US20050110309A1

US20050110309A1 - Lap desk

Info

Publication number: US20050110309A1
Application number: US10/704,863
Authority: US
Inventors: David Cziraky; Andree Santini; Carmen Anderson; Pamela Hodulik
Original assignee: Binney and Smith Inc
Current assignee: Binney and Smith Inc
Priority date: 2003-11-10
Filing date: 2003-11-10
Publication date: 2005-05-26
Also published as: WO2005046392A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable lap desk for writing or drawing upon that is especially suited for young children. The lap desk includes a generally planar desk element that provides a first surface and an opposing second surface. Releasably attached to the second surface is a stuffed toy cushion designed to imitate a real or fanciful animal or figure. To create the appearance of a real or fanciful animal or figure, the stuffed toy cushion may include a body portion and one or more appendages. When the lap desk is not being used to write or draw upon, the stuffed toy cushion can be detached from the desk element for a child to play with. In one embodiment, to provide storage for drawing utensils used in conjunction with the desk, the stuffed toy cushion can be formed with an inner cavity that is accessible through an opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable desk surfaces and more particularly to a combination lap desk and stuffed toy cushion. The present invention is intended to have particular appeal among children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lap desks are generally planar, rigid structures configured for placement upon a user's lap. The lap desk thereby provides a flat surface upon which writing, drawing, reading or other activities can take place. Portable lap desks are especially popular so that the users can effectively carry a portable work surface with them. In some instances, to increase the comfort of the rigid lap desk and to adjust the height of the surface, lap desks can be provided with a cushion that is placed between the surface and the user's lap.
Lap desks are also especially popular items among children. To children, lap desks provide a surface upon which the child can occupy his or her time by drawing, reading, or otherwise playing. It is desirable that lap desks directed toward children be made of lightweight material for safety and portability reasons. It is also desirable that the lap desk provide an overall appearance that appeals to the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lap desk having a desk element and a stuffed toy cushion. The desk element is a generally planar structure having a first surface and an opposed second surface. The plush toy cushion is formed to imitate a real or imaginary animal so as to appeal to a child. The cushion preferably has a soft, supple outer cover or skin that contains a stuffing material that allows the cushion to be compressible. So that the child can play with the plush toy cushion when not using the lap desk, the plush toy cushion is preferably releasably attached to the desk element. When attached, the plush toy cushion should lie adjacent the opposing second surface of the desk while resting upon the child's lap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the lap desk of the present invention with a stuffed toy cushion attached to a desk element.
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the lap desk with the stuffed toy cushion attached to the desk element.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the desk element.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the desk element.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lap desk showing the desk element and the stuffed toy cushion, wherein the stuffed toy cushion includes a cavity accessible through an opening.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the lap desk wherein the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element by snap fasteners.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the lap desk wherein the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element by hook-and-loop fasteners.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a desk element for the inventive lap desk including a game board, beverage holder, and spring clip.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a desk element for the inventive lap desk including wheels, a handle, and a radio-cassette player.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the stuffed toy cushion formed to imitate a ladybug.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the stuffed toy cushion formed to imitate a flower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Now referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 a lap desk 100 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The lap desk 100 includes a desk element 106 and a stuffed toy cushion 102 that is releasably attachable to the desk element. The lap desk 100 thereby provides a flat first surface 160 for the child to draw or otherwise play on and a cushion 102 located underneath the first surface 160 for comfortably setting the lap desk in the child's lap. To provide the child with a separable toy and to make the lap desk 100 overall more appealing to children, the stuffed toy cushion 102 is formed to imitate or otherwise appear as a real or fanciful creature.
Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the stuffed toy cushion 102 is designed to imitate a turtle. However, it will be appreciated that the turtle is only exemplary and the stuffed toy cushion 102 can be made to imitate or appear as any possible real or fanciful animal or figure. To provide the appearance of a turtle, the stuffed toy cushion 102 can have a body portion 120 from which extends one or more appendages 130, 131, 132. The body portion 120 forms in part a generally planar surface 121 that is generally shaped as a rectangle and is intended to be placed adjacent to the desk element 160. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rectangular shape of the body portion 120 provides for a first and a second end 122, 124 and a first and a second side 126, 128.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, to provide the desired cushioning effect, the body portion 120 including the planar surface 121 is preferably formed having an outer cover or skin 136 that contains a stuffing material 134. The stuffing material is preferably a resilient stuffing material, such as cotton, wool, polyester filling material, compressible foam blocks or foam beads. The stuffing material could also be nonresilient materials, such as plastic beads or buckwheat hulls, which can easily shift around within the outer cover. The stuffing material 134 improves the comfort of setting the lap desk in the child's lap and assists in maintaining the desk at a relatively orthogonal relationship to the child.
As will be appreciated from FIG. 5, the distance from which the body portion projects from the flat surface 121 determines where the lap desk 100 will be situated with respect to the abdomen of the user. This distance is determined in part by the amount of stuffing material 134 that is contained within the outer cover 136 and the dimension of the outer cover itself. Controlling these two variables allows the manufacturer to adjust the location of the lap desk with respect to the user.
The outer cover 136 of the stuffed toy cushion 120 can be any of a number of materials, for example, leather, canvas, denim, nylon, or preferably a plush fleece material. Preferably, the outer cover 136 furthers the appearance of the creature intimated by the stuffed toy cushion 120. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the coloring scheme of the outer cover 136 should correspond to that of a turtle. Where appropriate, in other embodiments, the outer cover material 136 can be made to imitate the fur or hair of an animal. The texture of the outer cover 136 and the presence of the stuffing material 134 optimizes the appeal of the stuffed toy cushion 120 to a child.
The one or more appendages 130, 131, 132 also preferably furthers the appearance of the imitated creature or figure. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, one of the appendages can be a head appendage 130 that is formed to appear as a face with the appropriate features, including eyes 148 and a mouth 146. Extending from the end of the body portion opposite the head appendage 130 is a tail appendage 131. The other appendages 132 can be formed to appear as flippers or, where appropriate in other embodiments, feet or legs. To further the concept of the stuffed toy cushion 120, all appendages 130, 131, 132 may be formed to be soft and compliant. The appendages 130, 131, 132 can be sewn onto the body portion or, in other embodiments, releasably attached to provide a re-configurable stuffed toy. The appendages may include wires or support membranes which allow the appendage to bend and retain its shape.
Referring to the desk element 106 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the desk element is a generally planar structure that provides the first surface 160 and an opposing second surface 162. When the stuffed toy cushion 102 is attached, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the planar surface 121 lies adjacent the second surface 162 such that the first surface 160 is exposed for access by the child. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the desk element 106 has a generally rectangular periphery formed by a first and second end 164, 166 and first and second sides 168, 170. The rectangular shape of the desk element preferably corresponds to the rectangular shaped planar surface 121 of the body portion 120 of the stuffed toy cushion 102. Moreover, as illustrated, the first and second ends 164, 166 can be slightly indented to further the appearance of a turtle's shell. In other embodiments, the shape of the desk element preferably corresponds to the pillow shape and may be oval, circular, square or any other shape.
The corners of the desk element 106 are preferably rounded. To prevent materials from sliding or rolling off the first surface 160, a raised lip 172 can project upwards from the first surface 160 extending along the periphery. The desk element 106 can be made from lightweight plastic and formed by any suitable molding method. By using lightweight plastic for the desk element and stuffing material in the stuffed toy cushion, the lap desk is sufficiently light to be carried around by a child. Examples of plastic materials include polypropylene, styrene, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), acrylic or polyethylene, The desk element may also be made of wood, metal, rubber, cardboard, chalkboard, whiteboard, or other materials.
To releasably attach the stuffed toy cushion to the desk element so that the stuffed toy cushion can be readily removed and separately used by the child as a plaything, referring to FIG. 5, the stuffed toy cushion includes a plurality of loops 138 made from stretchable cord. The cord loops 138 are placed along the periphery of the body portion 120 corresponding to the ends and sides of the rectangular planar surface 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the locations of the cord loops correspond to the locations of the appendages 130, 131, 132. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, a plurality of catches 174 are formed into the desk element 106 at locations around the periphery and corresponding to the cord loops. The catches 174 can be formed by disposing U-shaped grooves into the raised lip 172 through the plane of material making up the desk element. Referring to FIG. 1, attaching the stuffed toy cushion 120 is achieved by pulling the cord loops 138 over and allowing the loops to retract around the catches 174. To release the stuffed toy cushion 120, the cord loops 138 are simply slipped off the catches 174.
In a preferred embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, to provide storage for writing utensils and other toys, the stuffed toy cushion 102 can include an internal cavity 140. The cavity 140 can be accessed through an opening 142 disposed through the skin of the stuffed toy cushion. Preferably, the cavity 140 is separated from the stuffing material by a liner. To prevent objects stored in the cavity 140 from falling out, in the illustrated embodiment the opening 142 can be closed by a zipper 144. However, in other embodiments, closing the opening can be achieved by alternative methods such as by use of hook-and-loop type fasteners. So that the cavity can be accessed when the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element, the opening preferably extends along the first or second side of the body portion.
Illustrated in FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the inventive lap desk 200 in which releasably attaching the stuffed toy cushion 202 to the desk element 206 is achieved by snap fasteners. Specifically, the stuffed toy cushion 202 includes a plurality of flexible tags 240 extending from the periphery of the body portion 220. The tags 240 can be made of cloth or plastic and can be attached at their proximal ends 242 to the body portion 220 by sewing. Located near the distal end 244 of each tag 240 is a snap fastener female element 246. Again, in the illustrated embodiment, the locations of the tags 240 correspond to the locations of the head appendage 230, tail appendage 231, and flipper appendages 232 of the stuffed toy cushion 202.
A plurality of snap fastener male elements 274 are located on a raised lip 172 that corresponds to the periphery of the desk element 260. As illustrated, the snap fastener male elements 274 project upwards from the first surface 260 of the desk element 206. The locations of the snap fastener male elements 274 corresponds to the locations of the tags 240 on the stuffed toy cushion 202. It will be appreciated that when the stuffed toy cushion 202 is attached to the desk element 206, the tags 240 extend over the raised lip 272 so that the snap fastener female elements 246 can mate with the snap fastener male elements 274. To release the stuffed toy cushion 202 from the desk element 206, the distal ends 244 of the tags 240 can be simply lifted to disengage the snap fastener male and female elements 274, 246. Of course, it will be appreciated that the placement of the snap fastener female elements 246 and the snap fastener male elements 274 can be readily reversed.
Illustrated in FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the inventive lap desk 300 in which releasably attaching the stuffed toy cushion 302 to the desk element 306 is accomplished by hook-and-loop type fasteners such as the Velcro™ fastener. Specifically, the stuffed toy cushion 302 includes a plurality of flexible tags 340 extending from the periphery of the body portion 320. Attached at the distal end 344 of each tag 340 is a strip of loop material 346 of the hook-and-loop type fastener. As illustrated, the locations of the tags 340 correspond to the locations of the head, tail, and flipper appendages 330, 331, 332.
Located on a raised lip 372 that corresponds to the periphery of the desk element are a plurality of strips of hook material 374 of the hook-and-loop type fastener. The locations of the hook material strips 374 corresponds to the locations of the tags 340. As will be appreciated, when the stuffed toy cushion 302 is attached to the desk element 306, the tags 340 extend over the raised lip 372 so that the loop material strips 346 can engage the hook material strips 374. To release the stuffed toy cushion 302 from the desk element 306, the distal ends 344 of the tags 340 can be simply lifted to disengage the hook-and-loop material strips 346, 374. Of course, it will be appreciated that the placement of the loop material strips 346 and the hook material strips 374 can be readily reversed.
Illustrated in FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the desk element 400. Again, the desk element 400 is a generally planar structure having a first surface 402 and an opposing second surface 404. Also, projecting upwards from the first surface and extending about the periphery of the desk element is a raised lip 410. To releasably attach a stuffed toy cushion, the raised lip 410 includes a plurality of catches 411 formed into it that function as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, to divide the first surface 402 into a plurality of separate portions 414 that comprise an organizer, one or more raised ridges 412 may also project upwards from the first surface. The ridges 412 can intersect with and are formed similarly to the raised lip 410. In another embodiment, to further organize the design of the desk element, the desk element can include sliding drawers. Referring to FIG. 8, the desk element 400 can also include a recess 416 disposed into the first surface 402 for retaining a beverage container. In other embodiments, the recess 416 can have an elongated shape to function as a pencil tray. Moreover, for retaining items such as a pad of drawing paper to the desk element 400, a spring-action clip 418 can be attached to the first surface 402.
The planar desk can have several modifications to further the activity experience for the child. For example, to further occupy the child, the first surface 402 can include indicia thereon that provides a game board 420 such as, for example a checker board. Accordingly, the lap desk can then be used with game pieces 422 for playing games. To hold game pieces 422 to the desk element when, for instance, the lap desk is in transport, the game pieces can be formed with magnets or otherwise magnetized. To provide the magnetic attraction to the game board 420 the plastic used to produce the desk element 400 can have dispersed therein magnetic granules. In addition to the game pieces 422, other detachable toys such as cars or a pinwheel and other detachable items such as key chains, sunglasses, and hats can be provided for playing with the desk element. Moreover, items such as the recess 416, raised ridges 412, and clip 418 can also be detachably attached to the desk element 400 so that users can configure the organization and layout of the lap desk to their own liking. In other embodiments, rather than a game board, the first surface of the desk element can be provided with an integral chalkboard or integral dry erase board for drawing upon.
In other embodiments, to increase the visual appearance of the lap desk to children, the first surface of the desk element can be formed to include a colorgel or a colorchange pigmentation, as will be familiar to those of skill in the art of children's toys. Alternatively, the first surface can be formed with a plurality of raised bumps to interlock with the well-known LEGO™ brand building blocks. In another embodiment, the first surface can be configured with a display monitor to project video images such as those for a computer game or art program. In other embodiments, two or more desk elements can be made to interlock with each other to expand the available first surface area. In another embodiment, the desk element can include folding legs that can be folded to extend downward from the second surface to make a breakfast tray.
Illustrated in FIG. 9 is another embodiment of a desk element 500 for attachment to a stuffed toy cushion in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. To further entertain the child, the desk element 500 has exposed on its first surface 502 an audio or video device 510, such as a radio, a cassette player, a compact disc player and/or a DVD player. To operate the audio/video device 510, a plurality of knobs and buttons 512 protrude upwards from the first surface 502 and which can be actuated with respect to the desk element. To power the audio/video device 510, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the desk element can be configured to incorporate one or more batteries within an appropriate circuit. In other embodiments, to configure the desk element to make noise, the desk element can include a speaker connected to a sound chip and the appropriate circuitry. Flashing lights or LED's can also be attached to the desk element 400 to increase the visual appearance.
To facilitate transporting of the lap desk 500, the lap desk can be configured with wheels 530 and a handle 532. The wheels are rotatable with respect to the desk element. Preferably, the wheels and handle are arranged to enable the user to pull the lap desk behind her. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the wheels 530 can extend from the periphery of the desk element. Moreover, additional wheels can be provided so that the desk element can be rolled in a planar orientation parallel to a flat surface.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, as mentioned above, the stuffed toy cushion can be made to imitate or appear as any of numerous different creatures or figures such as a lady bug 600 or a flower 700. The lady bug 600 and flower 700 can releasably attach to the desk element by any of the above mentioned methods, including a cord, loops, snaps, and hook-and-loop fasteners or any other method. Both the lady bug 600 and flower 700 have a soft, supple outer cover 602, 702 that contains a stuffing material 604, 704 as described above. In other embodiments, the stuffed toy cushion can be made to imitate aliens, dinosaurs, sportsballs, or licensed characters. Other designs for the stuffed toy cushion include decorative signs such as yin-yang sign or peace sign. Additionally, the stuffed toy cushions can be designed to engage attachable accessories such as glasses, purses, or earmuffs or to be personalized with birth certificates, passports, etc.
In an embodiment, the stuffed toy cushion can be made to engage another stuffed toy cushion such that the two appear to be embracing. For instance, the stuffed toy cushion can be provided in parent-and-child versions. In some embodiments, the stuffed toy cushion can include a drawing surface formed proximate to the planar described above. The stuffed toy cushion can alternatively be made to function as a pillow. In the embodiments which include the inner cavity, the cavity can function as a canteen, lunch pouch, or cooler. Preferably, the function of the cavity is correlated to the animal or figure imitated by the stuffed toy cushion such as, for example, correlating the canteen with the camel and the cooler with a polar bear. In some embodiments, the stuffed toy cushion or desk can be provided with one or more straps to enable the child to carry the lap desk to be carried as a backpack or purse. Additionally, the straps can be used to hang the lap desk from a hook or door when not in use.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments would become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A lap desk comprising:

a planar desk element having a first surface and an opposing second surface; and

a stuffed toy cushion made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal or figure, the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element adjacent the second surface, the stuffed toy cushion includes a body portion and an appendage, the appendage relates to the animal or figure.

2. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the appendage is selected from the group consisting of a flipper, a foot, a leg, a head or a tail.

3. The lap desk of claim 2, wherein the appendage extends partially beyond the periphery of the desk element.

4. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element has a generally rounded rectangular shape.

5. The lap desk of claim 4, wherein the body portion having a generally rectangular shape corresponding to the rectangular shape of the desk member.

6. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the stuffed toy cushion includes stuffing material contained in an outer covering.

7. The lap desk of claim 6, wherein the stuffing material is resilient.

8. The lap desk of claim 7, wherein the resilient stuffing material includes a plurality of foam beads.

9. The lap desk of claim 7, wherein the resilient stuffing material includes a plurality of foam blocks.

10. The lap desk of claim 6, wherein the stuffed toy cushion includes an inner cavity, the inner cavity accessible through an opening disposed through the covering, the inner cavity is separated from the stuffing material by a liner.

11. The lap desk of claim 10, wherein the opening is closable with a zipper.

12. The lap desk of claim 11, wherein the opening is closable with a hook-and-loop type fastener.

13. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element has a lip raised above the first surface and extending about the periphery thereof.

14. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element includes one or more raised ridges extending from the first surface for dividing the first surface into a plurality of separated portions.

15. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element includes a recess disposed into the first surface for receiving a beverage container.

16. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element is made of molded plastic.

17. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the toy cushion is releasably attached to the desk element.

18. The lap desk of claim 17, wherein the desk element has a periphery and includes a plurality of catches formed into the periphery, and the stuffed toy cushion includes a corresponding plurality of cord loops for releasably attaching the stuffed toy cushion to the desk element.

19. The lap desk of claim 18, wherein the desk element includes a lip raised above the first surface and extending about the periphery, and wherein the plurality of catches are formed by disposing U-shaped grooves into the lip.

20. The lap desk of claim 17, wherein the stuffed toy cushion is releasably attached to the desk element by hook-and-loop fastener strips.

21. The lap desk of claim 20, wherein the desk element has a periphery and includes a plurality of hook fastener strips adhered thereto about the periphery, and the stuffed toy cushion includes a loop fastener strip for releasably attaching the stuffed toy cushion to the desk element.

22. The lap desk of claim 17, wherein the stuffed toy cushion is releasably attached to the desk element by snaps.

23. The lap desk of claim 22, wherein the desk element has a periphery and includes a plurality of snap fastener male elements secured about the periphery, and the stuffed toy cushion includes a snap fastener female element for releasably attaching the stuffed toy cushion to the lap desk.

24. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk element includes a wheel and a handle, the wheel being rotatable with respect to the desk element.

25. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the desk includes indicia on the first surface that provides a game board.

26. The lap desk of claim 25, further comprising a plurality of game pieces magnetically attracted to the desk element.

27. A stuffed toy made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal or figure, the stuffed toy comprising:

a body portion including a soft, flexible outer cover and stuffing material contained in the outer cover;

an appendage attached to the body portion which relates to the animal or figure; and

a rigid desk element attached to the body portion for providing a surface for writing or otherwise playing upon.

28. The stuffed toy of claim 27, wherein the appendage is selected from thie group consisting of a flipper, a foot, a leg, a head or a tail.

29. The stuffed toy of claim 27, further comprising a plurality of appendages attached to the body portion.

30. The stuffed toy of claim 27, wherein the body portion includes an inner cavity, the inner cavity accessible through an opening disposed through the outer cover, the inner cavity is separated from the stuffing material by a liner.

31. The stuffed toy of claim 30, wherein the opening is closable by a zipper.

32. The lap desk of claim 1, wherein the stuffed toy cushion has the shape of a turtle.

33. A lap desk comprising:

a stuffed toy cushion made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal or figure, the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element adjacent the second surface, the stuffed toy cushion includes stuffing material contained in an outer covering, the stuffed toy cushion includes an inner cavity, the inner cavity accessible through an opening disposed through the outer covering, the inner cavity is separated from the stuffing material by a liner,

34. A lap desk comprising:

a stuffed toy cushion made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal, the stuffed toy cushion is attached to the desk element adjacent the second surface,