Folding Or Collapsible Patents (Class 446/478)
  • Patent number: 6099380
    Abstract: A transformable playset is reversibly configurable from a first environmental scene into a second environmental scene. A single actuator initiates reversible transformation via configuring means contained in the playset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Russ Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6071174
    Abstract: A portable child's amusement and educational center comprises a tent suitable for children's play of the type generally having flexible walls supported by a frame and a portal for entering and exiting, and a learning board for educational learning attached to the tent. The learning board is removable and interchangeable, and may contain educational exercises, allow for writing on its surface, or for attachment of alphanumeric characters or figures. The learning board is removably contained in a pocket assembly, which may further preferably comprise sub-pockets for containing various child's play articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Young W. Yoon
  • Patent number: 6066022
    Abstract: A collapsible activity center (10) includes a frame (12) which has pivotally connected thereto a wall (14) and a wall (16). The frame (12) includes a support leg (24) connected to a hinge leg (26) by a cross-piece (28). The hinge leg (26) is provided with a pair of transversely extending ribs (54) that engage a rib (84) extending from each wall (14, 16) to allow pivotal movement of each. A latitudinal detent (94) is provided on the rib (84) to engage the hinge leg (26) to allow the walls (14, 16) to be selectively held in position with respect to the frame (12). The cross-piece (28) includes a handle opening (30) while the support leg (24) includes a lip (46) to assist in carrying the walls (14, 16) when they are closed and the frame (12) is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Fobean, Matthew R. Fuligni, Paul Madan
  • Patent number: 6065253
    Abstract: A playhouse kit which includes a building constructed of thin light weight materials with dry eraser surfaces provided on both the interior and exterior surfaces thereof. The building is constructed using members forming walls, roof, and floor of a house shape structure while the members to construct the house are attached to each other utilizing Velcro.sub..TM. or any other securable attachment means. Numerous magnetically attachable accessories are provided including thematic accessories and/or any accessories which would may interest the child's imagination. In addition to the accessories numerous dry eraser markers in various colors are provided that allows the child to draw on or decorate the interior or exterior surfaces of the playhouse as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Rosa Ojeda
  • Patent number: 5993287
    Abstract: A children's play structure 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. In another embodiment, a children's play structure comprises a unitary piece of relatively rigid, resilient plastic that has been scored in a generally vertical direction to create joints which form foldable frame sections. Interchangeable panels may be attached thereto by means of complementary pairs of hook and loop fasteners attached to the panels and to the frame sections. Alternatively, panels may be removably attached thereto by means of closed loop fasteners such as "O" rings. Such structures are stackable to form a multi-level play structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Calapitter Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Melashenko, Connie R. Melashenko
  • Patent number: 5975101
    Abstract: A collapsible structure is provided that includes at least a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes a flexible loop member that is adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for substantially covering the loop member. The loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the upper edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the bottom edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. One side of the third panel is hingedly connected to either the left side or the right side of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5971833
    Abstract: A playset toy provides multiple play environments selected by inverting the toy. The toy includes a playset body and parts attached to the body. The parts are constructed to alter their position relative to the body upon inversion such that inversion conceals one play environment and reveals another play environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell G. Rasmussen, Virginia M. Bala
  • Patent number: 5904410
    Abstract: A furniture model system is provided including at least one model furniture piece having a three dimensional rectilinear configuration and a picture on each of the faces thereof which simulate an associated view of a related furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald D. Davies
  • Patent number: 5832687
    Abstract: A building block is provided with coupling means on the upper and lower faces allow the blocks to be interconnected to form structures. The coupling means includes protrusions on one face and a set of sockets or receptacles sized to engage the protrusions formed on the opposite face. The sockets are preferably laid-out in two cross-like formations of four sockets each and optionally may include a further two central sockets disposed between the two cross-like formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas Willemsen
  • Patent number: 5819479
    Abstract: A mountable toy for children comprising four modular facade parts (1) and two modular roof parts (2) of a moulded material, the parts (1) making contact through their upright sides, at joints (24) on either side of which there are holes (5) facing holes (4) in plates (3) lying over the joints (24). Parts (2) have holes (11) matching holes (10) at the ends of strips (9) which cross over the resulting joint (23). Parts (1) are provided with spherical heads (14) at their top which are housed in cavities (15) in parts (2), establishing a connection between the facade and the roof structures. The facade parts and roof parts embody a particular configuration which resembles a caricature, such as a mushroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Ferre
  • Patent number: 5761852
    Abstract: A shielding device including an inflatable frame structure, and a covering covered over the inflatable frame structure, the inflatable frame structure including a plurality of inflatable purlins, and a plurality of inflatable rafters connected in parallel by the inflatable purlins, the inflatable purlins and the inflatable rafters having a respective air valve, each inflatable rafter having a plurality of coupling portions adapted for coupling to the inflatable purlins, each coupling portion defining a coupling hole through which one inflatable purlin is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Chang Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: 5733165
    Abstract: A play-inside play structure comprising a plurality of wall members, a door panel and a roof securely connectable to form a substantially enclosed play structure, said play structure having an interior space sufficiently large to accommodate at least one child therein, and said wall members, door panel and roof having a plurality of play surfaces thereon for small cars, trucks, play or action figures. The play structure and play surfaces are related in appearance, such that they both revolve around a central theme to create a synergistic imaginative and role playing effect. In the preferred embodiment, the play structure resembles a schoolhouse and the play surfaces include, but are not limited to, a functional blackboard, molded-in classroom and cafeteria areas, library, gym, swimming pool area, picnic area, slides, ladders, tunnels, school crossing signals, and playground area including a merry-go-round, hanging tires, and hopscotch outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher-Price Inc.
    Inventor: Miriam Kelley
  • Patent number: 5562520
    Abstract: A collapsible structure which is quickly and easily collapsed to a multi-ply planar structure, then quickly and easily erectable to a self supporting three-dimensional erect structure. The structure, when erected, has a plurality of levels and enclosed areas to provide play and amusement for a child or for other suitable use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Marathon Partners
    Inventors: Charles L. Pridonoff, John Stregan
  • Patent number: 5544870
    Abstract: A play enclosure apparatus 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Kelley, Daniel M. Dignitti
  • Patent number: 5542870
    Abstract: A folding box dioramic toy has a rectangular base panel for displaying central scenic structures and rectangular side panels hinged thereto also displaying scenery. The side panels include integral triangular members extending orthogonally therefrom which in a box closed mode form a closed box top and in an unfolded mode provide vertical back-drops for additional scenery or structures. The scenery and structures show a diorama, such as a medieval castle and outbuildings, such that a child can place and move toy archers, horse-mounted knights and villagers around while playing an imaginative interactive play game. The panels and hinge elements are all snap-connected. The apex of each triangular member terminates in a quarter-ball segment and contains in the closed mode a circumferential groove into which a flexible latch loop or ring mounted on one of the triangular members can be pushed locking the resultant locking dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis D. Westersund
  • Patent number: 5533468
    Abstract: A horse stall gate manufactured from a lightweight polymer. The gate includes a plurality of ventilation slots designed to provide optimum airflow to the horse stall while only nominally reducing the strength of the gate, the slots being sized smaller than the horse's hooves. The gate is formed by rotational molding resulting in a hollow construction in the areas between ventilation slots and greatly reducing the weight. Rotational molding also produces a smooth exterior surface with rounded edges and corners to eliminate the chance of injury from sharps. The gate is reversible so that it may be hinged to either side of a stall doorway and includes a central indent in the upper edge for the horse to lean out of. Finally, the raw material can be provided in any color prior to rotational molding completely eliminating the expense and hazard of paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Allen United
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sampson, Gordon J. Sanden, Harold D. Sampson
  • Patent number: 5505651
    Abstract: A hangable, collapsible doll display which may also be used as a doll swing is provided. The doll display includes a generally circular top frame, at least two doll supporting levels below the top frame capable of supporting a doll, netting which collapsibly connects each of the levels of the display to each other and to the circular top frame, a conical section of netting above the top frame having an apex; and a ring secured to the apex to enable the display to be hung from a stand, ceiling, etc. The levels of the display may include seats in which dolls may sit, a solid platform on which dolls may sit or lie, a solid platform which will support the dolls in a standing position, or a mesh platform on which the dolls may lie. The seats used in the swing may be made in various sizes to accommodate various sized dolls. The seats of the swing are preferably removably mounted in a seat frame. A platform is positioned adjacent the seats to provide an area where doll accessories may be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Darrell W. Coughlin
  • Patent number: 5498188
    Abstract: A child-constructable toy including a set of components, each component having a characteristic color, each component further having a plurality of edges bearing other characteristic colors; a tool-actuateable coupling mechanism having a same characteristic color as that on an edge of one component and that on an edge of another component for coupling the same colored edges of the components together and with such repeated coupling allowing a toy to be created; and a tool operatively associated with the coupling mechanism for facilitating coupling of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Christine M. Deahr
  • Patent number: 5493816
    Abstract: An inflatable building block is provided with collapsible sides. Coupling means on the upper and lower faces allow the blocks to be interconnected to form structures. A preferred format relies on pleated sides that will collapse in an accordion-like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Willemsen
  • Patent number: 5482490
    Abstract: A doll's house comprises a plurality of separable components including walls, a floor, a roof, and internal dividing partitions, each component being separable from the other components, and foldable into a collapsed configuration. Two of the components form the base and top of an elongate rectangular box and the other components, when collapsed, are sufficiently compact to fit within the box. The floor forms the base of the box and has upstanding flanges around its periphery and the walls, when in their erected condition are being located inside of the upstanding flange and are held there. The roof comprises a pitched part which is collapsible into a flat form, and a lid adapted to locate over and support the upper edge of the walls when in their erected condition. The lid has a downwardly extending flange which extends around the upper edges of the walls when in their erected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Richard S. Weldon-Ming
  • Patent number: 5423709
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a foldable, collapsible doll house having a first foldable frame section, a second foldable section forming a partitioned attic, and a third foldable roof section. The three foldable sections are fastened together in such a manner as to provide a model doll house which is easily constructed or taken apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Marie L. Summers
  • Patent number: 5401202
    Abstract: The PLAYTOWN CENTER is a design consisting of three upright panels which create three spaces for play. Each space provides a shelf to put things on or to work on, a window to look through or to use as a slot, and ample wall space. The structure includes accessories to help bring to life an ideal playing atmosphere for one or many more children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventors: Anne M. Guza, Monica S. Guza
  • Patent number: 5397260
    Abstract: A toy vehicle crash center play set includes a base mounting three separate upright walls. Two of the walls are interchangeable at the center and lateral side positions along one edge of the base. One interchangeable wall includes a mechanical impact meter with a horizontally movable target and a linkage coupled impact indicator. The second interchangeable wall includes four pivotally mounted wall panels having irregular perimeters which interfit with one another and rotate apart as a "break away" wall. A separate launcher including a base, a hand-operated actuator coupled to the base and a carrier movably driven along the base by the actuator, is provided and releasably engages with depressions provided at various positions in the base. Additional elements which are provided for mounting to the base and/or walls include different toy vehicle components, signposts, mailbox and parking meter and a pair of upright supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Tyco Investment Corp.
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Anthony R. Garr
  • Patent number: 5360028
    Abstract: A base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a shape symmetrical about a fold line defining first and second halves is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position. A substantially concave shell has an open bottom defining an outer periphery which is releasably attached to the top surface of the base. A resilient frame member supports the shell above the top surface of the base to define an interior volume between the base and the shell when the tent is in the open position. The shell and the resilient frame member collapse and fit between the first and second halves of the base when the two base halves are moved to the closed position. The base extends beyond the outer periphery of the shell, providing an area for the user to enjoy while being protected from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Mark S. Jasin
  • Patent number: 5352149
    Abstract: A children's play structure includes a frame having hinging sections capable of being arranged into a free-standing structure and interchangeable panels capable of removable attachment to the frame to provide multiple scenes on the plurality of hinging sections of the frame. The hinging sections of the frame comprise elongated beams or pipes joined at their opposite ends to form an open rectangular frame pivotally joined to adjacent hinging sections. In a first embodiment, the panels are provided by a piece of canvas folded over on itself and stitched together at opposite ends to form a sock which is dropped onto the frame. The canvas is easily replaced by another canvas having different scenes or murals to change the theme or environment of the play structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Calapitter Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Connie R. Melashenko, Erik W. Nielsen, Robert A. Melashenko
  • Patent number: 5345961
    Abstract: A toy cardboard tent deployable from a flat, stored configuration including two identically shaped side panels which are integrally connected along a central longitudinal fold line therebetween and a triangular shaped flat back panel. The back panel is securable as by a locking tab and slot arrangement to an upright rear end margin of each side panel. Each side panel preferably includes indicia printed thereon, identical on each side panel, which depicts an animal figure such as a dinosaur or other fanciful figure positioned on each side panel so as to be facing toward a distal upright front end margin of each side panel. Each front end margin is contoured to conform to the forwardly facing profile of the animal or fanciful figure. Peep flaps, vent holes, and a pair of window flaps are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Dino Pal Toys Ltd.
    Inventors: N. Wayne Yercha, Desmond W. Dennis
  • Patent number: 5340348
    Abstract: A doll has a body and an item that is sized to be releasably attached to the body. The item includes an attachment portion that is releasably engaged by engaging structure on the body. Covering structure is utilized to cover the engaging structure when the item is not attached to it. The engaging structure may include hook material and both the attachment structure and covering structure may include loop material. The doll may be outfitted with a uniform corresponding to a particular sport. The item may be a piece of sporting equipment proportionally sized relative to the doll and corresponding to the sport of the uniform. A kit may be provided for creating a sporting environment. The kit has an embodiment of the above-described doll, at least one item of sporting equipment proportionately sized relative to the doll, and a box for containing the doll and the sporting equipment. A uniform for the doll may also be included with the kit. The above-described attaching structure is on the sporting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Eric J. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5330379
    Abstract: A toy that can be stored as a sofa having a bench, a backrest and a headrest and that can be taken apart to build structures large enough for a child to crawl through or play in. The toy is a construction set with a plurality of first, second and third pieces. The first pieces form the bench, the second pieces form the backrest and the third pieces form the headrest. The pieces are solids with planar faces and are rearrangable into a play house having sidewalls, gables and a roof wherein the first pieces form the sidewalls, the second pieces form the roof and the third pieces for-the gables. Pairs of fasteners of opposite gender are arranged on the faces of the first, second and third pieces for joining the pieces into the sofa, the play house and other structures. Even numbers of pairs of fasteners of opposite polarity are provided for joining the pieces in more than one orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventors: Douglas L. Roh, Katrina J. Roh
  • Patent number: 5313747
    Abstract: A playhouse structure arranged to include a front and rear wall in a parallel orientation relative to one another, having first and second end walls. The first and second end walls are hingedly mounted intermediate their width and are hingedly mounted at each of their sides to the associated front and rear walls to permit projection of the first and second end walls intermediate the front and rear walls, with the roof structure having first and second roof plates hingedly mounted to the front and rear walls respectively and to one another. A modification of the invention includes crown trusses having projections projected through the roof plates and into one of the end walls to provide for a rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Donn L. Sakihara
  • Patent number: 5301478
    Abstract: A child's playhouse includes interfolded panels arranged for ease of assembly relative to one another, including hinged interconnection, wherein the top wall includes a pop-up plate having an accordion pleated member extending between the pop-up plate and the top wall to provide for ease of projection of a structure relative to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Maximiliano Maese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5265848
    Abstract: A folding portable play enclosure for children includes 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. First indicia on one face of each of the panels simulates an exterior appearance of a home and includes trees, exterior windows, exterior doors, and fences, for example. Second indicia on an opposite face of the panels simulates an interior appearance of a home and includes furniture, interior windows, interior doors, and bookshelves, for example. Cooperating snap fasteners allow the enclosure to be selectively secured in an erected orientation forming a closed play space or in a compact collapsed orientation for transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Hi Five Promotions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marquerite Michaud, Elizabeth Lee-Baker
  • Patent number: 5184436
    Abstract: A portable structure is disclosed that may be easily assembled and disassembled. The structure has particular value in supplying emergency shelter in a disaster. The structure is formed from two boards which are stored in a folded condition, and which may be expanded to define an enclosure. The two boards are interconnected by tabs, such that the structure is easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Ted Sadler
  • Patent number: 5183427
    Abstract: A toy collapsible house. A column of stacked segments supports the house, held together by a spring tensioned cord, impact triggered release of which slides stiff cord portions away from segment junctions, allowing column and house collapse. The column cord is lifted from above the roof to reassemble the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: A. Allen Draper
  • Patent number: 5096204
    Abstract: A construction of book or game board with an open and a closed configuration, made of individual leaves in which the leaves have substantial thickness and in which the outline shape of any individual leaf is defined in essentially two dimensions. The two dimensional shape or size of the leaves varies from one leaf to another so that the closed book is in the form of a distinct three-dimensional sculpture with a recognizable shape. The leaves may be foldably connected so that in the open configuration of the structure, the leaves are capable of lying in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Peter J. H. Lippman
  • Patent number: 5074819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank novelty device. The toy bank structure is collapsible in nature and includes a mouse trap therewith to cause the structure to fly apart or explode when activated. The mouse trap may be activated by insertion of a coin into the toy bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Wayne Stadnyk
  • Patent number: 5055083
    Abstract: A toy store is disclosed that when stored is a single-story, box-like structure, and when in use, walls are movable to form a second floor. Store related fixture accessories are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventors: Robert Walker, Betty R. Walker
  • Patent number: 5013278
    Abstract: A miniature toy kit including a three-dimensional diorama scene, figures positionable on the scene and a case which functions both as a supporting field for the toy and a storage and carrying case. The diorama scene is formed of an elastic and memory-retaining material such as latex so that the same may be compressed into the case for storage but springs back to its original three-dimensional form when the case is opened. Different dioramas can be substituted and numbers of kits can be connected in modular fashion. When stored in the case, the figures are safely held against movement and possible injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Monogram Models, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Dixon, Peter R. J. Manning
  • Patent number: 5004445
    Abstract: A toy in the shape of a dollhouse which can be opened to reveal a furnished house containing diminutive appliances, fixtures and furniture. Some of the diminutive applicances, fixtures and furniture may also be opened to reveal rooms having even more diminutive appliances, furniture and fixtures, with the decor of the rooms being related to the appliance, fixture or item of furniture which contains the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Lewis Gallob Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: Paula M. Coleman, Mark T. Luecke
  • Patent number: 4992068
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Peter M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 4964249
    Abstract: A foldable children's playhouse having a box beam integral with one or two roof panels is disclosed. The box beam has a U-shaped cross section, with the integral panels being foldable along a line extending longitudinally at the open end of the box beam. In a preferred embodiment, walls of the playhouse are made up of two units, each including a rectangular side wall and an end wall having a rectangular bottom portion and a triangular gable portion that folds along the top of the bottom portion. The roof is attachable to the walls by placing it in alignment over the walls and engaging top edges of the walls with channels on the underside of the roof so as to obtain a force fit. Means such as Velcro fasteners are provided on overlapping surfaces for securing the wall units to one another. A rail for strengthening the roof is disposed around the edges of and underneath the roof, the rail being obtained by folding over of edge regions to provide a support member having a triangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Mark B. Payne
  • Patent number: 4919982
    Abstract: A foldable structure having an ornamental design resembling a spaceship is folded from a single blank and is large enough to permit a child to play inside. The single blank has numerous cutouts at specific angles, and has score and reverse lines at specific angles, to enhance the strength of the overall structure after it is completely folded into its spaceship configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: George K. C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4884988
    Abstract: A creative building playtoy for children which allows rapid interlocking and disconnecting. A plurality of panels is provided to form the basic building blocks. Each panel has edging strips which have a unique fastening cloth on their exterior surface. The fastener cloth is comprised of a base fabric with cloth hooks and loops interspersed thereon to allow rapid manual connecting and disconnecting of the edging strips of the panels so that various complex forms can be produced by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: Larry D. McMurray
  • Patent number: 4883443
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure, such as a doll house, is formed with a base unit having storage means, such as drawers, located therein. A pair of opposed parallel and upright side wall panels, are pivotly mounted to the base, and a plurality or horizontal panels are pivotly mounted to and between the side walls to form the floors and ceilings of the unit. A front wall panel extends upwardly between the side walls and is pivotly attached to the front edge of one of the horizontal panels. Lock means are provided on the horizontal panels and on the front wall panel to removably join the horizontal and front wall panels together to permit the structure to be retained in the upright and upstanding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Herbert S. Chase
  • Patent number: 4867723
    Abstract: A toy simulated explodable shack is disclosed that is actuated by a toy car running through the doors thereof. The shack includes a base, and a pair of shack frame members including side walls and doors pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which the shack frame members come together to form a shack, and an open position in which the shack frame members separate and rest on the side walls thereof. A floor member is mounted on the base onto which a movable hatch member is mounted. A first tensioning spring is provided for tensioning the hatch member to exert a predetermined force. A latch is provided that includes a rear panel on the floor member for releasably holding the hatch member in its tensioned condition. A propelled car strikes and opens the doors, causing the shack frame members to be slammed to their open position. Substantially simultaneously, the car strikes the rear panel releasing the latch, causing the hatch member to catapult the car out of the shack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Ronald M. Asbach
  • Patent number: 4810224
    Abstract: An action toy for simulating combat between two opposing forces using miniaturized toy combat equipment and target locations. The top comprises at least one miniature combat attack device having a transmitter therein for selecting and generating a radio signal at a preset first frequency. At least one target device is provided and includes a plurality of target components which are releasably coupled together and capable of being dislodged to simulate a combat strike with attendant destruction. The target device includes a receiver pretuned to the first frequency and responsive to its transmission. Detection circuitry is provided to detect the transmission of the first signal and generate a destruct signal. A target release arm is placed proximate to the target component in spring loaded manner and includes a releasable retaining arm which holds the target release arm in a spring loaded, retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Robert J. DeVincent
  • Patent number: 4765006
    Abstract: The conversion of a conventional bed, such as a child's bed, into a play area is accomplished by means of a free-standing enclosure composed of two sub-assemblies of paperboard, each comprising a center panel proportioned to span the width of the bed and a pair of fragmentary side panels hingedly connected to the ends of the center panel. The surfaces of these panels may be provided with representations establishing a desired atmospheric or locational theme, e.g. a castle, a fire engine or a military vehicle. Since the enclosure is free-standing, it can be used independently of a bed to provide a play area, and it is also readily collapsed or disassembled into flat component parts for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventors: Randall D. Jackson, Sue A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4755159
    Abstract: A carrying case which may be used as a toy building or toy playground. The carrying case has two foldable sides rotatably and removably hinged to its base by breakaway hinges featuring ball and socket portions. The other two sides of the carrying case remain in a vertical position attached to the base. A roof portion is connected to one of the foldable sides by breakaway hinges. The foldable sides and roof portion may be rotated to unfold the carrying case so that it may be used as toy playground. The roof portion has a built-in slide and swing. It may be removed from the carrying case and used as a separate toy. The carrying case may be folded to simulate a toy building or schoolhouse with a roof portion latched to the top of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon Templeton, Paul Norris, Roger Newbold, Mary K. Litwicki
  • Patent number: 4743215
    Abstract: This invention consists of a doll playhouse of generally triangular cross-section designed to give the appearance of a small tent. The playhouse has a handle at the apex of the playhouse so that the playhouse may be easily carried when not in use. The playhouse has a hollow interior in which a child can place dolls during fantasy play. The playhouse also has a window in one side wall, covered by a mesh, and comprising a window flap attached at the top edge of the window on the exterior of the tent playhouse. The window flap covers the window in the closed position, while in the open position the window flap is gathered up and tied in place by ribbons also affixed to the tent playhouse. The playhouse has a front opening covered by two triangular flaps extending from the side walls of the playhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: The Kamper Family, Inc.
    Inventor: Mickie C. Emmons
  • Patent number: 4696652
    Abstract: This replica device or toy is structured to suggest commercial establishments such as a post office, bank, hotel, and the like. This replica device is made with a main and two side-hinged panel members with outward-swinging limiting means. The device, when open for use, has a selectively open and closed window, shelf and a box door. Signs indicating the establishment's represented usage are also provided. Bank teller apparatus and post office rental boxes are provided. A minimum of loose components is shown, but accessories are provided so that children may use this device with a minimum of imagination. In storage condition, this device is about suitcase size and of light weight. This device is intended for use by two or more grade school children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventors: James A. Reeder, Joanne E. Reeder
  • Patent number: 4556391
    Abstract: A downwardly opening canopy is provided and supported from an inflatable skeletal frame including a generally rectangular base portion and crossed-intersecting inflatable arch members. The canopy is constructed of translucent material and has an ocean ship sailing scene, in color, thereon with the scene being visible from within and from without the canopy. A yieldably supported pedestal is mounted within the area enclosed by the canopy and rotatably mounts a simulated ship's wheel therefrom. In addition, a compass pointer is rotatably journalled from the upper portion of the pedestal and the ship's wheel is drivingly connected to the compass needle for rotating the latter responsive to rotation of the ship's wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Inventors: Georges M. Tardivel, Monique M. Tardivel