Folding Or Collapsible Patents (Class 446/478)
  • Patent number: 11866927
    Abstract: A compactable and portable shelter can include side panels, front and rear panels roof panels and a spine panel that are hingedly connected by continuous hinges in a manner that enables the panels to collapse onto each other and into a small profile unit for ease of transport, deployment and recovery. A window and door can be formed in at least one front or rear wall panel. Support brackets can hold wall panels upright at ninety degrees with respect to floor panels. A solar power system can provide electrical power for lighting and electronic device charging to occupants of the shelter. Adjustable legs connected at exterior corners of the base can level the left base flow panel and the right base floor panel. Panels can be thermally insulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Ira R Keys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11383178
    Abstract: A system for a playset may include a three walled structure unit having a front teller wall section, a document wall section, and an ATM wall section. A counter surface component extends from the document wall section to the front teller wall section that may provide a generally flat surface area for filling or signing banking documents. The front teller wall section may include a central window segment, a teller window segment, and a banker window segment to be used for interaction between users located inside and outside the three walled structure unit. One or more vault units are configured to store simulation money or other banking items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: DIAMOND ELLA CAVAZOS
    Inventor: Diamond Ella Cavazos
  • Patent number: 11369893
    Abstract: A modular show stage apparatus includes a foldable base, a front-left pole assembly, a front-right pole assembly, a rear-left pole assembly, a rear-right pole assembly, a plurality of cross poles, and set of curtains. The front-left pole assembly, the front-right pole assembly, the rear-left pole assembly, the rear-right pole assembly are perimetrically mounted to the foldable base. The plurality of cross bars is mounted to the pole assemblies and functions as the roofing structure for the modular show stage apparatus. The set of curtains is attached to the plurality of cross poles so that the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the modular show stage apparatus can be covered. The set of curtains also slidably positioned about the front side of the modular show stage apparatus so that the foldable stage can be open and closed for the audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Heidi Gagliardi
  • Patent number: 10052251
    Abstract: An ornamental structure for a cremains container includes a modeling unit (10) and at least one landscaping unit (20) connected with the modeling unit. The modeling unit includes a front plate (11), two side plates (12) and a top cap (13). The modeling unit has an interior defining a receiving space (14) to receive a cremains container (30). The at least one landscaping unit includes a main body (21) and a plurality of decorative members (22) mounted on the main body. Thus, the ornamental structure partially covers and decorates the cremains container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Tsung-Hua Lu
  • Patent number: 9745764
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional modular construction system using only two, generally U-shaped prefabricated room size modules is used to form scalable, modular construction for schools, apartments, hotels, houses and the like. The modules may be formed of reinforced concrete. By using the above described modules, double walls within the buildings are eliminated thus, simplifying construction and reducing material and costs, while becoming a container for the pre-finishing of the spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: John Sergio Fisher
  • Publication number: 20150087201
    Abstract: A playset is provided. The playset having: a structure being reconfigurable from a first orientation to a second orientation; a clamping mechanism configured to releaseably secure the structure to an elevated surface; a release mechanism, which when actuated causes the structure to transition from the first orientation to the second orientation and wherein the first orientation defines a first toy vehicle path and the wherein the second orientation defines a second toy vehicle path, the first toy vehicle path being different from the second toy vehicle path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Charles E. Grafton, Glenn Yu
  • Patent number: 8943758
    Abstract: A shelter including a wall unit having walls. Each wall has a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposite side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. Each side edge is joined to a corresponding side edge of an adjacent wall to form a corner of the wall unit. The wall unit includes an access port in at least one wall. The shelter includes an upper rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the top edges of walls of the wall unit so the upper shell forms a roof of the shelter. The shelter includes a lower rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the bottom edges of walls of the wall unit so the lower shell forms a floor of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: MJ Outdoors, LLC
    Inventor: Todd William Miller
  • Patent number: 8851956
    Abstract: A playhouse has a main frame, a canopy mounted on and above the main frame, and two roof supporting frames. When the roof supporting frames cross each other, the canopy is propped up and expanded to construct the playhouse into a three-dimensional space. Thus, the playhouse does not collapse while children are bumping into the playhouse and is safe for use. When folding the playhouse, the roof supporting frames are inclined to overlap the main frame. Thus, the main frame and the roof supporting frames can be twisted into a figure of an “8” and then folded into a small size to reduce space that the playhouse occupies in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: D.J. Toys Enterprise Corp.
    Inventor: Li-Yang Niu
  • Patent number: 8845387
    Abstract: A playset is provided herein the playset having: a structure having a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein a portion of the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Grafton, Glenn Yu
  • Patent number: 8827763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel personalized children's garage-like playhouse and methods for making and using the same. Such colorful playhouse is made from plastic materials with snap in feature for easy resembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher DeBlanco, Nicholas DeBlanco
  • Patent number: 8790152
    Abstract: A ramp for a ride-on toy includes a base adapted to be positioned on a surface. The base has a top, sidewalls and an interior space. An end ramp section is also adapted to be positioned on the surface. A middle ramp section is removably connected between the base and the end ramp section. The end ramp section and the middle ramp section are sized to be removably positioned within the interior space of the base for storage. The ramp sections include a track formed on their top surfaces sized for miniature toy vehicles. The base features a roller wheel and a handle for pulling the base along the surface when the ramp sections and ride-on toy are stored in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Schlegel, Joseph Agati
  • Patent number: 8777690
    Abstract: A playset includes a housing defining a chamber, and first and second openings in communication with the chamber. A platform is coupled to the housing and movable in opposing first and second directions through the first opening, and in opposing third and fourth directions through the second opening. A doll is coupleable to the platform and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions relative to the platform. The doll is moved from the first position to the second position as the platform is moved in the second direction, and the doll is moved from the second position to the first position as the platform is moved in the third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Sheng Hua Tang, Yu Sun Chiu
  • Patent number: 8747183
    Abstract: A playhouse kit has a first panel of planar shape; a first rail of linear shape; a first panel connector connecting the first panel to the first rail along a first vertical edge of the first panel; a second panel of planar shape; a second rail of linear shape; a second panel connector connecting the second panel to the second rail along a second vertical edge of the second panel; a third panel; a third rail; a third panel connector connecting the third rail to the third panel; a corner post, the corner post having a corner third panel predrilled hole row aligned for connecting the corner post with the third panel, the corner post having a corner first panel predrilled hole row for connecting the corner post with the first panel; and a container housing the first panel, second panel, and third panel arranged in a stacked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Publication number: 20140127966
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Heather Williamson
  • Patent number: 8568194
    Abstract: A collapsible toy kitchen apparatus and method, an embodiment including a back support including a backsplash, a kitchen counter including a countertop and a range and being pivotably connected to the back support, a base pivotably connected to the back support, and two side walls that are each foldable. The pivotable connections and foldable side walls allow the toy kitchen to collapse, such as for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Guidecraft Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Fein, Gary L. Bilezkian
  • Patent number: 8544216
    Abstract: A portable shelter made from two corrugated plastic sheets. Each sheet has score lines that define a floor panel, two wall panels, and two roof panels. The two sheets are overlapped, and the panels are bent along the score lines to form the walls and roof. Each panel is secured to the adjacent panel with tabs and seam members to form standing seams that are secured by fasteners. An opening in the roof provides ventilation, while a cap over the opening blocks precipitation from entering. The entire structure is secured in place with stakes that are inserted through the floor into the ground. Solar panels can be affixed to the shelter to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: David Hazlett
  • Publication number: 20130244538
    Abstract: A playhouse composed of a sheet material is provided that utilizes plastic windows, doors, and fasteners to secure various sections together. The fastener engages a clip that is attached to various sections. The fastener is then twisted to secure the windows and doors to the structure as well as securing two sections together. The playhouse is disassembled for easy storage under a bed or in a closet. Additionally, the fasteners, windows, door, and clips can be re-used with additional corrugated structures or kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ben Lindaman
  • Patent number: 8407946
    Abstract: A self-supporting, folding closet liner assembly for a closet that is both functional and decorative. The assembly is made up of two sets of hinged folding panel assemblies; a wall panel assembly to form the self-supporting, finished, vertical surfaces of the closet and door jamb, and a top panel assembly to form the ceiling, the horizontal upper portion of the door jamb, and the section of vertical wall between the ceiling and the horizontal upper portion of the door jamb. The folding closet liner assembles fold flat for shipping and unfold in the closet for easy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Steven A. Aaron
  • Publication number: 20130072086
    Abstract: A panel and method for constructing a child's playhouse. Each panel defines a pair of spaced apart slits in the top and bottom sides thereof. Panels are interlocked by positioning one panel vertically above another and at an angle relative thereto. The top panel is moved downwardly so that a slit in the bottom side of the top panel enters a slit in the top side of the bottom panel. Some panels include apertures which form windows and doors. Panels are rearranged to form differently configured playhouses. Individual playhouses connect to each other to form modular playhouses. A kit includes a blank of full-sized panels and a blank of miniaturized panels. The miniaturized panels are used to plan and build a miniaturized playhouse and the pattern of that playhouse is followed in the building of the full-sized playhouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Norio Saneshige
  • Patent number: 8353131
    Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick A. Freet
  • Patent number: 8328596
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Patent number: 8303369
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120276810
    Abstract: A playset is provided herein the playset having: a structure having a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein a portion of the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Charles E. Grafton, Glenn Yu
  • Publication number: 20120171926
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Steven John Crnecki, Jeffrey Wingrove Dentz
  • Publication number: 20120045965
    Abstract: A playset includes a housing defining a chamber, and first and second openings in communication with the chamber. A platform is coupled to the housing and movable in opposing first and second directions through the first opening, and in opposing third and fourth directions through the second opening. A doll is coupleable to the platform and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions relative to the platform. The doll is moved from the first position to the second position as the platform is moved in the second direction, and the doll is moved from the second position to the first position as the platform is moved in the third direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Sheng Hua Tang, Yu Sun Chiu
  • Publication number: 20110281495
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Welsh, Andy Carcioppolo, Sam Cahill
  • Publication number: 20110269373
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a plurality of panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of each respective frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The left side of each panel is hingedly coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel to form a ring of panels. A first cover piece defining a planar body is attached to the first panel, and a second cover piece defining a planar body is attached to the second panel. The panels are twisted and folded so that the frame members of the panels are in their folded orientation so as to reduce the size of the panels, with the panels sandwiched between the first and second cover pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Yu Zheng, Rachel Lee Zheng, Alicia Lea Zheng
  • Publication number: 20110217901
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Patent number: 8007339
    Abstract: A video toy is provided which may include a video screen and first and second housing segments. Each housing segment may have a diorama displaying features and objects to simulate a scene such as an apartment or room. The video screen may move from a position in front of a first diorama to a position in front of a second diorama. The diorama behind the video screen may be visible through the screen. The video toy may be programmed to display characters on the screen that engage in activities consistent with the diorama visible through the video display and simulate interacting with objects in the diorama. Players may interact with the characters through inputs such as buttons. Virtual characters may be programmed to have activities and interactions with the player that are modified based on type and frequency of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Dominic Ambriz, Evelyn Viohl
  • Patent number: 7980918
    Abstract: A playhouse is provided that includes an outer structure and a roof supported by and positioned atop the outer structure. The outer structure and the roof cooperate to at least partially define a first playspace. In one embodiment, the playhouse can further include a fence that at least partially defines a second playspace. The first and second playspaces can communicate with one another such that a person can travel between the first and second playspaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Step2 Company, LLC
    Inventor: Zhanna Prilutsky
  • Patent number: 7976395
    Abstract: A portable puppet theater, stage or playhouse comprises hanging wall structure for hanging the puppet theater or playhouse from a door or other vertical surface, enclosure structure for suspending from the hanging wall structure, the enclosure structure being shaped to form an enclosure, and shaping means associated with the enclosure structure for extending the enclosure structure away from a door or other vertical surface. The shaping structure within the enclosure structure may be disposed to be pivotable between a first position extending the enclosure structure away from the door or other vertical surface, and a second position maintaining the enclosure structure substantially flush against the door or other vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Janet Healey
  • Patent number: 7944685
    Abstract: An apparatus including a cabinet which displays content in a screen in response to digital contact with a transparent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ydreames Information, S.A.
    Inventor: Edmundo Manuel Nabais Nobre
  • Patent number: 7927176
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Publication number: 20110059676
    Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Patent number: 7892068
    Abstract: Vehicle playsets having multiple configurations. The vehicle playsets may include a track segment, a trigger adjacent to the track segment, a moving component adapted to move toward the trigger, and a launch mechanism coupled to the track segment and adapted to launch a toy vehicle along the track segment toward the moving component. Striking the moving component with the toy vehicle will prevent the moving component from reaching the trigger. The playset has at least two configurations including a closed configuration and an open configuration that is suitable for play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Harold Garner, Stacy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7878877
    Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Patent number: 7798163
    Abstract: An auxiliary modeling structure for playhouse comprises a frame body of playhouse, at least one auxiliary modeling unit, and at least one connecting module. The frame body has a bottom surface of a predetermined area and a cover enclosing the bottom surface. Each auxiliary modeling unit has an external surface which defines an attachable surface of a predetermined area. Each connecting module further includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The second connecting part is connectable with the first connecting part in a detachable manner; wherein one of the first and second connecting parts is furnished on the frame body, while the other one is furnished on the auxiliary modeling unit. By using the second connecting part to connect the first connecting part, the auxiliary modeling unit can be connected to the predetermined location of the frame body so as to make the playhouse shaped like a three-dimensional animal, fruit, daily utensil, transportation, or etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Wei Hen Yang
  • Patent number: 7753753
    Abstract: Playsets are disclosed. The playsets may include a support surface and a pop-up structure. The pop-up structure may be adapted to be selectively transitioned between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration the pop-up structure may be collapsed and may extend along the support surface. In the deployed configuration the pop-up structure may stand substantially transverse to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Payne, Kwun Chung Mo, Chung Chi Cheung, Kit Hong Lau
  • Patent number: 7749041
    Abstract: A portable theater for children that has multiple features of a theater integrated together. The portable theater has a stage, refreshment stand, ticket booth and alternatively a dressing room or puppet theater. Each side of theater has one element for a total of four elements in any given theater. The theater allows children to enact not only a performance, but also other aspects of the theater experience like selling tickets, selling refreshments and changing between scenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Annette Leleu
  • Publication number: 20100093257
    Abstract: A ready to assemble structural system comprises support members with slots, and bases with grooves. The slots allow various support members to be interconnected in rigid alignment. The grooves in the bases receive the upper or lower edges of the support members, providing further structural rigidity. Embodiments allow for the construction of real or toy chairs, tables, bookshelves, chests, houses, and other structures with internal storage capacity or the ability to support a person or objects. Particular embodiments can be vertically stacked or laterally joined to form extended structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph T. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7677949
    Abstract: A construction kit for constructing a play structure. The play structure for providing children a place to play includes: a square-shaped, planar horizontal support member; plurality of legs; an octagonal-shaped, concave floor member; an octagonal-shaped, planar floor member; a plurality of vertical support members; a substantially convex ceiling member; two staircases; and a flag pole, removably coupleable to a top side of the ceiling member, and configured to hang a flag thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur G. Mc Millan
  • Patent number: 7654910
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-modular maze device comprising a plurality of maze modules interconnected using a plurality of adaptors to configure a plurality of interconnected pathways. The maze modules and the adaptors are removably engaged to each other using hook and loop fastening arrangements. The maze device is capable of being removably installed on a supporting surface (for example, floor), either outdoor or indoor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Xing Chen
  • Patent number: 7647731
    Abstract: A prefabricated building module includes a rectangular floor structure, three walls and a trussed roof structure enclosing a ceiling space with two end walls pivoted about the short sides of the floor structure, the third wall pivoted at its lower end to a long side of the floor structure and the roof structure pivoted at the upper end of said side wall such that said walls and roof structure fold onto the floor structure to form a flat pack with the same footprint as the floor structure. The roof structure comprises a ceiling and upright roof trusses pivoted to the ceiling which fold down within the plan of the roof and the walls have provision for doors and windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Deployable Structures International Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stephen Muir
  • Publication number: 20090305606
    Abstract: Material for providing a play environment for a play figure including a non-scar, quick-release adhesive roll of material having a play environment decor, and optionally including three-dimensional toy units and/or a kit comprising the material packaged together with at least one toy unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald David Coben
  • Patent number: 7618301
    Abstract: Playsets having pop-up structures. Pop-up structures may be adapted to transition to an erect configuration when the playset is in an open configuration, in which at least a portion of the pop-up structure may extend outside of a perimeter of the playset, and to a compact stowed configuration when the playset is in a closed configuration, in which the pop-up structure is disposed within the perimeter. Playsets may include elements adapted to urge a portion of the pop-up structure toward the erect configuration or one or more playset-accessory retention chambers. Some examples may include first and second latch elements that are adapted to cooperatively retain the playset in the open configuration. Other examples may include a fastener adapted to be moved selectively between a clasping position in which the fastener retains the playset in the closed configuration and a linking position in which the fastener couples to a second playset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James Knight, Julian Payne, Kwun Chung Mo, Alan Cheung, Pitt Lau
  • Patent number: 7594844
    Abstract: A toy apparatus is provided including a playbase movable between a first closed position and a second open position. The playbase includes one or more members and these members are provided in a substantially flattened condition when the playbase is in a first closed position, and movable with the playbase to a partial or substantially erect condition when the playbase is in a second open position. At least one of the members is provided in at least one recess in the playbase in the first closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Evolve NPD Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Cartlidge, Tim Rowe, Lucas Tyler
  • Patent number: 7581357
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking bosses for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Jed C. Richardson, Lyle A. Rosine, Rob Stein, Robert Kopp, Michael Uffner, Torrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 7552563
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having walls and hinges, the walls being foldable to reduce the volume of the collapsible structure via hinges separated by a distance to form pockets which receive therein the thickness of one or more collapsed walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Becker
  • Publication number: 20090149111
    Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Publication number: 20090075560
    Abstract: A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: LEARNING CURVE BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Robin K. Smith, Liliane Davidson