TOY BUILDING STRUCTURE
A toy building structure is disclosed. The toy building structure comprises a set of panels that engage each other in a tongue and groove manner to permit quick and easy assembly. The panels also include one or more magnetic elements therein to allow for selective engagement of decorative magnetic panels.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/259,902 filed Nov. 10, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe disclosure generally relates to toy building structures, such as a dollhouse, that may be selectively assembled and disassembled.
BACKGROUNDWhile it is known to provide toy building structures, such as dollhouses, for example, in a disassembled configuration as part of kit, such structures are often complicated and require adult assembly. As children often like to do things by themselves, there exists a need for a simplified toy building structure that permits children to easily and quickly assemble the toy building structure. For repeat play activity and/or storage reason, there also exists a need for toy building structure that may be easily disassembled.
Another concern with known toy building structures is that such structures do not allow for selective customization. More specifically, while different free-standing components are typically available for use with the toy building structure (i.e., furniture, vehicles, action figures), the decor of these structures is not selectively customizable. For example, these structures are often mass-produced with permanent wall, floor, or fixture decor that does not permit selective modification. Accordingly, there also exists a need for a toy building structure that allows for children to selectively customize decor elements of the structure.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now by described by way of example in greater detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:
Referring now to the discussion that follows and also to the drawings, illustrative approaches to the disclosed systems and methods are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some possible approaches, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the descriptions set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.
Described herein is an exemplary toy building structure that may be utilized by children and adults alike. In one exemplary configuration, the toy building structure of the present disclosure provides the ability to easily and quickly assembly a toy building structure without tools. Indeed, in some exemplary configurations, the toy building structure may be assembled without adult supervision. The toy building structure may also be configured to permit selective modification of the decor. For example, the interior walls and floor may be selectively modified, easily and quickly.
Referring to the drawings, an exemplary arrangement of a toy building structure 10 is shown. While the toy building structure 10 is shown as a dollhouse having a specific number of levels, windows and doors, it is understood that the disclosure of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific building structure depicted in the drawings. Indeed, a variety of other types of building structures, such as fire houses and post offices, for example, are contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure. Other toy building structure configurations are also contemplated. For example, toy building structures having more or less than three levels are also contemplated by this disclosure.
Referring now to
Base panel member 12 is defined by a peripheral edge 20. In one exemplary arrangement, base panel member 12 is configured with first recesses 14. First recesses 14 are configured to selectively receive side wall panels 13A, 13B. More specifically, recesses 14, each are defined by two ends, a first end 21A and a second end 21B. The first end 21A of each of the recesses 14 extends to a peripheral edge 20 of the base panel member 12. Second ends 21B are configured to intersect with a second recess 16 that is configured to receive front wall panel 15.
Second recess 16 is also defined by first and second ends 23A and 23B, respectively. First end 23A of second recess 16 is configured to intersect with one of the first recesses 14. Second end 23B of second recess 16 extends to peripheral edge 20 such that a portion of second recess 16 extends laterally beyond one of first recesses 14.
Base panel 12 may also be configured with one or more interior wall recesses 18 configured to receive interior panels 25, as will be explained in further detail below. In one exemplary configuration, each interior wall recess 18 is also defined by a first end 27A and a second end 27B. First end 27A of interior wall recess 18 is configured to extend to peripheral edge 20 of base panel member 12. In one exemplary configuration, second end 27B is spaced away from second recess 16 such that interior wall recess 18 does not intersect with second recess 16. However, it is understood that second end 27B may be configured to terminate or even intersect with second recess 16 without departing from the present disclosure.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, base panel 12 may be configured with a plurality of recesses 29 into which a magnet element 31 is received. The magnet element 31 is configured to cooperate with a magnetic panel to easily and non-destructively permit selective interchanging of the decor of the toy building structure 10. For example, for magnet elements 31 imbedded in recesses 29 that are positioned inwardly of first and second recesses, toward a center section of base panel 12, corresponding magnetic panels (not shown) having various floor designs may be placed thereon. For example, magnetic panels illustrating a wood grain flooring pattern or a distinctive tile design, may be provided. In one specific exemplary configuration, the magnetic panels are configured with a predetermined size and shape that corresponds to a specific section of base panel 12. More specifically, magnetic panels may be provided that are sized to correspond to an area 33 bordered by first recess 14A, second recess 16 and interior wall recess 18. In yet another exemplary configuration, area 33 may be configured to have the same dimensions at area 35 allowing further interchangeability of various magnetic panels.
Magnets 29 exert a sufficient retaining force to retain the magnetic panels on various components of structure 10, but still permits a child to easily remove and/or replace the magnetic panels, if desired. Further, because only small magnets 29 are utilized, the structure may be cost-effectively manufactured. In one arrangement, relatively small magnets 29 are used, such that the panels are relatively lightweight that that a child can easily manipulate. While only a single magnet 29 is depicted in area 33 (and in area 35), it is understood that a plurality of magnets may be provided. Further, while recesses are configured as having a circular shape (and magnets have a corresponding shape), it is understood that alternative shapes of the recesses and corresponding magnets are also contemplated by the current disclosure.
In one exemplary configuration, base panel 12 is configured such that an apron 37 extends around the outermost recesses 14 and 16. Apron 37 may also be provided with one or more recesses 39 that are configured to receive magnet elements 41 therein. In one exemplary configuration, magnetic panels that correspond to landscape configurations may be used on apron 37. For example, magnet panels depicting grass, or snow may be employed. In another exemplary configuration, three dimensional objects having a magnetic element embedded therein, may be employed. For example, shrubs, mailboxes, snowmen, flowers, and tree elements may be provided that selective secure to apron 37 to vary the landscape.
As discussed above, toy building structure 10 may be configured with more than one level. For example, turning to
Similar to base panel 12 described above, second floor panel 43 may also be configured with one or more recesses 39 into which magnet elements 41 are disposed therein. More specifically, a bottom surface 50 (represented in phantom) of second floor panel 43, which would ultimately be a ceiling once assembled, may be provided with one or more recesses 39′that open toward the bottom surface 50. Magnet elements 41′ are positioned therein. Magnet element 41′ may be configured to hold magnetic panels adjacent bottom surface 50 so as to selectively modify the decor thereof. In an alternative arrangement, three dimensional decor items, such as light fixtures (not shown) may be provided with magnet elements that mate with magnet element 41 to allow a user to quickly and easily interchange light fixtures.
A top surface 51 of second floor panel 43 may also be configured with one or more recesses 39 that are configured to receive magnet elements 41 therein. As discussed above in connection with base panel 12, magnet elements 41 are configured to cooperate with decorative magnetic panels (not shown) to allow a user to selectively modify the flooring of second floor panel 43. As discussed above, the decorative magnetic panels may have predetermined sizes and shapes that correspond to different shaped sections of second floor panel 43. For example, looking at
Referring to
Like base panel 10 and the second floor panel 43, the interior surfaces 62 of each side wall panel 13A and 13B may also include one or more recesses 39 that are configured to receive magnet elements 41 therein. As also discussed above, in one exemplary configuration, the magnet elements are configured to cooperate with magnet panels to allow for selective change of wall decor. In one exemplary arrangement, each side panel 13A, 13B is configured with at least one recess 39 and magnet element 41 therein above mounting groove 63 and at least one recess 39 and magnet element 41 therein below mounting groove 63. With this configuration, wall decor between the first and second floors may be independently changed by applying different magnet panels above and below second floor panel 63.
Referring to
Bottom edge 69 is configured to be received within internal wall recesses 18 formed in base panel 12. Each slot 24 is configured to engage with a corresponding slot 22 formed in second floor panel 43, thereby also securing interior panels 65 to second floor panel 43.
Interior panels 65A, 65B are each defined by first and second surfaces 73 and 75. First and second surfaces 73 and 75 may each be configured with one or more recesses 39 that are configured to receive magnet elements 41 therein. As discussed above, in one exemplary configuration, the magnet elements 41 are configured to cooperate with magnet panels to allow for selective change of wall decor. The magnet panels may be provided in predetermined shape and size to accommodate the open area 67 and opening 70 formed in interior panels 65A, 65B. In one exemplary arrangement, each interior panel 65A, 65B is configured with at least one recess 39 and magnet element 41 therein above slot 24 and at least one recess 39 and magnet element 41 therein below mountings slot 24. With this configuration, wall decor between the first and second floors may be independently changed by applying different magnet panels above and below second floor panel 43.
In the exemplary configuration depicted, toy building structure 10 is also provided with an attic panel 80.
As best seen in
Referring back to
Next, a bottom portion of a second side panel 13A is then slid into the remaining recess 14, such that a lateral edge of second side panel 13A is engaged with a corresponding lateral recess 86 formed on an interior surface of front panel 15. A bottom potion of doorway panel 92 is then inserted into recesses 94 that formed on the base panel 12, adjacent to recesses 18. A bottom surface of two interior panels 65A, 65B are inserted into recesses 18. A lateral recess 95 formed in facing surfaces of interior panels 65A, 65B receive lateral edges of doorway panel 92.
Next, second floor panel 43 is slid onto the structure 10. More specifically, side edges of second floor panel 43 engages with recesses 63 formed in the interior side of side walls 13A, 13B. Slots 22 of second floor panel 43 engage with slots 24 formed in the interior panels 65A, 65B, with a portion of interior panels 65A. 65B received within slots 22 of second floor panel 43. Next, an interior doorway panel 93 is connected to second floor panel 43. More specifically, a bottom portion of interior doorway panel 93 is received within recesses 96. Side edges of doorway panel 93 are disposed in lateral recesses 95 formed in facing surfaces of interior panels 65A, 65B.
Next, the dormer windows 103 are constructed. First, dormer sidewalls 113 are inserted into roof panel 100. The front panel 130 of dormer window 103 is then inserted into roof panel 100. Finally, the dormer roof panels are laid onto dormer side walls 113. Roof panel 100 is then engaged with attic floor panel 80. Attic floor panel 80 is slid over side wall panels 13A, 13B such that a portion of side wall panels 13A, 13B are received within slots 26 formed therein. Finally, roof back panels 120 are connected to portions of side wall panels 13A, 13B.
Once assembled, toy building structure may be selectively modified by applying decorative panels to the various interior surfaces of toy building structure 10. Examples of suitable decorative magnetic panels are illustrated in
It will be appreciated that the devices and methods described herein have broad applications. The foregoing embodiments were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles of the methods and apparatuses as well as some practical applications. The preceding description enables others skilled in the art to utilize methods and apparatuses in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in exemplary embodiments.
It is intended that the scope of the present methods and apparatuses be defined by the following claims. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practicing the claims without departing from the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future examples. Furthermore, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A toy building structure that may be selectively assembled and disassembled, comprising:
- a base panel having a plurality of recesses therein;
- a pair of opposing side wall panels;
- a front wall panel having a plurality of recesses formed therein, wherein at least a portion of the recesses are configured to receiving a side edge of the side wall panels in mating engagement; and
- an attic floor panel configured to engage with the side walls panels;
- wherein the toy building structure further includes a plurality of magnet elements recessed in one or more of the base, side wall and front panels, the magnet elements configured to cooperate with and attract a decorative magnetic panel in a non-permanent manner to permit selective decoration of the structure.
2. The toy building structure of claim 1, further comprising:
- a second floor panel having first lateral edges configured to be received within recesses formed in the side wall panels, a second forward edge configured to be received within a corresponding recess formed in the front panel.
3. The toy building structure of claim 2, further comprising:
- at least one interior wall panel, the interior wall panel having a bottom edge that is received within a recess formed on the base panel and a lateral edge that is received within a corresponding recess formed on the front wall panel.
4. The toy building structure of claim 3, wherein each of the interior wall panels further comprises a transverse slot member and wherein the second floor panel further comprises at least one slot member that is configured to engage with the transverse slot member of the interior wall panel.
5. The toy building structure of claim 4, further comprising a first doorway panel, the doorway panel having bottom edges that engage with doorway panel recesses formed on the base panel and at least one side edge that is configured to be received within a first doorway panel recess formed in the interior wall panel.
6. The toy building structure of claim 5, further comprising a second doorway panel, the second doorway panel having bottom edges that engage with doorway panel recesses from on the second floor panel and at least one side edge that is configured to be received within a second doorway panel recess formed in the interior wall panel.
7. The toy building structure of claim 1, wherein the attic floor panel includes open slots that are configured to received portions of the side wall panels therethrough to engage the side wall panels to the attic floor panel.
8. The toy building structure of claim 1, wherein the recesses magnetic elements are mounted such that a top surface of the magnetic elements are flush with a surface of the panel into which the magnetic element is mounted.
9. The toy building structure of claim 1, further comprising a roof panel that is detachable secured to the attic panel.
10. The toy building structure of claim 9, wherein the roof panel is configured to selectively receive a dormer window sub-assembly.
11. The toy building structure of claim 1, further comprising roof base panels that operatively connect to a portion of the side wall panels and the roof panel.
12. A toy building structure kit, comprising:
- a base panel having a plurality of recesses therein;
- a pair of opposing side wall panels, each having a recess extending transversely therein;
- a front wall panel having a plurality of recesses formed therein, a portion of the recesses configured for receiving a side edge of the side wall panels;
- at least one interior wall panel having a slot, the interior wall panel having a bottom edge that is received within a recess formed on the base panel;
- a second floor panel having edges configured to be received in the recesses formed in the side wall panels and having at least one slot for engaging the interior wall panel;
- an attic floor panel configured to engage with the side wall panels and having spaced apart recesses configured for receiving tabs of a roof panel; and
- a plurality of decorative magnetic panels;
- wherein a plurality of magnetic elements are recessed in one or more the base, side wall, second floor, interior wall, and attic floor panels, the magnetic elements configured to cooperate with the magnetic panels to permit selective decoration of the structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 10, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2012
Inventor: Laurie Trinch (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
Application Number: 13/508,960
International Classification: A63H 33/08 (20060101);