GB2519382A

GB2519382A - A Plane- Themed Play Device

Info

Publication number: GB2519382A
Application number: GB1318613.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Emma Stuchfield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-21
Filing date: 2013-10-21
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Also published as: GB201318613D0; GB2519446A; GB201418720D0

Abstract

A play device that simulates an aircraft environment. The device comprises a first component 10 simulating an aircraft cockpit and a second component 20 simulating a portion of an aircraft cabin comprising a galley. The first component comprises an outer shell 12 adapted to stand on the ground and having a curved portion 14 comprising an aperture in the form of a window 16. The first component also comprises a roof 18 and a profile forming one or more sides of the component and sized to allow a child to enter the first component. The second component is separable from the first component. The second component comprises a body structure adapted to stand on the ground and sized to have a height above the ground similar to that of the first component. The two components can also include audiovisual equipment such as electronic displays as well as digital media players such as a DVD or CD player. The second galley component can include a wall 64 component that has one or more windows 66 in it and may be slidably mounted to the galley in a recess. The playhouse can also be provided with toy catering trolleys.

Description

A Plane-Themed Play Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to playthings with an educational profile; in particular toys which simulate interior environments such as playhouses and play vehicles and allow learning during interaction.

Background

Play houses are known that simulate a range of interior environments, usually inside domestic buildings such as houses, castles, cottages etc. Small scale play environments simulating aircraft and ships for example are known, sized to allow toys, dolls or puppets to be moved within them. However, practical play houses sized and adapted to allow children to play inside such transport-related simulated environments are lacking in the prior art. A prior art disclosure by the present inventor describes a play house simulating an aircraft interior -see reference below.

This prior art device itself has drawbacks, and there is still a need for a simple to use play house simulating an aircraft interior that allows children to play readily within it and to adapted it to suit their games.

Prior Art

US2008034678 discloses a playhouse that simulates an airplane in a manner that will permit a child to simulate being a member of a flight crew aboard a commercial airline flight. The playhouse can include an audio system which will generate educational material, such as geography facts, population facts, historical facts, weather facts, culture, food, language etc. and the like, in a manner that will simulate announcements provided on an aircraft during flight. The sections of the playhouse, DVDs, video and CDs can be bought separately to suit the consumers pocket.

In this device the playhouse comprises a forward section that simulates an aircraft cockpit connected to a rear section that simulates a portion of the aircraft cabin.

Access to the cockpit section is via a portion of the cabin section. The cabin section comprises a simulated galley area and at least one seat provided mounted on the floor of the cabin section. The device has the following disadvantages: (i) the spacing between the cockpit and the cabin is fixed and close, meaning that access to the cockpit section is awkward and requires the cabin section to be longer than necessary in order to provide space for access to the cockpit; (ii) the fixed spacing means that only one child can occupy the space within the galley area and then with limited space for play; (iii) the toy is larger than need be and does not allow for changes in arrangement of the cockpit and the cabin. These factors limit the flexibility of use of the toy. It is an object of the present invention to provide an aeroplane themed playhouse that provides some elements to simulate an aircraft environment while being better adapted to flexible use and variety of play than prior art devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a play device that simulates an aircraft environment, the play device comprising: a first component simulating an aircraft cockpit, in which the first component comprises: an outer shell adapted to stand on the ground and having a curved portion comprising an aperture in the form of a window; a roof; and a profile forming one or more sides of the component and sized to allow a child to enter the first component; and a second component separable from the first component, in which the second component simulates a portion of an aircraft cabin comprising a galley, the second component comprising a body structure adapted to stand on the ground and sized to have a height above the ground similar to that of the first component.

The play device provides an environment which encourages users to use their imagination and perform roleplay by acting as different characters that may operate or travel in the play device, for example a pilot, steward/stewardess or passenger.

Therefore the play device serves to inspire users to play and thereby learn.

The second component may be separate from the first component and optionally each component may be used in isolation. In this way components may be purchased individually and the play devices expanded over time.

In some embodiments the first component comprises a curved front portion in the manner of an aircraft nose. The first component may comprise a substantially flat rear side that may be open and defined in part by the shell.

In some embodiments the second component comprises a substantially rectilinear body form, having a plurality of flat sides, and a substantially flat front side.

In a component sized to allow a child to enter, the height of shell is chosen such that a child may enter either standing or bending to enter the component. In some embodiments the maximum height of the roof of the shell above the ground is in the range 0.Sm to 2m, in some embodiments in the range 0.8m to 1.2m, in some embodiments 1.lm to 1.Sm, in some embodiments 1.4m to 2m.

In a second component having a height above ground similar to that of the first component the second component may have a height within 0.5m, within 0.3m or within 0.1 m of the height of the first component.

In some embodiments the width of the second component is similar to that of the first component. In some embodiments the width of the second component may be within O.5m, within 0.3m or within 0.1 m of the width of the first component.

In this way the first and the second components when placed in proximity simulate the cockpit and a galley serving area of an aircraft, allowing a child to enter the cockpit or the stand alongside the galley serving area and to allow more than one child to occupy the area within or around the device during play. The height of the first and second sections being similar simulates a continuous structure of an aircraft from the cockpit rearwards along the cabin, so giving the impression to the child user of a continuous environment while the first and the second components are separate and may be spaced apart or at an angle one to another in use.

In spacing the components a distance apart, the shortest distance from the rear side of the first component to the front side of the second component is chosen. In positioning the components at an angle one to another, the axis bisecting the front side and the rear side of the first component is placed at an angle to the axis bisecting and at right angles to the front side of the second component.

In some embodiments the first component comprises a base on which the shell is mounted, adapted to rest on the ground, and one or more seats provided on the base within the shell, facing towards the window. In some embodiments two seats are provided side by side. In some embodiments the first component comprises a display panel in front of one or more seats. In this way the first component simulates an aircraft cockpit having a pilot's and a co-pilot's seat side by side, with a simulated instrument panel in front of one or both. For example the cockpit may include a steering instrument and a thrust control lever.

In some embodiments the one or more display panels comprise an electronic display adapted to display information, for example graphics andlor text. The information may comprise one or more of the following types: information intended to simulate flight controls and displays; information related to flight such as airports, clouds, views from aircraft; information related to travel, such as images of countries, regions of the world, languages.

The second component preferably comprises one or more features simulating features found in an aircraft passenger cabin or the galley area thereof. In some embodiments the second component comprises one or more of: a fold-down seat simulating a fold down seat aircraft crew; one or more recesses for a toy catering trolley/cart which can be wheeled through, to and from the play device; one or more recesses for storage of seats intended to simulate seating in an aircraft in use; one or more storage facilities such as a shelves or cupboards for toy plates, a hot drinks maker, such as a coffee maker with a coffee pot, cups and the like; a toy oven.

Advantageously all components and features may serve as learning aids to help engage the user and to encourage them to learn, practice and develop new skills.

In some embodiments the second component comprises a wall component adapted to simulate a wall of the aircraft cabin, the wall component extending from a side of the second component and comprising one or more aperture simulating an aircraft window. In some embodiments the wall component is slidably mounted on the second component and moveable from a first storage position in which the wall component substantially does not project beyond the sides of the second component and a second position in which the wall component projects from a side of the second component. In some embodiments the wall component is slidably mounted in a recess into which it may slide to reach the first position. In this way the wall component may be stored slid into the first position and extended into the second position when in use.

In some embodiments the second component comprises information panels provided on or within the surface of the second component adapted for information display, for example by means of an electronic display, printed or sticker-mounted images.

Information may be of types as described above.

In some embodiments a plurality of information display positions is provided in the first and the second component.

In some embodiments one or more information display positions are adapted to receive a tablet computer or a smart phone.

In some embodiments one or more information display positions comprise book shelves to hold one or more books.

For example display positions may be provided in the cockpit to simulate a control panel. It may be envisaged that the display position may hold a poster, sticker, hologram, book, leaflet or electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Additionally in some embodiments a poster or sticker may be provided in the display position whilst still allowing another item such as the book or tablet to be added.

Preferably the tablet, smartphone and/or book may be adapted for use with the play device so that they may enhance the play experience of the user, by for example providing a story, information, sound effects, instructions or a scenario to be acted.

Therefore the play device may serve as an educational aid by providing additional information to the user. For example the play device may be used at home or at school to provide information that may relate to geography -for example relating to the imaginary flight destination, navigation, languages, science -for example relating to weather, space, travelling times (speed, distance, time), variations in global times, religion, politics, fashion, cooking, customer services, communication etc. Ideally the play device includes at least one dedicated mount for receiving an item such as a tablet, smartphone or book so that the tablet or book can be mounted on or in the play device.

According to a further aspect of the invention a software application /programme is available for use on electrical items to be used with the play device, wherein said equipment is mounted on or in the device in use and corresponds thereto, providing interactive features that accommodate real-life positioning on the device yet simulate play scenarios, for example informative data. Said data can be programmed remotely or locally on the item. Some further embodiments may include the electronic items within the device at sale or manufacture.

Mounts for such independent or separable items may include holograms or lenticular images for display after the items are removed.

In some embodiments the device further comprises a door component comprising a door frame and a door mounted on and hinged with respect to the door frame, the door frame being attachable to the first component, the second component or both, according to the embodiment. In some embodiments the door frame may be slotted into fixings on the first or the second components. In some embodiments the door frame is hinged to the first component and may be folded flat alongside the rear side of first component. In this way the device may comprise a simulated aircraft door located between the first, cockpit component and the second, cabin/galley component.

In some embodiments the device further comprises one or more toy catering trolleys, adapted to fit within the one or more recesses provided in the second component, which trolleys may be wheeled, detached and used independently from the device.

In some embodiments the device further comprises one or more of the following toy accessories: plates, cups, cutlery, phone handsets, seats, books, trays, waste containers.

In some embodiments the device further comprises media playing means such as a digital media player, a DVD or CD player, and loudspeaker means mounted within one or both of the first and second components. In some embodiments the device further comprises sound recording or reproduction means such as a microphone, digital media recorder, so allowing children to make or to record their own announcements electronically.

In some embodiments the device may include an amplification or personal address system (PA system) or two way radios so as to allow the user to simulate announcements being made and/or communication to and from the cockpit.

It may be envisaged that non operative versions of the PA system or radios may be provided in some embodiments.

In other embodiments the play device may include buttons/switches/levers/sensors to activate sounds/tights/images to further enhance the play experience. For example there may be sounds to recreate engine noise, an announcement tone, food/drink preparation sounds. Furthermore seating may be provided by displaceable parts of the device for stewardesses', airline staff' or passengers'.

According to the embodiment the first and the second component may be coloured, comprise images or logos formed within the material of the components or mounted on their surfaces. The images or logos may comprise brand images or logos or simulations thereof.

In use, the first and the second component may be stored together and may be moved separately, being adapted to be set on the ground at a distance apart and at an angular orientation one to another that may be chosen by the user, in contrast with prior art devices, so creating a play space between them. Children may then simulate the following actions: entering the aircraft through the door; sitting on the seals adjacent to the second component, for example adjacent to the wall component where present; entering the cockpit and sitting in the pilot's or co-pilot's seats; controlling the aircraft at taking off, flying and landing; making announcements to passengers; preparing refreshments in the galley area and serving them from the trolleys where provided as part of the device.

In some embodiments the play device may be wheeled so as to allow the play device to be rolled from one location to another. For example, allowing the child to simulate movement of the play device and/or to allow the play device to be easily moved from one location to another without requirement to lift the device.

Ideally at least one of the wheels may include a brake so as to be able to fix the play device in one location if desired.

Brief Descrintion of Figures Figure 1 shows a first isometric view of an embodiment of the device with the first and the second components positioned adjacent to and at an angle one to another; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment in figure 1 in the same position; Figure 3 shows an isometric rear view of the second component of the embodiment shown in figure 1; Figure 4 shows an isometric front view of the second component of the embodiment shown in figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric front view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 1 with the door folded flat against the rear side of the first component; Figure 6 shows an isometric rear view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 1; Figure 7 shows an isometric front view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 1 with the door folded out from the side of the first component; Figure 8 shows an isometric rear view of the first component of the embodiment in the position shown in figure 7; Figure 9 shows an isometric front view of a catering trolley forming part of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows an isometric rear view of the catering trolley as shown in figure 9; Figure 11 shows the catering trolley as shown in figure 10 with its door open; Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a first isometric view of an embodiment of the device with the first and the second components positioned adjacent to and at an angle one to another; Figure 13 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment in figure 12 in the same position;

B

Figure 14 shows an isometric front view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 12 with the door folded flat against the rear side of the first component; Figure 15 shows an isometric rear view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 12; Figure 16 shows an isometric front view of the first component of the embodiment shown in figure 1 with the door folded out from the side of the first component; and Figure 17 shows an isometric rear view of the first component of the embodiment in the position shown in figure 16.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 11 an embodiment of a play device that simulates an aircraft environment comprises: A first component 10 simulating an aircraft cockpit, comprising an outer shell 12 adapted to stand on the ground and having a curved portion 14 comprising an aperture 16 in the form of a window, a roof 18 and a profile forming one or more sides of the component and sized to allow a child to enter the first component, A second component 20 separate from the first simulating a portion of an aircraft cabin comprising a galley 24, the second component comprising a body structure 22 adapted to stand on the ground and sized to have a height above the ground similar to that of the first component.

The first component comprises a curved front portion in the manner of an aircraft nose, a substantially flat rear side 26 that may be open and defined in part by the shell.

The second component comprises a substantially rectilinear body form, having a substantially flat front side 28, a left side 30, a right side 32, a rear side 34, and a top side 36, as viewed with the front side facing forward towards the first component.

The embodiment may be provided in a range of different sizes, the height of the roof 18 of the shell above ground being chosen such that a child may enter either standing or bending to enter the component. In some embodiments the maximum height of the roof of the shell above the ground is in the range 0.8m to 2m, in some embodiments in the range 0.Sm to 1.2m, in some embodiments 1.lm to 1.5m, in some embodiments 1.4m to 2m.

The second component has a height above ground similar to that of the first component. For example the second component may have a height within 0.5m, within O.3m or within 0.1 m of the height of the first component.

The width of the second component is similar to that of the first component. For example the width of the second component may be within 0.5m, within 0.3m or within 0.1 m of the width of the first component.

It will be seen from the figures that a simulate aircraft environment may be created by placing the first and second components a distance apart, and with the components at an angle one to another, for example as shown in figures 1 and 2 the axis 38 bisecting the front side and the rear side of the first component is placed at an angle to the axis 40 bisecting and at right angles to the front side of the second component.

It is a feature of the device, as shown in this embodiment, that the first and the second components are separate and so a play space of variable size may be created by their positioning according to the desires of the users.

In this embodiment the first component 10 comprises a base 42 on which the shell is mounted, adapted to rest on the ground, and two seats 44, 46 provided on the base within the shell, facing towards the window 16. Display panels 48, 50 and controls 49, 51 are provided in front of the seats. In this way the first component simulates an aircraft cockpit having a pilot's and a co-pilot's seat side by side, with a simulated instrument panel in front of both. The display panels may comprise an electronic display adapted to display information, for example graphics and/or text, as described previously.

The second component 20 preferably comprises one or more features simulating features found in an aircraft passenger cabin or the galley area thereof. In some embodiments the second component comprises one or more of: a fold-down seat 52 simulating a fold down seat aircraft crew; one ore more recesses 54 for a toy catering trolley 56; one or more recesses 58 for storage of seats intended to simulate seating in an aircraft in use; one or more storage facilities such as shelves 60 or cupboards for toy plates, cups and the like; a toy oven 62.

The second component comprises a wall component 64 adapted to simulate a wall of the aircraft cabin, the wall component extending from the left side 30 of the second component and comprising one or more apertures 66 simulating an aircraft window.

The wall component is slidably mounted within a recess 68 in the second component and moveable from a first storage position in which the wall component substantially does not project beyond the sides of the second component and a second position in which the wall component projects from a side of the second component.

The second component comprises information panels 70 provided on or within the surface of the second component adapted for information display, for example by means of an electronic display, printed or sticker-mounted images. Information may be of types as described above.

In this embodiment the second component comprises book shelves 72 provided on its front side 25 to hold one or more books.

The embodiment further comprises a door component 74 comprising a door frame 76 and a door 78 mounted on and hinged with respect to the door frame, the door frame being attached to the first component by means of hinges 80 such that it may be folded flat alongside the rear side of first component in a storage position as shown in figure 5 and moved outwards to a position for use as shown in figures 1, 2 and 7. In this way the device comprises a simulated aircraft door located between the first, cockpit component and the second, cabinlgalley component.

The embodiment further comprises one or more toy catering trolleys 56, adapted to fit within the one or more recesses 54 provided in the second component. As shown in figures 9 to 11, the trolley 56 comprises a body 52 on wheels 54 having an interior recess 86 closed by a door 88 and having shelves 90. The trolley may be pushed by handle 92 simulating use in an aircraft.

The components may be formed from moulded polymer as known in the art. For example the play device may be formed from a blown synthetic plastic.

Figures 12 to 17 show an alternative embodiment of the device wherein the curved portion 14 is continuously arcuate so as to more closely represent an aircraft nose.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A play device that simulates an aircraft environment, the play device comprising: a first component simulating an aircraft cockpit, in which the first component comprises: an outer shell adapted to stand on the ground and having a curved portion comprising an aperture in the form of a window; a roof; and a profile forming one or more sides of the component and sized to allow a child to enter the first component; and a second component separable from the first component, in which the second component simulates a portion of an aircraft cabin comprising a galley, the second component comprising a body structure adapted to stand on the ground and sized to have a height above the ground similar to that of the first component.
2. A device according to claim I wherein the first component comprises a curved front portion in the manner of an aircraft nose, a substantially flat rear side that may be open and defined in part by the shell.
3. A device according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the second component comprises a substantially rectilinear body form, having a plurality of flat sides, and a substantially flat front side.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the height of shell is chosen such that a child may enter either standing or bending to enter the component.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the maximum height of the roof of the shell above the ground is in the range 0.8m to 2m.
6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the maximum height of the roof of the shell above the ground is in the range I.Imto 1.5m.
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the second component has a height above ground within 0.5m of the height of the first component.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first component comprises a base on which the shell is mounted and one or more seats provided on the base within the shefi facing towards the window.
9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more display panels comprising an electronic display.
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first component comprises audiovisual apparatus.
11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the audiovisual apparatus comprises aircraft cockpit simulators.
12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the second component comprises one or more features simulating features found in an aircraft passenger cabin or the galley area thereof.
13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the second component comprises a wall component adapted to simulate a wall of the aircraft cabin, the wall component extending from a side of the second component and comprising one or more apertures simulating an aircraft window.
14. A device according to claim 13 wherein the wall component is slidably mounted on the second component and moveable from a first storage position in which the wall component substantially does not project beyond the sides of the second component and a second position in which the wall component projects from a side of the second component.
15. A device according to claim 14 wherein the wall component is slidably mounted in a recess into which it may slide to reach the first position.
16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of information display positions is provided in the first and the second component.
17. A device according to claim 16 wherein one or more information display positions are adapted to receive a tablet computer.
18. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a door component comprising a door frame and a door mounted on and hinged with respect to the door frame, the door frame being mounted on one of the first component or the second component.
19. A device according to claim 18 wherein the door frame is hinged to the first component and may be folded flat alongside the rear side of first component.
20. A device according to any preceding claim wherein further comprising one or more toy catering trolleys adapted to fit within the one or more recesses provided in the second component.
21. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising media playing means such as a digital media player, a DVD or CD player, and loudspeaker means mounted within one or both of the first and second components.
22.A device according to any preceding claim further comprising sound recording or reproduction means such as a microphone and a digital media recorder