ART BOX

A collapsible cubicle containing a play area for children is disclosed. The cubicle is constructed from four vertically disposed panels configured to fold into an attaché type case that is easily transportable from one place to another. The play area features play and educational aids displayed on the panels such as a chalk board, a flip chart with paper for drawing or painting, a dry erase board and a painting canvas.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional application No. 61/428,864 filed on Dec. 31, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collapsible cubicle containing a play area for children. The cubicle is constructed from four vertically disposed panels configured to fold into an attaché type case that is easily transportable from one place to another and can be easily installed in any location that has a generally flat floor. The play area features play and educational aids displayed on the panels such as a chalk board, a flip chart with paper for drawing or painting, a dry erase board and a painting canvas.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A fair number of prior art references that relate to play boxes that have wall hangings have been identified.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,963,122 is for a collapsible utility house. The hinges in this patent are used for connecting the sides of the panels.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,682 relates to an easily assembled and disassembled toy backdrop display for simulating a room or rooms of a house includes at least two wall panels hingedly coupled together along one edge and a plastic beam of U-shaped cross-section having at least first and second pairs of notches spaced from one another for receiving within and holding said first and second wall panels to hold said wall panels at a predetermined corner angle. The hinges in this patent are used for connecting the sides of the panels.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,068 describes a play house apparatus aimed at children whose ages range from eighteen months to nine or ten years which is designed to provide entertainment and to introduce, teach and/or reinforce any number of artistic, theatric and imaginative skills as well as fundamental skills, such as alphabet recognition, handwriting, numeric skills, musical scales, and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,083 discloses a toy store comprising a vertical front wall including a door and a window. A floor member is connected to the front wall along its bottom portion and a ceiling member is similarly connected to the front wall along its top portion and substantially overlies the floor member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,848 teaches a folding portable play enclosure for children including a plurality of panels connected in a series in an accordion-fold manner by a plurality of folding joints. The panels are formed by cardboard sheets sandwiched between inner and outer flexible vinyl layers. The folding joints are formed by the provision of spaces between the ends of each adjacent pair of cardboard sheets in the series.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,690 provides panels of scrap corrugated panel to make free standing play structures that a child can assemble with clamps. The clamps are extrusions of high density polystyrene, incorporating flexible legs that form a U-shaped panel receiving section. Each clamp has a panel insertion guide, an elastic deformation gripping section, and a crush deformation gripping section. The clamps are designed to be easy for a child to insert a corrugated panel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,870 is for a play enclosure apparatus that includes a plurality of panels that are detachably connectable to each other at their sides to form a play enclosure. The panels may be connected to form enclosures of various shapes, and two of the panels may be connected to trap the remaining panels between the two panels for portability or storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,287 describes a children's play structure that includes a frame having hinging structures capable of being arranged into a free-standing structure and at least one interchangeable panel capable of removable attachment to the frame. The frame is easily assembled and is foldable into a compact structure when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,982 relates to a collapsible, folding play structure including wall members that are integrally connected to each other and roof members which are integrally connected to the wall members. The play structure may be folded and stored by folding the roof members outward to the corresponding wall members. The roof and wall members are then folded flat and again folded together to form a flat compact storage state for reuse.

U.S. design patent D334221 shows a combined toy booth and display unit. U.S. design patent D381705 shows a castle type playhouse.

None of the prior art references are configured in such a way that allows the box to fold into a briefcase.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to a foldable box in which a child can play and be creative. The box is most appropriate for toddlers to about age 4; however children and adults of most ages may utilize the box as well.

The present invention has two aspects:

1. A box comprising a floor panel and four panels configured to collapse into an attaché type case so it may be carried from place to place.

2. Boards hung on the inside part of the panels that may be used for educational purposes as well as decorative purposes.

The box contains a rectangular floor panel positioned horizontally on ground and four rectangular side panels each positioned vertically onto and attached to an edge of the floor panel. The top of the box is open. The bottom side of each vertical panel contains an internal hinge that allows the panel to pivot toward the inside of the box. The panels are configured to fold one on top of the other when folded in a predetermined sequence. To accomplish this, the hinge of the bottom-most panel is placed lower, i.e., closer to the floor, than the hinge of the subsequent panel folded over it and the hinge of each subsequent folded panel is progressively placed above that of the previous folded panel. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hinge for the front panel is placed closest to the floor as the front panel folds first over the floor panel. The hinges of the rear panel, left side panel and right panel are placed progressively higher off the floor to correspond with the order of panel folding.

The front panel has an opening that allows a person to enter and exit the box. The front panel may also optionally comprise of a window. Alternatively, the opening may be equipped with a door. The window is preferably made of a hard transparent plastic such as Plexiglass and may be used for marking with markers or pasting pictures. The dimensions of the panels can vary depending on the ages of the children.

In a folded configuration, the box essentially becomes a large briefcase adapted for carrying from place to place. For this purpose, the bottom of one of the side panel contains a handle.

In the assembled and set-up configuration, the floor panel is situated on a floor and the panels are positioned upright. Bracing the tops of adjacent panels together is accomplished using detachable straps attached to button-like protrusions at the edges of adjacent panels.

Each panel interior contains a board that may be used by children for amusement or learning. One board may be a chalk board, another may be a flip chart having paper for drawing or painting and the third panel may contain a dry erase board or a painting canvas. A box containing art supplies such as chalk, crayons and paint brushes may be situated on the floor panel opposite to the panel having the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a first angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a second angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a close up side view of a strap portrayed in FIG. 2 configured for holding together the ends of two adjacent side panels viewed from a first angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a third angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a first angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a first angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a close up side view of a strap highlighted in FIG. 6 configured for holding together the ends of two adjacent side panels viewed from a second angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the assembled art box viewed from a second angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a close up side view of a strap highlighted in FIG. 8 configured for bracing together the ends of two adjacent side panels viewed from a third angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a first step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a second step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a third step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a sixth step in the sequence of collapsing the art box according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a seventh step in the sequence of collapsing the art box and shows the collapsed art box in a closed and fastened position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally relates to a collapsible play box for children. The features and components of the art box are illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 while the method of disassembling the assembled art box is illustrated in FIGS. 10-16. The method of assembling the art box would be carried out in reverse order from the disassembling steps.

The art box 10 comprises of a floor panel 22 and four panels erected in a perpendicular relation to the floor panel: 1) a front panel 19, 2) a rear panel 28 that is opposite that of the front panel, 3) a left side panel 31 relative to facing the front panel 19 and 4) a right side panel 23 relative to facing the front panel 19. Each of the panels is configured for folding inwardly by means of internal hinges built inside each panel. The hinges are located a distance off the floor and arranged in such a manner that enables a successive panel to fold over a preceding panel in a predetermined fashion. Shown are: hinge 21 of the front panel 19, hinge 29 of the left side panel 31, hinge 27 of the back panel 28 and hinge 17 of the right side panel 23. The circular hinges are also shown at the ends of the exposed edges of panels 23 and 31 as 17A and 29A respectively.

A board for use by playing children may be detachably or permanently attached to the inside surface of each panel except possibly the front panel. Any of the following boards may be used: a chalk board, a flip chart having paper for drawing or painting, a dry erase board, and a painting canvas. The right side panel 23 has board 15, left side panel 31 has board 34 and rear panel 28 has board 35. The front panel 19 has an opening 11 through which children may enter the box. The front panel 19 also has a window 14.

The boards are braced together by flexible straps 32 that are fastened to snap-on buttons 41 and 47 attached to the boards through apertures 43. In an embodiment of the present invention, buttons 47 are larger than buttons 41 as are configured for a tight fit of the strap apertures 43 onto button 47 and are generally not removed. Fastening the straps 32 onto button 41 through apertures 43 is designed for relatively quick unclasping. The straps 32 are preferably made of a stretchable plastic that allow them to stretch so that the apertures 43 fit over the snap-on buttons 41.

Additional features of the box include a handle 33 attached to the center bottom of the right side panel 23. The handle 33 is used for carrying the folded art box 10. An art supply storage container 48 is placed on the floor panel near the rear panel 28. The container holds supplies such as chalk, paint brushes and crayons. Two additional snap-on buttons 26A and 26B are attached to the bottom left side of the front panel 19 and to the right side of the rear panel 28 respectively.

a flexible strap configured for securing the front panel to the left side panel;

a flexible strap configured for securing the front left side panel to the rear panel;

a flexible strap configured for securing the front panel to the right side panel;

a flexible strap configured for securing the right side panel to the rear panel;

Each panel may come in a length and height ranging from about 2 ft to about 6 ft.

The method of disassembling the art box comprises of the following steps illustrated in FIGS. 10-16:

1. Unhooking the straps that tie the front panel to the left and right side panels.

2. Folding the front panel onto the floor panel.

3. Unhooking the straps that tie the rear panel to the left and right side panels.

4. Folding the rear panel onto the folded front panel.

5. Folding the left side panel onto the folded rear panel.

6. Folding the right side panel onto the folded left side panel.

7. Clasping the straps 49 on the top of the right side panel onto snap-on buttons 26A and 26 B. This may be accomplished by either stretching the existing straps to fit onto the corresponding snap-on button 26A or 26B, or using a longer strap.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A children play cubicle, said cubicle being adapted for an assembled configuration and a collapsed configuration, said cubicle in the assembled configuration comprising:

(a) a rectangular floor panel having a front edge, a rear edge, a left side edge and a right side edge, said floor panel being disposed horizontally on a floor;
(b) a rectangular front panel, said front panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to an inner portion of the front edge of the floor panel, said front panel having an opening for entering and exiting the cubicle;
(c) a rectangular rear panel having a left side edge and a right side edge, said rear panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to an inner portion of the rear edge of the floor panel;
(d) a rectangular left side panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to an inner portion of the left side edge of the floor panel;
(e) a rectangular right side panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to an inner portion of the right side edge of the floor panel,
said left side edge of the front panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a front side edge of the left side panel, said right side edge of the front panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a front side edge of the right side panel, said left side edge of the rear panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a rear side edge of the left side panel and said right side edge of the rear panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a rear side edge of the right side panel;
(f) a first internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the front panel configured for folding the front panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the front panel substantially horizontally onto the floor panel;
(g) a second internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the rear panel configured for folding the rear panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the rear panel substantially horizontally onto a folded front panel, said second internal hinge being vertically positioned above the first internal hinge;
(h) a third internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the left side panel configured for folding the left side panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the left side panel substantially horizontally onto a folded rear panel, said third internal hinge being vertically positioned above the second internal hinge;
(i) a fourth internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the right side panel configured for folding the right side panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the right side panel substantially horizontally onto a folded left side panel, said fourth internal hinge being vertically positioned above the third internal hinge;
(j) a first flexible strap configured for bracing the front panel with the left side panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the front panel and left side panel from unintentionally folding inwardly;
(k) a second flexible strap configured for bracing the left side panel with the rear panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the left side panel and rear panel from unintentionally folding inwardly;
(l) a third flexible strap configured for securing the front panel to the right side panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the front panel and right side panel from unintentionally folding inwardly;
(m) a fourth flexible strap configured for securing the right side panel to the rear panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the right side panel and rear panel from unintentionally folding inwardly; and
(n) two flexible straps configured for securing the floor panel to the right side panel of the cubicle in the collapsed configuration.

2. The children play cubicle of claim 1 wherein the front panel comprises a window.

3. The children play cubicle of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to an outer bottom portion of the right side panel.

4. The children play cubicle of claim 1 further comprising a storage box disposed on the floor panel.

5. The children play cubicle of claim 1 wherein securing each panel to prevent said each panel from accidentally folding inwardly is accomplished by clasping holes located in each flexible strap onto buttons attached onto a top end portion of each adjacent panel.

6. The children play cubicle of claim 1 further comprising at least one educational aid adapted for hanging on an inner portion of each of the rear panel, left side panel and right side panel.

7. The children play cubicle of claim 6 wherein the educational aid is a chalk board.

8. The children play cubicle of claim 6 wherein the educational aid is a paper flip chart.

9. The children play cubicle of claim 6 wherein the educational aid is a dry erase board.

10. The children play cubicle of claim 6 wherein the educational aid is a painting canvas.

11. A method to collapse a children play cubicle, said cubicle being adapted for an assembled configuration and a collapsed configuration, said cubicle in the assembled configuration comprising: (a) a rectangular floor panel having a front edge, a rear edge, a left side edge and a right side edge, said floor panel being disposed horizontally on a floor; (b) a rectangular front panel, said front panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to the front edge of the floor panel, said front panel having an opening for entering and exiting the cubicle; (c) a rectangular rear panel having a left side edge and a right side edge, said rear panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to the rear edge of the floor panel; (d) a rectangular left side panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to the left side edge of the floor panel; (e) a rectangular right side panel being disposed vertically onto and being attached to the right side edge of the floor panel, said left side edge of the front panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a front side edge of the left side panel, said right side edge of the front panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a front side edge of the right side panel, said left side edge of the rear panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a rear side edge of the left side panel and said right side edge of the rear panel being disposed substantially flush against an inner portion of a rear side edge of the right side panel; (f) a first internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the front panel configured for folding the front panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the front panel substantially horizontally onto the floor panel; (g) a second internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the rear panel configured for folding the rear panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the rear panel substantially horizontally onto a folded front panel, said second internal hinge being vertically positioned above the first internal hinge; (h) a third internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the left side panel configured for folding the left side panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the left side panel substantially horizontally onto a folded rear panel, said third internal hinge being vertically positioned above the second internal hinge; (i) a fourth internal hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the right side panel configured for folding the right side panel only inwardly in a manner as to position the right side panel substantially horizontally onto a folded left side panel, said fourth internal hinge being vertically positioned above the third internal hinge; (j) a first flexible strap configured for bracing the front panel with the left side panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the front panel and left side panel from unintentionally folding inwardly; (k) a second flexible strap configured for bracing the left side panel with the rear panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the left side panel and rear panel from unintentionally folding inwardly; (l) a third flexible strap configured for securing the front panel to the right side panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the front panel and right side panel from unintentionally folding inwardly; (m) a fourth flexible strap configured for securing the right side panel to the rear panel in the assembled configuration to prevent the right side panel and rear panel from unintentionally folding inwardly; and (n) two flexible straps configured for securing the floor panel to the right side panel of the cubicle in the collapsed configuration, said method comprising:

unhooking the first flexible strap that secures the front panel to the left side panel;
unhooking the second strap that secures the front panel to the right side panel;
folding the front panel inwardly along the first internal hinge in a manner as to position the front panel substantially horizontally onto the floor panel;
unhooking the third flexible strap that secures the rear panel to the left side panel;
unhooking the strap that secures the rear panel to the right side panel;
while holding the left side panel and right side panel in a vertical position, folding the rear panel inwardly along the second internal hinge in a manner as to position the rear panel substantially horizontally onto the front panel;
while holding the right side panel in a vertical position, folding the left side panel inwardly along the third internal hinge in a manner as to position the left side panel substantially horizontally onto the rear panel;
folding the right side panel inwardly along the fourth internal hinge in a manner as to position the right side panel substantially horizontally onto the left side panel to form a collapsed configuration; and
strapping on the two flexible straps to secure the floor panel to the right side panel of the cubicle in the collapsed configuration.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120171926
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 19, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 5, 2012
Inventors: Steven John Crnecki (Green Bay, WI), Jeffrey Wingrove Dentz (Holmes Beach, FL)
Application Number: 13/330,658
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Folding Or Collapsible (446/478)
International Classification: A63H 33/00 (20060101);