U.S. patent application number 13/789877 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for connectable panel toy with erasable surfaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Scott Johnson. Invention is credited to Michael Scott Johnson.
Application Number | 20140256210 13/789877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51488361 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140256210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Michael Scott |
September 11, 2014 |
CONNECTABLE PANEL TOY WITH ERASABLE SURFACES
Abstract
A collapsible construction panel set with erasable surfaces.
Construction panels comprising connectors facilitate a connectable
panel toy that allows the user to build a variety of objects
including but not limited to representations of forts, tunnels,
mazes, castles, houses, doll houses, animals, and vehicles. Panels
can be marked on with crayons, felt markers, porous tip markers,
pens, pencils, paint brushes, air brushes, light, or paint rollers.
Depending on the marking employed, the panel surfaces allow for the
marking to be partially or completely erased with wet or dry
methods. Panels can be easily stacked for compact storage.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Michael Scott;
(Charleston, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson; Michael Scott |
Charleston |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51488361 |
Appl. No.: |
13/789877 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/048 20130101;
A63H 33/22 20130101; A63H 33/06 20130101; A63H 33/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/108 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04 |
Claims
1. A configurable building toy comprising: a panel configured as a
predetermined shape, the panel having a first layer, a second
layer, and a third layer, the first layer and the third layer being
comprised of a substantially solid low surface energy polymer, and
the second layer being comprised of a foamed polymer; and, at least
one fastener coupled to a perimeter portion of the panel, the at
least one fastener having mating components for selective
connection to a second fastener.
2. The configurable building toy of claim 1 wherein the at least
one fastener is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and mechanically mating
fasteners.
3. The configurable building toy of claim 1 wherein at least one
layer of the panel further comprises a phosphorescent compound.
4. The configurable building toy of claim 1 at least one layer of
the panel further comprises a reflective film.
5. The configurable building toy of claim 1 wherein at least one
connection aperture is formed into the panel.
6. The configurable building toy of claim 1 wherein the
predetermined shape is selected from the group consisting of
rounded rectangle, rounded triangle, rounded rhombus, rounded
trapezoid, rounded pentagon, rounded hexagon, cylindrical,
semi-cylindrical, circular, semi-circular, and irregular.
7. A configurable building set comprising: a plurality of panels
configured as predetermined shapes, the plurality of panels having
at least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, the
first layer and the third layer being comprised of a substantially
solid low surface energy polymer, and the second layer being
comprised of a foamed polymer; and, a plurality of fasteners
coupled to a perimeter portion of the plurality of panels, the
plurality of fasteners having mating components for selective
connection to a second fastener.
8. The configurable building set of claim 7 wherein the plurality
of fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hook and
loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and mechanically mating
fasteners.
9. The configurable building set of claim 7 wherein the
predetermined shapes are selected from the group consisting of
rounded rectangle, rounded triangle, rounded rhombus, rounded
trapezoid, rounded pentagon, rounded hexagon, cylindrical,
semi-cylindrical, circular, semi-circular, and irregular.
10. The configurable building set of claim 7 wherein the plurality
of panels further comprise at least one aperture formed into the
plurality of panels.
11. The configurable building set of claim 7 wherein at least one
layer of the plurality of panels further comprises a phosphorescent
compound.
12. The configurable building set of claim 7 wherein at least one
layer of the plurality of panels further comprises a reflective
film.
13. The configurable building set of claim 10 wherein at least one
protrusion is configured in correspondence with the at least one
aperture.
14. A configurable art set comprising: a plurality of panels
configured as predetermined shapes, the plurality of panels having
at least one surface layer, the at least one surface layer being
comprised of a substantially solid low surface energy polymer; a
plurality of fasteners coupled to a perimeter portion of the
plurality of panels, the plurality of fasteners having mating
components for selective connection to a second fastener; and, at
least one marking implement, the at least one marking implement
being of a chemical composition such that use of the at least one
marking implement on the at least one surface layer is
erasable.
15. The configurable art set of 14 wherein the predetermined shapes
are selected from the group consisting of rounded rectangle,
rounded triangle, rounded rhombus, rounded trapezoid, rounded
pentagon, rounded hexagon, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, circular,
semi-circular, and irregular.
16. The configurable art set of claim 14 wherein the plurality of
fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, magnetic fasteners, and mechanically mating
fasteners.
17. The configurable art set of claim 14 wherein the plurality of
panels are constructed from the group consisting of solid polymer,
two layers of polymer, three layers of polymer, multiple layers of
polymer, and coated cardboard.
18. The configurable art set of claim 14 wherein the plurality of
panels further comprises a plurality of connection apertures.
19. The configurable art set of claim 14 wherein the plurality of
panels further comprises a phosphorescent compound.
20. The configurable art set of claim 14 wherein the plurality of
panels further comprises a reflective film.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of toys, in
particular, a collapsible construction panel art set with erasable
surfaces.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Construction toys are designed and manufactured primarily to
encourage and allow for creative play and/or simulated real-life
activity. Art toys, by contrast, are generally static, such as
easels or drawing boards and do not generally allow dynamic
manipulation. While the majority of construction toys tend to be a
miniature size, there is a separate category of toys that leverage
the same concepts using larger structures.
[0003] Within the category of large play structures, two distinct
classes emerge. One class is pre-constructed: often fixed shapes
for the sole purpose of facilitating play in and around such
structures. The second class generally allows the assembly of a
large play structure by children using different materials and
methods. This invention is in the second class.
[0004] In this second class, various types of construction methods
and materials have been utilized to enable children to create
either particular play structures, or free form configurations. In
either case, such methods range from using similar, mass produced
components that either interconnect via locking geometric shapes or
fasten together via external means and materials. These fastening
methods vary widely.
[0005] Despite attempts to provide for simulated real life activity
or simply creative free play, the products that exist within this
class of large play structures possess multiple shortcomings. One
of the problems is storage. Large construction play sets, like
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,864 to Liou, utilize large
building block elements; however the storage is cumbersome. Another
problem with play sets, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,065,253 to Ojeda, is that playhouse kits with dry erase or
erasable surfaces are limited to more static structures, and do not
allow free forms or a variety of configurations.
[0006] In view of the above shortcomings, the paneled construction
set according to the present invention substantially departs from
the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. The present
invention provides a superior methodology primarily developed for
the enjoyment and utilization of boundless play structure
configurations, free form artistic expression, and fast, compact
storage.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following objectives outline the broad features of the
present invention in order that the detailed descriptions can be
better comprehended. There are more detailed descriptions
hereinafter. In this respect, it should be understood that the
descriptions and illustrations by no means bound the usefulness or
applications fully extendable with the present invention. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and can be utilized in
numerous different ways.
[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide for
a design and system by which shortcomings in the prior art can be
overcome.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide for a free
form children's construction set with easy disassembly and compact
storage.
[0010] Another object of the present invention to provide for a
free form children's construction set with erasable surfaces.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is a
configurable building toy comprising a panel configured as a
predetermined shape, the panel having a first layer, a second
layer, and a third layer, the first layer and the third layer being
comprised of a substantially solid low surface energy polymer, and
the second layer being comprised of a foamed polymer; and, at least
one fastener coupled to a perimeter portion of the panel, the at
least one fastener having mating components for selective
connection to a second fastener.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is a configurable
building set comprising a plurality of panels configured as
predetermined shapes, the plurality of panels having at least a
first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, the first layer and
the third layer being comprised of a substantially solid low
surface energy polymer, and the second layer being comprised of a
foamed polymer; and, a plurality of fasteners coupled to a
perimeter portion of the plurality of panels, the plurality of
fasteners having mating components for selective connection to a
second fastener.
[0013] A further yet object of the present invention is a
configurable art set comprising a plurality of panels configured as
predetermined shapes, the plurality of panels having at least one
surface layer, the at least one surface layer being comprised of a
substantially solid low surface energy polymer; a plurality of
fasteners coupled to a perimeter portion of the plurality of
panels, the plurality of fasteners having mating components for
selective connection to a second fastener; and, at least one
marking implement, the at least one marking implement being of a
chemical composition such that use of the at least one marking
implement on the at least one surface layer is erasable.
[0014] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the
invention, as well as the structure and operation of the various
embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals represent
like parts throughout the several views:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of
construction panels.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of
construction panels connected by fasteners.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of selectively
engaged panel fasteners.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of
construction panels.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a set of
construction panels connected by fasteners.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a set of
construction panels connected by fasteners.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of
construction panels affixed to one another to create a panel
assembly that is longer than a single panel.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a set of
construction panels connected by fasteners to bridge a gap longer
than a single panel's length.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a set of
construction panels connected by fasteners.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they
are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On
the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives,
modifications and equivalents, which can be included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims. Furthermore, in the following description of various
embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of planar
construction panel set 100. Planar construction panels 102
facilitate a connectable panel toy that allows the user to build a
variety of objects including but not limited to representations of
forts, tunnels, mazes, castles, houses, doll houses, animals, and
vehicles. Planar construction panels 102 can include varying shapes
such as rounded squares 102a and rounded triangles 102b. The panel
can include voids that can act as port holes, windows, stencils, or
space for another panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are
semi-rigid. In other embodiments, the panels are rigid. In a
preferred embodiment, each panel 102 has a plurality of affixed
fasteners 104 which allow the panels 102 to be selectively
connected or permanently connected to another panel 102, a
plurality of panels, or other objects. In an embodiment, fasteners
104 have mating fasteners 104a and 104b. Fasteners 104 can be hook
104a and loop 104b and can be wrapped around the edges of each
panel 102 to enable a panel edge to be connected to another panel
edge or a plurality of panel edges; for example, a Velcro-type
material or fastening component. In a preferred embodiment, the
hook fasteners 104a and loop fasteners 104b have distinctively
different coloration, which can include clear, to facilitate easier
visual mating. In another embodiment, fasteners 104 are of the
self-mating type. The self-mating types of fasteners 104 can
include but are not limited to the hook and loop combined type or
the mushroom stem type. The self-mating fasteners can be clear or
of different colors to enhance aesthetics. In yet another
embodiment, the fasteners 104 are magnets or incorporate magnetic
elements. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 104 are attached
to the panels 102 with adhesive. In other embodiments, the
fasteners are incorporated by way of staking, sewing, riveting,
clinching, stapling, welding, or insert molding. In yet a further
embodiment, the hook fasteners 104a can be integrally molded into
the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 104 are in a
pattern to enable the panels to be flipped or rotated to facilitate
a hook-to-loop connection.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of planar
construction panels 102 connected by fasteners 104. Fasteners 104a
and 104b facilitate connections 300 of multiple panels 102a, 102b,
and 102c in order to build larger, more complex structures such as
those described in further figures. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of
an embodiment of selectively engaged panel fasteners 104. Mating
fasteners 104a and 104b can have multiple connection surfaces, and
be wrapped around panel 102, as described above, in order to
facilitate greater surface area for a wide array of connection
options with multiple panels 102 and panel configurations.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of
construction panels 102, wherein one or more panels can incorporate
a curve 102d to be self-standing. In yet another embodiment, one or
more panels can incorporate an angle 102e to be self-standing.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, panels 102 are primarily
comprised of three layers of polymer with the first layer being
solid polymer and the second layer being foamed polymer and the
third layer being solid polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the
solid layers are composed of a low surface energy polymer such as
polypropylene. Low surface energy can be defined as the tendency of
a surface to repel, rather than attract, an adhesive. Low surface
energy prevents an adhesive from sufficiently wetting a surface.
The low surface energy property can provide the erasable
characteristic of the present invention. This three layer polymer
preferred embodiment has desired levels of elasticity, rigidity,
weight, material consumption, cost, primary surface smoothness, and
aesthetics. In other embodiments, the panels are primarily composed
of a solid low surface energy polymer. In a further embodiment,
panels 102 are primarily composed of a structural foam polymer, or
a blow molded polymer. In a further yet embodiment, panels 102 can
be composed of two layers of solid low surface energy polymer. In
yet another embodiment, panels 102 can be primarily composed of
cardboard with a low surface energy coating or covered with a low
surface energy film.
[0030] Panels 102 can be of a variety of colors including white.
Furthermore, panels 102 can be opaque or translucent. In the
multilayer polymer embodiments, each layer can be a different
color. A phosphorescent coating or film can be applied to the panel
102 to provide a glow-in-the-dark property. In another embodiment,
phosphorescent additives can be incorporated into the panels' 102
composition for a glow-in-the-dark property. Further yet, the
surface of panels 102 can be made reflective.
[0031] Panels 102 can be marked on with crayons, felt markers,
porous tip markers, pens, pencils, paint brushes, air brushes,
light, or paint rollers. Also, depending on the marking employed,
panel surfaces allow for the marking to be partially or completely
erased with wet or dry methods. Stickers of types such as adhesive
or static can be applied to a panel or panels 102 to further
customize the user's creation. Letters, numbers, patterns,
characters, images, or symbols can be printed on, painted on,
etched into, engraved into, laser marked into, molded into,
embossed into, or stamped into a panel or panels 102.
[0032] Connection protrusions or connection apertures can be molded
or formed into panels 102 to enable the panel to be connected to
other objects, such as LEGO or other building block objects. These
connection apertures and connection protrusions can function as
mechanical mating elements to connect panels 102 to each other, or
as mechanical mating elements to connect panel 102 to other
objects. A connection "slot" can be incorporated into the structure
of panel 102 to facilitate fastening of one panel to another.
[0033] Panels 102 can be of a variety of sizes, and in an
embodiment can range from approximately 5'' to 30'' across, and can
be configured as a small table-top construction set or a larger
"life-sized" play set. A certain size panel can be fastened to
another size panel. Panels 102 can be easily stacked for storage.
Panels can also be coupled together to create larger spans and
build larger structures, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Construction example 700 illustrates how panels 102 can be
selectively coupled to create a span. In an embodiment, fasteners
104a and 104b are positioned in a predetermined location on the
perimeter of panel 102 such that the fasteners mate at a central
portion and a terminal portion of panel 102. Construction example
800 illustrates how panels 102 can be selectively coupled to create
a span adding to construction example 700.
[0034] Sets of panels 102 can be combined to create larger or more
complex structures, and illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9 using the
methods described herein. Construction example 500 illustrates a
creative free-play structure that can be constructed by the
connection of multiple panels 102; where the multiple panels 102
are of different shapes and sizes. Construction example 600
illustrates a representation of a race car that can be formed as a
predetermined panel set, or can be represented by the user marking
on a surface of the panel 102 to represent race car features.
Construction example 900 illustrates a representation of a
playhouse that can be formed as a predetermined panel set, or can
be represented by the user marking on a surface of the panel 102 to
represent playhouse features.
[0035] Although the present invention has been described with
several embodiments, numerous changes, substitutions, variations,
alterations, and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in
the art, and it is intended that the invention encompass all such
changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications
as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *