FR3140772A3 - CARDBOARD BLANK FOR MAKING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAME HOUSE IN THE SHAPE OF A TREE OR TEEPEE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rectangular cardboard blank (10), for producing a three-dimensional playhouse in the shape of a tree (100) comprising, in a single piece, a lower trunk (102) and which comprises n vertical folding lines (LVP1-LVP3) which divide the cardboard blank (10) into n+1 consecutive vertical panels (PV1-PV4) adjacent longitudinally, characterized in that the trunk (102) is made up of a set of adjacent consecutive plates each of which extends over the entire height of the trunk, this set comprising two first adjacent front plates (PL1G, PL1D) which are delimited between them by one (LVP2) of said vertical folding lines of the cardboard blank ( 10) and each of which (PL1G, PL1D) is delimited laterally by said vertical folding line (LVP2) and by a first folding line (LIP1G, LIP1D) which is inclined with respect to vertical and which connects it to at least one other adjacent plate. Figure 1

Description

CARDBOARD BLANK FOR MAKING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAME HOUSE IN THE SHAPE OF A TREE OR TEEPEE Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a toy made of cardboard, or similar material, in three dimensions and of a so-called interactive nature which is in particular large enough to play with indoors.

The invention relates more particularly to a cardboard blank for making such a toy and in particular a cabin in the shape of a tree, also called a tree cabin, or in the shape of a teepee.

Technical background

We know of numerous examples of toys or play structures of the type defined above which allow one or more children, or an animal, to interact with the toy by evolving in particular inside the toy.

The toy comes, for example, in the form of a house, a cabin or a tent.

Each play structure concerned can be made in one or more parts or pieces and, due to its large dimensions, comprises one or more parts which are themselves large.

The invention proposes a cardboard blank for the production of a large cabin in the shape of a tree or a teepee which allows simple three-dimensional shaping and assembly and results in the production of a particularly rigid and resistant cabin.

The invention proposes a cardboard blank rectangular, for the production of a three-dimensional play structure of a three-dimensional play hut in the shape of a tree, or a tepee, comprising at least, in a single main part, a hollow lower body , cardboard blank which has n vertical folding lines which divide the cardboard blank into n+1 consecutive longitudinally adjacent vertical panels which extend vertically from a lower longitudinal edge of the cardboard blank
characterized in that the lower body is a prism consisting of a set of adjacent consecutive side plates each of which is a triangle or a trapezoid which extends over the entire height of the lower body, this set comprising at least a first front plate which is delimited laterally by two opposite folding lines, each of which is inclined relative to the vertical and which connects said at least one first front plate to at least one other consecutive adjacent plate.

According to other characteristics of the cardboard blank:
- said set of adjacent consecutive side plates comprises two first adjacent front plates which are divided between them by one of said vertical folding lines of the cardboard blank and each of which is delimited laterally by a folding line which is inclined relative to vertical and which connects it to at least one other consecutive adjacent plate;
- that each other plate is delimited laterally by two folding lines, each of which is inclined relative to vertical;
- said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body comprises two rear end plates each of which is delimited laterally by an end edge which is inclined relative to vertical, and, in the three-dimensionally shaped and assembled state of the body lower, the two end edges are adjacent;
- on each side of said vertical folding line of the cardboard blank, said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body comprises an equal number of plates, in particular an even number of plates;
- on each side of said vertical folding line of the cardboard blank, said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body comprises four consecutive adjacent plates;
- each of said adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body has the shape of an isosceles triangle or trapezoid with a large lower base;
- at least one of the two inclined end edges extends by a side end panel which constitutes a flap which, in the three-dimensional and assembled state of the lower body, extends inside the body lower with its front adjacent to a portion facing the lower body;
- along said at least one of the two inclined end edges which is extended by a side end panel, the cardboard blank has a series of vertical slots for closing the lower body; and along the other of the two inclined end edges the cardboard blank has a series of closure tabs each of which, in the three-dimensionally shaped and assembled state of the shaft, extends through a slot corresponding closure and inside the lower body of the cabin;
- in its lower part, at least one of the two inclined end edges has a cutout which constitutes at least part of an access opening to the interior of the lower body;
- the cardboard blank comprises at least one pre-cut portion which, after having been separated from the cardboard blank, constitutes at least part of the crown of a cabin, in the shape of a tree, capable of being attached to the upper edge of the lower body of the hut, in the shape of a lower trunk, in its three-dimensional and assembled state;
- the height of the cardboard blank is between 1.10 and 1.80 meters, and in particular equal to 1.58 meters, and its length is between 2 and 3 meters, and in particular equal to 2.50 meters;
- the cardboard blank is made of single-corrugated, double-sided corrugated cardboard, the grooves of which extend in the vertical direction of the lower body, and whose thickness is equal to 4mm.

Brief descriptions of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which we will refer to the appended drawings in which:

- there is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a cardboard blank according to the invention for the production of a large toy tree house, in three dimensions;

- there is a plan view of the main piece of the cardboard blank of the which allows the production of the prism-shaped trunk of the tree-hut after its separation from several parts and portions capable of constituting elements and components to be attached to the trunk of the tree-hut shaped in three dimensions;

- there is a three-quarter front perspective view, which illustrates a first step of conforming in three dimensions the trunk of the cabin tree from the main piece of the cardboard blank, after said separation step;

- there is a rear three-quarter perspective view which illustrates a following step of three-dimensional conformation of the trunk of the cabin tree;

- there is a rear three-quarter perspective view which illustrates a following step of three-dimensional conformation of the trunk of the cabin tree and assembly of the latter;

- there is a three-quarter front perspective view which illustrates a step of mounting an intermediate element of the crown of the cabin tree on the upper part of the trunk of the ;

- there is a front perspective view which illustrates a step of mounting a front element of the crown of the cabin tree on the upper part of the trunk of the cabin tree of the ;

- there is a view analogous to that of the which illustrates in particular the assembly of different branches on the trunk of the cabin tree of the ;

- there is a front perspective view which illustrates the tree-hut according to the invention at the end of all the steps of conformation in three dimensions, assembly, assembly and fixing for its production from the blank of cardboard.

Detailed description of the invention

For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, we will adopt on a non-limiting basis and without limiting reference to terrestrial gravity the vertical and longitudinal orientations according to the reference L, V indicated in Figures 1 and 2.

By convention, the vertical axis is oriented from bottom to top, and the longitudinal axis L is oriented from left to right.

In the description which follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

Example of making a tree house
There is a plan view which represents a cardboard blank 10 of generally rectangular shape whose length is oriented along the horizontal direction of the longitudinal axis L and whose width or height is oriented along the vertical axis V.

The cardboard blank 10 is for example a single-corrugated, double-sided corrugated cardboard blank, comprising an intermediate corrugated paper arranged between two smooth faces constituting respectively a back 12 and a front 14 of the cardboard blank 10.

In order to obtain a structure - and in particular a trunk - of great rigidity, the corrugated cardboard grooves extend here in the vertical direction.

The thickness of the corrugated cardboard from which the blank 10 is cut is for example equal to 4mm.

The cardboard blank 10 is designed to allow the production of a three-dimensional toy, here in the shape of a tree house, in particular from a main part constituting the hollow lower body in the shape of a trunk 102 in general shape of a right prism truncated at its upper part.

In known manner, the production of the corrugated cardboard blank 10 comprises:
- graphic or physical marking operations, on at least one of the two opposite faces front 12 and back 14 of the cardboard blank 10, to include for example decorative elements and motifs, indications of lines or traces for the production of the tree 100, or marking elements providing information relating to the process or instructions for producing the tree in three dimensions;
- cutting out certain areas or parts, including making slots;
- pre-cutting certain areas, parts or portions so as to subsequently facilitate certain localized folding operations and/or separation operations – complete or partial – of parts or portions belonging to the cardboard blank, and in particular located laterally on the sides of the main room.

The cardboard blank 10 is delimited vertically by an upper horizontal edge 16 and by a lower horizontal edge 18, and laterally by a left vertical side edge 20 and a right vertical side edge 22.

The cardboard blank 10 is designed to allow the production of a three-dimensional play structure which is essentially in the form of a trunk 102 of a large tree 100, here without a bottom, shown in particular in the figures ( 5 and 9).

This tree 100 comprises in particular a lower trunk 102 and an upper crown 174 in several elements attached to the upper end of the trunk 102.

The trunk 102 of the tree 100 has a generally hollow prismatic shape, with a generally polygonal section, here generally octagonal.

The cardboard blank 10 here has four vertical folding lines LVP1, LVP2, LVP3 and LVP4 which mark the division of the cardboard blank 10 into five consecutive vertical panels PV1, PV2, PV3, PV4 and PV5.

These five panels PV1 to PV5 comprise four main panels PV1 to PV4 which are consecutive, here from left to right, in which the main part allowing the production of the trunk 102 is arranged, and an additional side end panel PV5, which is here arranged longitudinally to the right of the fourth main panel PV4.

Thus, the additional side panel PV5 is delimited longitudinally by the right vertical edge 22 and by the fourth vertical folding line LVP4, while all of the four consecutive main panels are delimited longitudinally by the fourth vertical folding line LVP4 and by the left vertical edge 20.

This assembly is divided into four main panels by the three consecutive vertical folding lines LVP1, LVP2, and LVP3.

We represented at the a main horizontal folding line LHP which extends here halfway between the opposite horizontal edges 16 and 18 to mark the division of the cardboard blank 10 into two horizontal sections lower THI and upper THS.

In practice, the horizontal LHP folding line has a width or thickness of approximately 5 mm.

The two horizontal sections THI, THS are here of the same height HI, HS equal to 807.5 mm, i.e. a total height “H” equal to 1620 mm for cardboard blank 10.

The five vertical panels PV1, to PV5 are here of the same length equal to 584 mm, i.e. a total length “L” equal to 2920 mm for the cardboard blank 10 (Neglecting the length or thickness of each of the four vertical folding lines LVP1 to LVP4).

In practice, each vertical folding line has a length or thickness of a few millimeters.

The folding lines LHP and LVP1 to LVP4 thus mark the division of the cardboard blank 10 – delimited by the two vertical edges left 20 and right 22 – into ten rectangular sectors.

At the intersection of the horizontal folding line LHP with each of the four vertical folding lines LVP1 to LVP5, the cardboard blank 10 has a hollowed-out zone 11, or alternatively a zone of reduced thickness of the cardboard produced by localized partial crushing.

As we can see in the , before any first folding or uncoupling operations, the cardboard blank 10 is generally in the form of a large rectangular planar blank which is notably delimited by its pairs of parallel and opposite edges 16-18 and 20-22 which are rectilinear and generally continuous.

From such a cardboard blank and as described and represented in patent application no. FR2202386, it is possible to produce packaging (not shown) of reduced dimensions allowing the marketing of the cabin tree 100.

This step here consists of producing the packaging from the cardboard blank 10 by folding the latter, and using one or more elements or closing links of the packaging.

For this purpose, an accordion or portfolio folding is carried out by carrying out at least one folding operation around at least one of the horizontal and/or vertical folding lines.

Once these successive folding operations have been carried out, we can obtain a folded state known as packaging according to a generally rectangular template whose area corresponds to that of a rectangular sector with dimensions height x length substantially equal to 810m x 585mm.

To complete the production of the packaging, it is surrounded by means of one or more elongated closing or strapping elements of the packaging.

We thus have a packaged product of reduced dimensions.

After purchasing the product, the production of a tree-hut 100 continues by unfolding the cardboard blank to put it back flat, that is to say again in its state shown in .

The cardboard blank according to the invention 10 can thus be presented flat as manufactured, then folded to be marketed, and again flat in order to make the tree 100.

The production of the shaft 100 is carried out from the flat cardboard blank 10, possibly after unfolding the cardboard blank to put it back flat, that is to say in its state shown in .

By following the instructions for creating the tree 100, the user will carry out different operations of total or partial separation of different parts or portions of the cardboard blank 10.

As shown in , these operations are intended in particular to completely detach parts and portions which will then be used to constitute accessories to be assembled on the trunk 102 of the tree 102.

These operations also aim to partially detach functional parts which remain connected to the trunk 102.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 1 and 2, the different parts or portions to be completely separated here comprise three portions 174AV, 174I, 174AR of the crown 174, branches 62, a branch 64 carrying a bird, a root 68 and a nose 72.

The main part 102 constituting the trunk 102 of the tree 100 is here divided into n+1 = 4 four consecutive panels PV1 to PV4 by the n = 3 vertical folding lines LVP1 to LVP3, and it has a general symmetry of design in relation to at the median vertical folding line LVP2.

By way of non-limiting example, the trunk 102 is made up of a set of adjacent consecutive plates, each of which extends over the entire height of the trunk, this set here comprising eight constituent plates.

Two consecutive adjacent plates are delimited from one another by a folding line allowing the prism-shaped conformation of the trunk 102.

Thus, starting from the median vertical folding line LVP2 - on the left - the trunk 102 consecutively comprises four plates PL1G, PL2G, PL3G and PL4G and - on the right - four plates PL1D, PL2D, PL3D and PL4D.

In order to give the trunk 102 a tubular shape whose section is reduced from bottom to top, each plate is delimited laterally by two non-parallel edges, at least one edge of which is inclined relative to the vertical direction in which the vertical folding line LVP2 (which here delimits between them the first two adjacent front plates PL1G, PL1D and each of which is also delimited by a first inclined folding line LIP1G, LIP1D).

As with each of the eight plates, each of the two adjacent front plates PL1G, PL1D is delimited by two fold lines which are rectilinear, and each plate is substantially shaped like an isosceles trapezoid with a large lower base and a small upper base.

After each first adjacent front plate X1G, PL1D, the trunk is extended here successively by:
- a second plate PL2G, PL2D delimited laterally by the first inclined folding line LIP1G, LIP1D and by a second inclined folding line LIP2G, LIP2D;
- then a third plate PL3G, PL3D delimited laterally by the second inclined folding line LIP2G, LIP2D and by a third inclined folding line LIP3G, LIP3D;
- and finally by a fourth plate PL4G, PL4D delimited laterally by the third inclined folding line LIP3G, LIP3D and by a fourth inclined rectilinear line which constitutes an inclined edge 26G, 26D of the lateral end of the trunk 102.

Thus, the eight plates of the trunk 102 extend successively between the two opposite end edges 26G and 26D.

In order to be able to rest on the ground stably and in a vertical orientation, starting from the median vertical folding line LVP2, the lower edge section of each plate is inclined relative to the horizontal orientation of the rectilinear lower longitudinal edge 18 of the cardboard blank 10, and each lower edge section is inclined relative to the lower edge section of each adjacent plate.

Thus, the lower edge the lower edge 34 delimiting all of the consecutive adjacent plates PL1G, PL2G, PL3G, PL4G; PL1D, PL2D, PL3D, PL4D constituting the trunk 102 is a convex curved edge consisting of a succession of eight lower edge sections each of which is rectilinear.

In substantially the same way, the upper edge 36 delimiting all of the eight plates is a concave curved edge made up of the succession of eight upper edge sections.

Each inclined end edge 26G, 26D is extended by a side end panel 28G, 28D which constitutes a flap which can be folded along the corresponding end edge 26G, 26D, towards the inside of the trunk 102.

In the example shown, the faces 12 of the flaps 28G, 28D are adjacent.

Along the left end edge 26G, there is provided a pair of slots 38G, each of which is capable of receiving a corresponding assembly and fixing tab 38D, each of which is arranged along the right end edge 26D.

In its lower part, below the end flap 28G, 28D, each inclined end edge 26G, 26D of the fourth rear end plate PL4G, PL4D has a concave cutout 30G, 30D which extends up to the lower edge 34.

Each concave cutout 30G, 30D here constitutes one half of an opening 32 for access to the interior of the trunk 102.

Above the horizontal folding line LHP, each first front plate PL1G, PL1D has a generally circular cutout 40G, 40D which is delimited by an upper folding line 42G, 42D which can symbolize an eye and which also delimits a pivoting flap 44G, 44D articulated around the fold line 42G, 42D.

In the same way, below the horizontal folding line LHP, each third plate PL3G, PL3D has a generally circular cutout 46G, 46D which is delimited by an upper folding line 48G, 48D and which also delimits a pivoting flap 50G , 50D articulated around the folding line 48G, 48D.

With its 52G slot, the 50G hinged pivoting shutter can symbolize a letterbox door.

Various plates have vertical slots 60, each of which is capable of receiving a complementary fixing tab 160 belonging to a decorative accessory of the trunk such as a branch 62 or a branch 64 carrying a bird such as for example an owl.

In its lower edge section, the second left plate PL2G has a double slot 66 capable of receiving the complementary fixing lugs 168 of a root 68.

Below the horizontal folding line LHP and near the median vertical folding line LVP2, each first front plate PL1G, PL1D has a vertical slot 70G, 70D.

The slots 70G and 70D allow the attachment of an accessory 72 simulating a nose which for this purpose comprises two complementary tabs 170G and 170D.

The upper edge of the eight consecutive plates has three pairs of opposing slots 74AV, 74I and 74AR.

At its upper end, the trunk 102 of the shaft 100 carries a cap 174 which is here made up of three front 174AV, intermediate 174I, and rear 174AR portions, each of which has a pair of slots complementary to the pair of corresponding slots 74AV, 74I and 74AR respectively.

Starting from its flat state illustrated in , the trunk 102 is gradually shaped in three dimensions as illustrated successively in Figures 3 and 4.

To reach the state illustrated in , the trunk 102 must be closed by bringing the two flaps 28G and 28D closer to each other and inserting the fixing lugs 38D into the slots 38G.

At its rear, the trunk 102 then has its rear access opening 32 made up of two symmetrical and complementary cutouts 30G and 30D.

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate the fixing of different elements of the cap 174, of different branches and roots on the trunk 102, as well as that of the nose 72.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the prism of the lower trunk may be regular or not depending on the width of the different plates.

As a not shown variant of the cabin tree, the trunk 102 may comprise a plate, a first single front plate which is delimited laterally by two opposite folding lines LIP1G, LIP1D, each of which is inclined relative to the vertical.

Such a single front plate can then for example be arranged in a panel, such as the PV2 panel, of the cardboard blank of which it occupies the entire width.

On each side, this single front plate is extended by one or more adjacent consecutive plates.

Cabin shaped like a teepee
The design which has just been described, and more particularly that of the hollow prismatic lower body, can be implemented for the production of a cabin or tent in the shape of a teepee.

In this case, each plate can be triangular or shaped like a trapezoid depending on whether the top of the lower body is truncated or pointed.

Instead of the tree cap, the upper end part of the lower body of the teepee can be equipped with added elements representing for example the extension in bundle of the uprights of the teepee corresponding to the inclined lines separating the different plates.

Claims (13)

Rectangular cardboard blank (10), for making a three-dimensional playhouse in the shape of a tree (100), or a tepee, comprising at least, in a single main piece, a hollow lower body (102), cardboard blank (10) which has n vertical folding lines (LVP1-LVP3) which divide the cardboard blank (10) into n+1 consecutive longitudinally adjacent vertical panels (PV1-PV4) which extend vertically from a lower longitudinal edge (18) of the cardboard blank (10),
characterized in that the lower body (102) is a prism consisting of a set of adjacent consecutive side plates each of which is a triangle or a trapezoid which extends over the entire height of the lower body, this set comprising at least a first front plate (PL1G, PL1D) which is delimited laterally by two opposite folding lines (LIP1G, LIP1D) each of which is inclined relative to the vertical and which connects said at least one first front plate to at least one other consecutive adjacent plate ( PL2G, PL3G, PL4G; PL2D, PL3D, PL4D). Cardboard blank according to claim 1, characterized in that said set of adjacent consecutive side plates comprises two first adjacent front plates (PL1G, PL1D) which are divided between them by one (LVP2) of said vertical folding lines of the cardboard blank ( 10) and each of which is delimited laterally by a folding line (LIP1G, LIP1D) which is inclined relative to vertical and which connects it to at least one other consecutive adjacent plate (PL2G, PL3G, PL4G; PL2D, PL3D, PL4D) . Cardboard blank (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each other plate (PL2G, PL3G, PL4G; PL2D, PL3D, PL4D) is delimited laterally by two folding lines (LIP1G, LIP2G, LIP3G , 26G; LIP1D, LIP2D, LIP3D, 26D) each of which is inclined relative to vertical. Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body (102) comprises two rear end plates (PL4G, PL4D) each of which is delimited laterally by an end edge (26G, 26D) which is inclined with respect to vertical, and in that, in the three-dimensionally shaped and assembled state of the lower body (102), the two end edges (26G, 26D) are adjacent. Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 2 or according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that, on each side of said a vertical folding line (LVP2) of the cardboard blank (10), said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body (102) comprises an equal number of plates, in particular an even number of plates. Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, on each side of said vertical folding line (LVP2) of the cardboard blank (10), said set of adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body (102) comprises four consecutive adjacent plates (PL1G, PL2G, PL3G, PL4G; PL1D, PL2D, PL3D, PL4D). Cardboard blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said adjacent consecutive plates of the lower body (102) has the shape of an isosceles triangle or trapezoid with a large lower base. Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the two inclined end edges (26G, 26D) is extended by a side end panel (28G, 28D) which constitutes a flap which, in the three-dimensionally shaped and assembled state of the lower body (102), extends within the lower body (102) with its face (12) adjacent to a portion facing the body lower (102). Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that:
- along said at least one (26G) of the two inclined end edges (26G, 26D) which is extended by a side end panel (28G), the cardboard blank (10) has a series of vertical slots ( 38G) for closing the lower body (102);
- and along the other (26D) of the two inclined end edges (26G, 26D) the cardboard blank (10) comprises a series of closing tabs (38D) each of which, in the state shaped into three dimensions and assembled of the shaft (100), extends through a corresponding closing slot (121) and inside the lower body (102) of the cabin (100). Cardboard blank (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, in its lower part, at least one of the two inclined end edges (26G, 26D) has a cutout (30G, 30D) which constitutes at least part of an opening (32) for access to the interior of the lower body (102). Cardboard blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one precut portion (174AV, 174I, 174AR) which, after having been separated from the cardboard blank (10), constitutes at less part of the crown (174) of a cabin, in the shape of a tree, capable of being attached to the upper edge of the lower body (102) of the cabin (100), in the shape of a lower trunk, in its three-dimensional and assembled state. Cardboard blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (H) of the cardboard blank (10) is between 1.10 and 1.80 meters, and in particular equal to 1.58 meter, and in that its length is between 2 and 3 meters, and in particular equal to 2.50 meters. Cardboard blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of single-corrugated, double-sided corrugated cardboard, the grooves of which extend in the vertical direction of the lower body, and the thickness is equal to 4mm.