MODULAR TOY SYSTEM FOR BUILDING CHILD FORTS OR OTHER PLAY SPACES

Abstract

A children's fort unit includes a first panel comprising a front and a first side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease and a second panel comprising a back and a second side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease. The fort unit also includes a roof section that includes a hinging crease that allows the roof to fold. The first panel is sized and configured to be releasably joined to the second panel and the roof section is sized and configured to be joined to both the first and second panels.

Description

DOMESTIC PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/549,146, filed Aug. 23, 2017 and entitled “MODULAR TOY SYSTEM FOR BUILDING CHILD FORTS OR OTHER PLAY SPACES” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of children's toys and, in particular, to a modular system to build forts or other play spaces for children.

Many children build forts that can used as play spaces to enact imaginary scenarios, for example. The forts can be over varying size and complexity. In many cases, the forts are formed by using pieces of furniture, such as couches, tables and chairs, and bed sheets or other fabric as the materials for the fort. The “hard” building material (e.g., couches and chairs) are moved to desired. locations and then the child can place the sheets or other fabric over them to create a tort or tent like structure into which they can enter.

Another possible manner to form forts is to use boxes. The choices of fort configurations are limited to by the size and shape of the boxes. Of course, using a knife or scissors could allow for some flexibility but many or most parents do not want their children to have access to such dangerous implements.

Some approaches taken in the past provided pre-formed portions of the fort that a child will need parental assistance to assemble and disassemble. Such parent interaction can make the fort less useful in the context of independent child play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a modular fort toy. The toy can be used as a standalone fort unit or joined to other fort units. The fort can be included as an assembly that includes outer holding element (e.g., a bag or box) that contains certain pre-formed pieces that can be assembled by a child with or without adult help.

In one embodiment, a fort unit is disclosed. The fort unit includes a first panel comprising a front and a first side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease and a second panel comprising a back and a second side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease. The fort unit also includes a roof section that includes a hinging crease that allows the roof to fold. The first panel is sized and configured to be releasably joined to the second panel and the roof section is sized and configured to be joined to both the first and second panels.

Another embodiment is directed that includes a container for containing the first and second panels and the roof of the above described embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views of a fort according to one embodiment from front and rear views, respectively;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first panel of a fort according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second panel of a fort according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a floor of a fort according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a roof section of a fort according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 shows an assembly for a fort unit according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

As discussed generally above, it may be desirable to provide a toy that permits the child to expand his fort building capabilities into a variety of configurations without the need to use sharp or otherwise possibly dangerous implements. Embodiments herein may provide a fort build to system that includes fort units that can be formed and unformed easily and by hand. This can be accomplished, in one embodiment, by providing fort units having panels or other elements that include one or more fastening elements, such as magnets or hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners that allow the fort unit to easily be formed/unformed. The fastening elements can also be arranged to allow fort unit to be connected to one another.

At least one of the fort units can be assembled as a series of connected panels that can fasten, unfasten, and refasten in one or more patterns to create any number of play fort structures and designs. The panels can be formed of cardboard or other semi-rigid or rigid materials.

In one embodiment, a toy includes a single fort unit. Such a unit can include as few three panels. In another, multiple fort units are provided. One or more of the units can be fastened to an adjacent fort unit by the fastening elements on the panels. Such an embodiment allows for the creation of larger play fort structures and designs.

As will be clear to the skilled artisan based on the disclosure herein, utilization of the releasable fastening elements allows for each unit to easily assemble and collapse a limitless number of times and that each unit folds for easy storage.

In one embodiment, one or both of the front and backside of each panel can be formed with or otherwise coated with a medium to a high gloss surface. Gloss surface will enable dry erase marker decoration and suction cup adhesion.

In one embodiment, the panels may be formed of or coated with a material that allows for decorations or decals to be attached to. In one embodiments the decorations/decals are formed of one or more reusable, decorative decals that can be attached to interior and exterior panels. The decorations/decals may also be unfastened and refastened a limitless number of times. Adhesive may or may not be static cling material or magnetic or by other fastening means as the situation dictates. Such decals may enable box fort users to change the exterior and interior appearance of the box fort a limitless number of times. Exterior appearance examples may include: a Fire station, a Police station; a School; a Restaurant; a Market; a House or other dwelling; a Club house; an Airport, a Movie Theatre, a Castle; and Log cabin to name but a few.

Further, interior appearance examples can include any of the exterior themes described above as would be embodied in an interior of such a dwelling or location. In addition, interior decorations/decals could also include decals in the likes of a: Refrigerator; Stove; Sink; Cabinets; Toilet; Shower; Sink; Mirror; TV; Couch; Arm Chair; Bookcase; Bed; Closet; Nightstands; Lamps; Potted Plants; Frames—can be used to frame real photo; Floor Lamp; Dinner table/chairs; and/or Chandelier to name but few.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of an assembled fort 100 according to one embodiment in both a front (FIG. 1A) and a rear (FIG. 1B) view. The fort 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a front 102 and a first side wall 104. The fort 100 also includes a back 106 and a second side wall 108. In one embodiment, the front 102 is integrally formed with the first side wall 104 in a hinged relationship. Alternatively, the front 102 is integrally formed with the second side wall 108 in a hinged relationship. As shown, the front 102 includes an optional door 112 formed therein that can move relative to the front 102 to allow or ingress/egress form the fort 100.

Regardless, the front 102 and the first side 104 are joined together in a permanent fashion and can be formed, for example, from a single piece of card board that is creased at a hinge location 120 to forming a hinging crease (or simple “crease) to allow for folding of the front 102 relative to the first side 104. Similarly, the back 106 and the second side 108 are joined together in a permanent fashion and can be formed, for example, from a single piece of card board that is creased at a hinge location 122 to allow for folding of the front relative to the second side 108. Of course, in another embodiment, the front 102 could be joined to the second side 108 and the back joined to first side 104.

As more full described below, the front 102 can include one more fastening elements (not shown) that allow it to be releasable joined to the second side 108 and the back 106 can include one more fastening elements (not shown) that allow it to be releasable joined to the first side 104. In this manner, four side walls of the fort 100 can be defined and form a free standing structure. The joined four sides can define a footprint and a floor in the shape of the footprint can be provided.

The fort in FIGS. 1A and 1B also includes a roof section 110. The roof section 110 as illustrated includes first and second sections 110a/110b that are joined together in a permanent fashion and can be formed, for example, from a single piece of card board that is creased. The roof 110 can be releasable joined to the first side 104 and the second side 108 with one more fastening elements (not shown).

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a first sheet 200 that includes the first front 102 and the first side 104. The front 102, as above, includes a door 112. As shown the front 102 is permanently connected to the first side 104 along a crease line 120. The crease line 120 allows the first side to be folded at least from the flat configuration shown in FIG. 2 to a position where it is disposed at or about 90 degrees relative to the front as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the crease allows the first side 104 to be folded over the front 102 as indicated by arrow A so that it lies on top of it to reduce a storage size of the first sheet 200.

As illustrated, the front 102 includes a rectangular base section 210 and a triangular peak section 212. Two of the edges of the peak section 212 include foldable flaps or ears 214 that can be folded down to provide support for the roof section 110 (FIG. 1). The front 102 also includes at least one foldable ear 216 that can fold over and be joined to, for example, the second side 108 of FIG. 1 via a releasable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro). The first side 104 can also include a rectangular base that includes one or more ears 218 along its edges.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a second sheet 220 that includes the back 106 and the second side 108. As shown the back 106 is permanently connected to the second side 108 along a crease line 122. The crease line 122 allows the second side 108 to be folded at least from the flat configuration shown in FIG. 3 to a position where it is disposed at or about 90 degrees relative to the back 106 as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment, the crease 122 allows the second side 108 to be folded over the back 106 as indicated by arrow B so that it lies on top of it to reduce a storage size of the second sheet 220.

As illustrated, the back 104 includes a rectangular base section 230 and a triangular peak section 232. Two of the edges of the peak section 212 include foldable flaps or ears 224 that can be folded down to provide support for the roof section 110 (FIG. 1). The back 230 also includes at least one foldable ear 236 that can fold over and be joined to, for example, the first side 104 of FIG. 1 via a releasable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro). The second side 108 can also include a rectangular base that includes one or more ears 238 along its edges.

In one embodiment, the ear 238 on the second side 108 can be permanently joined to the front 104.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a floor section 400. FIG. 4 is discussed with additional reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. The floor section 400 includes a floor region 402 with two or more foldable ears 404. The floor region 402 has the same shape as the footprint defined by the front 102, the first side 104, the back 106 and the second side 108.

The ears 404 can fold upwards toward the middle of the floor section as show, for example, by arrow C. As shown, three ears 404-404c are provided and, are sized arranged to mate with the first side 104, the back and the second side 106, respectively. In use, the ears 404 can be inside of the walls 104, 108 or outside of them. One or more releasable connectors can be attached to the ears 404 to mate with corresponding releasable connectors on the sides/back.

For clarity in the FIGs. contained herein, the releasable connectors are generally shown by a reference character x. It shall be understood that exact location of the releasable connectors x can be varied. It shall further be understood that the releasable connectors x can be on either one two opposing sides of the flat sections shown in the FIGs. The releasable connectors x can be formed of a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro. Of course, other types of releasable connectors x can be used with the sections shown herein.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the roof section 110. The roof section 110 includes first and second sections 110a, 110b separated by a fold line or crease 504 that allows the roof section 110 to fold. The fold is arranged so that the roof section can overlie the triangular sections 212, 232 of the front 102 and the back 106.

The roof section 110 can include ears 502. These ears made with portions of the front 102 and back 106 and include one or more releasable connectors x. In particular, the first section includes ears 502a-502c where, in use, ear 502a is used to form a connection to the front 102, ear 502b is used to form a connection to the first side 104 and ear 502c to form a connection to the back 104. Similarly, the section section includes ears 502d-502f where, in use, ear 502d is used to form a connection to the front 102, ear 502e is used to form a connection to the second side 104 and ear 502f to form a connection to the back 104. It should be understood, however, that not all of the ears described may be needed. For example, ears 502a and 502c can be omitted in one embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, embodiments herein can includes a kit 600 that includes a holding element 602 such as a box or a bag, and at least one first sheet 200, at least one second sheet 220 and at least one roof section 110. The kit 600 can optionally include a floor section 400 and other sections generally shown by reference numerals 604 and 606.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A children's fort unit comprising:

a first panel comprising a front and a first side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease;

a second panel comprising a back and a second side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease; and

a roof section, the roof section including a hinging crease that allows the roof to fold;

wherein the first panel s sized and configured to be releasably joined to the second panel and the roof section is sized and configured to be joined to both the first and second panels.

2. The fort unit of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are formed of cardboard material.

3. The fort unit of claim 1, wherein when joined, the first and second panels define a footprint of a fort.

4. The fort unit of claim 3, further comprising: a floor sized to be releasably connected to the first and second sections, the floor having a floor region having a same shape as a shape of the footprint.

5. The fort unit of claim 4, wherein the floor includes three ears extending outward from the floor region, the three ears including a first floor ear configured to be connected to the first side, a second floor ear configured to be connected to the back, and a third floor ear configured to be connected to the second side.

6. The fort unit of claim 1, wherein the first panel includes ears extending the front and the first side, the ear on the first side including releasable connectors for connection to the back.

7. The fort unit of claim 1, wherein the roof section includes a first roof section and a second roof section separated from the first roof section by the hinging crease,

wherein the first roof section includes a first ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the first roof section to the first side, and

wherein the second roof section includes a second ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the second roof section to the second side.

8. The fort unit of claim 7, wherein the first roof section includes a third ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the first roof section to the front, and

wherein the second roof section includes a fourth ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the second roof section to the back.

9. The fort unit of claim 8, wherein the first, second third and fourth ears all include releasable connectors disposed thereon.

10. An assembly for use in building a fort for children, the assembly comprising:

a container;

a first panel comprising a front and a first side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease;

a second panel comprising a back and a second side permanently joined together and moveable relative to one another along a hinging crease; and

a roof section, the roof section including a hinging crease that allows the roof to fold;

wherein the first panel is sized and configured to be releasably joined to the second panel and the roof section is sized and configured to be joined to the both the first and second panels; and

wherein the first panel, the second panel and the roof section are located in the container.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second panels are formed of cardboard material.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein when joined, the first and second panels define a footprint of a fort.

13. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a floor sized to be releasably connected to the first and second sections, the floor having a floor region having a same shape as a shape of the footprint;

wherein the floor is located in the container.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the floor includes three ears extending outward from the floor region, the three ears including a first floor ear configured to be connected to the first side, a second floor ear configured to be connected to the back, and a third floor ear configured to be connected to the second side.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the first panel includes ears extending the front and the first side, the ear on the first side including releasable connectors for connection to the back.

16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the roof section includes a first roof section and a second roof section separated from the first roof section by the hinging crease,

wherein the first roof section includes a first ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the first roof section to the first side, and

wherein the second roof section includes a second ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the second roof section to the second side.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the first roof section includes a third ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the first roof section to the front, and

wherein the second roof section includes a fourth ear extending therefrom for releasably connecting the second roof section to the back.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the first, second third and fourth ears all include releasable connectors disposed thereon.