WO2008023166A1

WO2008023166A1 - Toy apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008023166A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim Rowe; Peter Cartlidge; Lucas Tyler
Original assignee: Evolve Npd Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-08-22
Filing date: 2007-08-21
Publication date: 2008-02-28

Abstract

Toy apparatus is provided including front and rear panel members, said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position, and an open position, the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members. A plurality of pop-up elements are associated with the play area. The pop-up elements include at least one intermediate panel with two or more sub-panel members movably mounted between said intermediate panel and said front or rear panel member.

Description

Toy Apparatus

This invention relates to toy apparatus, and particularly but not necessarily exclusively to toy apparatus referred to as having "pop-up" structures associated therewith.

It is known to provide toy apparatus with one or more pop-up structures associated with the same, such that the apparatus can be moved between a first condition, such as for example a closed condition, wherein the pop-up structures are in a substantially folded or collapsed position, to a second or open condition, wherein the pop-up structures are in a partially or wholly erect position. The surprise to a user on opening the apparatus to reveal the pop-up structures provides the toy apparatus with greater interest to a user. In addition, the toy apparatus can be moved to a relatively compact storage position when not in use.

An example of toy apparatus including pop-up structures is disclosed in the applicant's co-pending patent application PCT/GB2006/000793. The toy apparatus is provided with a playbase formed by moving first and second panel members from a closed position to an open position. The panel members include a plurality of pop-up structures provided in a substantially flattened condition when the first and second panel members are in the closed position, and movable with the panel members to a partial or substantially erect condition when the panel members are in the open position. The pop up structures are provided in at least one recess defined in or between the first and second panel members when in the closed condition. The panel members are typically movable between 0-180 degrees . It is an object of the present invention to provide improved toy apparatus .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of using improved toy apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, each panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface and said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially towards each other and define a cavity therebetween, and an open position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members and located in the cavity in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, characterised in that the pop-up elements include at least one intermediate panel with two or more sub-panel members movably mounted between said intermediate panel and said front or rear panel member, outer surfaces of said sub-panel members being substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in the closed position and are moved apart in said open position.

Preferably the sub-panel members form a substantially flat and continuous surface when in the open position. For example, the sub-panel members are moved from a position where the outer surfaces are adjacent and parallel to each other in a closed position, to a co-linear position in the open position. Preferably the sub-panel members form a substantially horizontal level or platform in the play area when in an open position. Further preferably the sub-panel members form a base and/or roof of the play area. Thus, the sub-panels define a whole or part of the play area of the apparatus on which one or more further toy articles can be located in use.

Preferably the sub-panels members are rotatably or pivotably mounted to each other, to the at least one intermediate panel and/or to the front and/or rear panel members . This movement can be provided using pivot means, foldable edges, hinge means and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the front and rear panel members are movable through an angle of greater than 180 degrees relative to each other when moving the apparatus between the closed and open positions. Preferably the angle is substantially 360 degrees. In the fully open position, the outer surfaces of the front and rear panels preferably abut, are substantially facing each other or are moved adjacent to each other.

In one embodiment at least one further article is provided as part of the toy apparatus and can be selectively moved around the playarea with the apparatus in an open position. The at least one further article is typically located in the cavity defined between the front and rear panels with the apparatus in a closed position. In one embodiment the at least one further article is a toy vehicle. Thus, a storage volume is defined between the front and rear panel members with said panel members in a closed or partially closed position.

The intermediate panel members and/or sub-panel members are preferably movable from a substantially collapsed, folded, parallel and/or adjacent position with respect to the front and/oϊ tear panel members in the closed position, to a substantially erect and/or spaced apart position with respect to the front and/or rear panel members in the open position. As such, on opening of the toy apparatus, the intermediate and/or sub-panel members form "pop-up" type structures or elements to provide an element of surprise to a user.

Preferably the front and rear panel members are movable about a substantially central pivot or hinge arrangement. Further preferably the central pivot or hinge arrangement joins the first and second panel members directly or indirectly together. For example a hinge plate can be provided including at least two substantially parallel and spaced apart hinge means. The front panel member can be hingedly mounted to one of the hinge means and the rear panel member can be hingedly mounted to the other hinge means.

Preferably the at least one intermediate panel member can be hingedly, rotatably or pivotably mounted directly to the front and/or rear panel members or indirectly via the hinge plate.

Further preferably the at least one intermediate panel member has an axis of rotation of pivotal movement which is substantially parallel or co-axial to the axis of rotation of the front and/or rear panel members .

Preferably the at least one intermediate panel member acts as or forms part of partitioning means for partitioning the play area into two or more separate or distinct play areas when the apparatus is in the open position. The play areas may be entirely separated from each other or may be linked and/or accessible via an adjacent play area. Preferably the front, rear and/or intermediate panel members are substantially vertically arranged or arranged in an upright manner when the apparatus is in a fully open position.

The sub-panel members are preferably substantially perpendicular to the front, rear and/or intermediate panel members in the fully open position.

In one embodiment a plurality of intermediate panel members can be linked so as to form an upright or vertical structure, such as a building or an intermediate panel can include two or more sections which form a three-dimensional structure with the apparatus in an open position. In one example, a plurality of intermediate panel member sections are joined at angles to form a structure, such as a character, monster, a three dimensional article, non-planar article and/ or the like.

In one embodiment opening and/or closing of the apparatus can provide animation to the structure formed via the intermediate panel members and/or sections. Thus, in one example, an animal, character, monster and/or the like can be formed via linkage of a number of intermediate panel members together on opening of the apparatus. Once the structure is partially erect on opening of the apparatus, further opening of the apparatus moves a part of the structure, such as the opening of a jaw, one or more limbs and/or the like to create animation to the structure being formed.

Preferably animation is provided to the three dimensional structure on partial opening or closing of the apparatus and/or on relative movement of one or more intermediate panel members or sub-panel members. Thus, in one example, the structure formed by the intermediate panel members has a first level of animation associated with the structure on opening of the structure and further opening provides an additional level of animation to the structure.

In one embodiment each play area is defined between two intermediate panel members or an intermediate panel member and a front or rear panel member provided at substantially 90 degrees to each other.

In one embodiment a plurality of toy apparatus parts, each of which can preferably be selectively movable in the manner described in accordance with the invention can be joined together by abutting their respective front and rear panel members to form a toy apparatus having features as herein described in accordance with the invention.

The front and rear panel members can define a housing, container or case with the apparatus in a closed position, thereby allowing the apparatus to be easily stored and transported when not in use.

In one embodiment the movement of one part of the toy apparatus can be connected to cause the movement of a further part of the apparatus between open and closed positions . In addition or alternatively one part can act as a stop for an other part thereby locking the same in position for use when the toy apparatus is open.

Preferably at least first and second intermediate panel members are provided in the apparatus and movement of the second intermediate panel relative to the first intermediate panel is substantially limited until the sub-panels movably mounted to the first intermediate panel has been moved from a folded condition to a substantially erect condition. Preferably the first and second intermediate panel members are located at substantially 90 degrees to each other.

In one embodiment one or more apertures are defined in the intermediate panels and/or front and/or rear panel members, the apertures preferably positioned so as to allow a through aperture to be formed through said panels when the apparatus is in the open position. This allows the play sections or areas on either side of the apertured panel to be linked or accessed for play from the adjacent play area. For example, the can allow toy articles to be moved around the entire play area and/or between partitions of the play areas without obstacle. The toy articles could for example be a vehicle or a figurine.

In one embodiment the toy apparatus includes a power supply provided as part of the apparatus and in one embodiment the power supply is stored in the cavity between the front and rear panel members .

Typically, in an embodiment where a single intermediate panel member is provided, two separate play areas are defined in the apparatus in an open position. The two play areas are typically formed between the first panel member and the intermediate panel member; and the second panel member and intermediate panel member. In a further embodiment where two intermediate panel members are provided, three separate play areas are defined in an open position. The three play areas are typically provided between the first panel member and the intermediate panel member; between the first and second intermediate panel members; and between the second panel member and intermediate panel member. In a yet further embodiment wherein three intermediate panel members are defined, four separate play areas are provided in an open condition. The four separate play areas are provided between the first panel member and the intermediate panel member; between the first and second intermediate panel members; between the second and third intermediate panel members; and between the third intermediate panel member and the second panel member.

Preferably the intermediate panel members forming the separate play areas are provided at an acute angle relative to each other and further preferably the panel members are provided at substantially 90 degrees to each other when in an open position.

In one embodiment the plurality of intermediate panel members are linked by a common hinge or pivot arrangement. In an alternative embodiment, separate hinge or pivot arrangements are provided for each or an intermediate panel member.

Preferably one or more of the intermediate panel members substantially follow the movement of the front and/or rear panel members. Further preferably the movement is followed until the intermediate panel member(s) is at a pre-determined angle and/or position with respect to said front and/or rear panel members.

In one embodiment movement of a second intermediate panel member is prevented or limited until the first intermediate panel member has been moved through a pre-determined angle, whereafter, the second intermediate panel member can then move relative to the first intermediate panel member on continuing opening of the apparatus.

The movement of the sub-panels can follow the movement of one or more of the front, rear and/or intermediate panel members and/or can be moved manually. Preferably one or more of the sub-panels of said first set are movably mounted between said front or rear panel member and an intermediate panel member, between two or more of said intermediate panel members and/or between said front and rear panel members .

Further preferably the sub-panels are hingedly, pivotably and/or rotatably mounted between said adjoining panel members.

In one embodiment at least two sub-panels are provided between adjoining panel members and said sub-panels are hingedly, pivotably and/or rotatably mounted to each other and to said adjoining panel members. Thus, for example, a first sub- panel has a first edge joined to a panel member and a second edge joined to a first edge of a second sub-panel. The second sub-panel has a second edge joined to a further panel member.

The sub-panels of a first set typically form a base and/or top of a partitioned play area in an erect condition. The sub-panels are typically substantially flat or planar in an erect condition. The sub-panels can limit movement of an intermediate panel to a pre-determined position with respect to an adjacent panel member.

In one embodiment the sub-panel or panels are substantially triangular in shape.

Preferably the sub-panel members have a narrowing taper towards the hinge means associated with the intermediate panel(s) and/ or the front or rear panel members.

Preferably two sub-panel members are provided to form each play-area. The two sub-panel members are hingedly mounted to each other along an edge thereof. In one embodiment the sub-panels are moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position on opening of the front and rear panels and/or play area of the apparatus (i.e. the sub-panels are moved through substantially 90 degrees) . This can be undertaken manually or automatically on moving adjoining panels.

Thus for example, the intermediate, front and/or rear panel members are provided substantially vertically and the sub-panels are provided substantially horizontally when the apparatus is in the fully open or erect condition.

In a further embodiment a second set of sub-panels or pop-up elements can be provided between said panel members, between said sub-panels of said first set of sub-panels and/or between said front, rear and/or intermediate panel members and said sub-panels of said first set.

The second set of sub-panels or pop-up elements can be movable between a first substantially folded, flat and/or stored condition and a second substantially erect condition. Movement of the second set of sub-panels can follow movement of one or more sub-panels of the first set and/or panel members and/or can be manually movable.

The second set of sub-panel members can be provided independently of or instead of the first set of sub-panel members if required. The second set of sub-panel members can be in the form of "pop-up" members or structures which pop out or protrude from the first set of sub-panel members, the intermediate panel members and/or the front and/or rear panel members . In one example the second set of sub-panel members form a series of ramps, walk ways or connecting surfaces to allow a figurine or toy vehicle to be moved around the play area and/or between separate play areas of the apparatus.

Preferably the ramps or walk ways can provide a substantially continuous surface around the apparatus to which a figurine or toy vehicle can be moved.

Preferably the second set of sub-panels form one or more objects, structures and/or the like within or between partitioned play areas . The second set of sub-panels can be provided at any suitable angle or angles in the play apparatus when erect.

Preferably the front and/or rear panel members are provided with a side wall, lip or flange portion at or adjacent a peripheral edge thereof and the side wall, lip or flange of one of said panel members engages, are adjacent and/or abut with an edge, lip or flange of the other of said panel members. The side wall, lip or flange defines the cavity in which the intermediate panels, first and/or second sub-panels can be located with the toy apparatus in the closed position.

The separate play areas of the apparatus can be further defined by way of dimensions or angle of the intermediate panel member with respect to another panel member, via the number of first set of sub-panels in the play areas, via the hinge or pivot arrangement and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the front and rear panel members and the intermediate panel members provide upright supports for maintaining the toy apparatus in an open position. The panel members can form a cruxiform shape when viewed in plan from above in one example. Engaging means can be provided with the apparatus to maintain the apparatus in an open and/or closed position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided method of using toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, each panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface and said panel members movably mounted to each other, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members, said pop-up elements including at least one intermediate panel with two or mote sub-panel members movably mounted between said intermediate panel and said front or rear panel member, said method including the steps of moving the front and rear panels between a closed position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially towards each other and define a cavity therebetween, and an open position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members, the popup members being located in the cavity in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, the outer surfaces of said sub- panel members being substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in the closed position and moved apart in said open position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, each panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface and said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially towards each other and define a cavity therebetween, and an open position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/ or panel members and located in the cavity in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, characterised in that the front and rear panel members are movable through an angle greater than 180 degrees on moving the apparatus between the closed and open positions .

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position, and an open position, a play area being defined between said panel members in the open position, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members and located between said panel members in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position, and movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, characterised in that the pop-up elements are arranged so as to define partitioning means to the apparatus to divide the same into two or more separate play areas .

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, and said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position and an open position, a play area defined between said panel members in the open position, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members and located between said panel members in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, characterised in that a plurality of the pop-up elements are arranged so as to form a three- dimensional structure when in the open position and at least part of said structure has a level of animation associated with the same when the apparatus is moved between the open and closed positions .

Preferably the three dimensional structure has one or more features associated with the appearance of the structure and said features move in an animated manner on moving the apparatus between the open and closed positions.

Preferably the three dimension structure is in the form of a monster, character, animal, person and/or the like.

The front and rear panels can be moved through any suitable angle (i.e. from between 1 -360 degrees) between the open and closed positions. In one example the front and rear panels are moved between 180 degrees to allow animation of the structure. In a further example the front and rear panels are moved between 360 degrees to allow animation of the structure.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the toy apparatus in a closed position in one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in figure 1 in a first open condition with a first quadrant play area opened; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus in figure 1 in a second open condition with first and second quadrant play areas opened;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus in figure 1 in a third open condition with first, second and third quadrant play- areas opened;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus in figure 1 in a full open condition first, second, third and fourth quadrant play areas opened;

Figure 6 illustrates the closing procedure for the toy apparatus in figure 1 ;

Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the toy apparatus in figure lin a closed position;

Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of the toy apparatus in figure 1 in a fully opened position;

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention in a partially opened and fully opened condition respectively, wherein a character is formed via intermediate panel members and/or sub-panel members;

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a yet further embodiment of the present invention in a partially opened and fully opened condition respectively, wherein a building is formed via an intermediate panel member and/or sub-panel members; and

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a yet further embodiment of the present invention showing two different positions of a three dimensional monster head when the apparatus is in an open position.

Referring to the figures 1 -8, there is illustrated toy apparatus 2 including first and second panel members 4, 6. First panel member 4 has a front surface 8, rear surface 10 and a flange around the peripheral edge to form a top 12, base 14, front end 16 and rear end 18. Second panel member 6 has a front surface 20, rear surface 22 and a flange around the peripheral edge to form a top 24, base 26, front end 28 and rear end 30.

The first and second panel members 4, 6 are joined together on the rear ends 10, 30 thereof via a hinge plate 32 with two parallel hinge elements 34, 36. The hinge arrangement allows first and second panel members 4, 6 to be rotatably moved between a closed position, as shown in figures 1 and 7, to a plurality of intermediate open positions and a fully opened position, as shown in figures 5 and 8.

Three intermediate panel members 38, 40, 42 are hingedly connected via hinge plate 32 and follow the movement of first panel 4 and/or second panel 6 between the closed and fully opened conditions . The intermediate panel members 38, 40, 42 form partition walls to define four separate and distinct play areas 46, 48, 50, 52 in the toy apparatus. First play area 46 is defined between first panel 4 and panel member 30; second play area 48 is defined between panel members 30, 32; third play area 50 is defined between panel members 32, 34; and fourth play area 52 is defined between panel member 34 and second panel 6.

The play areas 46, 48, 50, 52 form quadrants of the fully open toy apparatus and each intermediate panel member 38, 40, 42 is arranged substantially perpendicular to adjacent intermediate panels and/ or first and second panel members. In the closed position, intermediate panel members 38, 40, 42 are typically adjacent and/or substantially parallel to each other and/or to first and second panel members .

A first set of sub-panels are provided between the intermediate panels and/ or the intermediate panels and the first and/or second panel members 4, 6. More particularly, the first set of sub-panels include sub-panel pairs 54, 56 provided in play area 46, sub-panel pairs 58, 60 provided in play area 48, sub-panel pairs 62, 64 provided in play area 50 and sub-panel pairs 66, 68 provided in play area 52.

A first edge of sub-panel 54 is joined to first panel member 4 via a hinge 70 and to a first edge of sub-panel 56 via a hinge 72. A second edge of sub-panel 56 is joined via a hinge 74 to a front surface of intermediate panel member 38.

A first edge of sub-panel 58 is joined to rear surface of intermediate panel member 38 via a hinge 76 and to a first edge of sub-panel 60 via a hinge 78. A second edge of sub-panel 60 is j oined via a hinge 80 to a front surface of intermediate panel member 40.

A first edge of sub-panel 62 is joined to rear surface of intermediate panel member 40 via a hinge 82 and to a first edge of sub-panel 64 via a hinge 84. A second edge of sub-panel 64 is joined via a hinge 86 to a front surface of intermediate panel member 42.

A first edge of sub-panel 66 is joined to rear surface of intermediate panel member 42 via a hinge (not shown) and to a first edge of sub-panel 68 via a hinge 88. A second edge of sub- panel 68 is j oined via a hinge 90 to second panel member 6. The hinges 74, 76; 80,82; 86 and (not shown hinge) can be the same or separate hinge arrangement as required. The sub-panel pairs are movable from a substantially folded condition, wherein the rear surfaces of the sub-panels are adjacent to each other and substantially parallel, to a substantially erect condition, wherein the rear surface are moved apart and substantially co- planar, on opening of each quadrant or play area from a closed position to an open position. Thus, by folding the sub-panel pairs in this manner, the sub-panel pairs are folded within the outer perimeter of the first and/or second panel members.

In the erect condition, the first set of sub-panel members are typically substantially perpendicular to the adjoining panel members and form a play base of the toy apparatus. Alternatively, the first set of sub-panel members could provide a top and/or one or more intermediate play levels in a play area. With the toy apparatus in a fully opened condition, the sub- panel members of each play area are typically substantially co- planar with each other to form a 360 playbase surface, albeit partially or wholly separated by intermediate and/or first and/or second panel members.

A second set of sub-panels can be provided within each play area between the first and/or second panel member, an intermediate panel member and/or first set sub-panel. In play area 46, the second set of sub-panels includes sub-panels 92- 100. These sub-panels are hingedly connected to the first panel member 4, the intermediate panel member 38 and/or sub-panels 54, 56 to allow movement between folded conditions and substantially erect conditions on separation of the intermediate panel member 38 from first panel member 4 and erection of the sub-panels 54, 56. In the erect condition, the sub-panels 92-100 can be used to form a variety of structures, levels, play surfaces and/or objects in play area 46. In play area 48, the second set of sub-panels includes sub-panels 102- 1 10, as shown in figure 3. The sub-panels function in a similar manner to those in play area 46.

In play area 50, the second set of sub-panels includes sub-panels 112- 122, as shown in figure 4. The sub-panels function in a similar manner to those in play area 46 and/or 48.

In play area 52, the second set of sub-panels includes sub-panels 124- 136, as shown in figure 5. The sub-panels function in a similar manner to those in play area 46, 48 and/or 50.

A plurality of apertures 138, 140 can be defined in front panel member 4, apertures 140 142 can be defined in intermediate panel member 38, apertures 144, 146 can be defined in intermediate panel member 40, apertures 148, 150 can be defined in intermediate panel member 42 and aperture 152 can be defined in second panel member 6. The apertures can be any suitable size and/or dimensions to provide an exit/entrance, window and/or the like between different play areas and/or the toy apparatus .

Thus, the apparatus is moved from a closed position in use, wherein inner surfaces of panel members 4, 6 are typically facing each other, substantially parallel and adjacent to each other, to a fully open position, wherein outer surfaces of panel members 4, 6 are facing each other, substantially parallel and adjacent to each other. In moving the apparatus between the closed and fully open positions, the second panel member 6 is moved through 360 degrees relative to the first panel member 4. In moving the second panel member 6 through 360 degrees, this causes intermediate panel members 38, 40, 42 to follow the movement until each panel member reaches a 90 degree movement limit with respect to the first panel member 4 or an already opened intermediate panel member. Accompanying movement of the intermediate panel members 38, 40, 42 is the movement of the first and second sub-panel members from folded to erect conditions. Thus movement of the sub-panel members or "pop-up" members can be undertaken automatically on movement of the intermediate panel members and/or first and/ or second panel members. It will be appreciated that a similar mechanism takes place when the sub-panels and/or intermediate panels are provided at different angles other than 90 degrees .

In order to move the apparatus from an open position to a closed position, a user typically moves each pair of first set of sub-panels so that rear or outer surfaces of said sub-panels are moved together into an abutting relationship, as shown by arrow 3 in figure 6, thereby pulling an adjoining intermediate panel member to the first and/or second panel members and/or adjacent intermediate panel member.

The toy apparatus can be used in a partial and/or fully open position as required. The recess defined between the peripheral free edge of the side walls of the first and/or second panel members can be used to contain the adjoining panels therein, and, as an additional alternative, one or more objects for use with the toy apparatus when in a closed position.

The panel members and sub-panels can be formed from any or any combination of suitable material, such as plastic, wood, rubber, metal and/or the like. Any suitable animation, images, characters, text and/or the like can be provided on the surfaces of the material as required. Although the described embodiment is used with the front and rear panels substantially vertically arranged and the apparatus balanced on base surfaces 14, 26 to allow the toy apparatus to be easily balanced on a suitable surface in the fully opened condition, the toy apparatus could be used in any suitable orientation as required when only partially opened.

Referring to figures 9 and 10, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention in which a three- dimensional monster 302 is formed via a plurality of intermediate panel portions in place of one of the upright intermediate panel members described previously. The three dimensional monster moves from a flattened condition when the apparatus is in a closed position to an erect, upright condition when the apparatus is in a fully opened position, as shown in figure 10. The monster structure created may or may not act as a partition on the playbase created by the apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment is protrudes outwardly from the central hinge arrangement about which the front and rear panels pivot and further protrudes in a direction substantially opposite to the front and rear panels when in a fully opened condition. One or more of the intermediate panel portions forming the monster- can be hingedly joined to central hinge plate 32 if required.

Thus, in addition to the substantially vertical front and rear panel members 4, 6 and the substantially vertical intermediate panel members 38, 42 provided at substantially 90 degrees to the front and rear panel members 4, 6 respectively when the apparatus is in the fully opened position, as shown in figure 10, a plurality of intermediate panel portions 304-312 are hingedly linked so as to form monster 302. The intermediate panel portions can be curved or non-planar in form to provide additional realism to the shape of the monster or structure created. It can be seen that the jaw of the monster formed by panel portions 304, 306, 308, 310 can be moved in such a way on moving the apparatus between a partially opened condition, as shown in figure 9, to a fully opened position, as shown in figure 10, that an additional level of animation can be provided to the monster (i.e. opening and closing of the monster's jaw) . This feature provides an additional level of interest for a user.

In the illustrated embodiment movement of the monster's jaw and also movement of the monster from a folded to an erect condition, takes place on moving sub-panel members 58, 60 and 62, 64 from a folded condition to an erect condition. The edge of adjacent sub-panel members 60, 62 are provided with a hinge or hinges to which the base of jaw forming intermediate panel portions 308, 310 may also be hingedly linked.

Hinges are provided between adjacent intermediate panel portions to allow movement of the portions relative to each other in such a manner on opening of the apparatus to form the monster and to allow folding of the monster between adjacent intermediate panel members 38, 42 and the front and rear panels 4, 6. Second sub-panel members can be provided to form claws 316 of the monster 302 and/or other pop-up type features protruding from the intermediate panel portions 304-312. Eyes 318, teeth 320 and/or other features can be printed or adhered to the intermediate panel portions to make the monster look more life like.

It will be appreciated that the intermediate panel portions can be arranged to form any suitable three dimensional structure, with or without additional animation, such as formation of a building 202 in the embodiment shown in figures 11 and 12.

The building 202 is formed from intermediate panel portions 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214. A central intermediate panel portion 216 is provided to which top intermediate panel portions 208, 212 are hingedly joined. Upright intermediate panel portions 204, 206 are hingedly linked to sub-panel members 60, 62 and to top intermediate panel portions 208, 212. Front intermediate panel portions 210, 214 are hingedly linked to a front edge of upright intermediate panels portions 204, 206.

In the folded condition, outer surfaces of top panel portions 208, 212 abut each other and substantially parallel and in alignment with central panel portion 216. Panel portions 204, 206 are also substantially parallel and abut central panel portion 216. As sub-panel portions 60, 62 which form the base of the playbase adjacent building 202 are moved from a folded to an erect condition, top panel portions are hingedly moved to a position substantially perpendicular to central panel portion 216 which also partly causes upright panel portions 204, 206 to be moved a spaced distance apart but in substantially parallel arrangement to central panel portion 216. The outer surfaces of the intermediate panel portions can be decorated to increase the realism of the appearance of the building.

Although the intermediate panel portions are shown to be substantially symmetrical about a central hinge, panel portion or virtual panel portion, the structures formed could be asymmetrical if required.

Referring to figures 13 and 14, there is illustrated a further embodiment of toy apparatus 400 having front and rear panel members 402, 404 which are movable between a closed position, as previously described, wherein inner surfaces 406, 408 are substantially parallel and facing each other, and an open position, as shown in the figures, wherein 406, 408 are moved through substantially 180 degrees relative to each other to provide a substantially flat play area, with inner surfaces 406, 408 being substantially horizontally arranged.

A number of pop-up elements 410 are movably mounted on inner surfaces 406, 408 as previously described and are movable between a substantially flattened or folded condition when the apparatus is in a closed position, to a substantially erect condition when the apparatus is in an open position.

A number of the pop-up elements 410 are arranged to form a three dimensional structure, which in this embodiment it the head of a monster 412. The head of the monster is arranged substantially symmetrically about central hinge 414 of panel members 402, 404. The action of opening and closing the apparatus causes the jaw 416 of the monster to move between open and closed positions, thereby providing the monster 414 with a level of animation on opening and closing of the apparatus as has been previously described with the 360 degrees monster pop-up in figures 9 and 10. An upper part of jaw 416 can also be moved manually by a user if required.

More particularly, monster 414 includes two lower front jaw members 418, 420 arranged at an acute angle relative to each other, two lower rear jaw members 422, 424 which are hingedly mounted to each other at hinge 426 and to an upper pop-up level 428 via hinges 430, 432. The upper jaw includes upper jaw members 434, 436 which are hingedly mounted to each other via hinge 438 and to an upper edge of the lower rear jaw members 422, 424 via hinges 440, 442. A similar arrangement is found in the 360 degree opening toy apparatus. The monster could be arranged in any position on the play area as required, such as directly in contact with inner surfaces 406, 408 of the front and rear panels . The upper jaw 416 is moved between an open and shut position with respect to the lower jaw to provide animation to the monster on opening and closing of the apparatus. The jaw moves via the hinge arrangements.

Other features can be provided on the monster to make it look more life-like, such as providing eyes 444 and/ or the like.

It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the abovementioned features can be provided in the present invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. Toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, each panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface and said panel members movably mounted to each other to allow movement between a closed position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially towards each other and define a cavity therebetween, and an open position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members and located in the cavity in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, characterised in that the pop-up elements include at least one intermediate panel with two or more sub-panel members movably mounted between said intermediate panel and said front or rear panel member, outer surfaces of said sub-panel members being substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in the closed position and are moved apart in said open position.

2. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the sub-panel members form a substantially flat and continuous surface when in the open position.

3. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the sub-panel members form a base or roof of the play area in the open position.

4. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the two or more sub-panels members are rotatably or pivotably mounted to each other, to the intermediate panel and to the front or rear panel member.

5. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the intermediate panel is rotatably or pivotably movable about an axis which is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation or pivotable movement of the front and rear panel members relative to each other when moved between the open and closed positions.

6. Toy apparatus according to claims 4 or 5 characterised in that hinge means are provided to allow rotation or pivoting of the sub-panel members, intermediate panel and/or front and rear panels members relative to each other.

7. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the front and rear panel members are movable through an angle greater than 1 80 degrees relative to each other when moving the apparatus between the closed and open positions.

8. Toy apparatus according to claim 7 characterised in that the front and rear panel members are movable through substantially 360 degrees relative to each other when moving the apparatus between the closed and open positions.

9. Toy apparatus according to claim 7 characterised in that the outer surfaces of the front and rear panel members are substantially adjacent and facing each other when the apparatus is in a fully open position.

10. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the at least one intermediate panel provides at least part of partitioning means for partitioning the play area into two or more separate play areas when in the open position.

1 1. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the front, rear and intermediate panels are substantially vertically arranged or arranged in an upright manner when the apparatus is in a fully open position.

12. Toy apparatus according to claim 11 characterised in that the sub-panel members are substantially perpendicular to said front, rear and/or intermediate panels in the fully open position.

13. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that at least first and second intermediate panels are provided in the apparatus and movement of the second intermediate panel relative to the first intermediate panel is substantially limited until the sub-panels movably mounted to the first intermediate panel have been moved from a folded condition to a substantially erect condition.

14. Toy apparatus according to claim 13 characterised in that the at least first and second intermediate panels are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other in the open position.

15. Toy apparatus according to claim 13 characterised in that the at least first and second intermediate panels are arranged substantially parallel to each other when in the closed position.

16. Toy apparatus according to claim 13 characterised in that each intermediate panel has a front surface and a rear surface and one or more sub-panels are movably mounted to both the front and rear surfaces.

17. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that three intermediate panels are provided.

1 8. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the at least one intermediate panel includes two or more sections which form a three-dimensional structure when in the fully open position.

19. Toy apparatus according to claim 18 characterised in that movement of the apparatus between the closed and open positions provide a level of animation to one or more features of the three dimensional structure.

20. Toy apparatus according to claim 19 characterised in that the three dimensional structure is in the form of an animal, character or a part thereof, and movement of the apparatus between the open and closed positions moves a limb or feature of the animal or character in an animated, life like manner.

21. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the intermediate panels and the sub-panels are located in the cavity between the front and rear panel members in the closed position.

22. Toy apparatus according to claim 21 characterised in that one or more further articles can be stored in the cavity between the front and rear panel members when in the closed position.

23. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the front and/or rear panel members have side walls protruding outwardly from the inner surface thereof, the free outer edge of the side walls of the panel members engaging or being adjacent to each other with the apparatus in the closed position.

24. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one or more apertures are defined in the one or more intermediate panels to allow two or more play areas defined between the intermediate panels and the front and rear panel members to be accessed.

25. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the front and rear panel members are movably mounted to each other via a hinge plate, the hinge plate including at least two substantially parallel and spaced apart hinge means, the front panel member movably mounted to one of the hinge means and the rear panel member movably mounted to the other hinge means.

26. Toy apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the one or more intermediate panels are hingedly mounted to the hinge plate.

27. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sub- panel members have a narrowing taper towards the hinge means associated between the intermediate panel and the front or rear panel member.

28. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sub- panel members are substantially triangular in shape.

29. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sub- panels are moved through substantially 90 degrees in moving them from the closed position to the open position.

30. Toy apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one or more further pop-up elements are movably mounted to one or more of the sub-panels, intermediate panel, front or rear panel members.

31. Toy apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the one or more further pop-up elements define at least one upper level or play area to the apparatus.

32. A method of using toy apparatus, said toy apparatus including at least front and rear panel members, each panel member having an inner surface and an outer surface and said panel members movably mounted to each other, a plurality of pop-up elements associated with the play area and/or panel members, said pop-up elements including at least one intermediate panel with two or more sub-panel members movably mounted between said intermediate panel and said front or rear panel member, said method including the steps of moving the front and rear panels between a closed position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially towards each other and define a cavity therebetween, and an open position, wherein the inner surfaces of the panel members face substantially away from each other and a play area is defined between said panel members, the pop-up members being located in the cavity in a substantially folded condition with the apparatus in a closed position and are movable to a substantially erect condition on movement of the apparatus to the open position, the outer surfaces of said sub-panel members being substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in the closed position and moved apart in said open position.