CARDBOARD PLAY STRUCTURE

Abstract

A foldable cardboard play structure is provided that comprises at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least the first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of the one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least the second foldable panel. The slots are adapted to receive the corresponding first tab and at least one of the first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon. The edge portions are configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of the first and second foldable panel.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to play structures, and more particularly to play structures made out of cardboard. It finds particular application in conjunction with corrugated cardboard foldable play structures, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments herein are also amenable to other like applications.

BACKGROUND

Play structures for childhood pretend play have been used for many years and have taken the form of anything from a tree house to club house to a lemonade stand. Children love the limitless bounds their imaginations can explore in pretend play. Pretend play structures may be as simple as draping a sheet over two chairs or as intricate as wooden or plastic play houses that resemble castles, log cabins, princess quarters, etc.

Foldable cardboard is commonly used to create playhouses and other toy structures for children. Cardboard play structures provide an eco-friendly adventure for children and allow children to use their imaginations to create their own unique play space. Typically, these structures are constructed out of corrugated cardboard or other paperboard material and include outlines for cutting and folding the structure into the desired shape. The structure is then assembled and glued into final form. Such structures are often designed to create play spaces, such as houses, castles, vehicles, rockets, and the like.

Foldable structures such as those commonly known in the art generally require complicated and intricate assembly, such that one person cannot assembly the structure alone. Additionally, such cardboard play structures include exposed, sharp edges that pose a threat to a child's safety. For example, US 2005/0260919 describes a method for assembling a play house that provides tabs to mate with slots on adjoining sections to secure the two sections together. However, the tabs are provided on edges that will remain exposed even after the tabs are inserted into the slots. Additionally, the tabs are simply inserted into the slots without any further locking or support means. As such, there exists a need for safe, sturdy, easy to assembly play structures. Accordingly, it is an object herein to provide foldable, pop-up play structures with improved safety features and ease of assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable cardboard play structure is provided. The foldable cardboard play structure comprises at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least the first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of the one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least the second foldable panel. The slots are adapted to receive the corresponding first tab and at least one of the first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon. The edge portions are configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of the first and second foldable panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a cardboard play structure is provided. The method includes providing at least two cardboard panels including a corresponding number of tabs and complementary slots, securing at least the first cardboard panel to the second cardboard panel by inserting one or more tabs on one of the first or second panel into one or more corresponding slots on the other of the first and second panel, and eliminating exposed edges from the one or more cardboard panels by wrapping a portion of one of the first and second cardboard panels around the other of the first and second cardboard panels and inserting a tab located on the portion to insert into a corresponding slit provided in a fold line of the same cardboard panel.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit for assembling a cardboard play structure for pretend play is provided. The kit comprises at least two cardboard panels capable of being assembled into a play structure, one or more accessory pieces, and decorating materials for customizing the play structure. The cardboard panels include one of a plurality of tabs and a plurality of corresponding slots. The slots are adapted to receive the corresponding tabs to join the one or more cardboard panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pre-assembled view of play structure vehicle panels according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates two side panels of the play structure vehicle in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3(a)-(c) illustrate an assembly step for an exemplary play structure vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an incomplete attachment of a front panel of the play structure vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5(a)-(b) illustrate another assembly step for an exemplary play structure vehicle;

FIG. 6(a)-(c) illustrate another assembly step for an exemplary play structure vehicle to provide smooth, safe edges;

FIG. 7(a)-(b) illustrate a rear perspective view of an exemplary play structure vehicle during assembly;

FIG. 8(a)-(h) illustrate an assembly step for an exemplary play structure vehicle;

FIG. 9(a)-(b) illustrate an assembly step for an exemplary play structure vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a process for attaching side view mirrors to an exemplary play structure vehicle;

FIG. 11(a)-(e) illustrate various perspective views of a fully assembled exemplary play structure vehicle in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates pre-assembled play structure jet panels according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates one aspect of the assembly of an exemplary play structure jet;

FIG. 14 illustrates another aspect of the assembly of an exemplary play structure jet;

FIG. 15 illustrates another aspect of the assembly of an exemplary play structure jet;

FIG. 16(a)-(d) illustrates another aspect of the assembly of an exemplary play structure jet;

FIG. 17(a)-(c) are various perspective views of a fully assembled exemplary play structure jet in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates pre-assembled play structure concession stand panels according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates one assembly step for an exemplary play structure concession stand;

FIG. 20 illustrates another assembly step for an exemplary play structure concession stand;

FIG. 21 illustrates another assembly step for an exemplary play structure concession stand;

FIG. 22 illustrates another assembly step for an exemplary play structure concession stand;

FIG. 23(a)-(b) illustrate yet another assembly step for an exemplary play structure concession stand; and

FIG. 24(a)-(b) are various perspective views of a fully assembled exemplary play structure jet in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cardboard playhouses are provided that utilize improved construction and method of assembly, making the structures easier to assemble, safer, and more durable. The cardboard playhouses according to the subject application incorporate the banker's box method of assembly, which allows for simplified, single person construction and also increases the playhouse safety. The banker's box method involves wrapping a piece of cardboard around itself or another piece of cardboard to cover any exposed corrugated edges. This strengthens the rigidity of the structure, while also protecting users from potential injury from the sharp edges. Additionally, the playhouse assembly according to the present invention utilizes otherwise useless scraps created by die lines by implementing various features. This assembly does not require glue or other permanent adhesive, so it is easily flattened for storage and travel. Both the packaging and product comprise 100% recycled materials.

The cardboard playhouses according to one embodiment may comprise double-walled corrugated cardboard, such as B flute, B Flute 200 LB/WT, ECT-32 B, and other such materials. The product assembly utilizes a series of tabs and slots that allow the playhouses to be “stitched” together on the edges of adjoining sections of cardboard. A user may insert the tab of one section into the corresponding slot of another section, resulting in a “stitch.” The tabs are preferably wider at the end to be inserted into a slot, such that once a tab is inserted into a slot, the tab itself butterflies open to lock the “stitch” in place. This “stitching” technique, coupled with the banker's box technique increases the structural rigidity and product safety. This assembly method is simplified to enable assembly by a single user.

The following exemplary embodiments comprise corrugated cardboard structures intended for pretend play. The cardboard preferably comprises one “outer” surface, that may be white, colored, or include graphics, either printed or otherwise, for decorating purposes similar to a coloring book. The embodiments herein are described such that the outer surface is white and the inner surface is the typical brown kraft cardboard for exemplary purposes only; however, other configurations are contemplated herein. The play structures may be sold with decorating kits, including decorating materials such as stickers, markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, ribbons, paper, and/or other accessories. The decorating materials/accessories may also be provided separately.

Referring now to the figures and more particularly to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary foldable corrugated cardboard car play structure is provided. FIG. 1 illustrates the pre-assembled car of this particular embodiment that consists of seven pieces, although more or less pieces may be provided if desired. A right side panel (A) and left side panel (B) is provided, such that the left side panel (B) may serve as the driver's side and the right side panel (B) may serve as the passenger side, although an opposite configuration may be implemented for right-hand drive vehicles. Each side panel comprises a front side 111 and rear side 113 window, with an entry door 115 directly below the front side window 111, such that the top of the entry door 115 comprises the bottom edge of the window. The entry doors 115 are detached from the side panels (A),(B) along the rear side and bottom, such that the doors are can be hingedly rotated open and closed and may include a handle 125 for opening and closing the door. Other pieces of the car assembly may include a front panel (C), including a grill and a hood and right and left side view mirrors (D). Rear panel (E) may include a rear bumper and trunk lid with a handle, and a roof panel (F), that may include a windshield 117, dashboard 121, sunroof 123 and a rear hatch with a rear window 119 in the center portion of the hatch.

The car assembly may come in variety of sizes, for all ages of users, one particular embodiment has packaged dimensions of about 54″L×29.5″H×1.75″W and unpackaged dimensions of 53.5″L×27″H×34.5″W. While in this particular embodiment the car assembly takes the form of a hatchback/wagon/SUV/hybrid, the car is not limited to this structure and may alternatively take the form of convertible, van/minivan, safari vehicle, jeep/4×4, race car, indy car, formula one car, drag car, go kart, dune buggy, school bus, bus, police car, fire truck, ambulance, taxi, pizza delivery car, ice cream truck, truck, pick-up truck, limo, antique car, muscle car, mystery machine, golf cart, police truck, armored vehicle, train/locomotive/caboose, tractor, bull dozer, crane, semi-truck, plow truck, ATV, tank, military vehicle, moon rover, space vehicle, submarine, motorcycle/side car, carriage, covered wagon, stagecoach, hot air balloon, blimp, boat, jet ski, car bed, and the like. For instance, in the case of an ice cream truck, the rear panel (E) may additionally include rear entry door, such as double doors, different shaped parts, and different/additional accessories.

FIGS. 2-11 illustratively exemplify the assembly of the corrugated cardboard car play structure according to one aspect of the disclosure. Prior to the first step, the designated labeled cardboard tabs and creases should be folded to prepare for assembly. The assembly of structures according to other designs contemplated herein may include additional and/or different steps, and/or may exclude certain steps, to accommodate the various features of each design.

With reference to FIG. 2, side panels (A) and (B) each include foldable bottom portions about 2-3 inches from the bottom that run parallel to the bottom edge of the side panel. Each side panel may be folded at the crease lines such that there is a flat panel resting on the ground to the interior play area of the car, to provide improved support and stability.

The front panel (C) of the car may then be attached to side panels (A) and (B). Standing at the front of the car, the front panel is attached to the side panels (A) and (B) beginning at the bottom (tab 1) and working up towards the top of the front panel (C) (FIG. 3(a). Each tab 1-3 on either side of the front panel (C) is inserted into the corresponding slots on the side panels. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3(b) and (c), one a tab is inserted into a slot, the tab should be folded over from the interior and pushed back through a corresponding slit provided in a fold line of front panel (C) that is parallel to the tab, securing the tab in place. FIG. 4 illustrates an incomplete attachment of the front panel (C), wherein tabs 1 and 2 of the left side are fully inserted and secured and tabs 1 and 2 of the right side panel (A) are inserted and secured. Finally, left and right tabs 3 are inserted into the corresponding tabs to button up the front panel. (See FIG. 3(b)). Preferably, both the right and left tabs 1 are inserted prior to inserting tab 2, etc.

FIGS. 5(a)-(b) illustrate the process of joining the rear panel (E) of the car with the side panels (A),(B). As displayed in FIG. 5(a), the rear panel (E) includes an end piece with two side sections, each with one or more tabs corresponding to one or more slots on each of the left (B) and the right (A) side panels. The rear panel is attached to the side panels (A),(B) beginning at the top (tab 1) of the side panels and working down towards the bottom. Tab 1 is initially inserted into slot 1 of the left side panel (B). After insertion, tab 1 is to be folded back against the side panel from the interior and inserted into a corresponding slit provided in a fold line parallel to the tab on the rear panel (E) to lock the tab in place. This is to be repeated with tab 1 on the right side. If there is more than one tab on each side of the rear panel, both the left and right tab 1's should be inserted into the corresponding slots and secured in the fold line slits prior to moving on to subsequent tabs. FIG. 5(b) displays the rear panel (E) fully attached to the side panels (B) and (A) with each tab inserted into the corresponding slot and secured. The top side of rear panel (E) further includes tabs 7 and 8, which should be left folded out for later use.

FIGS. 6 (a),(b) illustrates one exemplary method of attaching the roof panel (F) to the right (A) and left (B) side panels. Tabs 9-16 of the roof panel (F) are wrapped around corresponding support structures of the corresponding side panels. From the interior of the car assembly, the tabs are tucked back into corresponding slits provided on the fold lines of the roof panel. The support structures of the side panels corresponding with each of tabs 9-16 also make up the top and side edges of the front side and rear side windows. Each tab 9-16 should be sequentially secured to the side panels, such that the tabs wrap around each correspondingly numbered support structure located on the side panels and tab back to corresponding slits in the fold lines of roof panel (F) to secure the roof panel to the car assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 6(c). This banker's box folding method of assembly eliminates the potential for exposing sharp edges by ensuring all edges are smooth folds, and not rough end pieces. FIG. 6(b) illustrates the car assembly having the roof panel (F) and the two side panels (A),(B) securely attached. The front section of the roof panel is tucked under the hood.

As illustrated in FIG. 7(a), rear panel (E) further includes tabs extending from the top edge of the rear panel (E) and two sets of slots on either side of the trunk hatch 146. To form the rear window 119, tabs 7 and 8 may be folded over the top edge of the rear panel (E) and through corresponding upper slots 142 and back through lower slots 144 as illustrated in FIG. 7(b). Tabs 7 and 8 are preferably shaped such that the tops of the tabs are wide than the slots 142 and 144. To manage tabs 7 and 8 through slots 142 and 144, the tabs should be folded. Unfolding the tabs after they are inserted through the slots ensures the tabs are locked in place. The folding of tabs 7 and 8 over the bottom of the rear window 119 ensures that the rear window edge is not sharp and rough, but rather smooth and rounded for user safety.

As illustrated in FIG. 8(a), the top side of the front panel (C) includes left and right tabs 17, which are short tabs that may be inserted into corresponding slots located on the dashboard 121. Also shown in FIG. 8(a), the hood portion of the front panel includes two sets of slots 141, a first and second right slot and a first and second left slot. Right and left tabs 18 extending downwardly from the dashboard 121 (FIG. 8(c)), are pulled through the right and left first slots (FIG. 8(c)) in the hood portion and woven through the second left and right slits. As with tabs 7 and 8 above, tabs 18 may be wider at the top than slots 141 (See FIG. 8(e)-(g). As such, tabs 18 should be folded prior to inserting into the slots and should be unfolded once the tabs are in place, securing the dashboard in the appropriate position while creating only smooth, safe contours (FIG. 8(d)). As illustrated in FIG. 8(h), the bottom portion of the dashboard 121 folds under when tabs 18 are secured in place. A half-circle portion is cut out of the bottom portion, such that as the bottom portion folds under the dashboard, the half-circle remains in place, creating a steering wheel-like portion 143. The dashboard 121 may include any variety of components, such as multiple gauges positioned about the dashboard, a radio, and a glove compartment that is designed to open and close.

As illustrated in FIG. 9(a) and (b), window edges are formed by folding tabs 20 and 21 towards the interior, such that the tabs are inserted into corresponding slots according to the banker's box method discussed above. Door flaps are then folded towards the interior (FIG. 9(b) and then a tab is pushed through a corresponding slot to create a handle on the exterior.

The side view mirrors (D) may then be attached to the car by inserting tabs located on the mirrors into slots provided on the side panels. (FIG. 10)).

The fully assembled form of the corrugated cardboard car is assembled such that the car functions as an enclosed playhouse that may be mobile or immobile. FIGS. 11(a)-(e) illustrate one embodiment of the car assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 11(a) is a driver-side view of the car with the driver-side door ajar. FIG. 11(b) illustrates a left side-front view, highlighting the folding method's elimination of rough and dangerous edges and instead provides smooth and rounded edges ensuring improved strength and safety. FIG. 11(c) displays the car from a right side-back view and FIG. 11(d) exemplifies a rear view, highlighting the opening in the back panel acting as a trunk hatch that users may use to load/unload the car. Finally, FIG. 11(e) illustrates a top view of the car assembly according to the present embodiment with an optional sunroof 123 located in the top panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a corrugated cardboard structure is provided in the form of a jet plane. The jet plane may come in many sizes, for all ages of users, one particular embodiment has packaged dimensions of 54″×29.5″H×1.65″W and unpackaged dimensions of 53.5″L×27″H×34.5 and then we will For exemplary purposes, this play structure will be described as a jet fighter plane; however other designs are also contemplated including, but not limited to a jet, plane, spaceship, rocket ship, rocket, glider, speeder, submarine, formula race car, fighter jet, bi-plane, military aircraft, cargo plane, passenger jet, powered chute, blimp, zeppelin, kite, bomber, UFO, ultra light, hot air balloon, space craft, space shuttle, hover craft, bob sled, soap box derby car, downhill racer, dragster, roller coaster, speed boat, row boat, jet ski, motorcycle, dirt bike, time machine, fortune telling machine, pin ball machine, arcade machine, escape pod, sleep pod, snowmobile, sled, hybrid, plane bed, and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates the pre-assembled, die cut outs of a jet fighter plane according to one aspect of the present embodiment. The plane includes a body panel (G), a right and left wing panel (H), and a rear panel (I) including a backrest portion. Other embodiments contemplated herein may include additional or alternative assembly parts.

FIGS. 13-15 illustratively exemplify an assembly of the corrugated cardboard jet fighter plane playhouse according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Prior to the first step, the pre-designated cardboard tabs and creases should be pre-folded for ease of assembly. This particular embodiment is described with a white outer surface and an inner surface of brown kraft cardboard; however this description is for exemplary purposes only. Other configurations and designs are contemplated herein. The assemblies of structures according to other designs contemplated herein may include additional and/or different steps, and/or may exclude certain steps, to accommodate the various features of each design.

To connect the nose of the jet, the sides of the body are folded downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 13. Tabs 30 and 31 are then inserted into corresponding slots 32 and 33 to secure the nose in a tight formation. Tabs 30 and 31 have wide ends such that the tabs should be folded prior to inserting into the slots. After the tabs have been inserted, the folds can be released to lock the tabs securely in place. After the nose is assembled, the body is preferably prepared for the remaining assembly steps by pre-folding each of the edges on the body panel (G) inwardly toward the middle of the body panel (G). (See FIG. 14).

FIG. 15 illustrates the assembly of the backrest portion by attaching the rear panel (I) to the jet assembly body panel (G). The body panel is placed over the rear panel (I), such that the rear panel extends lengthwise below the length of the body panel (G) with the narrow portion towards the nose of the jet. Tabs 40-43 extending along the rear panel (I) are inserted into corresponding slots 40-43 on the body panel (G). As with the tabs described above, tabs 40-43 are to be folded to fit into slots 40-43, and are then to be unfolded to secure in place. Inserting each of the tabs into the corresponding slots forms a backrest portion in the middle portion of the jet.

To attach the right and left wing panel (H) to the jet assembly, the wing panels must first be folded together by inserting tabs 44 and 45 through corresponding slots 46 and 47, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 16(a). FIG. 16(b) illustrates one method of attaching the assembled wing panels (H) to the body panel (G). Tabs 48-49 on the right wing panel and 50-51 on the left wing panel are inserted into corresponding slots on the body panel (G). Once the tabs are inserted into the slots, the tabs can be unfolded from the interior of the jet assembly to secure the tabs in place. If the tabs 43 on the rear panel (I) are not yet inserted into the corresponding slots on the body panel (G), the tabs may be inserted to close and secure the jet plane assembly body, as illustrated in FIG. 16(c). The control panel may be assembled with the jet plane as illustrated in FIG. 16(d), by folding the control panel down from the nose portion of the body panel (G), such that a tab (not shown) is inserted up through slot 56 and then back down through slot 57, securing the control panel in place at the nose of the jet plane assembly.

The fully assembled form of the exemplary corrugated cardboard jet plane is displayed in FIGS. 17(a)-17(c). FIG. 17(a) shows a left frontal side view of one aspect of the assembled jet plane. FIG. 17(b) shows a rear view of the assembled plane. FIG. 17(c) shows a view of the interior of the plane, including the control panel according to one exemplary embodiment. The jet plane further includes handles that allow a user to pick up the jet while standing inside the cockpit, assisting mobile play.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a corrugated cardboard structure is provided in the form of a stand, and more particularly a concession stand. The concession stand may come in many sizes, for all ages of users, one particular embodiment has packaged dimensions of 24″L×30.5″H×2″W and unpackaged dimensions of 46″L×31.5″H×31.5″W. For exemplary purposes, this play structure will be described as a concession stand; however other designs are also contemplated including, but not limited to a lemonade stand, pizza stand, kiosk, snack bar, wet bar, bar, street vendor, vending machine, hotdog stand, gyro stand, bakery, drive through window, ice cream stand, restaurant, tea party set, produce/market stand, gas station/pump, advice stand, corner playhouse, work desk, drawing table, furniture, deli, outdoor grill, fold up kitchen/laundry room, patio, gazebo, lifeguard station, vanity, school house, fold up book, and the like.

FIG. 18 illustrates the pre-assembled, die cut outs of the concession stand according to the present embodiment. The stand includes two side body panels (J), including drop down awnings with sign insertion slots, outside reinforcement wrap-around columns 175 and a drop down counter support 173; two cabinet panels (K), two countertops (L); an optional menu (M) and interchangeable signage (N). Other embodiments contemplated herein may include alternative and/or additional assembly parts.

FIGS. 19-22 exemplify the assembly of the corrugated cardboard concession stand play structure according to one exemplary embodiment. Prior to the first step, the pre-designated cardboard tabs and creases should be pre-folded to necessary prepare for assembly. This particular embodiment is described with cardboard having a white outer surface and white inner surface; however this description is for exemplary purposes only. Other configurations and designs are contemplated herein. The assemblies of play structures according to other designs may include additional/different steps, to accommodate the various features of each design.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the columns 175 of the side body panels (J) are folded inwardly, such as to create support columns (FIG. 19). To secure the columns in place, tabs 61-64 are sequentially inserted into corresponding tabs 65-68 located on the side body panels, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 18. The tabs preferably include a portion with a width greater than the width of the slots, such that the tabs must be folded in order to enter the slots and unfolded after insertion. The tabs are then unfolded post-insertion to lock in place and secure the assembly. Tabs 71, 72, and 73 may then be inserted into corresponding slots on the opposite side body panel to join the two side body panels (J) along one edge. The side body panels (J) are preferably joined such that the panels form a substantially right angle (90°) with one another. The tabs 71, 72, 73 preferably include a hook-like shape, such that once the tabs are inserted into the slots, the tabs are slid downwardly towards the base of the side body panel to lock into place. This locking method is exemplified in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary method of assembling the cabinet panels (K) with the stand side body panels (J). The cabinet panels (K) may be prepared by folding the panels along lines x, with the tabs 75-79 extending behind the main cabinet body (FIG. 21). Tabs 75-77 on each of the cabinet panels (K) may then be inserted into corresponding slots on the side body panels, as depicted in FIG. 22. The tabs 75-77 should be pushed through to the outside of the slot and then back through to the inside by a second, parallel slot. Since it is preferred that the tabs be of the type that include a greater width at the end entering the slot, the tabs should be unfolded after insertion through the second slot, to lock the tab in place.

Referring back to FIG. 18, side body panels (J) include counter portions 173 that can be folded downwardly to create a generally 90° angle with the panel (J). Folding down the counter portions on each of the side body panels (J) creates a window-like area through the center of the panels, as is shown in FIG. 22. To secure the counter portions 173 in place, tabs 77 and 78, extending upwardly from the top side of each cabinet panel, are inserted through corresponding slots in the counter portions. At this point, the tabs should remain extended, and not folded over to lay flat on the countertop. At least one, and preferably two, additional countertops (L) are stacked on top of the counter portions 173 and corresponding tabs 77 and 78. The tabs 77 and 78 are pushed through corresponding slots located on the countertops (L) and then pushed back downwardly through a second slot located on the countertop to create a smooth, flat, countertop surface.

In one exemplary embodiment, side body panels (J) further include awning portions 180 comprising two foldable portions and tabs 80 and 81. To assemble the awnings, it is preferred that the awning portions 180 be hanging down from the top of the stand, as shown in FIG. 18. The awning portions 180 may then be folded upwardly, such that a portion of the awning comprising tabs 80 and 81 is folded over the top edge of the side body panel and the tabs 80,81 may be inserted into the corresponding tabs located on the side body panels (J), as shown in FIG. 23(a). The tabs 80,81 may further extend through slits provided in the fold line located on the awning portions. One or more signs (N) and a menu may then be inserted into the slot provided in the awning portions 180. (FIG. 23(b)).

One embodiment of a fully assembled stand, complete with an awning and sign is illustrated in FIGS. 24(a)-(b). FIG. 24(a) shows a front center view of the stand and FIG. 24(b) illustrates an interior “worker” view of the stand.

The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A foldable cardboard play structure comprising:

at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least said first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of said one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least said second foldable panel, said slots adapted to receive said corresponding first tabs, and wherein at least one of said first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon, said edge portions being configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of said first and second foldable panel.

2. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein said cardboard is corrugated.

3. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein said fold lines of said edge portions further include slits adapted to receive said second tabs.

4. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said first tabs is wider than said slots.

5. The play structure according to claim 4, wherein said portion is configured to fold to be received by said corresponding slot.

6. The play structure according to claim 5, wherein said portion is configured to butterfly open after insertion into a slot, locking the first tab in position.

7. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein said cardboard panels include an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface is customizable.

8. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein said structure forms one of a vehicle, jet plane, and concession stand.

9. The play structure according to claim 8, wherein said vehicle structure includes one or more of an entry door capable of handedly rotating open and closed, a window, a storage space, a side mirror, and a dashboard.

10. The play structure according to claim 8, wherein said jet includes one or more of a wing panel, a backrest, and carrying handles.

11. The play structure according to claim 8, wherein said concession stand includes one or more of an awning, a sign, a menu, a cabinet, and a countertop.

12. A method for assembling a cardboard play structure comprising:

providing at least two cardboard panels including a corresponding number of tabs and complementary slots;

securing at least said first cardboard panel to said second cardboard panel by inserting one or more first tabs on one of said first or second panel into one or more corresponding slots on the other of said first and second panel; and

eliminating exposed edges from said one or more cardboard panels by wrapping an edge portion of one of the first and second cardboard panels around the other of said first and second cardboard panels and inserting a second tab located on the edge portion to insert into a corresponding slit provided on a fold line of the same cardboard panel.

13. The method according to claim 2, further including disassembling said cardboard play structure by removing any inserted tabs and flattening the structure for at least one of travel and storage.

14. The method according to claim 2, wherein a portion of said first tabs is wider than said slots.

15. The method according to claim 4, further including folding the wider portion of the first tabs prior to inserting said first tabs into said slots and unfolding said wider portion after the first tabs are fully inserted into the slots.

16. A kit for assembling a cardboard play structure for pretend play, said kit comprising:

at least two cardboard panels capable of being assembled into a play structure;

one or more accessory pieces; and

decorating materials for customizing said play structure, wherein said cardboard panels include one of a plurality of tabs and a plurality of corresponding slots, wherein said slots are adapted to receive said corresponding tabs to join said one or more cardboard panels.

17. The kit according to claim 14, wherein said cardboard is corrugated cardboard.

18. The kit according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said cardboard panels further includes edge portions having tabs and corresponding slits thereon, said edge portions configured to wrap around corresponding portions on another cardboard panel and insert said tab into said corresponding slit.

19. The play structure according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said tabs is wider than said slots.

20. The play structure according to claim 4, wherein a said portion is configured to butterfly open after insertion into a slot, locking the tab in position.