U.S. patent application number 13/621980 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for panel for constructing a child's playhouse and a child's playhouse incorporating the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Norio Saneshige. Invention is credited to Norio Saneshige.
Application Number | 20130072086 13/621980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47881088 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130072086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saneshige; Norio |
March 21, 2013 |
PANEL FOR CONSTRUCTING A CHILD'S PLAYHOUSE AND A CHILD'S PLAYHOUSE
INCORPORATING THE SAME
Abstract
A panel and method for constructing a child's playhouse. Each
panel defines a pair of spaced apart slits in the top and bottom
sides thereof. Panels are interlocked by positioning one panel
vertically above another and at an angle relative thereto. The top
panel is moved downwardly so that a slit in the bottom side of the
top panel enters a slit in the top side of the bottom panel. Some
panels include apertures which form windows and doors. Panels are
rearranged to form differently configured playhouses. Individual
playhouses connect to each other to form modular playhouses. A kit
includes a blank of full-sized panels and a blank of miniaturized
panels. The miniaturized panels are used to plan and build a
miniaturized playhouse and the pattern of that playhouse is
followed in the building of the full-sized playhouse.
Inventors: |
Saneshige; Norio; (North
Canton, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Saneshige; Norio |
North Canton |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47881088 |
Appl. No.: |
13/621980 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61536111 |
Sep 19, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/478 ;
52/588.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/478 ;
52/588.1 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38 |
Claims
1. A panel for use in a modular playhouse, said panel including: a
front surface; a back surface; a top side extending between the
front and back surfaces; a bottom side extending between the front
and back surfaces and opposite the top side; a left end extending
between the top and bottom sides; a right end extending between the
top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a first slit
defined in the top side of the panel, wherein the first slit
extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between the
front and back surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slit is
adapted to interlockingly engage with a lower region of a second
panel disposed above the panel.
2. The panel as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second
slit defined in the bottom side of the panel, wherein the second
slit extends upwardly into the interior of the panel; and wherein
the second slit is adapted to interlocking engage with an upper
region of a third panel disposed below the panel.
3. The panel as defined in claim 2, wherein the first and second
slits are aligned with each other.
4. The panel as defined in claim 1, further comprising an
additional first slit defined in the top side of the panel and
spaced from the first slit to form a pair of spaced apart first
slits, wherein the additional first slit extends downwardly into an
interior of the panel and between the front and back surfaces
thereof; and wherein the additional first slit is adapted to
interlockingly engage with the lower region of the second panel
disposed above the panel a spaced distance from the first slit.
5. The panel as defined in claim 4, further comprising an
additional second slit defined in the bottom side of the panel and
spaced from the second slit to form a pair of second slits; wherein
the additional second slit extends upwardly into the interior of
the panel; and the additional second slit is adapted to
interlocking engage with the upper region of the third panel
disposed below the panel.
6. The panel as defined in claim 5, further comprising an aperture
defined in the panel, said aperture extending between the front and
back surfaces and spaced a distance inwardly from the left and
right ends thereof.
7. The panel as defined in claim 6, wherein said aperture is
additionally spaced a distance inwardly from the top and bottom
sides of the panel.
8. The panel as defined in claim 5, wherein said aperture is spaced
a distance from one of the top and bottom sides of the panel and
wherein a region of the panel which defines the aperture is
substantially continuous with the other of the top and bottom sides
of the panel.
9. The panel as defined in claim 5, further comprising: a first
fold line extending between the left and right ends of the panel
and positioned generally midway between the top and bottom sides of
the panel; a second fold line extending between the left and right
ends of the panel and positioned intermediate the first fold line
and the top side of the panel; and a third fold line extending
between the left and right sides of the panel and positioned
intermediate the first fold line and the bottom side of the panel;
and wherein the panel is foldable about the first, second and third
fold lines to form a generally V-shaped member.
10. The panel as defined in claim 9, wherein the pair of first
slits is defined between the second fold line and the top side of
the panel; and the pair of second slits is defined between the
third fold line and the bottom side of the panel.
11. A child's playhouse comprising: a front wall; a back wall
disposed opposite the front wall; a first side wall extending
between the front and back walls; a second side wall extending
between the front and back walls; and disposed opposite the first
side wall, and wherein each of the front and back walls; and first
and second side walls is constructed of a plurality of panels that
are releasably engaged with each other; and wherein each of the
panels comprises: a front surface; a back surface; a top side
extending between the front and back surfaces; a bottom side
extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the top
side; a left end extending between the top and bottom sides; a
right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite
the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the
top side of the panel, wherein each first slit extends downwardly
into an interior of the panel and between the front and back
surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slits interlockingly engage
with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel; and
wherein the second panel is disposed generally at right angles to
the panel.
12. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of
the panels further comprises a pair of spaced apart second slits
defined in the bottom side of the at least one panel, wherein each
second slit extends upwardly into the interior of the at least one
panel; and wherein the second slits interlocking engage with an
upper region of a third panel disposed below the at least one
panel; and wherein the third panel is disposed generally at right
angles to the at least one panel.
13. The playhouse as defined in claim 12, wherein a first one of
the pair of first slits is aligned with a first one of the pair of
second slits, and a second one of the pair of the first slits is
aligned with a second one of the pair of second slits.
14. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, further comprising an
aperture defined in the panel, said aperture extending between the
front and back surfaces of the panel and spaced a distance inwardly
from the left and right ends thereof.
15. The playhouse as defined in claim 14, wherein said aperture is
additionally spaced a distance inwardly from the top and bottom
sides of the panel.
16. The playhouse as defined in claim 14, wherein said aperture is
spaced a distance from one of the top and bottom sides of the
panel; and wherein a region of the panel is substantially
continuous with the other of the top and bottom sides thereof.
17. The playhouse as defined in claim 11, further comprising a roof
that is releasably engageable with the front and back walls or with
the first and second side walls, and wherein the roof comprises one
of the panels and additionally includes: a first fold line
extending between the left and right ends and positioned generally
midway between the top and bottom sides of the one panel; a second
fold line extending between the left and right ends and positioned
intermediate the first fold line and the top side of the one panel;
and a third fold line extending between the left and right sides
and positioned intermediate the first fold line and the bottom side
of the one panel.
18. A modular playhouse constructed from two or more individual
playhouses that are interlockingly engaged together by way of a
plurality of interlocking panels; and wherein each of the two or
more individual playhouses comprises: a front wall, a back wall
disposed opposite the front wall; a first side wall extending
between the front and back walls; a second side wall extending
between the front and back walls; and disposed opposite the first
side wall; and wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first
side wall and second side walls are constructed of a plurality of
panels that are releasably engaged with each other; and wherein
each of the panels comprises: a front surface; a back surface; a
top side extending between the front and back surfaces; a bottom
side extending between the front and back surfaces and opposite the
top side; a left end extending between the top and bottom sides; a
right end extending between the top and bottom sides and opposite
the left end; and a pair of spaced apart first slits defined in the
top side of the panel, wherein each first slit extends downwardly
into an interior of the panel and between the front and back
surfaces thereof; and wherein the first slits interlockingly engage
with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the panel and
at right angles relative thereto; and wherein at least one of the
panels further includes a pair of spaced apart second slits defined
in the bottom side thereof and each second slit extends upwardly
into the interior of the at least one panel; and wherein the second
slits interlocking engage with an upper region of a third panel
disposed below the at least one panel; and wherein the third panel
is disposed generally at right angles relative thereto.
19. A kit for building a child's playhouse, said kit comprising: a
first full-sized blank, said full-sized blank including a plurality
of full-sized panels that are separable therefrom to build a
full-sized child's playhouse; and a second miniaturized blank, said
miniaturized blank including a plurality of miniaturized panels
that are separable therefrom to build a miniaturized playhouse.
20. A method of assembling a child's playhouse comprising the steps
of: building a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a
second side wall; and engaging a roof therewith; and wherein the
step of building the front wall, back wall, first side wall and
second side walls further includes the steps of: a) positioning a
first and second foundation panel onto a ground surface so that a
bottom side of each of the first and second foundation panels is in
contact with the ground surface; b) positioning a first wall panel
so that it will extend between the first and second foundation
panels; c) moving the first wall panel downwardly toward the first
and second foundation panels so that a first slit on a bottom side
of the first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the
first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of the
first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the second
foundation panel; d) moving the first wall panel downwardly until
no further movement is possible; e) positioning a second wall panel
so that it will extend between the first and second foundation
panels a spaced distance from the first wall panel; f) moving the
second wall panel downwardly toward the first and second foundation
panels so that a first slit in a bottom side of the second wall
panel enters a second slit in the top side of the first foundation
panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of the second wall
panel enters a second slit in the top side of the second foundation
panel; g) moving the second wall panel downwardly until no further
movement is possible; h) repeating steps b) through g) until the
front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall are of
a desired height.
21. The method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step
of: separating a plurality of miniaturized panels from a
miniaturized blank; where the miniaturized panels are substantially
identical to the panels used to build the child's playhouse in all
ways except size; building a miniaturized playhouse from the
miniaturized panels; and then following the pattern of the built
miniaturized playhouse to layout and build the child's playhouse.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/536,111, filed Sep. 19, 2011, the
entire specification of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates generally to playhouses for children.
More particularly, this invention relates to playhouses that may be
constructed quickly and easily. Specifically, the invention is
directed to a panel useful for constructing the walls and roof of a
child's playhouse, a child's playhouse incorporating the panel and
a method of constructing the playhouse.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Children love to play in child-sized houses and in the past
a wide variety of playhouses have been disclosed in the art.
Typically these houses are constructed from wood, plywood or
plastic sheets which form the walls and roof of the playhouse. In
the case of plastic playhouses, each wall is comprised of a single
plastic sheet and then the sheets are secured together along their
edges to make the exterior shape of the playhouse. The roof is then
attached to the top edge of the vertical walls. Plastic playhouses
may come preassembled or are provided with instructions to the user
as to how to secure the various walls and roof sheets to each
other. Wooden playhouses may be built by constructing individual
walls and then securing the walls together. Each wall is made by
building a frame and then securing individual planks to that frame.
Alternatively, each wall may be comprised of a single sheet of
plywood that is secured to a frame and then the walls are secured
together. Once the walls have been joined together, a roof is
secured to the top of the walls.
[0006] One of the features of previously known playhouses is that
there is only one way of putting the playhouse together and once
the playhouse is built it stays in that configuration.
[0007] There is therefore a need in the art for a child's playhouse
that is readily and easily constructed, but which can be quickly
and easily be changed to a different configuration, and which can
be readily added to as desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention comprises a panel for use in the
construction of the walls and roof of a child's playhouse, a
modular playhouse incorporating two or more of the constructed
playhouses, a method of assembling the same; and a kit which
includes a miniaturized blank of miniaturized panels which is able
to be used to design and build a miniaturized playhouse, the
pattern of which is then followed in the building of the full-sized
version.
[0009] The panel in accordance with the present invention includes
a front surface, a back surface, a top side extending between the
front and back surfaces, a bottom side extending between the front
and back surfaces and opposite the top side, a left end extending
between the top and bottom sides, a right end extending between the
top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of
spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel. Each
slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between
the front and back surfaces thereof. The first slits interlockingly
engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the
panel. The panel further includes a pair of spaced apart second
slits defined in the bottom side of the panel. Each slit extends
upwardly into the interior of the panel and interlockingly engages
an upper region of a third panel which is disposed below the
panel.
[0010] The child's playhouse in accordance with the present
invention includes a front wall, a back wall disposed opposite the
front wall, a first side wall extending between the front and back
walls, a second side wall extending between the front and back
walls and disposed opposite the first side wall; and wherein each
of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side walls
are constructed from a plurality of panels that are releasably
engaged with each other; and wherein each of the panels includes a
front surface, a back surface, a top side extending between the
front and back surfaces, a bottom side extending between the front
and back surfaces and opposite the top side, a left end extending
between the top and bottom sides, a right end extending between the
top and bottom sides and opposite the left end; and a pair of
spaced apart first slits defined in the top side of the panel. Each
slit extends downwardly into an interior of the panel and between
the front and back surfaces thereof. The first slits interlockingly
engage with a lower region of a second panel disposed above the
panel. The panel further includes a pair of spaced apart second
slits defined in the bottom side of the panel. Each slit extends
upwardly into the interior of the panel and interlockingly engages
an upper region of a third panel which is disposed below the panel.
At least some of the panels define apertures therein that are able
to be used as windows and doors for the playhouse. The roof is
constructed of a panel that includes fold lines which allow it to
be folded into a generally inverted V-shape and then engaged with
an uppermost end of two of the top panels of two of the opposing
walls of the playhouse.
[0011] The modular playhouse in accordance with the present
invention is constructed by interlockingly engaging two or more
playhouses defined above. Each playhouse is built using the
following steps: [0012] building a front wall, a back wall, a first
side wall and a second side wall; and [0013] engaging a roof
therewith; and wherein the step of building the front wall, back
wall, first side wall and second side walls further includes the
steps of: [0014] a) positioning a first and second foundation panel
onto a ground surface so that a bottom side of each of the first
and second foundation panels is in contact with the ground surface;
[0015] b) positioning a first wall panel so that it will extend
between the first and second foundation panels; [0016] c) moving
the first wall panel downwardly toward the first and second
foundation panels so that a first slit on a bottom side of the
first wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the first
foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side of the first
wall panel enters a first slit on a top side of the second
foundation panel; [0017] d) moving the first wall panel downwardly
until no further movement is possible; [0018] e) positioning a
second wall panel so that it will extend between the first and
second foundation panels a spaced distance from the first wall
panel; [0019] f) moving the second wall panel downwardly toward the
first and second foundation panels so that a first slit in a bottom
side of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side
of the first foundation panel, and a second slit on the bottom side
of the second wall panel enters a second slit in the top side of
the second foundation panel; [0020] g) moving the second wall panel
downwardly until no further movement is possible; [0021] h)
repeating steps b) through g) until the front wall, back wall,
first side wall and second side wall are of a desired height.
[0022] The present invention further comprises a miniaturized
playhouse that is comprised of a plurality of miniaturized panels.
The miniaturized panels are substantially identically configured to
the panels used to construct the playhouse and are interlockingly
engaged with each other in a substantially identical manner to the
playhouse panels. The miniaturized panels may be assembled in any
one of a number of different configurations to form a miniaturized
playhouse and then the full-sized playhouse may be constructed
following the pattern developed in the design and assembly of the
miniaturized playhouse. Thus, the child is able to plan and design
the full-sized playhouse by building the miniaturized playhouse
using the smaller and easier to handle miniaturized panels.
[0023] The present invention may therefore be sold as a kit which
comprises a plurality of miniaturized first panels and a plurality
of full-sized second panels, where the first and second panels are
substantially identical in shape and number. The kit of the present
invention may further include a set of drawings illustrating the
various configurations that each of the first and second panels may
be constructed into.
[0024] In addition to using the miniaturized playhouse for planning
purposes, this playhouse may be used independently as a
doll-house.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the
best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
is set forth in the following description and is shown in the
drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child's playhouse in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a set of panel blanks for the
playhouse laid out flat before individual panels are detached
therefrom for assembly of the playhouse;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a single wall panel in
accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the wall panel of FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
playhouse showing the method of assembly thereof;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the partially
assembled panels taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternatively configured
playhouse which utilizes a plurality of sets of panel blanks in the
construction thereof;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front plan view of two differently configured
free-standing walls constructed using the panel blanks shown in
FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a illustration of a set of miniaturized panels
blanks in accordance with the present invention and comprising a
plurality of miniaturized panels therein, together with a
miniaturized playhouse built from those miniaturized panels;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a kit in accordance with the
present invention comprising a set of full-sized panel blanks for
building the full-sized playhouse and a set of miniaturized panel
blanks for building the miniaturized playhouse, with both blanks
laid out flat before assembly;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of both of a child's
full-sized playhouse and a miniaturized playhouse built from the
kit shown in FIG. 10; and
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternatively configured
child's full-sized playhouse and a miniaturized playhouse built
utilizing additional sets of full-sized and miniaturized panel
blanks.
[0038] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a playhouse in
accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at 10.
Playhouse 10 is comprised of a plurality of individual panels that
are interlocked with each other in any one of a variety of
different arrangements to create any one of a number of differently
designed and configured playhouses 10. Playhouse 10 may be
deconstructed and rebuilt into differently configured arrangements
as desired.
[0040] Each panel used in playhouse 10 is comprised of any suitable
sheet material. In particular, the panels are comprised of
corrugated cardboard, a foam material such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl
Acetate), plastic, wood or any other material that is relatively
strong and lightweight. If cardboard is selected for the
manufacture of the panels, for example, that cardboard should be
sufficiently thick enough to take the forces involved in assembling
and disassembling playhouse 10. Additionally, if cardboard is
selected for the manufacture of the panels, it preferably will be
of a type and/or color which will permit a child to draw or paint
on the same. If EVA foam material is used for the manufacture of
the panels for playhouse 10, then the foam may be of a single solid
color or each of the front and back surfaces of the panel may be
differently colored, or the foam material can be multicolored or
have some type of design applied to the front and back surfaces
thereof.
[0041] During manufacture, a plurality of differently configured
panels is preferably die-cut into a blank, such as blanks 12a, 12b,
12c illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0042] The panels are then separated from the blank by a child or
by an adult to form individual pieces which are subsequently
utilized in a variety of different orders to construct playhouse
10. It will be understood that instead of die-cutting a blank 12a,
12b, 12c and then separating out the panels therefrom, each panel
may be separately manufactured.
[0043] As indicated previously and in accordance with the present
invention, playhouse 10 is made up from several differently
configured panels. These include foundation panels 14, wall panels
16, first apertured panels 18, second apertured panels 20, third
apertured panels 22, fourth apertured panels 24, and roof panels
26. Blanks 12a-12c may be die-cut to include only one type of
panel, such as roof panel 26, or may include a combination of the
differently configured panels 14-26. FIG. 2 illustrates three
differently configured blanks 12a-12c. It will be understood that
panels 12a-12c shown in FIG. 2 are by way of example only and that
other differently configured panels also fall within the scope of
the present invention. Panels 14-26 or blanks 12a-12c may be sold
individually or may be grouped together to form basic kits which
can then be sold to consumers. Consequently, a person interested in
constructing a playhouse 10 in accordance with the present
invention may purchase any combination of the kits and individual
blanks or panels necessary for that construction.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, first blank 12a includes a foundation
panel 14, a plurality of wall panels 16, a pair of first apertured
panels 18, and a second apertured panel 20. Second blank 12b
includes a foundation panel 14, a plurality of wall panels 16, a
pair of third apertured panels 22, a fourth apertured panel 24, and
a second apertured panel 20. Third blank 12c comprises a roof panel
26 and a plurality of connector panels 27. It will be understood
that one or all of first blank 12a, second blank 12b, and third
blank 12c can be combined to form a single large blank. The first,
second and third blanks 12a-12c are illustrated by way of example
only and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the
specific configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 & 4, and in accordance with the
present invention, there is shown a wall panel 16 that is
illustrative of how each of the panels 14-26 is constructed. Wall
panel 16 is generally rectangular in shape and has a front surface
28, a rear surface 18, a top side 32, a bottom side 34, a left end
36, and a right end 38. It should be understood that the words
"front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left" and "right" are used to
describe wall panel 16 as illustrated in the figures and are not
meant to describe the orientation of wall panel 16 as it is used in
the construction of playhouse 10. Since wall panel 16 is
substantially symmetrical and identical when viewed from either the
front or back, it can be utilized in playhouse 10 in any desired
orientation. Wall panel 16 has a height "H", a length "L", and a
thickness "T". Preferably, height "H" is 10.5'', length "L" is 39''
and the thickness "T" is 1''. The corners 42 preferably are rounded
so as to present edges that are less likely to injure children
playing in playhouse 10. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, corners 42 each have a radius of curvature of
0.75''.
[0046] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, wall panel 16 is provided with slits 40 that are used to
enable panels 14-26 to be engaged with each other. Wall panel 16
includes a pair of spaced apart slits 40a, 40b (FIG. 3) in top side
32 and a pair of spaced apart slits 40c, 40d in bottom side 34.
Slit 40a is aligned with slit 40c and slit 40b is aligned with slit
40d. Slit 40a is disposed a distance of 2.625'' from left end 36
and is a depth of 2.625'' from top side 32. The width of slit 40a
is 1.125''. Each slit 40a-40d is substantially identical and
extends between front and back surfaces 28, 30 and extends inwardly
into the interior of wall panel 16 from the respective one of top
and bottom sides 32, 34. Apart from slits 40a-40d, wall panel 16 is
free of apertures. Rounded corners 42b (FIG. 3) preferably are
formed adjacent the entry to each slit 40. The curved configuration
of these corners 42b helps to guide panels into engagement with
each other and ensures a snug fit between the engaged panels.
Corners 42b may be ninety degree corners but such a configuration
will tend to resist engagement of the panels and make it more
difficult to assembly playhouse 10. It will be understood that the
dimensions provided above are by way of example only and that
differently dimensioned panels and slits can be utilized in
playhouse 10 without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, each of first apertured panel 18,
second apertured panel 20, third apertured panel 22 and fourth
apertured panel 24 is substantially identical in size and
configuration to wall panel 16 and include slits 40a-40d therein.
However, each of the first, second, third and fourth apertured
panels 18-24 further includes apertures which are defined therein,
as will be hereinafter described.
[0048] First apertured panel 18 defines one or more generally
semi-circular apertures 44 (FIG. 2) therein which extend from front
surface 28 to back surface 30 of the panel. Aperture 44 originates
in one or the other of top side 32 and bottom side 34 of the panel
and extends for a distance into the interior thereof. FIG. 2 shows
two such apertures 44 formed in each first apertured panel 18.
Preferably, each aperture 44 originates about 6.5'' inwardly from
one of the left and right ends 36, 38 and is around 11.75'' in
diameter. Consequently, the innermost region 44a of aperture 44 is
approximately 5.675'' from the associated one of the top or bottom
sides 32, 34 and about 4.625'' from the other of the top or bottom
sides 32, 34. As shown in FIG. 2, two of the first apertured panels
18 oriented in side-to-side relationship form a combined circular
hole that is around 11.75'' in diameter. As will be understood, the
number of apertures 44, the dimensions of apertures 44 and their
spacing from the various surfaces of first apertured panel 18 and
from each other may be varied without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0049] Second apertured panel 20 defines one or more apertures 46
therein. Each aperture 46 extends from front surface 28 through to
back surface 30 and is generally circular in shape. In the example
shown, second apertured panel 20 defines three apertures 46a, 46b,
and 46c therein which are spaced at intervals along the length "L"
of panel 20. Each aperture 46 is 6.5'' in diameter, is spaced a
distance of 2'' from top side 32 and a distance of 2'' from bottom
side 34. The two end apertures 46a, 46c are each spaced a distance
of 6.5'' from the associated one of the left and right ends 36, 38
of panel 20. The middle aperture 46b is spaced a distance of 3.25''
from each of the end apertures 46a, 46c. It should be understood
that second apertured panel 20 may include only a single aperture
46, or two apertures, or more than three apertures. As will be
understood, the dimensions of apertures 46 and their spacing from
the various surfaces of panel 20 and from each other may be varied
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Apertures 44, 46 are provided to act as windows or small passages
in playhouse. Consequently, the size of apertures 44, 46 utilized
in first and second apertured panels 18, 20 is selected so as to be
either too small or two big for children to get their heads stuck
in the same. This is especially important if the material used to
construct playhouse 10 is rigid in nature.
[0050] Third apertured panel 22 defines one generally semi-circular
aperture 48 therein which extend from front surface 28 to back
surface 30 of the panel. Aperture 48 originates in one or the other
of top side 32 and bottom side 34 of the panel 22 and extends for a
distance into the interior thereof. FIG. 2 shows that aperture 48
originates more than 8.5'' inwardly from each of the left and right
ends 36, 38 of panel 22 and the innermost region 48a of aperture 48
is approximately 4.625'' from the other of the top or bottom sides
32, 34. Essentially, aperture 48 forms about a top third of a
circle which has a diameter of around 22''.
[0051] Fourth apertured panel 24 includes an aperture 50 that is
configured to form a central region of a circle when two third
apertured panels 22 are disposed on either side of fourth apertured
panel 24 in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Aperture 50 is spaced a
distance of 8.5'' inwardly from each of the left and right ends 36,
38 of panel 24. When fourth apertured panel 24 is arranged with two
third apertured panels 22 as shown in FIG. 2, the circular hole
formed by apertures 48 and 50 is about 22'' in diameter. As will be
understood, the dimensions of apertures 48, 50 and their spacing
from the various surfaces of third and fourth apertured panels 22,
24 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0052] Foundation panel 14 essentially comprises a top half of wall
panel 16. As such, foundation panel 14 has a front surface 52, a
back surface (not shown), a top side 54, a bottom side 56, a left
end 58 and a right end 60. Foundation panel 14 has a height "H2"
(FIG. 2) that is 5.25'' as measured between top and bottom sides
54, 56. Foundation panel 14 is of the same length as the length "L"
of wall panel 16 and is also of the same thickness "T" as wall
panel 16. A pair of spaced-apart slits 62a, 62b is defined in top
side 54, but bottom side 56 of foundation panel 14 is free of
slits. Slits 62a, 62b are located and dimensioned substantially
identically with slits 40a, 40b, respectively.
[0053] Finally, roof panel 26 is a substantially rectangular panel
having a front surface 64, a back surface 65 (FIG. 1), a top side
66, a bottom side 68, a left end 70 and a right end 72. Roof panel
26 has a length of 52'' as measured between left and right ends 70,
72. Roof panel 26 has a length as measured between top and bottom
sides 66, 68 that is substantially identical to length "L" of wall
panel 16, i.e. 39''. Furthermore roof panel 26 is of a thickness
that is identical to thickness "T". Slits 74 are defined in left
and right ends 70, 72 but could alternatively be defined in top and
bottom sides 66, 68 if roof panel is to be different engaged with
the playhouse walls. Slits 74 are sized substantially the same as
slits 40a-40d in wall panel 16.
[0054] Roof panel 26 includes three fold lines 76a, 76b, 76c which
preferably extend from top side 66 to bottom side 68 of panel 26.
Middle fold line 76b is spaced along a midline of roof panel 26 and
is disposed at a distance of 26'' from each of the left and right
ends 70, 72. The other two fold lines 76a, 76c are each spaced a
distance of 5.25'' from one or the other of the left and right ends
70, 72.
[0055] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, fold lines 76a, 76b, 76c on roof panel 26 comprise
regions that preferably are thinner than the rest of roof panel 26.
(These thinner regions are not illustrated in the attached
figures.) In the EVA foam version of the panel; these thinner
regions will be less than 1'' in thickness. The thinner regions act
as living hinges and enable roof panel 26 to be reconfigured from a
planar shape to an inverted V'' shape by folding the panel 26 along
fold lines 76a, 76b, 76c prior to engagement with the playhouse
walls. It will be understood that if a material other than EVA is
used for playhouse 10, instead of providing roof panels 26 that are
manufactured with thinner regions along fold lines 76a, 76b, 76c,
roof panel 26 may, instead, be scored along fold lines 76a-76c, or
the builder may be instructed to score the roof panel 26 therealong
prior to initial construction of playhouse 10.
[0056] As indicated previously, third blank 12c (FIG. 2) also
includes several connector panels 27. Two differently shaped
connector panels 27 are shown in this figure, namely first
connector panels 27a and second connector panels 27b. First
connector panel 27a is smaller than second connector panel 27b and
includes a single slit 63 therein. Slit 63 originates in one of the
side edges of first connector panel 27a and extends inwardly toward
the opposite side edge thereof. Second connector panel 27b includes
two slits 63, each of which originates in one of the side edges
thereof and extends toward the opposite side edge. The slits 63 in
second connector panels 27b preferably are aligned with each other.
First and second connector panels 27a, 27b are utilized in the
construction of free-standing walls using combinations of the other
panels found on the first and second blanks 12a, 12b, as will be
described later herein.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 5 & 6, playhouse 10 is constructed in
the following manner. Bottom side 56 of a first foundation panel
14a is placed on a level ground surface 78 so that first foundation
panel 14a is standing vertically upon the bottom end 56 thereof on
ground surface 78. In a similar fashion, a second foundation panel
14b is placed on ground surface 78 a spaced distance from the first
foundation panel 14a. The left ends (not shown) of the two
foundation panels 14a, 14b are aligned with each other and the
right ends 60 of the two foundation panels 14a, 14b are aligned
with each other. A third apertured panel 22a is then interlockingly
engaged with the two spaced apart foundation panels 14a, 14b. This
is accomplished by orienting third apertured panel 22a at ninety
degrees relative to foundation panels 14a, 14b. Third apertured
panel 22a is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow "A" toward
foundation panels 14a, 14b until slit 40c of panel 22a slides into
slit 62b of first foundation panel 14a, and slit 40d of panel 22a
slides into slit 62b of second foundation panel 14b. Third
apertured panel 22a is pushed downwardly until bottom side 34
thereof contacts ground surface 78. A first wall panel 16a is then
engaged with first and second foundation panels 14a, 14b in the
same manner but in a position opposite third apertured panel 22a.
This is done by orienting first wall panel 16a at ninety degrees
relative to the two foundation panels 14a, 14b and parallel to
third apertured panel 22a. First wall panel 16a is moved downwardly
in the direction of arrow "A" until slit 40c of first wall panel
16a slides into slit 62a of first foundation panel 14a, and slit
40d (not visible in this figure) of first wall panel 16a slides
into slit 62a (not shown) of second foundation panel 14b. First
wall panel 16a is moved downwardly until its bottom side 34
contacts ground surface 78. At this point, the base layer of
playhouse 10 is constructed and is generally square when viewed
from the top. As will be evident from FIG. 5, the upper halves of
third apertured panel 22a and first wall panel 16a extend upwardly
beyond the top sides 54 of foundation panels 14a, 14b.
[0058] A second layer of panels is then engaged with the base
layer. The second layer, as illustrated in FIG. 5, includes a
second and third wall panel 16b,16c a fourth apertured panel 24
(provided in two sections) and a first apertured panel 18a. Second
wall panel 16b is oriented so as to be disposed vertically above
foundation panel 14a and to extend between third apertured panel
22a and first wall panel 16a. Second wall panel 16b is moved
downwardly in the direction of arrow "A" until slit 40c in second
wall panel 16b slides into slit 40a of first wall panel 16a and
slit 40d in second wall panel 16b slides into slit 40a of third
apertured panel 22a. Second wall panel 16b is pushed downwardly in
the direction of arrow "A" until its bottom side 34 abuts top side
54 of foundation panel 14a. Third wall panel 16c is installed
between third apertured panel 22a and first wall panel 16a in a
similar fashion with the slits in third wall panel 16c sliding into
the slits in third apertured panel 22a. Third wall panel 16c is
pushed downwardly until its bottom side (not numbered) abuts the
top side 54 of second foundation panel 14b.
[0059] Fourth apertured panel 24 is then engaged with second and
third wall panels 16b, 16c. Since fourth apertured panel 24 is
essentially in two sections, each section thereof is engaged with
one of the second and third wall panels 16b, 16c. Each section is
oriented so as to be disposed at right angles to the respective one
of the second and third wall panels 16b, 16c and is pushed
downwardly in the direction of arrow "A" until the slit in the
bottom side of the section slides into the slit in the top side of
the respective one of the second and third wall panels 16b, 16c.
The section is then pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow "A"
until its bottom side abuts the top side of third apertured panel
22a. The second apertured panel 18a is engaged with second and
third wall panels 16b, 16c in a similar fashion by orienting it at
right angles to the wall panels 16b, 16c, moving it downwardly in
the direction of arrow "A" until the slits in the bottom side of
second apertured panel 18a enter the slits in the top side of
second and third wall panels 16b, 16c, and then continuing the
downward movement until the bottom side of second apertured panel
18a abuts the top side of the second and third wall panels 16b,
16c. At this stage, the second layer of the playhouse walls is
completed.
[0060] A third layer of panels is then engaged with the second
layer thereof in the same fashion. FIG. 5 shows that the third
layer includes a pair of second apertured panels 20a, 20b, a first
apertured panel 18b and a third apertured panel 22b. Once these
four panels have been engaged with the second layer, the front wall
82, the side walls 80 and the back wall 81 of the playhouse 10 are
complete.
[0061] Finally, roof panel 26 is engaged with the uppermost layer
of panels 16-24 that form side walls 80, front wall 82 and back
wall 81. Roof panel 26 preferably is folded along fold lines 76a,
76b, and 76c before engagement with the walls. The folded roof
panel 26 assumes the inverted V-shaped profile shown in FIG. 1.
Fold line 76b forms the peak 84 of roof 85 and fold lines 76a, 76b
form edges 86 of roof 85. When roof panel 26 is folded it forms two
sloped panel sections 83 and two vertical wall sections 88. Wall
sections 88 extend downwardly from the edges 86 which are disposed
along first and third fold lines 76a, 76c. Roof panel 26 will only
engage two of the four walls. FIG. 5 shows roof panel 26 positioned
to engage the constructed front and back walls 82, 81. Wall
sections 88 extend downwardly toward the top sides of each of front
and back walls 82, 81. Wall sections 88 include slits 74 which are
aligned with slits 40 in the top sides of the third apertured panel
22b and first apertured panel 18b. The folded roof panel 26 is
moved downwardly in the direction of arrow "A" until slits 74 of
roof panel 26 slide into slits 40 of panels 22b, 18b. Roof panel 26
is moved downwardly until the left and right ends 70, 72 thereof
abut the top sides of panels 20a, 20b. At this point, roof panel 26
is firmly interlocked with walls 82, 81 and forms roof 85 of
playhouse 10. Playhouse 10 is completed and is ready for use. Roof
85, walls 80, 81, 82 and ground surface 78 define an interior
chamber 11 in which the child can play.
[0062] It should be noted that the panels 14-24 used to construct
walls 80, 81, 82 are selected and ordered in a manner consistent
with the desired end design of playhouse 10 as conceived by the
builder thereof. Consequently, each layer of the playhouse walls is
formed by selecting the four desired panels and engaging them with
the layer beneath them in accordance with the design. Thus, it will
be understood that the configuration of each wall 80, 81, 82
illustrated in FIG. 5 is by way of example only. It will also be
understood that any number of desired layers of panels may be
utilized to build side walls 80, back wall 81 and front wall 82 of
playhouse 10 to a height selected by the builder. First apertured
panels, such as panels 18a, 18b and second apertured panels, such
as panels 20a, 20b are incorporated into walls 80, 81, 82 so that
the apertures 44, 46 therein act as either windows or small
passageways in playhouse 10. Third and fourth apertured panels,
such as panels 22a, 22b and 24, are incorporated into walls 80, 81,
82 to create a doorway through which children can enter and exit
interior chamber 11 of playhouse.
[0063] Should it be decided later on that a differently configured
playhouse is desirable, playhouse 10 is easily deconstructed in the
following manner. Roof 85 is lifted of playhouse by applying
pressure to its underside (front 64) so that roof panel 26 moves in
the opposite direction to arrow "A" in FIG. 5. Then, each of the
uppermost layer of panels, namely panels 18b, 22b, 20a, 20b are
disengaged in sequence from the layer of panels beneath them by
pulling them upwardly in the opposite direction of arrow "A". If it
is desired to simply change the upper end of playhouse 10, or to
change the location of the "windows" or "doorway", the builder can
begin to reconstruct the playhouse at any point or can continue to
completely disassemble the playhouse and then rebuild it from
scratch. Since playhouse 10 is readily and easily constructed and
broken down, it is easy for a parent to set the playhouse up for
play and then break it down and store the panels when play is
over.
[0064] FIG. 7 shows a modular playhouse 200 which is constructed
out of a plurality of sets of blanks 12a-12c so that it includes
multiple playhouses 110a, 110b, 110c that are stacked and
interlocked together in an aesthetically pleasing design. In this
instance, each of the playhouses 110b, 110c is constructed in the
same manner as playhouse 10. A connector wall panel 116c is then
utilized to extend between the uppermost wall panel 116d on
playhouse 110b and uppermost wall panel 116e on playhouse 110c. The
slits on the bottom side of the connector wall panel 116c will
engage in the appropriate slit in wall panels 116c, 116d. Although
not shown in this figure, a second connector wall panel similar to
wall panel 116c extends between the back ends of wall panels 116c,
116d. The two connector wall panels 116c join playhouses 110b and
110c together and form a base layer for playhouse 110a. Playhouse
110a is then constructed on the base layer in the same manner as
previously described with reference to playhouse 10. Essentially,
connector wall panels 116c perform the same function as foundation
panels 14 in playhouse 10. Connector wall panels 116c may be
configured substantially identically to wall panel 16 or may be
provided with additional slits in their bottom sides so as to be
able to engage the top sides of the wall panels 116d, 116e in
different locations to where the roof 182b, 182c will engage panels
116d, 116e.
[0065] It will be understood that other components may also be
provided as part of playhouses 10, 200. The other components could
include floors that are interlockingly engaged with panels 14-24 in
substantially the same manner as roof panel 26, i.e. with wall
sections that are folded to extend downwardly or upwardly to engage
slits in the bottom sides or top sides of the panels that form the
layer to which the floor is to be attached.
[0066] It will also be understood that the various apertures in
panels 18-24 may be differently configured from the way they are
shown in the attached figures. For example, apertures 44, 46, 48,
50 can be shaped so that playhouse has square or rectangular
windows and/or doors. Alternatively, the apertures can be shaped in
other decorative ways so that they have the appearance of stars, or
rockets, or animals or any other desired design. Additionally,
these various apertures may be cut out of the panels at the time of
manufacture or the panels may simply be formed with lines of
weakness therein so that the builder of the playhouse can remove
material from within the lines of weakness if and when desired.
[0067] It will also be understood that although panels 14-26
illustrated and described herein are rectangular in shape, other
shapes could also be utilized. Suitable shapes could include a
square, parallelogram, trapezoid, trapezium, etc. Additionally, the
panels could also have an irregularly shaped top and bottom side
provided that the top and bottom sides of the panels that will be
engaged therewith are configured to be complementary thereto. So,
for example, both of the top and bottom sides could be sinusoidal
and complementary, or the top and bottom sides could be
manufactured so that there is an interlocking complementary pattern
on substantially all of the panels used to form the major portions
of the wall sections of the playhouse.
[0068] Additionally, it will be understood that while playhouse 10
has been illustrated and described herein as being square when
viewed from above, the panels could be configured so that other
shaped playhouses could be constructed therefrom. For instance, the
slits could be cut at an angle other than at ninety degrees
relative to the front and back surfaces of the panel, so that the
panels could be joined together at an angle other than ninety
degrees relative to each other. This would allow playhouses in the
forms of octagons and the like to be constructed therefrom.
[0069] FIG. 8 shows a free-standing wall 311a constructed from
foundation panels 14, wall panels 16, a second apertured panel 20,
third apertured panels 22, a fourth apertured panel 24, and first
and second connector panels 27a, 27b. One end of a first foundation
panel 14 is engaged with a second connector panel 27b and the other
end of that first foundation panel 14 is interlocked with a first
one of the third apertured panels 22. The free end of the first one
of the third apertured panels 22 is engaged with a first connector
panel 27a. The first and second connector panels 27a, 27b are
interlocked with the first foundation panel 14 and third apertured
panel 22 in such a way that the connector panels are disposed at
right angles to the panels with which they are engaged. These first
and second connector panels 27a, 27b support the free ends of the
foundation panel 14 and third apertured panel 22. A second
connector 27b is engaged with the free end of the third apertured
panel 22. A free end of a wall panel 16 is then secured to the
second connector panel 27b which extends upwardly from foundation
panel 14, and the other end of wall panel 16 is interlocking
engaged with the third apertured panel 22 and with a fourth
aperture-panel 24. The free end of the fourth apertured panel 24 is
interlockingly engaged with the second connector panel 27b
extending upwardly from the third apertured panel 22, and so on. In
the end, a V-shaped free standing wall is constructed by engaging
the various wall panels 14, 16, 20, 22, and 24 together and
securing the ends of those various wall panels by using the second
connector panels 27b. An additional first connector panel 27a is
engaged at the top of the second apertured panel 22 as illustrated
to make the construction of the free-standing wall 311a uniform in
appearance and therefore more aesthetically appealing.
[0070] FIG. 8 also shows the construction of a planar free-standing
wall 311b. In this instance a first pair of first connector panels
27a is interlockingly engaged with the bottom side of the lower
wall panel 16. A first pair of second connector panels 27b is then
interlockingly engaged with the top side of the lower wall panel
16. A second apertured panel 22 is interlockingly engaged with the
first pair of second connector panels 27b. A second pair of second
connector panels 27b is then interlockingly engaged with the top
side of the second apertured panel 22. A bottom side of an upper
wall panel 16 is interlocking engaged with the second pair of
second connector panels 27b. Finally, a second pair of first
connector panels 27a is interlockingly engaged with the top side of
the upper wall panel 16.
[0071] It will be understood that free standing walls 311a, 311b
may be constructed to a desirable height utilizing a number of
different wall panels of choice. It is desirable that such free
standing walls 311a, 311b preferably are not more than four or five
panels in overall height simply because beyond that height they
become less stable and more likely to fall over during play. It
will also be understood that free standing wall 311a may be made in
a zig-zag pattern and be of any desired length, with the connector
panels 27a, 27b only being used on the outermost banks of panels to
connect the free ends of those outermost banks of panels to each
other. The free standing wall 311b on the other hand will only be
able to be constructed to be one panel long in length. It will be
understood that connector panels 27a, 27b may be differently shaped
from the connector panels shown herein without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows miniaturized panel blanks 412a, 412b and 412c
which include miniaturized panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426
and 427. The figure also shows a miniaturized playhouse 410
constructed from the blanks 412a, 412b, and 412c. The configuration
of each of the miniaturized panels 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424,
426 and 427 is substantially identical to that of panels 14, 16,
18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 and, as such, it will be understood that
the description of the larger panels provided previously herein
applies equally to these miniaturized panels. Additionally, these
miniaturized panels are assembled in the same manner as the larger
versions thereof and so no further description relating thereto
will be provided herein.
[0073] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a kit
400 (FIG. 10) is provided comprising a full-sized set of first,
second and third panels blanks 12a, 12b, 12c and a miniaturized set
of first, second and third panel blanks 412a, 412b, 412c. In
particular, the full-sized set and miniaturized set are
substantially identical in all relevant features save size. The kit
400 is used by first separating and then assembling the
miniaturized set of panel blanks 412a, 412b, and 412c; and then
planning the full-sized playhouse 10 by assembling the desired
miniaturized version of the playhouse. This methodology enables a
child to conceive and plan the full-size playhouse they wish to
build by manipulating the miniaturized panels and seeing the
completed end result in playhouse 410, for example, before they
have to manipulate the larger panels to build playhouse 10. Once
the desired configuration of playhouse 410 has been achieved, the
child is able to use playhouse 410 as a pattern for constructing
playhouse 10 in the manner previously described herein. FIG. 11
shows the miniaturized playhouse 410 alongside the full-sized
playhouse 10. FIG. 12 shows an alternatively configured
miniaturized playhouse 500 alongside a full-sized identically
configured full-size playhouse 200 built from built from kits (not
shown) containing multiple sets of miniaturized blanks and multiple
sets of full-sized blanks.
[0074] It will be understood that either of the miniaturized
versions of the playhouse, 410, and 500 may be played with as a
dollhouse for toys, independent of the full-sized playhouses 10,
200. So, if the child does not wish to personally play inside
playhouse 10 or 200, they are still able to plan, build and play
with playhouse 410 or 500 as a dollhouse.
[0075] It will be further understood that when the child no longer
wishes to play with either of the full-sized or miniaturized
versions of the playhouse, they are able to disassemble the same,
stack the individual panels, and then place the same in a container
of some nature for play at another time.
[0076] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0077] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *