WO2018112440A1

WO2018112440A1 - Chair cover playset

Info

Publication number: WO2018112440A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/066872
Authority: WO
Inventors: Desiree Follett
Original assignee: Kangaroo Manufacturing, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2017-12-15
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Also published as: AU2017311609A1; US20180169538A1

Abstract

A chair cover playset including a chair cover for use with a household chair having a lower portion having a seat and legs and an upper portion having a chair back. Chair cover has a lower portion having a front panel, a top panel, and side panels that extend over the lower portion of the chair. Chair cover has an upper panel and a coextensive rear panel. Upper panel extends upwardly from the top panel, over the chair back, and then the rear panel extends downwardly behind the chair back. A plurality of ties secure the chair cover onto the chair by securing the upper panel to the rear panel. The playset may also include a partial chair cover having a full height panel that extends behind the chair and a half height panel extends in front of the chair back to the top of the seat.

Description

CHAIR COVER PLAYSET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Non-Provisional Patent

Application, serial number 15839273, filed in the United States Patent Office on December 12, 2017, which is a non provisional utility application of provisional patent application, serial number 82/435,663, filed in the United States Patent Office on December 18, 2016, the contents of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a playset. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a set of fabric covers that are configured to simulate ubiquitous kitchen items and appliances and are provided rigidity and stature by ordinary household chairs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Children love to pretend to do the same activities and tasks they observe their parents and caregivers performing. Accordingly, among the most popular toys and play items are child-sized items that mimic everyday household items used by adults.

[0004] The ubiquitous play kitchen has been one of the most popular playsets throughout the ages. Such kitchen playsets were often hand carved from wood more than a century ago, were later fabricated from folded sheet metal, and most recently are assembled from panels and components that are molded from plastic.

[00053 Once these playsets are manufactured, they require significant shelf space at retailers and incur substantial shipping costs during distribution. And once they are assembled by the end user, they occupy significant playroom floor space and are not easily moved from place to place - or even from room to room.

Accordingly, it is not possible for a child to bring them along on vacation or when visiting a relative. Furthermore, unlike other toys that may be simply put away when not in use, a typical kitchen playset nevertheless must remain Out', since few families have a convenient storage space that could accommodate such a bulky item.

[0006] While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure as disclosed hereafter.

[0007] In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned.

[0008] While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] An aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is to provide a playset that may be easily deployed for use and may be effectively stored when not in use. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a playset that is configured as one or more chair covers that may be quickly and easily positioned on any existing household chair just prior to use, and then removed, folded, and stored when not in use.

[0010] It is another aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure to provide a playset that employs chair covers that may be adapted to any existing household chair while providing a consistent play experience. Accordingly, the chair covers have an upper portion that extends over the chair back and employs groups of ties to adapt to chair backs having different heights, widths, and thicknesses. Rigid plates are employed in the upper portion and lower portion to maintain the stature of the playset, independent of the dimensions of the chair seat and chair back.

[0011] It is another aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure to provide a playset that realistically depicts kitchen items and appliances.

Accordingly, the chair covers include both aesthetic and operable attachments that simulate the appearance and actions of their real-life counterparts to provide a fun and engaging play experience for the child.

[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure describes a chair cover playset, including a chair cover for use with a household chair having a lower portion having a seat and legs and an upper portion having a chair back. The chair cover has a lower portion having a front panel, a top panel, and side panels that extend over the lower portion of the chair. The chair cover has an upper panel and a coextensive rear panel. The upper panel extends upwardly from the top panel, over the chair back, and then the rear panel extends downwardly behind the chair back. A plurality of ties secure the chair cover onto the chair by securing the upper panel to the rear panel. The playset may also include a partial chair cover having a full height panel that extends behind the chair and a half height panel that extends in front of the chair back to the top of the seat. [0013I According to some embodiments, there is provided a combination toy and chair cover, comprising a unitary or integrally attached piece of cloth material, preferably a durable material, having various items fixed e.g., sewn to it to provide a three dimensional look and feel, and at least one of the various items being operable to open and close, the material covering or substantially covering a chair, preferably an armless chair, and including rigid members which fit into slots and/or pouches formed in the material. The material may fold up into no more than a space of about seventeen inches long, twelve inches wide, and two inches thick, preferably including the rigid members. The toy and chair cover may represent a kitchen sink, a kitchen counter, a kitchen oven/stove and a kitchen refrigerator and/or other appliance. In some embodiments, a method of folding up and/or unfolding the combination toy and chair cover is provided. In some embodiments a method of fixing the combination toy and chair cover to a chair to cover the chair and create the toy is provided.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments, there is a children's toy that is in a form of a chair cover. Generally, the chair cover may be one elongated piece of fabric, with various three dimension items fixed to the fabric, and preferably there are also rigid members to provide a more realistic and useful structure for play.

[0015] In some embodiments, the combination chair cover/toy may be a kitchen sink, a kitchen counter, a kitchen oven/stove and a kitchen refrigerator and/or other appliance. The fabric may be foldable into a size preferably no larger than about seventeen inches long, twelve inches wide, and two inches thick, preferably including the rigid members. In some embodiments, a method of covering the chair, and/or a method of uncovering and/or folding up and optionally packaging the chair cover/toy is provided.

[0016] The present disclosure addresses at least one of the foregoing

disadvantages. However, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017I In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.

[0018] FIG 1 is diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of a chair cover in accordance with the present disclosure, shown in conjunction with a household chair.

[0019I FIG 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view, providing an alternate view of the chair cover of FIG 1 , about to be installed onto the chair.

[0020] FIG 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG 2, except wherein the lower portion of the chair is positioned within the lower portion of the chair cover.

[0021] FIG 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG 3, except wherein the upper portion of the chair cover is folded over the chair back and fastened thereon using the ties associated therewith.

[0022] FIG 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view, showing an embodiment of the chair cover and indicating positioning of rigid plates associated therewith.

[0023] FIG 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a kitchen sink embodiment of the chair cover.

[0024] FIG 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG 8, except showing a front door of the chair cover in an open position, revealing storage pockets on the front panel.

[0025] FIG 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating a countertop embodiment of the chair cover, having simulated drawer storage pockets.

[0026] FIG 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating an oven and stove embodiment of the chair cover. [0027] F!G 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG 9, except illustrating operation of door panels on front pane! and upper panel that simulate a stove door and microwave door.

[0028] FIG 1 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating a partial chair cover embodiment, simulating a refrigerator, prior to attaching to a household chair.

[0029I FIG 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating the partial cover embodiment attached to the chair,

[0030] FIG 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating operation of door panels on the rear pane! of the cover that simulate refrigerator and freezer doors and reveal storage pockets thereon

[0031] FIG 14 is a top plan view with parts broken away, illustrating one of the rigid plates contained within a panel pocket.

[0032] FIG 15 is a top plan view, illustrating a kitchen sink embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.

[0033] FIG 16 is a top plan view, illustrating a countertop embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.

[0034] FIG 17 is a top plan view, illustrating an oven and stove embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.

[0035I FIG 18 is a top plan view, illustrating a refrigerator embodiment of the partial chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.

[0036] The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example

embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example

embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037I FIG 1 and FIG 2 illustrate a chair cover 20, that forms a part of a chair cover playset, shown in conjunction with a household chair 100. The chair cover playset is configured to simulate real world items, structures, and appliances, such as those found in a conventional kitchen, using one or more chair covers 20. The chair covers 20 are deployed, positioned, and removably installed onto one or more chairs 100, to thereafter provide a fun, entertaining play experience for a child. Contextually, the chair 100 has a front 10OF and a rear 100R, which respectively define context for recitations herein of "in front of the chair" and "behind the chair". The chair 100 has sides 100S, and a lower portion 100L that includes a seat 102 and four legs 104 extending downwardly from the seat 102 and each have a leg bottom 104 B. The seat 102 has a front 102F at the front 10OF of the chair 100, a rear 102R at the rear 100R of the chair 100, and a pair of sides 102S. The seat 102 has a seat top 102T that spans substantially between the front 102F, rear 102R, and sides 102S. The seat top 102T is generally planar and horizontal, but may be somewhat convex, concave, and/or pitched toward the front 102F, rear 102R, or sides 102S. The legs 104 are generally located where each of the sides 102S of the seat 102 adjoins the front 102F or rear 102R. The chair 100 also has a chair back 106 that extends upwardly from the seat 102 near the seat rear 102R. The chair back 106 has a chair back top 106T, a chair back bottom 106B, and a chair back height defined between the chair back top 106T and chair back bottom 106B.

[0038] The chair cover 20 is made substantially of flexible fabric or textile, and includes a lower portion 20L, and an upper portion 20U. The lower portion 20L includes a front panel 32, a top panel 34, and a pair of side panels 36. The upper portion 20U includes an upper panel 40 and a rear panel 42. As illustrated, the upper panel 40 and rear panel 42 are substantially coextensive with each other and are generally coplanar prior to being attached to the chair 100, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0039] Referring now simultaneously to FIG 15, 16, and 17: the front panel 32 has a top edge 32T, a pair of side edges 32S, and a bottom edge 32B; the top panel 34 has a front edge 34F, a pair of side edges 34S, and a rear edge 34R; and the side panels 38 each have a top edge 36T, a front edge 38F, and a bottom edge 36B, In addition, the upper panel 40 has a bottom edge 40B and a top edge 40T; and the rear panel 42 has a top edge 42T and a bottom edge 42B, As seen in the flattened chair cover 20 as illustrated, the front edge 34F of the top panel 34 adjoins and is attached to the top edge 32T of the front panel 34. In addition, the side edges 34S of the top panel 34 adjoin and are attached to the top edges 36T of the side panels 36. Further, the rear edge 34R of the top panel 34 adjoins and is attached to the bottom edge 40B of the upper panel 40. Still further, the top edge 40T of the upper panel 40 adjoins and is attached to the top edge 42T of the rear pane! 42.

[0040] Referring again to FIG 1 and 2, the side panels 38 are joined to the front panel 32 by fastening each of the side edges 32S of the front panel 32 to the front edge 36F of one of the side panels 36. Once so fastened, the lower portion 20L of the chair cover 20 forms a rectangular prism that is closed on four sides and open at its bottom and rear. In particular, the top panel 34 is substantially orthogonal to the front pane! 32, and the side panels 38 are substantially orthogonal to both the front panel 32 and top panel 34 but are substantially parallel to each other. The bottom edges 38B of the side panels 36 are

substantially aligned with the bottom edge 32B of the front panel 32. In addition, the upper panel 40 extends orthogonal to the top panel 34, and substantially parallel to the front panel 32. Once in this configuration, with some modification as discussed hereinbelow, the chair cover 20 is generally a suitable configuration to attach onto the chair 100. In particular, referring to FIG 3, the lower portion 100L of the chair 100 extends within the lower portion 20L of the chair cover 20, with the sides panels 36 extending downwardly along the sides 100S of the chair 100; the front panel 32 extending in front of and downwardly from the front 102F of the seat 102; and the upper panel 40 extending upwardly from the chair back bottom 106B at the rear 102R of the seat 102, in front of the chair back 106. The bottom edges 32B, 38B of the front panel 32 and side panels 36 extend near the leg bottoms 104B. As illustrated in FIG 3, the rear panel 42 initially continues upwardly from the upper panel 40, but then as seen in FIG 4 is folded at the top edges 40T, 42T of the upper panel 40 and rear pane! 42 to reverse direction and extend over the chair back top 106T so that the rear panel 42 then extends behind the chair 100 and the bottom edge 42B of the rear panel 42 extends near the leg bottoms 104. The chair cover 20 is fastened to the seat by securing the upper panel 40 to the rear panel 42 as will be described in further detail hereinbelow.

[0041] Referring again to FIG 17, the upper panel 40 and rear panel 42 has side edges. Namely - the upper panel has a first edge 401 and a second edge 402, and the rear panel has a first edge 421 and a second edge 422. The first edges 401 , 421 are coextensive, as are the second edges 402, 422. The first edges 401 , 421 extending parallel to the second edges 402, 422 and together extend fully between the bottom edge 40B of the upper panel, past the top edges 40T, 42T of the upper panel 40 and rear panel 42, and to the bottom edge 42B of the rear panel. A plurality of ties 50 are attached along the first edges 401 , 421 and second edges 402, 422 and each extend perpendicular thereto. The ties are thin, flexible fabric strips that are attached to one of the edges 401 , 402, 421 , 422, and each have a free end 50A. In particular, a set of first upper ties 501 are attached to the first edge 401 of the upper panel 40; a set of second upper ties 502 are attached to the second edge 402 of the upper panel 40; a set of first rear ties 521 are attached to the first edge 421 of the rear panel 42; and a set of second rear ties 522 are attached to the second edge 422 of the rear panel 42. In the embodiment illustrated, each set 501 , 502, 521 , 522 has three ties 50. Securing the upper panel 40 to the rear panel 42 involves fastening the first upper ties 501 to the first rear ties 521 and fastening the second upper ties 502 to the second rear ties 522. Accordingly, the ties 50 in each set 501 , 502, 521 , 522 are spaced to align with each other when the chair cover 20 is deployed in the manner previously described and shown in FIG 3 and FIG 4.

[0042] Referring to FIG 5, a kitchen sink embodiment of the chair cover 20 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a door panel 70 is attached to the front panel 32. As illustrated, the playset further includes rigid plates 60 that stiffen the flexible fabric of the chair cover 20 and help it maintain its position and stature, and provide a consistent play experience when used on chairs having different sizes and proportions. In particular, a rigid seat plate 61 is positioned beneath the top panel 34; a rigid upper plate 62 is positioned behind the upper panel 40; and a door plate 63 is positioned within the door panel 70. Referring to FIG 2, the upper pane! 40 has a front surface 40F and a rear surface 40R. A pane! pocket 84 is attached to the rear surface 40R of the upper pane! 40. The pane! pocket 64 may have a flap 85 for selectively allowing access to the pane! pocket 64, Referring to F!G 14, the pane! pocket 84 is a substantially rectangular fabric pane! attached to the rear surface 40R of the upper panel 40 and is sized to contain the

substantially rectangular rigid upper p!ate 62 and maintain it in position between the rear surface 40R of the upper panel 40 and the pane! pocket 84. The rigid upper plate 62 is made of a rigid materia! such as corrugated plastic, foam, or the like. With the rigid upper plate 62 inserted into the pane! pocket 64, now referring to FIG 3, the pane! pocket 64 positions the (now hidden) rigid upper plate 62 between the upper pane! 40 and the chair back 106, where it helps maintain the position and stature of the otherwise flexible chair cover 20. Referring again to F!G 2, the rigid seat plate 61 is positioned beneath the top pane! 34, and as the top pane! 34 is positioned over the seat 102, the rigid seat plate 61 is thereby positioned between the top pane! 34 and the seat top 102T. The rigid seat plate 61 may be located within another pane! pocket, 64A, similar to the pane! pocket 64 on the upper panel 40, or may simply be freely placed on the seat top 102T as the chair cover 20 is installed.

[0043] FIG 5, 6, and 7 illustrate the chair cover 20 in a kitchen sink embodiment. In particular, a simulated sink 201 is provided on the top panel 34, a simulated window 202 is provided on the upper pane! 40, and the door pane! 70 is depicted as a cabinet door 203. The door panel 70 is substantially rectangular in shape having a hinged end 70A and an opposite free end 70B. The hinged end 70A is secured to the front surface 32F of the front pane! 32, the free end 70B has a fastening mechanism 72 that selectively mates with a mating fastener 74 on the front panel 32 to maintain a closed position wherein the door pane! 70

substantially parallel to the front panel 32. Note that the fastening mechanism 72 and mating fastener 74 are preferably magnets and magnetically attractive elements, and may alternatively be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or other suitable fasteners. A door pocket 76 may be attached to the door pane! 70 to allow the door plate 63 to extend between the door panel 70 and door pocket 76. The door plate 63 may have a picture frame shape, to provide the desired rigidity for the door panel 70, and also allow the door panel 70 to have a transparent window 71 (see FIG 9) for allowing objects behind the door panel 70 to be viewed through the door panel 70. As illustrated in FIG 7, a pair of storage pockets 210 are located behind the door panel 70. The storage pockets 210 as attached to the front panel 32 on three sides, and have an open top edge 210T for accepting thin objects and allowing them to be stored between the storage pocket 210 and the front panel 32.

[0044] FIG 8 illustrates the chair cover 20 in a countertop embodiment. In particular, storage pockets 210 are provided on the front panel 32 as simulated storage drawers 212, complete with handle pulls 214. In addition, simulated appliances 216 are provided on the upper pane! 40. The simulated appliances have a a top slot 216A adapted for allowing a thin play item 218 to be placed downwardly between the simulated appliance 216 and the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40. Some of the simulated appliances 216 may have a transparent appliance window 217 adapted for viewing one of the play items 218 when placed between the simulated appliance 216 and the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40.

[00453 Also illustrated in FIG 8 are several shelves 220 attached to the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40. Each shelf 220 has a main portion 221 having a pair of ends 221 E, and a pair of side brackets 222. The side brackets 222 are made of flexible fabric and attach the main portion 221 to the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40. The main portion 221 has an internal pocket for holding a rigid shelf plate 66 and a rear slot 224 that provides access to the internal pocket. The rear slot 224 ordinarily rests against the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40 when the main portion 221 extends perpendicular to the front surface 40F. The main portion 221 of the shelf 220 may be folded upwardly against the front surface 40F by folding the flexible side brackets 222, exposing the slot 224. In particular, when the shelf 220 is folded upwardly, the slot extends 224 downwardly and allows the rigid shelf plate 66 to be inserted into the shelf pocket therein.

[0046] FIG 9 an FIG 10 illustrate the chair cover 20 in an oven and stove embodiment. In particular, simulated burners 230 are provided on the top panel 34, and simulated control knobs 232 are provided on the front panel 32. The door panel 70 attached to the front panel 32 is a simulated oven door 234, and a simulated microwave door 236 is hingedly attached to the front surface 40F of the upper panel 40.

[00473 FIG 1 1 , 12, 13, and 18 illustrate a partial chair cover 80 that may be included as part of the chair cover playset. The partial chair cover 80 includes a full height panel 82 and a half height panel 84. The full height panel 82 has side edges 82S, and the half height panel 84 has side edges 84S which are

coextensive with the side edges 82S of the full panel 82. The full height panel 82 has a bottom edge 82B, and the half height panel 84 has a bottom edge that is fully opposite from the bottom edge 82B of the full height panel 82. The full height panel 82 has a top edge 82T, and the half height panel 84 has a top edge 84T that adjoins and is attached to the top edge 82T of the full height panel 82. When provided as part of the chair cover playset, wherein one of the chairs 100 is covered by one of the chair covers (e.g. FIG 4), the partial chair cover 80 attaches onto another one of the chairs (or an "additional chair") wherein the full height panel 82 extends behind the chair 100 with the top edges 82T, 84T of the full height panel 82 and the half height panel 84 at the chair back top 106T and the half height panel 84 extends in front of the chair back 108 to substantially the seat top 102T but the partial chair cover does not cover the seat 102, sides 100S or front 100F of said chair. The full height panel 82 has a set of first full height panel ties 821 and a set of second full height panel ties 822; and the half height panel 84 has a set of first half height panel ties 841 and a set of second half height panel ties 842. The full height panel 82 and half height panel 84 are fastened together by securing the first full height panel ties 821 to the first half height panel ties 841 and by securing the second full height panel ties 822 to the second half height panel ties 842.

[0048] The partial chair cover 80 shown in FIG 1 1 , 12, 13, ad 18 depicts a refrigerator embodiment, having several door panels 70 provided as simulated refrigerator doors 250 hingedly attached to the full height panel 82. The doors pivot open, and are seiectivey held in the closed position by fastener mechanism 72 and mating fasteners 74. When the door panels 70 are open they reveal storage pockets 200 attached to the full height panel 82. In addition, a simulated ice maker 240 is attached to and protrudes outwardly from the full height panel 82.

[0049] In accordance with some embodiments, there is a children's toy that is in a form of a chair cover. Generally, the chair cover may be one elongated piece of fabric, with various three dimension items fixed to the fabric, and preferably there may also be rigid members to provide a more realistic and useful structure for play. Some examples views of exemplary combination chair covers for kitchen items/appliances may be as shown in some of the accompanying figures. In some embodiments, these exemplary versions may be a kitchen sink, a kitchen counter, a kitchen oven/stove and a kitchen refrigerator. Each item may be made primarily of a large piece of fabric ("primary fabric"), cut as shown in some of the

accompany figures showing unfolded schematic/plan views of each appliance according to some embodiments. The primary fabric is preferably durable, such as canvas. Other fabrics such as denim, drapery fabric and/or upholstery fabric and/or other heavy cotton or synthetic fabrics may also be used. For various pockets, pouches and mounting pieces, mentioned in the instructions, may be plastic and/or Velcro® and/or fabric and/or a combination sewn to the primary fabric. The various ties mentioned below may be, e.g., nylon or other suitable fabric sewn to the primary fabric. Wherever "sewn" is mentioned herein, other mechanism of affixation may be used. In addition, wherever plastic or fabric pockets or sleeves or the like are mentioned herein, such pockets or sleeves may be any suitable material, and/or may be located in other positions. Also, while magnets are referred to herein for closure mechanisms and are preferred for such mechanisms, placement of the magnets and/or number of the magnets may vary to achieve the same functions. In addition, other closure mechanisms, although less preferred, may be used. The fabric may be foldable into a size preferably no larger than about seventeen inches long, twelve inches wide, and two inches thick, preferably including the rigid members. Where rigid members are larger, when deployed, then the seventeen by twelve length and width, they are preferably formed so as to be foldable and unfoldable. Wherever rigid foam support pieces or the like are mentioned herein, such pieces may be foam core, cardboard and/or other materials providing the desired rigidity. Because foam core is so light, and provides some depth, it is preferred in some embodiments. A method of covering the chair, and/or a method of uncovering and/or folding up and optionally packaging the chair cover/toy may be provided. Folding and unfolding is provided as well as assembly instructions. [0050] !t is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0051] Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

[0052] It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, "first," "second," "third," are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first element,"

"component," "region," "layer or "section" discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

[0053] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper" and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0054] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodimenis described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

[0055] In conclusion, herein is presented a chair cover playset. The disclosure is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written

description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A chair cover p!ayset, for use with a household chair having a front, a rear, a seat, four legs extending downwardly from the seat, and a chair back extending upwardly from the seat at the rear of the chair, comprising:

a chair cover made of a flexible fabric material, adapted for extending over the chair, having:

a front panel having a top edge and a front surface, adapted for extending in front of the chair,

a top panel, the top panel having a front edge, a pair of side edges, and a rear edge, the front edge of the top panel adjoining the top edge of the front panel, the top panel extending orthongonally to the front panel and adapted for extending above and substantially parallel to the seat of the chair,

a pair of side panels, each side panel having a front edge and a top edge, the front edges of each side panel adjoining and attached to one of the side edges of the front panel and the top edge of each side panel adjoining and attached to one of the side edges of the top panel,

an upper pane! having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge adjoining the rear edge of the top panel, the upper pane! having a front surface, a rear surface, and a pane! pocket attached to the rear surface,

a rear pane! having a top edge adjoining the top edge of the upper pane! and adapated inverting the rear panel to extend downwardy from the top edge behind the upper panel and behind the chair; a rigid upper plate extending in the panel pocket for stiffening the uppe

ie!; a rigid seat plate extending under the top panel and adapted for extending between the top panel and the seat of the chair;

2. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 1 , wherein the upper pane! has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and second edge extending parallel to each other and between the top edge and bottom edge of the upper panel; wherein the rear panel has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and second edge extending parallel to each other and between the top edge and bottom edge of the rear panel; the chair cover further comprising a plurality of first upper ties on the first edge of the upper panel, a plurality of second upper ties on the second edge of the upper panel, a plurality of first rear ties on the first edge of the rear panel, a plurality of second rear ties on the second edge of the rear panel; and wherein the first upper ties are adapted to secure to the first rear ties and the second upper ties are adapated to secure to the second rear ties to secure the chair cover to the chair with the chair back extending between the upper panel and rear panel.

3. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 2, further comprising at least one door panel, the door panel substantially rectangular in shape having a hinged end and an opposite free end, the hinged end secured to the front surface of the front panel, the free end having a fastening mechanism that selectively mates with the front panel to maintain a closed position with the door panel substantially parallel to the front panel.

4. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 3, wherein the door pane! has a door pocket and further comprises a rigid door plate located within the door pocket for stiffening the door panel.

5. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 4, wherein the rigid door plate has a picture frame shape and wherein the door panel has a transparent door window.

6. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 5, further comprising a storage pocket attached to the front surface of the front panel.

7. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 6, further comprising a simulated appliance attached to the front surface of the upper panel, the simulated appliance having a top slot adapted for allowing a play item to be placed downwardly between the simulated appliance and the front surface of the upper panel,

8. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 7, wherein the simulated appliance has a transparent appliance window adapted for viewing a play item placed between the simulated appliance and the front surface of the upper panel.

9. The chair cover p!ayset as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one shelf attached to the front surface of the upper panel, said at least one shelf having a rigid shelf plate, a main portion having a pair of ends, and a pair of side brackets, the side brackets are made of flexible fabric and attach the main portion to the front surface of the upper panel, the main portion having an internal pocket and a rear slot that ordinarily rests against the front surface of the upper panel when the main portion extends perpendicular to the front surface but when the main portion is folded upwardly against the front surface by folding the side brackets, the slot extends downwardly and allows the rigid shelf plate to be inserted into the shelf pocket.

10. A chair cover playset, for use with a set of household chairs, each chair having a front, a rear, sides, a seat having a seat top, four legs extending downwardly from the seat, and a chair back extending upwardly from the seat at the rear of the chair having a chair back top, comprising:

a chair cover made of a flexible fabric material, adapted for extending over one of the chairs, having:

a front panel having a top edge and a front surface, adapted for extending in front of said chair,

a top panel, the top panel having a front edge, a pair of side edges, and a rear edge, the front edge of the top panel adjoining the top edge of the front panel, the top panel extending orthongonally to the front panel and adapted for extending above and substantially parallel to the seat of said chair, a pair of side panels, each side panel having a front edge and a top edge, the front edges of each side panel adjoining and attached to one of the side edges of the front panel and the top edge of each side panel adjoining and attached to one of the side edges of the top panel,

an upper panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge adjoining the rear edge of the top panel, the upper panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a panel pocket attached to the rear surface,

a rear panel having a top edge adjoining the top edge of the upper panel and adapated inverting the rear panel to extend downwardy from the top edge behind the upper panel and behind said chair; a rigid upper plate extending in the panel pocket for stiffening the upper panel;

and

a rigid seat plate extending under the top panel and adapted for extending between the top panel and the seat of said chair; and

a partial chair cover, made of a flexible fabric material and having a full height panel and a half height panel, the full height panel and half height panel each having a bottom edge, a top edge, and side edges, the top edge of the full height panel adjoining and attached to the top edge of the half height panel, the partial chair cover having at least one door panel hingedly atttachd to the full height panel, the partial chair cover adapted for attaching onto another of the chairs wherein the full height panel extends behind the chair with the top edges of the full height panel and the half height panel at the chair back top and the half height panel extends in front of the chair back to substantially the seat top but the partial chair cover does not cover the seat, sides or front of said chair.

1 1 . The chair cover playset as recited in claim 10, wherein the upper panel has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and second edge extending parallel to each other and between the top edge and bottom edge of the upper panel; wherein the rear panel has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and second edge extending parallel to each other and between the top edge and bottom edge of the rear panel; the chair cover further comprising a plurality of first upper ties on the first edge of the upper panel, a plurality of second upper ties on the second edge of the upper panel, a plurality of first rear ties on the first edge of the rear panel, a plurality of second rear ties on the second edge of the rear panel wherein the side edges of the half height panel and full height panel are

coextensive with each other; wherein the partial chair cover further comprises a plurality of first half height panel ties along one of the side edges of the half height panel and a plurality of second half height panel ties along the other of the side edges of the half height panel, and a plurality of first full height panel ties along one of the side edges of the full height panel and a plurality of second full height panel ties along the other of the side edges of the full height panel; wherein the first upper ties are adapted to secure to the first rear ties and the second upper ties are adapated to secure to the second rear ties to secure the chair cover to its associated chair with the chair back extending between the upper panel and rear panel; and wherein the first half height panel ties are adapted to secure to the first full height panel ties and the second half height panel ties are adapted to secure to the second full height panel ties to secure the partial chair cover to its associated chair with the chair back extending between the half height panel and full height panel.

12. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 1 1 , further comprising at least one door panel associated with the chair cover, said door panel substantially rectangular in shape having a hinged end and an opposite free end, the hinged end secured to the front surface of the front panel, the free end having a fastening mechanism that selectively mates with the front panel to maintain a closed position with the door panel substantially parallel to the front panel; and further comprising at least one door panel associated with the partial chair cover, said door panel hingedly attachd to the full height panel of said partial chair cover, door panel substantially rectangular in shape having a hinged end and an opposite free end, the hinged end secured to the full height panel, the free end having a fastening mechanism that selectively mates with the full height panel to maintain a closed position with the door panel substantially parallel to the full height panel.

13. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 12, wherein the door panel of the chair cover has a door pocket and further comprises a rigid door plate located within the door pocket for stiffening the door panel, wherein the rigid door plate has a picture frame shape, and wherein said door panel has a transparent door window.

14. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 13, further comprising a storage pocket attached to the front surface of the front panel.

15. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 14, further comprising a simulated appliance attached to the front surface of the upper panel, the simulated appliance having a top slot adapted for allowing a play item to be placed downwardly between the simulated appliance and the front surface of the upper panel, wherein the simulated appliance has a transparent appliance window adapted for viewing a play item placed between the simulated appliance and the front surface of the upper panel.

16. A chair cover playset method, for use with at least one chair having a front, a rear, sides, a seat having a seat top, four legs extending downwardly from the seat, and a chair back extending upwardly from the seat at the rear of the chair having a chair back top and a chair back bottom, using a rigid upper plate, a rigid seat plate, and a chair cover having a lower portion having a top panel having a rear edge, a front panel extending orthogonally to the top panel, a pair of side panels extending parallel to each other and orthogonal to the top panel and front panel, and an upper panel having sides, a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge attached to the rear edge of the top panel, the top panel extending upwardly from the rear edge of the top panel, and a rear panel having sides and extending from the top edge of the upper panel, comprising the steps of:

covering the lower portion of the chair by extending the lower portion of the chair into the lower portion of the chair cover with the top panel extending over the seat, the side panels extending along the sides of the chair and the front panel extending in front of the panel until the rear edge of the top panel substantially reaches the chair back bottom, and stiffening the top panel by extending a rigid seat plate between the top pane! and the seat; covering the top portion of the chair by extending the upper panel upwardly in front of the chair back with the upper panel top edge at the chair back top, stiffening the upper panel by extending the rigid upper plate between the upper panel and the chair back, and extending the rear panel downwardly behind the chair from the chair back top; and securing the chair cover to the chair by securing the upper pane! to the rear panel along the sides of the rear panel and sides of the upper panel;

17. The chair cover p!ayset method as recited in claim 16, for use with at least one additional chair having the same structural elements of the previously recited chair, and using a partial chair cover having a full height pane! and a half height panel, and further comprising the step of: covering the additional chair with the partial chair cover by extending the full height panel behind the additional chair and extending the half height panel in front of the seat back to the seat top without covering the seat or sides of the additional chair with the partial seat cover.

18. The chair cover playset method as recited in claim 17, wherein the upper pane! has a front surface, a rear surface, and a panel pocket attached to the rear surface; wherein the step of extending the upper panel upwardly in front of the chair back further comprises extending the upper panel upwardly in front of the chair back with the front surface facing away from the chair back and the panel pocket extending against the chair back; and wherein the step of extending the rigid upper plate between the upper panel and the chair back further comprises inserting the rigid upper plate into the panel pocket.

19. The chair cover playset as recited in claim 18, wherein the chair cover has ties located along the upper panel and rear panel, and wherein the step of securing the upper pane! to the rear panel further comprises securing the ties on the upper panel to the ties on the rear panel.

20. The chair cover p!ayset as recited in claim 19, wherein the front panel of the chair cover has a front surface; the chair cover further comprising a door pane! substantially rectangular in shape having a hinged end and an opposite free end, the hinged end secured to the front surface of the front panel, the free end having a fastening mechanism; and further comprising the steps of opening the door by releasing the fastening mechanism and pivoting the door pane! from the hinged end, and closing the door by extending the door pane! substantially parallel to the front surface of the front panel and mating the fastening mechanism.