GB2466866A - An entertainment unit with a plurality of modules attachable to an outer face and storable in the unit when not in use - Google Patents

An entertainment unit with a plurality of modules attachable to an outer face and storable in the unit when not in use Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2466866A
GB2466866A GB0921814A GB0921814A GB2466866A GB 2466866 A GB2466866 A GB 2466866A GB 0921814 A GB0921814 A GB 0921814A GB 0921814 A GB0921814 A GB 0921814A GB 2466866 A GB2466866 A GB 2466866A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
centre
entertainment
storage
user
configurable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0921814A
Other versions
GB0921814D0 (en
Inventor
Peter Lerenzer Ellis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0921814D0 publication Critical patent/GB0921814D0/en
Publication of GB2466866A publication Critical patent/GB2466866A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
    • A47B47/0025—Horizontal connecting members adapted to receive and retain the edges of several panel elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
    • A47B47/0091—Modular arrangements of similar assemblies of elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/007—Linkable independent elements with the same or similar cross-section
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D11/00—Children's furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture, e.g. children's chairs or benches convertible into beds or constructional play-furniture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/001—Games or toys connected to, or combined with, other objects; Objects with a second use as a toy or game
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/30—Imitations of miscellaneous apparatus not otherwise provided for, e.g. telephones, weighing-machines, cash-registers
    • A63H33/3055—Ovens, or other cooking means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/30—Imitations of miscellaneous apparatus not otherwise provided for, e.g. telephones, weighing-machines, cash-registers
    • A63H33/3061—Washing-machines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/30—Imitations of miscellaneous apparatus not otherwise provided for, e.g. telephones, weighing-machines, cash-registers
    • A63H33/3066—Watches or clocks

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

A user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre, comprising a unit with a base 8, two opposing side panels 3 and at least one frame section 15 secured to the base, the at least one frame section 15 having at least one aperture 4 therein and being arranged adjacent the two side panels 3 and a plurality of removable modules 5 wherein the aperture 4 in the frame section 15 is configured to removably retain one of the modules 5 therein and the unit is further configured to store the other modules 5 therein between the two opposing side panels 3. The side panels 3 may have channels for storing the modules 5 in a spaced manner. There may also be a removably attachable lid 7 with a counter weight and a child lock. The modules 5 may include storage draws or compartments, educational displays such as a blackboard, abacus or musical instrument or entertaining configurations such as imitation shops, cookers, washing machines or ironing centres.

Description

Detailed Description 1
This invention relates to a user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre. A storage, entertainment and education unit, forming part of the user-configurable centre, is also disclosed. Embodiments of the invention are suitable for children of all ages.
As a child grows, different storage, educational and entertainment items, toys and furniture are usually purchased to aid the child's development. However, the child fairly quickly outgrows these; and new items, toys and furniture need to be purchased. Over time the number, cost and storage requirements required can become prohibitive.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre, comprising: a user-configurable storage, entertainment and education unit, comprising a base and having two opposing side panels and at least one frame section secured to the base, the at least one frame section having an aperture therein and being arranged adjacent the two side panels; and a plurality of removable modules, wherein the aperture in the frame section is configured to removably retain a selected one of the plurality of removable modules therein; and the unit is further configured to store the unselected modules therein, between the two opposing side panels.
The present invention further provides a user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre as claimed.
The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the centre; Figure 2 is a top perspective left hand side view of the unit (i.e. the centre with all removable modules removed); Figure 3 is an enlarged top perspective cut-away left hand view of the centre with two removable modules stowed within the unit; Figure 4 is an enlarged top perspective cut-away right hand view of the centre with two removable modules stowed within the unit; Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the centre with a module configured to appear as a washing machine retained in the aperture of a frame section; Figure 6a is a top perspective view of a different construction of the centre with one removable module retained in the aperture of a frame section.
Figure 6b is a top perspective view of a different construction of the centre with one removable module retained in the aperture and two unselected removable modules stowed inside the centre.
As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the centre 1 3 comprises two opposing side panels 3 and 9, the lower edges of which are secured to the base 8. The side panels 3 and 9 are substantially parallel to one another. The upper edges of the side panels 3 and 9 are connected by two reinforcing members (rails) 2.
The centre shown in figures 1 and 2 further comprises two frame sections 1 5, each comprising four frame members to define an aperture 4 therebetween.
The width of each of the frame members is substantially the same. Preferably, the width of a frame member is substantially the same as the thickness of the frame member. The width and length of the aperture in a frame section 15 may be over 80% of the respective width and length of the frame section 15.
The aperture 4 may define more than 90% of the frame section 15.
The aperture 4 is configured to removably retain a selected one of a plurality of removable modules 5 therein. A removable module 5 is retained in the aperture 4 using fixing means 1. One part of the fixing means is attached to the inside edge of the aperture 4 the other corresponding part of the fixing means is attached to the outer edge of the removable module 5.
The fixing means may consist of but are not limited to magnetic members, velcro strips, mechanical coupler, tongue and groove arrangement, mitred arrangement, receiving or retaining slot or groove, sliding arrangement, wheeled arrangement, dovetail arrangement, retaining bolt, clip or screw arrangement, self adhesive material, hinged or bolt arrangement, latching tab or the like.
In another embodiment, the frame section 15 is configured to receive the selected one of the plurality of removable modules in the aperture with an interference fit.
In one embodiment, the aperture 4 may comprise a first section, of a first dimension, and a second section, of a second dimension, smaller than the first dimension. A step is defined at the intersection between the first and second sections. The first section is arranged adjacent the outer surface of the frame section 1 5, and the second section is arranged adjacent the inner surface of the frame section 15. The removable modules 5 have dimensions corresponding to the first dimension of the first section. Accordingly, when a removable module 5 is inserted into the aperture 4, it engages against the step, preventing the module from protruding into the unit, and retaining the module in the aperture.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the removable module 5 is received in the aperture of the frame section such that the front surface of the removable module 5 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the frame section 15.
The centre 13 further comprises a lid 7 which is hinged to the upper edge of a side panel 3. Preferably the lid 7 is hinged to the top of one of the sides and a device is connected to a side and the lid 7 to restrict the opening angle of the lid 7 and ensure it does not close under its own weight and therefore a safety hazard to children. For example, the lid 7 may comprise a counter weight device to prevent closure under its own weight.
One of the side panels 9 is provided with an aperture to house an image or other personalised object.
Unselected removable modules 5 may be stowed inside the centre 13.
Preferably, as shown, the width and height of the interior space of the centre 1 3 are greater than the width and height of the aperture of the frame section 15, such that the unselected removable modules 5 may be stored in the centre so as to be substantially parallel with the frame sections 1 5.
In one embodiment, the inner surface of the side panels is provided with fixing means to removably retain the unselected removable modules 5 in the centre.
The fixing means may comprise a channel in the inner surface of the side panels. The unselected removable modules may be stored in the centre 13 in a spaced apart, parallel arrangement.
Figure 5 shows a removable module 5b, configured to imitate the front of a washing machine, retained in the aperture of a frame section 1 5.
Figure 6a shows another embodiment, comprising a single frame section and three side panels. The lid is attached to a side panel opposing the frame section.
Figure 6b shows another embodiment, wherein the frame section comprises an additional cross member 16 to define two apertures in the frame section, each to receive a selected removable module. Unselected removable modules are shown stowed inside the centre 13.
Those skilled in the art will recognise that any suitable material could be used in the construction of the unit or the removable modules. Such materials include but are not limited to plastic, metal, wood, laminated or composite materials incorporating any or all of these.
The removable modules can be used for storage, play or education. A storage module may comprise one of the group including: a drawer, a shelf, a storage bin, a flap, a door, a dispenser, a multi compartmental module, a carousel, a cupboard and a personal organiser.
An educational module may comprise one of the group including an abacus, a blackboard, a magnetic board, a musical instrument, a display board, or a clock An entertainment module may be configured to look like at least a part of one of the group including a washing machine, tumble dryer, workshop, cockpit, checkout, dolls house, ironing centre, shop, fridge/freezer, service desk, post box, check in desk, DJ desk, salon, barbers, dishwasher, office, barber shop or cooker It should be appreciated that the type and or number of educational, entertainment or storage modules may vary whilst remaining in the scope of the present invention. A module may comprise a substantially planar element.
In one embodiment, the unselected modules may be configured within the unit to define a storage compartment.
In another embodiment, the unit may comprise a separate storage space, separate to the main compartment of the unit defined by the side panels, for storing at least some of the unselected modules.
In another embodiment of the invention the unit is mounted on castors, wheels or furniture slides, any of which may be provided with locking means so that the unit can be easily transported or locked in the desired position.
In another embodiment of the invention all edges and corners are rounded and a child resistant device is fitted to the lid to ensure it can only be opened by an adult.
In another embodiment of the invention, at least one part of the unit or modules is laminated or coated with a waterproof or protective In another embodiment of the invention, wherein at least one part of the unit or modules is painted, coloured or texturised to resemble or imitate a building or structure.
In another embodiment of the invention the lid is not permanently attached to one of the side panels and can be completely detached from the unit.
In another embodiment of the invention the lid or the top edge of the sides are covered with a foam or flexible or resilient of material to protect the children's fingers when the lid is in its closed position.
In another embodiment of the invention there is only one storage space within the unit for stowing removable modules The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description of examples, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
The above described arrangements of apparatus and methods are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (29)

  1. Claims 1. A user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre, comprising: a user-configurable storage, entertainment and education unit, comprising a base and having two opposing side panels and at least one frame section secured to the base, the at least one frame section having an aperture therein and being arranged adjacent the two side panels; and a plurality of removable modules, wherein the aperture in the frame section is configured to removably retain a selected one of the plurality of removable modules therein; and the unit is further configured to store the unselected modules therein, between the two opposing side panels.
  2. 2. A user-configurable storage, entertainment and education centre according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the removable modules comprises a storage module, educational module or entertainment module.
  3. 3. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the two opposing side panels are substantially parallel to one another.
  4. 4. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame section comprises four frame members of substantially identical width defining the aperture therebetween.
  5. 5. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the width and length of the aperture in a frame section are over 80% of the respective width and length of the frame section.
  6. 6. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of the aperture of a frame section comprises at least one part of a fixing means, to removably retain the selected one of the plurality of removable modules in the aperture.
  7. 7. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein a frame section is configured to receive the selected one of the plurality of removable modules in the aperture with an interference fit.
  8. 8. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, configured such that a removable module is received in the aperture of a frame section such that the outer surface of the removable module is substantially flush with the surface of the frame section.
  9. 9. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the two opposing side panels and the base are integrally formed.
  10. 1 0. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one frame section and the base are integrally formed.
  11. 11. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, comprising two opposing frame sections.
  12. 1 2. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one reinforcing member secured between the two opposing side panels.
  13. 1 3. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, configured such that the unselected removable modules are stored in the unit so as to be substantially parallel with the at least one frame section.
  14. 14. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of each of the two opposing side panels is provided with at least one channel to removably receive at least one unselected module therein.
  15. 1 5. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, configured to removably receive each of the unselected modules in the unit in a spaced apart manner.
  16. 1 6. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein at least on the two opposing side panels comprises an aperture therein, through which an image may be displayed or items may be stored.
  17. 1 7. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of any exposed edges and/or corners is/are rounded.
  18. 1 8. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the corners of the aperture of each frame section are rounded.
  19. 1 9. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim further comprising a lid attachable to at least one side panel of the unit.
  20. 20. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to claim 18, wherein the lid is removably attached.
  21. 21. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the underside of the lid and/or the top section of at least one side panel is provided with a flexible or resilient material.
  22. 22. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any of claims 19 to 21, the lid being fitted with a child resistant device.
  23. 23. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any of claims 19 to 22, the lid further comprising a counter weight device to prevent closure under its own weight.
  24. 24. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one part of the unit or modules is laminated or coated with a waterproof or protective material.
  25. 25. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one part of the unit or modules is painted, coloured or textured to resemble or imitate a building or structure.
  26. 26. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim wherein the module is a storage module comprising one of the group including a drawer, a shelf, a storage bin, a flap, a door, a dispenser, a multi compartmental module, a carousel, a cupboard and a personal organiser.
  27. 27. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim wherein the module is an educational module comprising one of the group including an abacus, a blackboard, a magnetic board, a musical instrument, a display board, or a clock.
  28. 28. A storage, entertainment and education centre or user-configurable centre according to any preceding claim, wherein the module is an entertainment module being configured to look like at least a part of one of the group including a washing machine, tumble dryer, workshop, cockpit, checkout, dolls house, ironing centre, shop, fridge/freezer, service desk, post box, check in desk, DJ desk, salon, barbers, dishwasher, office, barber shop or cooker.
  29. 29. A storage, entertainment and education centre substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
GB0921814A 2009-01-12 2009-12-14 An entertainment unit with a plurality of modules attachable to an outer face and storable in the unit when not in use Withdrawn GB2466866A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0900412A GB2466837A (en) 2009-01-12 2009-01-12 Modular storage cabinet

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0921814D0 GB0921814D0 (en) 2010-01-27
GB2466866A true GB2466866A (en) 2010-07-14

Family

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0900412A Withdrawn GB2466837A (en) 2009-01-12 2009-01-12 Modular storage cabinet
GB0921814A Withdrawn GB2466866A (en) 2009-01-12 2009-12-14 An entertainment unit with a plurality of modules attachable to an outer face and storable in the unit when not in use

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0900412A Withdrawn GB2466837A (en) 2009-01-12 2009-01-12 Modular storage cabinet

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GB (2) GB2466837A (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1544463A (en) * 1924-07-07 1925-06-30 Byron H Lengsfield Box top
FR803137A (en) * 1935-06-11 1936-09-23 Method of mounting removable decorative panels
GB2238775A (en) * 1989-12-07 1991-06-12 D Thompson Multi-purpose toy box
WO1993003806A1 (en) * 1991-08-23 1993-03-04 Studio Dalia, S.L. Toy box
GB2297416A (en) * 1995-01-26 1996-07-31 Invicta Plastics Ltd Educational toy
US5718336A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-02-17 Haarlander; Michael Lunch box assembly
US6371296B1 (en) * 2000-11-20 2002-04-16 Sheila Rumbough Stuffy box
US20060091036A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2006-05-04 Casella Maria C Convertible multi-use container

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29908643U1 (en) * 1999-05-15 1999-11-11 Pohlmann, Jens, 63067 Offenbach Variable shelf cabinet system

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1544463A (en) * 1924-07-07 1925-06-30 Byron H Lengsfield Box top
FR803137A (en) * 1935-06-11 1936-09-23 Method of mounting removable decorative panels
GB2238775A (en) * 1989-12-07 1991-06-12 D Thompson Multi-purpose toy box
WO1993003806A1 (en) * 1991-08-23 1993-03-04 Studio Dalia, S.L. Toy box
GB2297416A (en) * 1995-01-26 1996-07-31 Invicta Plastics Ltd Educational toy
US5718336A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-02-17 Haarlander; Michael Lunch box assembly
US6371296B1 (en) * 2000-11-20 2002-04-16 Sheila Rumbough Stuffy box
US20060091036A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2006-05-04 Casella Maria C Convertible multi-use container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2466837A (en) 2010-07-14
GB0921814D0 (en) 2010-01-27
GB0900412D0 (en) 2009-02-11

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