AU2011101239A4 - A cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure and a method of defining a play area - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure. The cover comprises a top portion which is adapted to engage an upper surface of the support structure, and at least one wall extending substantially downwardly from the top portion in use to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure. The present disclosure also relates to a method of defining a play area, which comprises the steps of mounting a top portion of a cover over an upper surface of the support structure, and disposing at least one wall of the cover to extend substantially downwardly from the top portion to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 5 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION 10 INNOVATION PATENT A COVER FOR USE WITH A SUPPORT STRUCTURE TO DEFINE A PLAY AREA WITH THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND A METHOD OF DEFINING A PLAY AREA 15 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of 20 performing it known to us: 1 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to covers and in particular to a cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure and a method of defining a play area. 5 The invention has been developed primarily for use in children's playhouses and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background of the Invention Playhouses are very popular for recreational use among younger children, particularly in their 10 early years. A major consideration in the design of a playhouse is the requirement of physical space available for its placement, whether it be placed in the interior of the home or outdoors. In many cases where space is at a premium, it is often not practical to erect a playhouse in such locations as playhouses generally occupy a large area, making it awkward to navigate around when going about routine daily activities. 15 Another major consideration in the design of a playhouse, particularly a fabric playhouse, is the requirement of a frame to support the playhouse. Such frames are flimsy, awkward to erect, and cumbersome when transporting from one location to another. The present invention seeks to provide a cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure and a method of defining a play area which will 20 overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. 2 It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention 5 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure, the cover comprising: a top portion adapted to engage an upper surface of the support structure; and at least one wall extending substantially downwardly from the top portion in use to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath 10 the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure. Advantageously, the cover defines a children's covered play area generally beneath an existing support structure located either indoors or outdoors without occupying valuable living or working space. Advantageously, the cover can be taken to friends, relatives or other locations having 15 suitable support structures for erecting such play areas. Advantageously, the cover does not require a separate frame in order to define the play area. Preferably, the top portion comprises a panel. Advantageously, the top portion can cover and protect the upper surface of the structure 20 from damage. 3 Preferably, the top portion is adapted to substantially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the upper surface of the structure. Advantageously, this provides a neat appearance and the side walls will extend neatly downwardly. 5 Preferably, the at least one wall comprises a panel. Advantageously, this provides an enclosed play area favored by children. Preferably, the top portion comprises at least one edge, and the at least one wall comprises a top edge extending from the at least one edge of the top portion. Advantageously, the at least one wall being adapted to attach to the at least one edge of the 10 top portion enables the cover to be easily erected. Preferably, the at least one wall is detachably attachable to the top portion. Advantageously, this allows the attachment to the top portion to be adjustable. Preferably, the at least one wall extends substantially to the ground in use. Preferably, the at least one wall extends downwardly substantially from all perimeter edges 15 of the top portion. Advantageously, this provides a fully enclosed play area. Preferably, the top portion comprises a front edge, a rear edge and two opposing side edges, and the at least one wall comprises a front wall extending from the front edge, a rear wall extending from the rear edge, and two side walls respectively extending from the two 20 opposing side edges. 4 Advantageously, the top portion and the four walls define a play area with a generally rectangular cross section for use with a support structure having a corresponding cross section. Preferably, the front wall, the rear wall and the two side walls are respectively detachably 5 attachable to each other along their respective adjacent side edges. Advantageously, the front wall and rear wall being detachably attachable to each of the two side walls via their respective side edges enables one or more of the walls to be easily added or removed as desired. Preferably, the front wall comprises a door. 10 Advantageously, door can be added or removed as desired. Preferably, the door comprises a first portion and a second portion respectively comprising an inner edge, wherein the inner edges are detachably attachable to each other. Advantageously, the door inner edges are adapted to close the play area fully if desired. Preferably, the cover further comprises an extension cover having a second top portion 15 adapted to extend from the top portion of the cover, the extension cover comprising at least one side wall extending substantially downwardly from the second top portion in use to define an extended play area. Advantageously, the extension cover can be used to extend the play area beneath the support structure if the cover is smaller than the support structure. 20 Preferably, the at least one side wall of the extension cover is adapted to extend from the at least one side wall of the cover. Advantageously, this encloses the extended play area. 5 Preferably, the support structure is a table having an upper surface, the top portion engaging the upper surface of the table in use. Advantageously, the support structure being a table enables the play area to be defined beneath the table without occupying valuable space around the table. 5 Advantageously, the support structure being a table enables the play area to be defined beneath the table without disrupting normal activities such as dining or working. Preferably, the support structure is a clothesline comprising a shaft having an upper surface and at least three arms extending outwardly from the shaft, the top portion engaging the upper surface and the at least three arms in use. 10 Advantageously, the support structure being a clothesline enables the play area to be defined beneath the clothesline without needing to occupy valuable space around the clothesline. Preferably, the shape of the top portion substantially corresponds to that of upper surfaces of a pyramid. 15 Advantageously, this allows the top portion to fit neatly on top of the clothesline. Preferably, the top portion and the at least one wall are manufactured from a flexible material to allow the cover to fold for stowage. Advantageously, the cover can be easily removed from the support structure and folded away when not in use. 20 Advantageously, the cover is easily transportable, enabling the play area to be defined at other locations where suitable support structures exist. 6 Preferably, the top portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of the inner and outer surfaces comprising indicia located thereon. Advantageously, the top portion can support any desired indicia on its inner or outer surface. Preferably, the at least one wall comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, at least 5 one of the inner and outer surfaces comprising indicia located thereon. Advantageously, the at least one wall can support any desired indicia on its inner or outer surface. Preferably, the top portion and/or the at least one wall comprises a window. Advantageously, a window can be located in the top portion and/or the at least one wall to 10 allow light into the play area. Preferably, the cover further comprises a pocket into which substantially the entire cover can be folded into. Advantageously, the cover can be easily and conveniently packaged within the pocket and then either stored or taken to friends, relatives or other locations having suitable support 15 structures for erecting such play areas. Preferably, the pocket is attached to the top portion or the at least one wall. Advantageously, the pocket being attached to the top portion or the at least one wall provides a means for users of the play area to store items when the cover is in use. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure having an 20 upper surface and the cover of the above mounted thereto to define a play area generally bounded by the at least one wall of the cover and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure. 7 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of defining a play area, the method comprising the steps of: - mounting a top portion of a cover over an upper surface of the support structure; and 5 - disposing at least one wall of the cover to extend substantially downwardly from the top portion to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure. Advantageously, the play area is defined quickly and easily by placing the cover over the 10 support structure. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with 15 reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows schematic views of (i) a cover, (ii) a door, and (iii) a table, the cover and door being used to define a play area with the table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows schematic views of (i) the cover of Fig. 1 mounted to the table, and (ii) an 20 extension cover mounted to a longer table; and 8 Fig. 3 shows schematic views of (i) a clothesline, and (ii) a cover for use with the clothesline to define a play area with the clothesline in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Descuiption of Specific Embodiments 5 It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Fig. 1 shows a cover 10 for use with a support structure in the form of a table 100 to define a play area with the table 100. In this embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 1 (iii), the table 100 comprises a generally rectangular table top 120 having a front edge 122, a rear edge 124, 10 two opposing side edges 126, 128, and an upper surface 125. The table 100 further comprises four legs 130 which extend downwards from the table top 120 to define a space 110 beneath the table top 120. The cover 10 comprises a top portion 20 being of a generally rectangular shape comprising a front edge 22, a rear edge 24 and two opposing side edges 26, 28. The top portion 20 is 15 shaped and dimensioned to correspond to that of the table top 120. The top portion 20 also comprises an inner surface 23 and an outer surface 25 corresponding to the direction in which the top portion 20 faces relative to the table top 120 in use. The cover 10 further comprises a rear wall 30, and two opposing side walls 40, 50. Each of the rear wall 30 and the two side walls 40, 50 is generally rectangular in shape, with each 20 wall comprising a top edge "W", a bottom edge "X", and two opposing side edges "Y" and "Z", and inner "I" and outer "0" surfaces corresponding to the direction in which the wall faces relative to the table 100 in use. 9 As shown in Fig. 1 (ii), the rear wall 30 is attached along its top edge 30w to the rear edge 24 of the top portion 20. The two side walls 40 and 50 are attached to the corresponding side edges 26 and 28 of the top portion 20. The rear wall 30 is also attached to side wall 40 along their respective side edges 4 0y and 30z, and to side wall 50 along their respective side 5 edges 30y and 50y. The cover 10 includes a pocket 29 attached to the rear wall 30. The pocket 29 is generally two panels 31 having their lower edges 32 and side edges 33 attached to each other to define an upper opening 34 and an internal space. The top portion 20 comprises on its outer surface 25, six attachment means in the form of one part of a complementary hook and loop 10 attachment means 70a to 70f. The outer attachment means extend along the length of the top portion 20, slightly inwardly of and generally parallel to, the corresponding side edges 26 and 28. The inner four attachment means 70b to 70e are located at and spaced along the front edge 22 in between the two outer attachment means 70a and 70f. As shown in Fig. 1 (ii), the cover 10 further comprises a front wall, which in this embodiment, 15 is in the form of a door 60. The door 60 is generally rectangular in shape, and comprises a top edge "W", a bottom edge "X", and two opposing side edges "Y" and "Z", and inner "I" and outer "0" surfaces corresponding to the direction in which the door 60 faces relative to the table 100 in use. The door 60 comprises six attachment means 80a to 80f in the form of the corresponding parts of the complementary hook and loop attachment means 70a to 70f 20 located in the top portion 20. The six attachment means 80a to 80f extend from and are spaced along the top edge 60w of the door 60. The top portion 20, the walls 30, 40, 50 and the door 60 of the cover 10 are manufactured from a flexible material that is both robust and, in cases where the cover 10 is to be used 10 outdoors, waterproof and capable of providing UV protection. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, shade cloth, plastics, or canvas material. In use, and as shown in Fig. 2(i), the cover 10 is draped over the table 100 such that the inner surface 23 of the top portion 20 engages the upper surface 125 of the table top 120 5 and the front edge 22, rear edge 24 and side edges 26 and 28 of the top portion 20 are aligned with the corresponding front edge 122, rear edge 124 and side edges 126 and 128 of the table top 120. The rear wall 30 and the two side walls, 40 and 50 extend downwardly from the top portion 20 to the ground on which the table legs 130 are resting, thereby enclosing the space 110 beneath the table top 120. A play area is thus defined which is 10 bounded by the walls 30, 40 and 50 and beneath the table top 120. The door 60 can then be removably attached to the top portion 20 as desired via the attachment means 80a to 80f of the door 60 meshingly engaging the attachment means 70a to 70f of the top portion 20. In this arrangement, as the door 60 is not attached to the two opposing side walls 40 and 50, the door 60 acts as a flap than can be freely opened from 15 either side as desired in use. In this arrangement, the children's covered play area is defined by the space 110 beneath the table top 120 and between the rear wall 30, the two opposing side walls 40 and 50, and the door 60. The entire cover 10, including the door 60, can be folded to fit into the pocket 29. This allows 20 the cover 10 to be entirely portable, and can be taken to the houses of friends and relatives, and to other locations that have suitable support structures for erecting such play areas beneath them. Indeed, the cover 10 is readily foldable and requires no dedicated support frame, thereby simplifying transportation. 11 In instances where a table 300 is longer than the table 100, such that the cover 10 is of insufficient length to fully cover the table 300, an extension cover 200 can be used to supplement the cover 10 to enclose the remaining space beneath the table 300, thereby extending the play area. 5 As shown in Fig. 2 (ii), the extension cover 200 is similar to cover 10 in that it comprises an extension top portion 220, being of a generally rectangular shape and having a front edge 222, a rear edge 224, and two opposing side edges 226, 228, and two extension side walls 240, 250, each also being of a generally rectangular shape. Similarly, the two side walls 240 and 250 are attached via their respective top edges 240w and 250w to a corresponding one 10 of the two extension side edges 226 and 228 of the extension top portion 220. The extension top portion 220 also comprises six hook and loop attachment means 280a to 280f along the front edge 222. The extension top portion 220 further comprises two hook and loop attachment means 290a and 290b on the inner surface of the extension top portion 220. The two hook and loop 15 attachment means 290a and 290b are located toward and slightly inwardly of the rear edge 224 and the corresponding side edge 226 and 228, respectively, of the extension top portion 220. In use, the cover 10 is first draped over a first end of the extended table 300 in the same manner as described above such that the rear wall 30 and the two side walls 40 and 50 20 extend downwardly from the top portion 20 to the ground either side of the extended table 300 to partially enclose the space beneath the table top 320 at the first end of the extended table 300; the space at this end being denoted as 310a. The extension top portion 220 is then draped over the opposing end of the extended table 300 such that a portion of the 12 extension top portion 220 located close to the rear edge 224 overlaps the front edge 22 of the top portion 20 of the cover 10. In this arrangement, the two hook and loop attachment means 290a and 290b on the inner surface of the extension top portion 220 align with and meshingly engage a corresponding one of the two outermost hook and loop attachment 5 means 70a and 70f on the top portion 20 of the cover 10. The two extension side walls 240 and 250 extend downwardly from the extension top portion 220 to the ground either side of the extended table 300, thereby enclosing the remaining space beneath the table top 320 at the opposing end of the extended table 300; the space at this end being denoted as 31 Ob. The door 60 can then be attached to the extension top portion 220 by virtue of the six hook 10 and loop attachment means 280a to 280f along the front edge 222 aligning and meshingly engaging with the six corresponding six hook and loop attachment means 80a to 80f along the top edge 60w of the door 60. The extension cover 200 can also be folded to fit into the pocket 29. In other embodiments, desired indicia may be added to the corresponding inner and/or outer 15 surfaces of the top portion 20, the extension top portion 200, the walls 30, 40, 50, the extension side walls 240, 250, and/or the door 60 to provide a particular theme as desired. In other embodiments, the support structure may be a circular table. In this arrangement, the cover comprises a circular top portion and one wall comprising a top edge adapted for detachably attaching to the circumferential edge of the circular top portion. Alternatively, 20 more than one wall may be attached to the circumferential edge of the circular top portion. In this arrangement, one of the walls may include a door for easy access. In other embodiments, the attachment means for attaching the door and the extension cover to the top portion is not limited to hook and loop attachment means, but may include other 13 types of complementary attachment means, including, but not limited to, snap fasteners, zip fasteners, button and button loop attachment means. In other embodiments, the top portion can simply be straps extending along the top surface of the table top to which the walls can be attached. 5 Fig. 3 shows a cover 400 according to another preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the cover 400 is designed for use with a support structure in the form of a clothesline 500 to define a play area, generally indicated by reference numeral 510, beneath the clothesline 500. The clothesline 500 is a rotary clothesline comprising a substantially vertical elongated shaft 520 mounted into the ground. The shaft 520 comprises an upper surface 525 and four 10 elongated arms 530 that extend outwardly from a point 527 located generally below the upper surface 525 such that their respective terminal ends 535 define the corners of a generally rectangular roof and the upper surface 525 defines the apex. In this embodiment, the cover 400 comprises a top portion 420 which is shaped generally as the outer surfaces of a square pyramid. The cover comprises a front wall 460, a rear wall 15 430, and two opposing side walls 440, 450, each being of a generally rectangular shape. The front wall 460, the rear wall 430, and the two side walls 440 and 450 are designed to be detachably attachable from the top portion 420. In this arrangement, the front wall 460, the rear wall 430, and the two side walls 440 and 450 each comprise one part of a hook and loop attachment means on their respective inner surfaces located slightly inwardly of and spaced 20 along the top edge 460w, 430w, 440w, 450w of the corresponding wall. The top portion 420 comprises a plurality of complementary hook and loop attachment means (shown in dashed outline) on the outer surface located inwardly of and spaced along the corresponding front edge 422, the rear edge 424, and the two side edges 426 and 428 for meshingly engaging 14 with the hook and loop attachment means on the front wall 460, the rear wall 430 and the two side walls 440 and 450. The front wall 460 and the rear wall 430 further comprise a plurality of complementary hook and loop attachment means (shown in dashed outline) located on their respective inner 5 surfaces 460i, 430i located inwardly of and spaced along the corresponding side edges 460y, 460z, of the front wall 460 and the corresponding side edges 430y, 430z of the rear wall 430. The two side walls 440 and 450 each comprise a plurality of complementary hook and loop attachment means (shown in dashed outline) on their respective outer surfaces located inwardly of and spaced along the corresponding side edges 440y, 440z and 450y, 10 450z In this embodiment, the front wall 460 comprises a first flap portion 462 and a second flap portion 465, both being of a generally rectangular shape. Each flap portion 462, 465 comprises a corresponding one of the two side edges 460z and 460y, respectively, of the front wall 460 and an inner edge 462a and 465a, respectively, that is opposite to the 15 corresponding side edge 460z and 460y. The first flap portion 462 and the second flap portion 465 are arranged such that their inner edges 462a and 465a collocate in use. The two inner edges 462a and 465a each comprise one part of a complementary attaching means (not shown) for attaching the two inner edges 462a and 465a together as desired. The first 462 and second 465 flap portions each comprise a door 470 and 475 located at the 20 corresponding inner edge 462a and 465a. Each door 470, 475 is generally rectangular in shape having a top edge 470w, 475w, a bottom edge 470x, 475x, and two opposing side edges 470y, 470z; 475y, 475z. The first flap portion 462 and the second flap portion 465 each comprise a cut out portion located at their respective inner edges 462a and 465a 15 towards the corresponding bottom edge 460x. The cut-out portion is of the same generally rectangular shape as the corresponding door 470, 475. Each of the cut-out portions has a top edge (not shown), respectively, which comprises one part of a plurality of complementary hook and loop attachment means (not shown) on their respective outer surfaces located 5 slightly inwardly of and spaced along the corresponding top edge. The doors 470 and 475 each comprise a plurality of complementary hook and loop attachment means 470a to 470c and 475a to 475c located on their respective inner surfaces located slightly inwardly of and spaced along their respective top edge 470w and 475w. The cover 400 also includes a pocket 429 attached to the side wall 450. The pocket 429 is 10 again generally two panels 431 having their lower edges 432 and side edges 433 attached to each other to define an upper opening 434 and an internal space therein. The pocket 429 can however be attached to any wall of the cover 400 and even the top portion 420. As above, the entire cover 400 can be folded to fit into the pocket 429 for portability. In use, the cover 400 is draped over the clothesline 500 such that the top portion 420 15 overlays the upper surface 525 of the shaft 520 and the terminal ends 535 of the four arms 530 to define a generally roof-like structure. The front edge 422, rear edge 424, and two side edges 426 and 428 of the top portion 420 extend slightly beyond the four terminal ends 535 to create overlap portions corresponding to the front edge 422, rear edge 424, and two side edges 426, 428, which extend downwardly from the terminal ends 535. Each overlap portion 20 comprises the plurality of hook and loop attachment means described above for meshingly engaging with the complementary hook and loop attachment means on the corresponding front wall 460, the rear wall 430 and the two side walls 440 and 450. In this arrangement, the front wall 460, the rear wall 430 and the two side walls 440 and 450 can be attached or detached from the corresponding overlap portions of the top portion 420 as desired. 16 Similarly, the doors 470 and 475 can be attached and detached from the corresponding first 460 and second 465 flap portions, respectively. Thus, a play area 510 is defined being generally bounded by the walls and beneath the top portion of the cover. 5 In the preferred embodiments described above, the top portions, and the front, rear and opposing side walls of the corresponding covers 10 and 200 are manufactured from a flexible material to allow the corresponding covers 10 and 200 to easily fold for stowage. In other embodiments, the top portions and one or more of the walls of the two covers 10 and 200 may comprise a window to allow light into the play area beneath the support structure. In 10 one arrangement, the window may simply be an aperture cut into the wall. In another arrangement, the aperture in the wall may be overlaid with a translucent panel that is attached to the wall around the periphery of the aperture. In other embodiments, the pocket can be provided as a separate piece. Interpretation 15 Embodiments: Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this 20 specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any 17 suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single 5 embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing 10 disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features 15 included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details 20 In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. 18 Terminology In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific 5 term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including 10 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 15 Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of 20 the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. 19 Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be 5 appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the recreational and toy industries. 10 20

Claims (25)

1. A cover for use with a support structure to define a play area with the support structure, the cover comprising: a top portion adapted to engage an upper surface of the support structure; and at least one wall extending substantially downwardly from the top portion in use to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure.

2. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a panel.

3. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion is adapted to substantially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the upper surface of the structure.

4. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wall comprises a panel.

5. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises at least one edge, and the at least one wall comprises a top edge extending from the at least one edge of the top portion.

6. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wall is detachably attachable to the top portion.

7. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wall extends substantially to the ground in use. 21

8. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wall extends downwardly substantially from all perimeter edges of the top portion.

9. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a front edge, a rear edge and two opposing side edges, and the at least one wall comprises a front wall extending from the front edge, a rear wall extending from the rear edge, and two side walls respectively extending from the two opposing side edges.

10. A cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the two side walls are respectively detachably attachable to each other along their respective adjacent side edges.

11. A cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front wall comprises a door.

12. A cover as claimed in claim 11, wherein the door comprises a first portion and a second portion respectively comprising an inner edge, wherein the inner edges are detachably attachable to each other.

13. A cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an extension cover having a second top portion adapted to extend from the top portion of the cover, the extension cover comprising at least one side wall extending substantially downwardly from the second top portion in use to define an extended play area.

14. A cover as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one side wall of the extension cover is adapted to extend from the at least one side wall of the cover.

15. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure is a table having an upper surface, the top portion engaging the upper surface of the table in use. 22

16. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure is a clothesline comprising a shaft having an upper surface and at least three arms extending outwardly from the shaft, the top portion engaging the upper surface and the at least three arms in use.

17. A cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein the shape of the top portion substantially corresponds to that of upper surfaces of a pyramid.

18. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion and the at least one wall are manufactured from a flexible material to allow the cover to fold for stowage.

19. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of the inner and outer surfaces comprising indicia located thereon.

20. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wall comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of the inner and outer surfaces comprising indicia located thereon.

21. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion and/or the at least one wall comprises a window.

22. A cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pocket into which substantially the entire cover can be folded into.

23. A cover as claimed in claim 22, wherein the pocket is attached to the top portion or the at least one wall.

24. A structure having an upper surface and the cover of claim 1 mounted thereto to define a play area generally bounded by the at least one wall of the cover and 23 beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure.

25. A method of defining a play area, the method comprising the steps of: - mounting a top portion of a cover over an upper surface of the support structure; and - disposing at least one wall of the cover to extend substantially downwardly from the top portion to define the play area as being generally bounded by the at least one wall and beneath the top portion of the cover and/or the upper surface of the support structure. 24