GB2383749A

GB2383749A - Play area for children

Info

Publication number: GB2383749A
Application number: GB0300263A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Birchenough
Original assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Current assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Priority date: 2002-01-07
Filing date: 2003-01-07
Publication date: 2003-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-07
Also published as: GB0200254D0; GB0300263D0; GB2383749B

Abstract

A play area for children and infants comprises a floor area 3 sealingly joined to an inflatable side wall 2. When inflated the side wall 2 can receive a fabric cover for formation of a play pen. The play area may be used for wet play as a paddling pool or dry play. An restraining device may be provided in the form of inflatable members extending around a child's waist or chest and between their legs while they are in the sitting position.

Description

Play Area for Infants and Children The present invention is concerned with providing a safe and stimulating play environment for young babies and toddlers, infants and children, hereinafter referred to as children, that can be used for both dry and wet play patterns. In particular, the present invention relates to play zones for children in the form of a soft playpen, which, in preferred embodiments, can also function as a paddling pool.

At present, one accepted way of keeping a young child safe is to strap them into a small chair, or to actually put them into a secure playpen with solid bars.

Small chairs are very limiting as they do not allow the child to crawl and safely explore their environment. They are also only suitable for a short amount of the child's life (approx. 3-6 months).

Playpens tend to be permanent, expensive and not easily transportable devices. They also require the addition of a play mat or other decorative and interactive products to make the environment interesting and stimulating for the child. Typically playpens are designed to span a range of ages up to an age where the child is quite tall and so usually they will have quite high walls requiring the mother to stretch to lean over to pick up or place the child.

Play areas are also known to be defined by inflatable rings holding young children such as babies in a sitting or sleeping position. These tend to be quite low in height, and comprise a single ring which is about 20cm in cross-sectional diameter.

The play area defined by the ring also tends to be only marginally larger than the child to be held in the same, typically

having an overall diameter of less than 100cm and a play area diameter of less than 60cm. Such devices typically include the inflatable ring enclosed within a fabric cover that extends across the base of the device to form the floor of the play area. This type of product tends to be only suitable for a short amount of the child's life and provides limited scope for allowing the baby to explore its environment and play.

The purpose of this invention is to overcome these difficulties and, provide a structure that is easily transportable, easy to use, stimulating and fun for the child, with an increased useable life span for the child of, for example, at least 12 months, and preferably a multi functionality for use as a dry, or wet, play environment.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a child play area, said area defined by an inflatable side wall and a floor having a selectively removable cover and wherein said area has the dual function of being useable as a paddling pool for wet play and a playpen for dry play.

In particular, the present invention provides a child play area comprising a confining inflatable sidewall and a floor, both preferably made of a material which is impermeable to water, the sidewall being inflatable and sealed to said floor, such that when it is in its inflated condition the side wall and floor provide a paddling pool structure for a child. In one embodiment the playpen is provided with a removable fabric cover that is configured to fit over the sidewall and floor of the playpen and substantially follow the surface of the sidewall and floor at least in an area within the confines of the side wall. When inflated the side wall is in an in-use condition and when deflated is in a storage condition.

In one embodiment the cover can be provided with play and/or activity means for stimulating the child when the child is placed within the confines of the play area.

Thus, the play area can have the dual functionality of providing a play area in which the child can play in a dry, soft environment, but can also function as a paddling pool and in this function the child can play in the wet environment with the fabric cover removed. This avoids the need for both a playpen and a paddling pool to be purchased, thereby avoiding storage problems of having both items, and also reducing the expense incurred. Because the playpen is inflatable, it enables it to be erected easily and collapsed into a small volume for storage.

Another advantage is that if the child should spill or accidentally discharge any fluids whilst in the playpen, the fabric cover can be removed easily for washing and the impermeable material of the playpen structure will prevent the excess fluid from escaping and possibly soiling a carpet or rug under the playpen. The playpen also provides an enclosure that can be used as a ballpit or for storing toys.

Typically the fabric cover can be selectively positioned to allow the particular use of the playpen to be defined.

When the child is still very young, a large paddling pool or playpen may not provide sufficient support for the child to keep it sitting in an upright position. From another aspect therefore, the present invention provides an inflatable playpen comprising an inflatable confining sidewall and a floor, wherein the playpen is provided with an inflatable restraining device for supporting a child in a sitting up position, the restraining device comprising a first inflatable member that extends from the sidewall in a loop back to the sidewall, such that in use it can extend at least part way around the infant's waist or chest when the infant is in the

sitting position and a second inflatable member that extends from the floor of the playpen to the first inflatable member and between the legs of the infant.

The first and second inflatable members may be separate cells or one integral cell. The restraining device preferably has a separate inflation means from the sidewall to allow it to be deflated independently of the sidewall. In another embodiment the restraining device is detachable through fastening means that are strong enough to support the child leaning against the restraining device.

Preferably the floor of the above playpen is sealed to the sidewall and made of a material impermeable to water such that the playpen can also be used as a paddling pool. The floor may also be inflatable. Preferably a fabric cover is also provided with the playpen, the cover being provided within means for stimulating the child when it is placed within the confines of the playpen. Preferably the cover fits the entire confines of the playpen and the restraining device can be deflated independently of the sidewall or removed. In an alternative embodiment, the cover may extend only over a portion of the internal region of the playpen, e. g over a portion greater than 50% of the area of the internal region and for example arranged in front of the child when it is sat in the restraining device.

In both aspects, the floor and the confining sidewall define an internal play area. The cover is preferably of a size to fit this play area and also extend over the top surface of the confining sidewall. In one embodiment the cover is of a size to encompass substantially all the external surface of the confining side wall when in position fitted within the internal region, and may even extend partially under or outwardly at the plane of the floor of the playpen. In another embodiment the cover extends

only from the top of the confining sidewall to part way down the external surface when fitted within the internal region.

Preferably, however, the cover extends from the top of the confining sidewall to less than halfway down the external surface when in its fitted position. The cover should preferably be configured to fit the contours of the sidewall and floor reasonably snugly as this improves the appearance of the playpen. The cover may be provided with a drawstring or elastic around its periphery to secure the same and/or for engagement within a groove on the external surface of the sidewall or may be made of stretchy material to grip the top of the sidewall. Other means may also be used for securing the cover in position on the playpen such as buttons, pop-fasteners, straps, hook and loop fasteners, zips, ties, etc. The cover may include a variety of patterns or designs to stimulate the child such as toys, elasticated pockets for toys, flaps to reveal hidden features, mirrors, sound devices, etc. The cover preferably includes a padded panel to act as a floor. In a further embodiment, a strap may be provided which is selectively attachable to the top or near the top of the sidewall at two spaced locations on the same. In one embodiment the strap is provided to be attached across a diameter or width of the play area. The strap can in one embodiment be used to suspend or have attached thereto toys or other activity means, particularly for use by a young child lying on their back in the play area and looking up at the strap and articles thereon.

Preferably the confining wall comprises two or more, preferably three, inflatable rings or annular portions stacked one on top of the other, and typically interlinked together for air passage so that they inflate as one unit. Additional rings may be provided, for example, selectively secured with hook and loop fasteners to the top of the confining sidewall, to increase the height of the playpen as the child grows. A liner or sealing means may be

required if the join is at a height that is required to be below the level of the water when used as a paddling pool. In another embodiment, one of the rings, e. g. the lowest or highest ring, can be inflated separately to increase the height of the structure as desired as the infant grows. Additional covers, perhaps corresponding in design to the development of the infant, or modification of the original cover may be required to take account of the greatest depth of the playpen. A frame structure, possibly provided with a liner hanging therefrom, may also be provided around the edge of the inflatable playpen structure to raise the overall height of the confining sidewall.

The liner may include print, e. g. to simulate waves around the top of the confining sidewall, to provide additional interest to the infant.

In one of the embodiments where the confining wall resembles that of a paddling pool, the top ring, when viewed in section, has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the lower ring or rings. The overall internal diameter of the playpen may be larger than 100cm and externally as large as required, such as 1.2 or 1. 3 m. The depth of the playpen is preferably greater than 30cm, more preferably greater than 35cm and most preferably 40cm or more.

In some embodiments, the side wall in plan may be shaped as a ring or any required shape such as, for example, moulded to follow the outline of an animal's head, e. g. a bear's head, or other object, e. g. a toy vehicle or spaceship. The top ring may be of a different shape to the lower ring or rings, perhaps incorporating additional design features that increase the resemblance of the playpen to the object it is meant to be depicting, for example, the addition of ears in the embodiment of the bear's head. The lowest ring may include a bulge or feet to provide improved stability for the playpen.

The confining sidewall may be made of, or include, a clear material, e. g. a PVC material, possibly with the addition of toys or objects such as balls or hanging fishes which are visible within the sidewall, or an opaque material, preferably a coloured material, e. g. a yellow PVC in the embodiment of a bear's head, or combination of any such materials. The material may also include print as desired to add further interest for the infant.

The floor may be made in the same or different material and preferably includes some form of pattern or design to stimulate the infant. An additional separate floor panel of padded material may also be provided.

The confining sidewall may be defined from more than one wall section, for example, three side sections defining a triangular shape, possibly with curved sides. In another embodiment four wall sections may be used to define a rectangular, preferably square playpen. Equally, more than four sections may be provided to define a polygonal shape having more than four sides, for example, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. The sections may comprise alternately arranged small triangular or square cells that are joined together, e. g. by welding in a ring or into a section. The sections or cells may be interconnected to inflate together or may comprise individual cells.

In one arrangement, the wall sections or cells are separate and can be joined together in a combination of shapes using releasable fastening means such as hook and eye type material.

The floor may incorporate similar releasable fastening means to connect it with the sidewall once constructed. However since the watertightness of such an arrangement would be difficult to achieve without the addition of a liner, and hence the dual function of providing a wet play environment would not be achieved, this arrangement is less preferred.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred play zone when being used as a playpen; Figure 2 shows an enlargement of a sectional view through the sidewall of the play zone of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the same sectional view when the play zone is being used as a paddling pool with the fabric cover removed; Figure 4 shows an enlargement of a restraining device for an infant, comprising inflatable tubes connected to the lower side ring and the floor; Figures 5 and 6 show perspective views of the play zone with the fabric cover in place; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a play zone having sound chips provided around the top edge of the confining sidewall; Figure 8 is a plan view of a play zone printed to resemble a teddy bear; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a play zone provided with a sunshade; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a play zone provided with additional toys; and

Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of a further embodiment with the cover removed and fitted respectively.

As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the play zone can take a simple circular structure, formed from three inflatable PVC rings 1, stacked on top of each other to form a side wall 2. Typically this would have an internal diameter of at least 75cm or more, and a depth of at least 40cm or more. A floor 3 extends across the bottom of the structure as seen more easily in Figure 2. A fabric cover 4 is provided to be selectively fitted over the structure floor and side wall and is of an area and is configured to fit and substantially follow the internal surface of the confining sidewall 2 and the floor 3. In the arrangement shown, the cover 4 extends over the top of the confining sidewall 2 to a groove 5 between the top and middle rings 1.

In one embodiment, the floor can have a separate inflatable section so as to provide a soft base (see Figure 3). The internal and external surfaces of the confining sidewall 2, and the internal surface of the floor can be decorated with print and/or articles as required to suit particular functions and markets.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that all three rings 1, each being a cell, are interconnected internally, and thereby inflated via a single, large diameter valve that allows for quick inflation and deflation, thereby further increasing the ease and speed of use. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the top ring 1 is larger in diameter than the lower two, thereby creating a larger undercut or groove 5 around the lower edge of the larger ring (see Figure 2).

As shown in Figure 4, it is possible in one embodiment to incorporate a restraining device 6 so that a young child can be supported in a"sitting up"position. Preferably this comprises

a first inflatable member 7 in the form of an arc that is intended to fit around the waist or chest of the infant, and a second inflatable member 8 which connects the first inflatable member 7 with the floor 3. Preferably this restraining device has a separate inflation point (not shown) so that it can be deflated when the cover 4 is put over the structure.

The fabric cover 4 can be placed over this three ring structure, so that the inside of the side wall and base are completely followed and covered by a soft, decorated fabric material cover (see Figures 5 and 6). In one embodiment the cover can be a polyester/cotton mix that is easily washable when removed from the structure. The cover 4 extends over the top edge of the top ring and down around the underside of the top ring which is slightly oversize to create an"undercut". The cover is pulled tight around the lower edge of the top ring by a simple drawstring device 9. This cover 4 can incorporate all manner of interactive play devices, finishes and decorations both in its base and on the sides and top of the walls. These can include squeakers, bells, crinkly materials, textured materials, electronic sound devices. One can also attach plush items (small bean bag type animals etc. ) to the side walls to further enhance the play values. The cover is typically provided for use when the play area is used as a playpen, i. e. for dry play.

In one embodiment, electronic sound chips 10 are incorporated into the top edge of the structure (see Figure 7) so that the child can stand up and interact with the sound devices on the top edge, to play musical tunes for example.

In another embodiment, the inflatable structure is given a 3dimensional form so as to look like a teddy bear with ears 11 when viewed from above (see Figure 8). Other attractive designs are also envisaged and may comprise other animal

shapes, fishes, objects such as cars and spaceships, etc. The cover 4 fits over the structure in the same way as previously described.

In another embodiment (not shown), it is possible to add an additional inflatable ring to the top of the structure so as to increase the depth of the"play pen". This enables the structure to physically contain an older and/or taller child.

In another embodiment (see Figure 9), it is possible to introduce an arch 12 using another inflatable tube so as to provide for a sunshade 13 for the structure.

In another embodiment (see Figure 10), it is possible to introduce a hanging loop or strap 14 from one side of the structure to the other, so that simple toys or other articles can be hung above the floor 3, allowing further stimulation for a young child.

Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodiment with the cover 4 removed and fitted respectively. The inflatable"rings"1 are no longer circular but instead have been moulded to more closely follow the shape of a teddy bear's head and ears 11 are provided at the top end. The cover 4 is configured to fit over the confining wall 2 as previous.

Thus, in use, any of the embodiments of Figures 1-12 can be used for dry play as a playpen with the cover typically placed in position, or, if the play area of the floor and side walls are fitted at least partially with water, for wet play, as a paddling pool.

For this use, and depending upon the type of cover fabric, the cover can be removed.

Claims

Claims 1. A play area, said area defined by an inflatable sidewall and a floor having a selectively removable cover, and wherein said play area has the dual function of being usable as a paddling pool for wet play and a playpen for dry play.
2. A play area according to claim 1 wherein the inflatable side wall and a floor, are both made of material which is impermeable to water.
3. A play area according to claim 2 wherein the side wall is inflatable and sealed to the floor such that when it is in its inflated condition, it provides a paddling pool structure in conjunction with the floor.
4. A play area according to claim 1 wherein the cover is configured to fit over the side wall and floor of the play area structure when inflated and substantially follow the surface of the side wall and floor at least within the confines of the side wall.
5. A play area according to claim 4 wherein the cover is provided with means for stimulating the infant when the infant is within the confines of the play pen.
6. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the play area is used as a playpen in which the child can play in a dry soft environment and a paddling pool to define a wet environment in which the infant may play with the cover removed.
7. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein an inflatable restraining device is provided for

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supporting an infant in a sitting up position in the play area of the play zone.
8. A play area according to claim 7 wherein the restraining device comprises a first inflatable member extending from a side wall in a loop to return to the side wall so as to extend at least partially around an child's waist or chest with the child in a sitting position.
9. A play area according to claim 8 wherein the restraining device has a second inflatable member extending from the floor of the playpen to the first inflatable member to sit between the legs of the child.
10. A play area according to claim 8 wherein the restraining device is releasably attached to the play area.
11. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cover is provided with a draw string or other fastening means around its periphery to allow the same to be secured in position on the playpen.
12. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the floor is also inflatable and/or includes added material therein.
13. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side wall of the play pen comprises a plurality of inflatable rings stacked one on top of the other.
14. A play area according to claim 11 wherein the rings of the side wall are interconnected to allow the passage of air therethrough.

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15. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side wall of the play area can be extended in height by the selected positioning of further portions thereto and, if required, extendable or additional cover means can be provided.
16. A play area according to any of the preceding claims wherein the side wall is inflated when in an in-use condition and deflated when in a storage condition.
17. A play area as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.