WO2017069636A1

WO2017069636A1 - Foldable play apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017069636A1
Application number: PCT/NO2016/050208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gunn Bitten GULDBERG; Tore VINJE
Original assignee: Ppu Praktisk Pedagogisk Utstyr As
Priority date: 2015-10-20
Filing date: 2016-10-20
Publication date: 2017-04-27
Also published as: EP3364822A1; NO20151425A1; WO2017069636A9; NO342908B1

Abstract

It is described a foldable play apparatus (1) comprising a number of movable walls, where the play apparatus comprises a storage cabinet (3), a number of hinged side walls (2) and attachment means (4). The storage cabinet (3) has an opening (23) and an inner storage space. Each of the number of side walls (2) are connected to one of the sides (24) of the opening (23), either directly or through another hinged side wall (2). The free end sections of the outermost sidewalls (2) are provided with connection means (7, 15) suitable for connecting the outermost sidewalls (2) to each other. The attachment means (4) is connectable to a solid surface.

Description

FOLD ABLE PLAY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a foldable play apparatus comprising a number of movable walls.

In some rooms or spaces, it is desirable to have a play apparatus that can be folded out for children to play in or on it, and folded together for storage when the room is used for other activities. It is known to make collapsible play houses for this sort of use, where walls and roof elements can be collapsed for storage of the house or pulled out and mounted to form a play house. An example of such a house is described in US 5,313,747.

From US 5,544,870 it is known a collapsible play ground where

interconnected walls can be folded out to form an enclosed playground or disconnected and stored in a dismounted compact state.

However, as the play apparatuses are sufficiently big for children to play in them, the collapsed or packed structure can easily become heavy and bulky. It can be difficult to move the packed together house to its storage place and out again for usage. It is also a possibility that the packed structure fall over if it is leaning towards a wall, which can be dangerous if there are children close to the structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible play apparatus that is easily maneuvered and mounted, and with improved safety in packed condition and stored position.

This is obtained by a foldable play apparatus according to the attached claims.

The invention thereby relates to a foldable play apparatus comprising a number of movable walls, characterised in that the play apparatus comprises a storage cabinet, a number of hinged side walls and attachment means, the storage cabinet having an opening and an inner storage space, each of the side walls being connected to one of the sides of the opening, directly or through another hinged side wall, the free end sections of the outermost sidewalls being provided with connecting means suitable for connecting the outermost sidewalls to each other, the attachment means being connectable to a solid surface.

The inventive play apparatus serves several needs. It presents a movable play apparatus that is safely connected to solid surfaces, thereby ensuring safety for the children playing on or in the apparatus and people in general when the apparus is stored. It also presents a space saving solution, as the apparatus does not require a large storage room and is easily moved around so that one apparatus can be used on different locations. It is also easy to mount and fold together, maikng it possible for most people to mount the apparatus for playing and fold it together for storage. In one aspect of the invention, the free end sections of the outermost sidewalls of the above foldable play apparatus are hinged to each other, thereby forming a closed circle of hinged side walls. A closed circuit of side wall that can be shaped into a play apparatus omits the need of free elements that can be lost, which is an advantage when there are several users and possible locations for the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the foldable play apparatus as described above comprises at least one further element that is hinged to the inside of the storage cabinet in such a way that it can be rotated between a storage position in the cabinet and a play position when the apparatus is folded out to play position. Such further elements can for example be a partition wall, a bench element, a floor element, a car part such as a cover, bumper or extra roof element, extra equipment or decorational elements for a cafe, etc.

In one aspect of the foldable play apparatus as described above, the side walls cover at least a part of the opening of the cabinet when the apparatus is packed together for storage. The side walls will then function as the doors of the storage cabinet, so that the folded or collapsed play apparatus form a closed storage entity or storage cabinet. It is convenient to arrange a wall locking means at the cabinet and the side wall that will be the outermost walls, when the apparatus is in storage position. The wall locking means lock the outer walls to the cabinet, so that the apparatus is not opened unintentionally. The locking means can for example be a hood and a ring or a flexible ball lock, where an arm with a pair of recesses is pressed between a locking elements with two biased balls.

In some embodiments of the foldable play apparatus as described above, a number of free elements are connectable to the play apparatus structure. Such free elements can be steering wheels, cafe equipment, furniture and other play elements that will fit with the design of the apparatus.

In some embodiments of the foldable play apparatus as described above, the storage cabinet can contain one or more stationary play equipments. As the cabinet can be dimensioned to hold all necessary equipment, it is also conceivable to mount permanent play equipment inside the cabinet that will be accessible when the hinged walls are folded out. This possibility contributes to broaden the possible range of designs of the apparatus.

The one or more play equiments mounted in the play apparatus are chosen from a group comprising a kitchen cabinet, a play stove, a play sink, a cabinet or case. As play kitchens are popular among children, it is advantageous that the play apparatus can also provide a storable play kitchen, possibly in connection with a cafe design on the overall apparatus or as a play version of a domestic kitchen. In a preferred embodiment of the above mentioned foldable play apparatus, the apparatus forms a closed transportable unit, when the walls and other elements of apparatus are packed into or onto the storage cabinet. As the apparatus is transportable in collapsed position, it is highly flexible in relation to accessible space for playing and storage.

In another preferred embodiment of the above described foldable play apparatus, the closed transportable unit comprises lockable wheels. The wheels can for example be descendable from the underside of the cabinet, so that the wheels rest inside the cabinet during storage and playing, but are descended when the locked cabinet is to be moved from one location to another. It is also conceivable to provide lockable wheels that are attached on the outside of the cabinet, where the wheels are locked during storage and playing, but can be released when the closed cabinet is moved. A skilled person would be able find the most suitable mechanism of the wheels and locking mechanism for each design of the apparatus.

The attachment means of the above play apparatus is connectable to a fixed surface, to secure the play apparatus in a storage position. The attachment means provide an improved safety to the environments of the play apparatus, as it prevents the apparatus or cabinet from falling and possibly harming persons in the vicinity of the apparatus or cabinet.

The invention will now be further explained with reference to the attached drawings showing non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 a-n shows a first embodiment of a play apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2a-h shows a second embodiment of a play apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 3a-k shows a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a play apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a play apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 6a-d shows a bracket 14 suitable for use with the play apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a play apparatus 1 as a closed unit in stored position.

Fig. la shows a first embodiment of a play apparatus 1 according to the present invention in an open active position. The play apparatus according to the first embodiment is shaped as a boat. Fig. lb shows the play apparatus 1 in fig. la in a closed storable position. The invention thereby relates to an improved collapsible play apparatus that is easy to open and make ready for playing and equally easy to fold together to an enclosed case that can be stored securely towards a wall or the like.

The play apparatus 1 comprises a number of side walls 2 that are hinged to a storage cabinet 3, directly or through one or more side walls. The side walls can be folded together and entered into the storage cabinet 3 to form an enclosed unit, see fig. lb. The enclosed unit can be secured to a wall by means of a releasable attachment means 4.

When the play apparatus 1 is about to be used, the storage cabinet 3 with enclosed side walls 2 and other elements is released from storage position and moved to a free space. The storage cabinet 3 can advantageously be provided with lockable wheels. If the cabinet comprises wheels, the wheels are locked before the cabinet is opened, that is, each side wall 2 is folded out in sequence.

An example of a mounting procedure for the first embodiment of a play apparatus is shown in figs. lc-n. The inner side walls are folded out first to provide extra support for the apparatus in progress. Thereafter are the remaining side walls folded out and placed in position. The apparatus 1 can comprise floor elements 5 being hinged to the lower section of the cabinet 3, see fig. li. One or more floor elements can provide different levels in the play apparatus. In the shown embodiment, the floor element form the deck of a boat. When the side walls on both sides of the cabinet are completely folded out, the end sections of the outermost side walls 2 on each side are connected to each other with a connection means 6 to form a closed shape, see fig. In. This improves stability of the play apparatus. The connection means 6 of the present embodiment is a pin or pole that is introduced through connecting means such as pin openings 7 in the free rotating end sections of the outermost side walls 2, see fig. lm.

The present embodiment comprises a free partitional wall 8 that is mounted in the apparatus in an anchoring means 9 such as slots or elongated parallel ribs, see fig. Ik. The final play apparatus is shown in fig. 1 a. The storage cabinet can be dimensioned to accommodate extra equipment for the apparatus, such as a flag and flag pole, steering wheel with attachment means, chairs etc.

Fig. 2a-h shows a second embodiment of a mounting sequence for a boat shaped play apparatus 1. In the second embodiment, the partition wall 8 is hinged to the floor element 5, see figs. 2e and 2f. The partition wall 8 is held in raised position by means of a snap bracket, where the wall 8 is passed over a flexibly mounted projection 29 holding the wall in raised position. When the play apparatus is folded together, the projection is pushed in to let the wall be laid down in storage position. Furthermore, there is a hinged bench element 10 that is folded out in the front of the boat, see figs. 2f and 2h.

Fig. 3a-k shows a third embodiment of a boat shaped play apparatus. In the third embodiment, all the wall sections of the apparatus are either directly or indirectly hinged to the storage cabinet 3. In other words, the connecting means is a hinge arrangement permanently connecting the outermost side walls. The outer side walls of the apparatus are hinged in a closed circuit. The figures show how the side walls are pulled out from the storage cabinet, whereafter the floor element 5 and a partition wall 28 can be folded out from the cabinet. Fig. 3j-3k shows how the bow can be fixed by means of a hinged bench plate.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a play apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The third embodiment is shaped as a vehicle comprising a storage cabinet 3, hinged side walls 2, attachment means 4 and decorational elements 11 such as wheels, roof, lights, bumper etc. The bumper is preferably securely attached to a side wall, so that children can sit, stand or play on the bumper. The vehicle can also be provided with a roof 12, e.g. made by a fabric that can be attached to the upper parts of the apparatus. One or more bench elements 13 can be hinged to the inner side walls of the cabinet 3 or a side wall 2, and be folded up/down and locked with a locking means (not shown) in open active position. It is also envisageable to provide free bench elements that are slid onto slots or elongated parallel ribs and locked by locking means.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a play apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment of the play apparatus is shaped as an outdoor cafe. The fourth embodiments comprises a storage cabinet 3, side walls 2, an attachment means 4, a free partition wall 8, a roof 12 and decorational elements 11. In the cabinet 3, there is arranged a play stove and play sink or kitchen cabinet. In the present invention, the side walls 2 are connected to each other by means of the partition wall 8 which is slid down into connecting means 15 such as rails or slots on the side walls. The partition wall is provided with a door opening for entering and leaving the inside of the apparatus.

The side walls 2 and other wall or roof elements can be provided with openings that form windows, doors or openings for attaching other elements or passing through toys.

Fig. 6a-d shows an example of a bracket 14 suitable for use with the attachment means 4 on the play apparatus 1. The bracket 14 is provided with an attachment plate 17 that is attached to a fixed surface, such as a wall, pole or the like. A stem 18 protrudes from the attachment plate 17. A flexible blocking means 19 is arranged in the stem 18 in such a way that a number of stop elements 20 protrude through openings or slots 21 in the stem 18 when an attachment means 4 is entered onto the stem 18, see fig. 7. A release means 22 such as a button pushes the stop elements 20 into the stem, thereby releasing the attachment means and thereby also the enclosed play apparatus 1.

A number of brackets can be fixed to various places in e.g. a kindergarden. In this way, the play apparatus can be secured on several possible play spaces, e.g. in each division and storage room in a kindergarten, in different halls or rooms in a parish hall, hospital or the like. That way, the apparatus can be stored or used in a variety of places without compromising with safety. The bracket is easy to mount and easy to use.

It is possible to use other fastening arrangements for the play apparatus. However, it is an advantage to use a fastening arrangement where a first fastening element is fixed to the various relevant places for placement of the play apparatus and a second fastening element that is connectable to the first fastening element or elements is fixed to the play apparatus.

Fig. 7 shows the play apparatus 1 as a closed transportable and storable unit. The storage cabinet 3 can be provided with wheels (not shown) that facilitate moving the closed unit from one place to another. The wheels should be lockable, so that the apparatus does not move involuntary when the apparatus is stored or opened and mounted for playing. The play apparatus 1 can also be opened and mounted for playing when it is attached to a fixed surface by means of the attachment means 4 on the storage cabinet and a suitable locking arrangement on the fixed surface.

A play apparatus of the present application is particularly suitable for multiple use rooms and areas such as kindergartens, preschools, parish halls, etc. where the same room is used for e.g. playing, eating, working and resting, which requires different equipment, such as toys or play apparatuses for playing, chairs and tables for eating and working and a free floor for mattresses or beds for resting. It is often not conceivable to have a voluminous play apparatus in such a room, as there is both a limited free space and limited storage space. The play apparatus of the present application provides a solution to this problem.

In buildings such as parish halls, libraries and other communal spaces, there can be user groups of different age using the same room. With the present apparatus, the enclosed storage unit can be stored and secured in a limited space when the room is used by e.g. older or elderly user groups or for other tasks and in an easy way be unfolded and mounted when children can use the room for playing.

Claims

1. Foldable play apparatus (1 ) comprising a number of movable walls, characterised in that the play apparatus comprises a storage cabinet (3), a number of hinged side walls (2) and attachment means (4), the storage cabinet (3) having an opening (23) and an inner storage space, each of the number of side walls (2) being connected to one of the sides (24) of the opening (23), directly or through another hinged side wall (2), the free end sections of the outermost sidewalls (2) being provided with connection means (7, 15) suitable for connecting the outermost sidewalls (2) to each other, the attachment means (4) being connectable to a solid surface.

2. Foldable play apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised on that the free end sections of the outermost sidewalls (2) are hinged to each other, thereby forming a closed circle of hinged side walls.

3. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised on that at least one further element (5, 10, 13) is hinged to the inside of the storage cabinet (3) in such a way that it can be rotated between a storage position in the cabinet (3) and a play position when the apparatus (1) is folded out to play position.

4. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised on that the side walls (2) cover at least a part of the opening (23) of the cabinet (3) when the apparatus (1) is packed together for storage.

5. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised on that a number of free elements (8, 11, 12, 13) being connectable to the play apparatus structure.

6. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised on that the storage cabinet (3) comprises one or more stationary play equipments.

7. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterised on that the play equipment is chosen from a group comprising a kitchen cabinet, a play stove, a play sink, a cabinet or case.

8. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised on that the apparatus (1) form a closed transportable unit, when the walls and other elements of the apparatus are packed into or onto the storage cabinet (3).

9. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterised on that the closed transportable unit comprises lockable wheels.

10. Foldable play apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised on that the attachment means (4) is connectable to a fixed surface, to secure the play apparatus in a storage position.

11. Foldable play apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 wherein said side walls (2) function as the doors of the storage cabinet(3),