Decorative Play Sheet

Abstract

A child's play sheet is presented. The sheet is configured for draping from a table top to a ground surface. The sheet has an upper panel having a perimeter and an elongated side panel having proximal, mid-portion, and distal ends. A proximal end of the elongated side panel is secured to the perimeter of the upper panel, thereby forming a unified sheet. The unified sheet may comprise aesthetic designs on the inner and outer surfaces of the sheet. The outer surfaces comprise designs representative of the exterior of a house, whereas the interior surfaces of the sheet comprise designs depicting the interior of a house. The side panels may comprise slits and cutouts that are configured to represent the opening of a window or door, thereby enabling a child to simulate the opening and closing of a door by walking through the slit of the side panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/723,150 filed on Nov. 6, 2012, entitled “Child Entertainment Toy”. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sheet. More specifically the invention relates to a child's play sheet comprising a variety of aesthetic designs configured to represent the interior and exterior of a house. Moreover, the sheet comprises slits and cutouts representative of windows and doors.

Forts and playhouses are a part of most children's childhoods. A child may create their playhouse by utilizing household objects. Bed sheets, pillows, couch cushions, and chairs may be used to form the frame of their constructed house. While the child may build a very creative and enjoyable play area, there are several downsides to their building of a fort or playhouse.

A parent may not appreciate the use of household objects to build a house because sheets, pillows, and couch cushions are items that are frequently used in a house. These items may easily become lost or damaged by children when they are used playfully. The parent may provide unused sheets and other bedding components for use by the child, however, the child may not readily recognize which items are suitable for playing from those that are not.

What is needed is a compact and easily transportable device that is capable of replacing the pillows, cushions, and sheets that are necessary for a child to build a play area. Most people must monitor each of the items that a child uses to build their play area, however this is not always a viable option. There are, however, devices available on the market that are configured for replacing the household objects used to create a playhouse or fort. These devices typically comprise solid panels having decorative exterior designs that resemble a house or fort. The downside of these prior art devices is that the solid design of the panels may lead to clutter around the house if there is not a proper placement for it when not in use. Moreover, the design may be too complex for a child to construct without assistance.

The present invention provides a sheet that is adapted for use by a child in creating a playhouse. The sheet comprises an upper panel that is configured for placement over a tabletop surface, wherein side panels extends therefrom to drape along the sides of the tabletop. The interior and exterior surfaces of the sheet comprise aesthetic designs and images that depict the interior and exterior designs of a house or fort structure. The side panels also comprise cutouts that are depicted as windows and one or more slits that are configured to simulate the opening of a doorway. The sheet of the present invention is comprised of a lightweight material that is capable of being folded and stored away when not in use. This structure enables a child to install the play sheet on a supporting table without the assistance of an adult, and further allowing for rapid clean up after the child has finished playing with the play sheet.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to children's play houses. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to boxes with designs configured to entertain a child. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such prior art device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,635 to Rylander provides a child's playhouse. The playhouse is configured to be foldable into a compact storage position when not in use. Moreover, the playhouse may be readily expandable for use by a child. The device may be permanently fastened onto a wall and may be folded out therefrom when ready for use by a child. While the prior art device may provide a playhouse that is similar in nature and relative to the present invention, it fails to provide a decorative and foldable sheet that is configured for draping over a table, thereby enabling quick installment and storage when not in use.

Another prior art device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,982 to Davison provides a folding play structure that includes wall members that are integrally connected to each other. The play house may be folded downward and stored until reformed for later use. The play house structure may further comprise windows and doors. Although the prior art of Davison comprises windows and doors similar to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a decorative sheet that may be easily set up and removed by a child.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,407 to Busch provides a blanket with a permeable window, whereby the window may further be transparent. A periphery of the transparent window may be securely attached to the blanket by at least one fastener, thereby enabling a user see through the blanket. The device of Busch, however, is configured for medical use, whereas the present invention is configured as a child's play device. Moreover, the blanket lacks the slits of the present invention and further lacks window cutouts and decorative designs.

Another prior art device, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0111106 to Bollman provides a decorative box configured for use by a child. The box may have preprinted graphics that may be associated with a play activity of a child, thereby encouraging reuse of the box. The box may comprise designs of mazes, puzzles, word searches, color in pictures, board game layouts, and fill in the blank games. Although the prior art of Bollman is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it fails to provide a sheet material comprising designs resembling a playhouse that is adapted for use by a child.

Finally, U.S. Design Pat. No. D544,926 to Kassens provides a design for an indoor playhouse for use by children. The design provides an aesthetically appealing indoor playhouse that is configured for attachment to a corner wall of a home or classroom. The prior art design, however, is configured for fastening onto a wall, whereas the present invention is configured for draping over the top of a table, thereby enabling easy installment, removal, and transportability.

The present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing, decorative sheet that is configured for draping over a supporting structure, such as a table and chairs. The sheet comprises an upper panel configured for placement on a table top and side panels that extend downward from the upper panel. The side panels comprise a proximal section that is secured to the upper panel, a mid-portion, and a distal end configured for placement and suspension just above a ground surface to form an enclosed area between the side panels and the upper panel. The interior and exterior surfaces of the upper panel and side panels comprise a plurality of aesthetic designs and illustrations that resemble the exterior and interior of a dwelling house or similar structure. Moreover, the mid-portion and distal ends of the side panel may comprise a slits and cutouts that represent openings in the side of the house or fort. The slits simulate the opening of a door that a child may walk through to enter or exit the sheet interior. These slits may overlap or border a section of a door design, thereby providing a realistic door opening for a child. The cutouts within the mid-portion of the side panel may be utilized to represent window openings. The cutouts may overlap the designs of the window in order to provide an enhanced creative experience for the child.

It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement child printed entertainment devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of children's printed entertainment devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when a sheet that may be used as a child's play fort is desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved children's fort that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sheet having an upper panel and an elongated side panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet having indicia and surface designs thereon that are representative of the exterior or interior of a house or fort structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sheet having side panels extending therefrom that comprise slits and cutouts that are representative of windows and doors.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates the association between a table top and the sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the association between a collection of chairs and the sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the sheet of the present invention, whereby sheet comprises cutouts.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the sheet of the present invention, whereby a side portion cut-out is shown forming an entryway door.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the designs of the internal surface of the sheet.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the sheet in a folded, compact form.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of alternative aesthetic designs on the exterior surface of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates further aesthetic designs on the exterior surface of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the decorative sheet. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for an entertaining a child who desires to have their own playhouse or fort. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the decorative sheet 10 of the present invention. The decorative sheet is configured for placement over a support structure 70, such as a tabletop or collection of chairs. The decorative sheet comprises an upper panel surface 15 and a plurality of elongated side panels 20 having a proximal end 21, mid-portion 22, and a distal end 23.

The proximal end 21 of the side panel 20 is secured along the perimeter edges 16 of the upper panel 15. The upper panel 15 is configured to be sized for placement over the top of a table 70 or similar support structure. The elongated side panels 20 are configured to extend from the upper panel 15 to a ground surface. The elongated side panels 20 are removably secured to an adjacent side panel in order to form a complete enclosure around the table top 70. The side panels 20 are separated 25 from an adjacent side panel 20 in order to enable folding of the sheet 10. The side panels 20 may be fastened 25 together to an adjacent side panel 20 by a fastener 30. Suitable fasteners include that of snaps, buttons, ties, hook and loop fasteners, or other suitable fasteners in the art. FIG. 2 displays the present invention in use over a collection of chairs. The use of the decorative sheet 10 over a collection of chairs enables viewing of the underside of the upper panel, thereby providing an increased aesthetic value for a child.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown of the sheet of the present invention. The elongated side panels 20 comprise proximal 21, mid-portion 22, and distal 23 ends. The exterior of the elongated side panel 20 may comprise designs 55 thereon that are representative of the exterior of a house, barn, fort, or other exterior building designs. The designs can further include grass, flowers, animals, insects, house siding, doors, and windows. The mid-portion 22 of the side panel 20 my comprise cutouts 50 within the window designs 40. The window cutouts 50 are adapted to mimic traditional windows in that they enable visibility to the exterior of the device, and provide access to the exterior of the sheet. The sheet 10 may also include attachments 60 removably secured onto the exterior of the sheet 10. For example, the side panels 20 of the sheet may comprise curtains 60 attached to the child's play sheet, thereby increasing the aesthetic designs of the sheet.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the of the present invention, whereby the view depicts a typical doorway 35 through the side panels formed of a slit 45 therealong. The given side panel 20 may comprise designs 55 similar to the other sheet side panels, whereby the designs may comprise windows, doors, and various animals and vegetation. The windows of the sheet 10 comprise a plurality of cutouts to provide a more realistic look for a child. However the doors 35 comprise an elongated slit 45 that begins from a mid-portion 22 of the elongated side panel 20 to a distal portion 23 of the side panel. The slit 45 is configured to mimic and provide an opening into the child's play sheet 10. The doorway 35 may comprise a straight or curved slit 45, thereby providing for differently shaped doorways. Moreover, the door design may comprise viewing windows 50 that further enhance the aesthetic value and enjoyment of the decorative sheet.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the designs of the internal surface of the sheet. The interior designs 55 are representative of a dwelling or fort interior. Examples of interior designs can include that of beds, stoves, couches, televisions, pots, tables, or other suitable devices found in a household. The designs may further include features of more fantastical environments, such as the interior of forts, castles, or the like. The designs are indicia printed on the elongated side panels 20 and on the upper panel 15 of the sheet 10. The interior designs 55 provide for an interior dwelling for the child that corresponds to the exterior designs of the sheet, thereby providing a realistic experience for the child.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a view of the decorative sheet folded into a compact form. After use, the decorative sheet 10 may be removed from the supporting device 70, which may include a table, chairs, or other supporting structures. The separation of the side panels enables the sheet 10 to easily fold into a compact form after use. The folded decorative sheet may then be stored away or transported for use at a different time or place.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there are shown alternative aesthetic designs on the exterior surface of the decorative sheet. The mid-portion 22 of the elongate side panels 20 of the decorative sheet 10 may comprise cutouts 50 and slits 45 to enhance the appearance of the sheet. The cutouts 50 may be located within a window design 40, whereas the slits 45 may be positioned within the perimeter of a doorway design 35. The cutouts 50 and slits 45 enable a child to enter, exit, and/or see out of their play area. A variety of decorative designs 55 may also be provided on the sheet 10. The designs 55 may comprise a variety of indicia or images printed thereon, such as trim, grass, flowers, animals, brick or other building materials, signs, and any other desired building features.

Moreover, the decorative sheet 10 may be made in a variety of shapes to fit square, rectangular, round and other style tables. It is further contemplated that the dimensions of the upper and side panels may be offered in sizes to offer a proper fit on different sized supporting structures. The decorative sheet can also come in a variety of colors and styles and can be made to resemble any type of building or structure desired.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A child's play sheet that is configured for draping from a support and drape to a ground surface, comprising:

a sheet comprising an upper panel having perimeter sides;

a plurality of side panels having an upper edge, a mid-portion, and a lower edge;

said upper edges of each side panel being connected to one of said upper panel perimeter sides;

said upper panel and said side panels comprising an outer and inner surface;

said outer surface of said side panels comprising indicia representative of a building exterior, and said inner surface of said side panels comprising indicia representative of a building interior;

at least one cutout disposed along at least one of said side panels;

and at least one slit disposed along at least one of said side panels.

2) The child's play sheet of claim 1, whereby said cutout is adapted to represent a window and is disposed within said mid-portion of at least one of said side panels.

3) The child's play sheet of claim 1, whereby said slit is adapted to represent a doorway through of at least one of said side panels and extends between said distal and said mid-portions said side panel.

4) The child's play sheet of claim 1, whereby said sheet is adapted to fold in to a compact form.

5) The child's play sheet of claim 1, whereby said outer sheet surface indicia may be of one or more of trim, grass, flowers, animals, insects, bricks, windows, doors, or written words.

6) The child's play sheet of claim 1, wherein said side panels are removably fastened to adjacent side panels.