned perpendicular
to the central platform when placed in the unfolded position.
16. The dollhouse of claim 15, wherein at least one wing upper
sidewall is hinged to the wing upper rear wall, and the wing upper
rear wall is hinged to the rear upper wall.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for
demonstrating and playing with dolls and, more particularly,
pertains to a collapsible, large-scale dollhouse for use with
large-scale dolls.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Dolls, which are generally considered to be any toy, puppet,
marionette, etc. made to resemble a human being, date back to
practically the earliest recorded history. Dolls have taken many
shapes and have been formed from many materials. Modern assembly
and production techniques allow more lifelike and customizable
dolls than ever before.
[0003] A particularly popular brand of dolls is the American
Girl.TM. brand of dolls and characters. Founded in 1985, American
Girl, LLC publishes books and produces dolls and toys that
integrate learning and play experiences. American Girl dolls are
typically large-scale dolls, such as 18'' tall dolls, that have
interchangeable clothes and integrated storylines. In fact,
American Girl, LLC has been so successful that Mattel, an even
larger and more successful toy company, acquired it in 1998.
[0004] Relatively large-scale dolls have, at times, been extremely
popular, including large-scale porcelain dolls. One consistent
problem with these dolls is the inability to enjoy or display them
with a corresponding dollhouse, as the resulting structure requires
excessive space. Typically, dollhouses use small-scale components
and accessories. Yet, a doll aficionado might build a large
collection of relatively large-scale dolls. Historically, these
dolls end up being displayed in a cabinet or placed in storage. The
same applies for other types of animal or humanoid-based toys, such
as stuffed bears.
[0005] There have been attempts to produce knockdown and folding
dollhouses for commercial sale and exploitation. By-and-large,
these efforts have been unsuccessful, as the resulting structures
have required too much assembly, were not aesthetically pleasing,
did not provide multiple rooms to simulate a house, or were
undesirable to consumers in some other manner. It is thought that a
structure that provides both long-term and temporary storage
configurations would be preferred. In particular, doll owners want
a larger scale structure that is easy to deploy from a temporary
storage position. Near instant gratification is an important aspect
for such a structure. Doll owners have not had a suitably large,
simulated environment in which to interact with their dolls.
[0006] Therefore, there exists a need and a challenge to create a
structure for demonstrating and interacting with relatively
large-scale dolls. Ideally, the dollhouse would be highly
collapsible for long-term storage. The structure would also include
an intermediary storage position wherein it would require less
space than it would if it were fully expanded. The intermediary or
folded position would facilitate an easy and quick expansion
process to a fully expanded position(s). The fully expanded
position could consist of any of a number of configurations wherein
the structure would simulate a plurality of rooms in a house. The
structure would also preferably be durable, easy to operate, and
would provide a new dollhouse and display structure. The structure
of the present invention solves one or more of these or other
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a structure for
demonstrating and interacting with relatively large-scale dolls is
provided. The structure includes a collapsed position for long-term
storage, a folded or intermediary position for temporary storage,
and a plurality of expanded configurations that are suitable for
displaying or interacting with large-scale dolls. The long-term
position provides a semi-flattened position to facilitate storage
and minimize the amount of storage space consumed. The temporary
storage or folded position reduces the footprint of the structure.
In one preferred embodiment, the dollhouse of the present invention
is folded to substantially form a cube. One or more expanded
positions are obtained by folding components of the dollhouse out
of the temporary storage position.
[0008] The structure of the present invention, in the broadest
terms, includes a central support surface or platform. A hinge
connects a lower rear wall to the platform. When removed from
storage, the lower rear wall folds down and to the rear of the
platform. A plurality of legs or columns are attached to the bottom
of the platform, and the columns support the platform above a
floor. A first wing is selectively attached to one of the rear
columns via one or more hinges. The first wing swings from a
position that partially encloses the space beneath the platform to
a second position that creates a simulated room next to the
platform. A second, optional wing can be attached to a rear column
on the opposing side of the platform. Either wing would include a
support surface in-plane with the platform. The space defined by
the platform, the first wing, and the optional second wing
simulates rooms in a house. The support surfaces in conjunction
with the platform form the simulated ceiling for each room.
[0009] In one preferred embodiment, the dollhouse includes optional
"upstairs" rooms. Upper side and rear walls above the wing or
wings' support surface(s) would enclose a space to create more
simulated rooms in the house. The central unit/platform would
feature an upper rear wall connected by a hinge to the platform.
The upper rear wall swings up and to the rear of the platform.
Also, an optional opening in the platform could be used in
conjunction with a simulated stairway or ladder in order to pass
dolls from the "downstairs" rooms to the "upstairs" rooms.
[0010] In use, the structure or dollhouse is placed in a long-term
storage position by removing and disassembling the wing(s),
disconnecting the columns, and folding the lower rear wall and
optional upper rear wall towards the platform. The resulting
package is relatively flat in order to facilitate long-term
storage, such as placing the collapsed dollhouse under a bed. To
assemble the dollhouse, a user folds the lower rear wall away from
the platform and then connects the columns. The space under the
platform defines one room. The wing(s) are assembled by connecting
a wing sidewall to a wing rear wall at a 90 degree corner. The rear
wall(s) are connected by hinges to one of the columns supporting
the platform.
[0011] In a folded or temporary storage position, the dollhouse
presents a reduced footprint. In a preferred embodiment, the folded
dollhouse is substantially shaped as a cube. The wing(s) partially
enclose the space beneath the platform. To expand the structure,
the wing(s) rotate about the hinges until the rear walls are
in-plane with the lower rear wall that is connected to the
platform. A wing support surface is connected by at least one hinge
to the wing rear wall. The support surface rotates from a position
behind the wing rear wall to a position in-plane with the platform.
Selectively mounted supports are operable to maintain the support
surfaces in-plane with the platform.
[0012] The optional upper walls are also secured to a wing or the
optional upper rear wall via hinges. A number of configurations or
constructions would be suitable, but ideally the hinge assembly
minimizes or reduces the overall size of the structure when it is
placed in the temporary storage position (i.e., at least one wing
is attached to a column that supports the platform wherein the at
least one wing is rotated on a hinge to partially enclose the space
beneath the platform). The novel hinge arrangements of the present
invention, in one preferred embodiment, are assembled so that one
wing would include two panels hinged to the outside of the wing's
sidewall. Once unfolded, the panels swing up so that one panel is
in-plane with the wing's sidewall. The second panel is hinged to
this upper sidewall. The second panel swings back to a position
in-plane with the wing's rear wall. The second panel acts as an
upper rear wall.
[0013] The upper panels for the second wing, in this embodiment,
deploy via a different hinge assembly. The optional upper rear wall
would be included, and the upper rear wall swings up and to the
rear of the platform to a position in-plane with the unfolded lower
rear wall. Two panels are connected by a hinge to the back of the
upper rear wall. The panels swing to a position above the second
wing wherein one panel is in-plane with the lower rear wall of the
second wing. The second panel is hinged to swing outwards to a
position in-plane with the second wing's sidewall. Thus, the two
panels form upper rear and sidewalls for the second wing. Unsecured
panels can be propped on the upper surface of the platform to
create an enclosed room in conjunction with the upper rear wall.
Variations on the various locations of the hinges and structure of
the dollhouse as taught herein would be obvious to one of skill in
the art.
[0014] A structure for displaying and interacting with dolls in
accordance with the present invention efficiently address at least
one of the shortcomings associated with prior art dollhouses. The
foregoing and additional features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art from
the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dollhouse structure in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dollhouse in a temporary
storage position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a back view thereof;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dollhouse in an expanded
configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rotatable support surface
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the dollhouse wherein two
wings have been unfolded into an expanded configuration in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dollhouse depicting
three simulated rooms;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view of the dollhouse of the present
invention with three simulated rooms for large-scale dolls wherein
optional upper walls are secured to a wing forming the
dollhouse;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of a collapsible dollhouse in a
partially expanded configuration in accordance one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an additional top view thereof wherein an upper
rear wall is unfolded and optional upper walls are secured to the
upper rear wall;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an additional top view thereof;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top view of collapsible dollhouse in an
expended configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a top view of a structure for demonstrating and
interacting with dolls wherein the structure has been placed in a
temporary storage position;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a close-up of a reversible hinge assembly as used
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is rear view of one wall used in the structure of
the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 16 is a side view of a central platform with hinged
panels in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] A structure or dollhouse used to display and interact with
large-scale dolls in accordance with the present invention provides
a durable, easy to operate, and selectively expandable and
collapsible doll accessory. The dollhouse provides two or more
simulated rooms that can be collapsed to a temporary storage
position and further disassembled to a long-term storage
configuration. The ease and convenience of storing, assembling,
and/or expanding the dollhouse offers a distinct advantage over
prior art knockdown dollhouses. The dollhouse solves one or more of
the shortcomings known in the prior art.
[0032] Turning to FIGS. 1-13, there is illustrated a dollhouse 10
from multiple angles that is in accordance with at least embodiment
of the present invention. With specific reference to the structure
of FIG. 1, the dollhouse is illustrated with optional structural
and decorative features in a fully expanded configuration. The
central assembly consists of a platform-like member 12. Platform 12
is rectilinear with a top surface, bottom surface, two sides, and
front and back ends (not labeled). A plurality of columns 14 is
selectively secured to platform 12 in order to support the platform
off of the floor. A lower rear wall 16 is connected to the rear of
platform 12 by a hinge. Lower rear wall 16 moves to a deployed or
unfolded position by swinging down and to the rear of platform 12
via the hinge. Lower rear wall 16 is represented in the unfolded
position in FIG. 1. The lower rear wall may include an optional
door 18, which increases the illusion of a simulated house.
[0033] The structure or dollhouse is sized and dimensioned for use
with larger size dolls. However, it is envisioned that the
dimensions could be reduced or expanded, as desired. For instance,
it is possible that the door and/or structure could be sized and
dimensioned for use of the contemplated structure as a play space
to be occupied by a user.
[0034] Regardless of the scale of the structure, the space under
the platform defines a first simulated room. Optional molding
(illustrated but not labeled) or other aesthetic features may be
included. Platform 12 may also include an optional opening 20 sized
and dimensioned to allow a large-scale doll to pass from the bottom
of the platform through the plane to the upper surface of the
platform. It is envisioned that a simulated stairway or ladder (not
illustrated) could be selectively mounted to one or more of the
columns or the platform. A first end of the stairway or ladder
would terminate at the floor while the second end would terminate
at the opening 20.
[0035] Dollhouse 10 will include one or more wings 22. Each wing 22
includes a wing rear wall 24, a wing sidewall 26 and a wing support
surface 28. The wing rear walls and wing sidewalls are joined at a
90 degree corner. The wing support surface is hinged to the top
side to the rear walls. The support surface rotates about the hinge
from a position flush with the rear wall to a planar position
perpendicular to the plane of both the wing rear wall and wing
sidewall. Rear walls 24 and sidewalls 26 optionally include
simulated windows.
[0036] The wing rear walls are connected via one or more hinges to
a column 14. In one preferred embodiment, four columns 14 are
secured to platform 12 at each of the four corners of the platform.
Therefore, two columns support the platform at the intersection of
the front of the platform and the two sides. Two more columns
support the platform at the intersection of the back of the
platform and the two sides. The hinges that selectively secure
wings 22 to the columns are located on the opposing rear columns.
As will be discussed further below, the hinges allow the wings to
fold towards platform 12. The space under the platform is at least
partially enclosed when one or more of the wings are in this folded
or temporary storage position.
[0037] Also illustrated in this embodiment of dollhouse 10 is an
upper rear wall 30. Upper rear wall 30 is connected to the rear of
platform 12 by a hinge. The upper rear wall swings from the top
surface of the platform upwards and towards the rear of the
platform. Upper rear wall 30 and lower rear wall 16 are in-plane.
Decorative windows, molding, or other features could be included on
the upper rear wall. Overall, upper rear wall 30 simulates a
pitched roof in order to increase the illusion of a simulated
house. The upper rear wall may be included with or without the
optional "upstairs" walls, as discussed immediately below.
[0038] Dollhouse 10 further includes upper wing rear walls 32 and
upper wing sidewalls 34 that define a space above the wing support
surfaces 28. Like the wing rear walls 24 and wing sidewalls 26, the
upper wing walls 32, 34 may include decorative touches such as
simulated windows. Moreover, the upper wing rear and sidewalls 32,
34 are selectively secured to the dollhouse assembly via hinged
connections that allow the upper wing walls 32, 34 to be placed in
a storage position and the illustrated expanded positions. Upper
wing sidewalls 34 may also include a simulated pitch without
hindering the ability to fold the dollhouse to a folded position,
such as a cube-shaped folded position.
[0039] Optional, self-supporting panels 36, 38 are propped in front
of the upper rear wall to create an enclosed room on the upper
surface of the platform. Panel 36 includes three folding sections,
one of which is a simulated door. Panel 38 has two sections that
rotate about a 90 degree hinge. Self-supporting panels are removed
and folded flat when dollhouse 10 is placed in long-term or
temporary storage. Once panels 36, 38 are removed, upper rear wall
30 folds down onto the upper surface of platform 12, and folded
self-supporting panels 36, 38 can be placed on top of the folded
upper rear wall or stored separately.
[0040] Self-supporting panels 36, 38 are, in one preferred
embodiment, one-third the height of upper rear wall 30 and 1/2 the
height of wing upper rear walls 32. As will be explained further
below, this facilitates the placement of the self-supporting panels
onto the folded upper rear wall 30. The reduced height walls also
facilitate the user's ability to peer into the room created by the
self-supporting panels.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment where two wings are
attached to the structure and each wing is framed by upper wing
walls. Including the simulated, ceiling-less room created by panels
36, 38 and upper rear wall 30, this embodiment includes a total of
six simulated rooms. However, dollhouse 10 provides a number of
different expanded configurations since various parts can be
removed and/or are optional. For instance, one simple expanded
configuration would include a room defined by the space under the
platform and a second room defined by a single wing to either side
of platform 12. This basic configuration could optionally include
the upper wing walls, the upper rear wall, and the self-supporting
panels. Despite the various configurations, the structure still
retains the ability to fold to a position with a reduced footprint,
such as a cube-shaped folded structure wherein the wings partially
enclose the space beneath the platform. Other folded shapes are
possible.
[0042] Having considered the expanded dollhouse 10 of FIG. 1, a
dollhouse 10 in a temporary storage position is illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3. The dollhouse roughly defines a cube. The
illustrated embodiment includes wings 22 wherein both wings have
been rotated about the respective hinges so that the space beneath
platform 12 is enclosed by, or is at least partially enclosed, by
L-shaped wings 22. Although illustrated slightly out of alignment,
the wings fold in such a manner that the now opposing wing rear
walls 24 are parallel to each other and the now adjacent wing
sidewalls 26 are parallel to each other. Corner brackets 42, hidden
cams, or other fasteners connect the sidewall and rear wall for
each wing at a rigid 90 degree angle. Wing support surfaces 28 are
flush with each wing rear wall 24. Hinges (illustrated but not
labeled) allow wing support surfaces 28 to rotate to a position
atop the corresponding wing rear wall 24 and wing sidewall 26 when
the wing is placed in the expanded position.
[0043] As illustrated in the rear perspective of FIG. 3, lower rear
wall 16 is unfolded so that it is perpendicular to, and extending
downwards from, platform 12. Wing rear walls 24 are hinged to
columns 14. The edge of the wing rear wall 24 abuts lower rear wall
16. The edges are mitered and, from this perspective, the hinges
connecting the wings to the column are not visible.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a dollhouse in accordance with the
present invention wherein the dollhouse includes two wings, one of
which is a semi-expanded position. The second remains in the folded
or temporary storage position. For clarity, the elements are
renumbered to distinguish the first/left-side wing elements from
the second/right-side wing elements. First wing 50 is rotated about
the hinged connection to the column so that rear wall 54 is
in-plane with lower rear wall 16. First wing sidewall 56 is
parallel to the left edge of platform 12. The three-sided space
defines a room. First wing support surface 58 is in the folded
position and is, therefore, behind rear wall 54.
[0045] In FIG. 5, two supports 70 are selectively installed via a
bayonet or other locking or mounting mechanism. The supports mount
to sidewall 56 and platform 12. First wing support surface 58 is
rotated about the hinges connecting the support surface to the
first wing rear wall 54 to a position resting upon supports 70.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates first wing 50 in an expanded position
with first wing support surface 58 in plane with platform 12.
Second wing 60 is unfolded to a semi-expanded position. Second wing
rear wall 64 is in-plane with lower rear wall 16. Second wing
sidewall 66 is parallel to the right side of platform 12. Supports
70 are installed for both wings. FIG. 7 illustrates both wings in
an expanded position so that wing support surfaces 58, 68 are
in-plane platform 12.
[0047] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate one preferred embodiment for the
optional upper walls. Looking at the front of dollhouse 10, as in
FIG. 8, upper rear wall 30 is illustrated in the folded position
wherein it is parallel to, and in contact with, the top surface of
platform 12. The illustrated embodiment includes two wings 50, 60.
Except for upper rear wall 30, the upper wall elements are
renumbered from the earlier figures in order to distinguish
left/first wing upper wall elements from the right/second wing
upper wall elements. The first and second wing upper wall elements
deploy through distinct hinge assemblies. However, it is understood
that the assemblies can are interchangeable so long as the
assemblies allow dollhouse 10 to fold to the temporary storage
position.
[0048] In greater detail, the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8
illustrates a dollhouse 10 with two wings 50, 60. Dollhouse 10
further includes first wing upper rear wall 74 and first wing upper
sidewall 76. First wing upper sidewall 76 is connected by a hinge
(illustrated but not labeled) to first wing sidewall 56. First wing
rear wall 74 is connected by a hinge to first wing upper sidewall
76. The first wing upper walls 74, 76 first move between a folded
position, wherein the upper walls are parallel and adjacent to the
first wing sidewall 56, to a semi-expanded position wherein upper
sidewall 76 is in-plane with sidewall 56. First wing upper sidewall
76 initially remains in plane with first wing upper rear wall
74.
[0049] Second wing upper rear wall 84 is connected by a hinge to
upper rear wall 30. Second wing upper sidewall 86 is connected by a
hinge to second wing upper rear wall 84. As mentioned above, upper
rear wall 30 is folded down to platform 12. Therefore, from a
perspective directly in front of dollhouse 10, the upper rear wall
and second wing upper wall elements form a stack of three planar
members on top of platform 12.
[0050] Examining the top down view of FIG. 9, the hinge connecting
the first wing upper walls can be observed. First wing upper wall
74 swings towards platform and to the rear of first wing support
surface 58. Second wing upper sidewall 86 rests atop upper rear
wall 30.
[0051] Rear upper wall 30 is then expanded or unfolded to a
vertical position perpendicular to, and extending upwards from,
platform 12. This position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, also
positions second wing upper rear wall 84 and sidewall 86 for
deployment. The upper wall elements for the second wing are
expanded by first rotating second wing upper rear wall 84 about the
hinge connecting it to upper rear wall 30. This positions second
wing upper rear wall 84 in plane with upper rear wall 30 (see FIG.
11). Second wing upper sidewall 86 is positioned over second wing
support surface 68. Then, the user rotates second wing upper
sidewall 86 to a position perpendicular to the back wall 84.
[0052] The self-supporting panels discussed in connection with FIG.
1 can be added to the platform to create a total of six rooms. The
dollhouse with six simulated rooms is still foldable to an
intermediary or temporary storage position, as illustrated in the
top-down view of FIG. 13. The overall shape of the temporary
storage positions is cubical.
[0053] In greater detail, as illustrated in FIG. 13, wing 60 is
folded so as to at least partially enclose the space underneath the
platform. In other words, second wing rear wall 64 is flush against
the left side of the platform and the second wing sidewall 66 is
flush against the front edge of the platform. Wing 50 is also
folded towards the platform but first wing rear wall 54 extends
past the edge of second wing sidewall 66. Therefore, the sidewall
of wing 50 overlaps the sidewall of wing 60 when folded. The first
wing upper walls 74, 76 are on the outside of first wing sidewall
56. Finally, the self-supporting panels 36, 38 are placed atop the
platform and the folded upper rear wall. In an embodiment where the
upper sidewalls are 2/3 the height of the upper rear wall and the
self-supporting panels are 1/2 the height of the sidewalls then the
folded second wing upper walls and self-supporting panels can be
adjacently placed atop the folded upper rear sidewall. Thus, second
wing upper sidewall 86 is also visible in this folded position.
[0054] FIG. 14 simply illustrates a reverse hinge, such as the
hinge used to rotate the wing support surfaces to a position atop
the wings. The hinge allows for a 270 degree rotation. FIGS. 15 and
16 further illustrate the assembly of platform 12 relative to the
upper rear wall 30 and lower rear wall 16.
[0055] The dollhouse has an additional position in addition to the
temporary/folded storage position and expanded configurations. A
long-term storage position is desirable as a user may wish to store
the dollhouse for an extended period in a relatively small space.
If upper rear and sidewalls are included, they are folded into the
temporary storage position. If the self-supported panels are
included, they are removed and folded. The long-term storage
position is then obtained by disconnecting the wings from the
corresponding columns. The rear and sidewall of each wing would
typically be disconnected. The columns are disconnected from the
platform. Upper and lower rear walls fold to a position against the
upper and lower surfaces of the platform (see FIG. 16--optional
upper walls not illustrated). The optional self-supporting panels
can be placed atop the folded upper rear wall. The structure is
therefore relatively flat and ready for storage. This is a
preferred collapsed position, but it is envisioned that additional
disassembly could occur. Once disassembled and collapsed to the
user's satisfaction, all the components can be stored in a
relatively flat or small storage location.
[0056] The dollhouse can be assembled from many types of materials.
Suitable hinges and fasteners can be used and would be obvious to
one of skill in the art. Typically, the edges of the different
components would be mitered (45 degree) edges, where appropriate,
in order to better fit the components together or for general
aesthetic concern. The Figures illustrate the dollhouse with the
envisioned mitered corners and edges. However, the specific
assembly techniques may vary.
[0057] Thus, while the invention has been described with reference
to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that
numerous variations, modifications and additional embodiments are
possible, and all such variations, modifications, and embodiments
are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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