US20110014843A1

US20110014843A1 - Portable Play Activity Apparatus with Toy Storage & Toy Transportation Capabilities

Info

Publication number: US20110014843A1
Application number: US12/503,812
Authority: US
Inventors: Kalyn Renee Russell; Donald Stanley Russell, JR.; Jackson Deward Bishop, III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-15
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2011-01-20

Abstract

A toy storage and transportation apparatus includes a mat and a container that merges integrally into the mat. The container defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second closed end. The mat extends outwardly from the container to form a recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat flexibly rolls around and conforms to the shape of the container. The mat can further comprise a floor portion and at least two flap portions, with flap portions defining a crease with the floor portion. Each flap portion has an attachment fixed to the flap portion opposite from the crease. When folded along the creases and attached to each other with the attachment, the floor portion and flap portions define a tent structure. The flap portions can be formed with a sleeve, and support members are inserted into respective sleeves to form the tent structure.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/081,039, filed Jul. 16, 2008 by Kalyn Renee Russell et al. for an invention entitled “Portable Play Activity Apparatus with Toy Storage and Toy Transportation Capabilities”, and hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of child activity apparatus. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that provides a user with a roll up, portable play activity mat and also with a vessel in which to store and transport toys and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices that are used for toys and/or toy storage have a fixed structure and are very cumbersome and inconvenient to set up for the play activity. After the playful activity is complete, the size toy/toy storage devices are not adapted for easy and convenient transport. Accordingly, a principal objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices. Several advantages and objects of the present invention are as described below.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that will allow a user to storage and transport a variety of articles such as toys and the like in a safe and secure manner. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that is portable and can be embodied with an adjustable shoulder strap. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that allows a play area mat to be rolled up and stored around the exterior of the tube shaped storage container.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be printed on for the presentation and display of a variety of graphic scenes and images. Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities which can be used to store and transport a wide variety of articles in a safe and secure manner including toys, books, clothing, food and beverage items, diapers or pull ups, personal care items including tooth brushes, combs, hair brushes, towels, blankets, and other articles.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be embodied with a pillow device for use as a head support device. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be embodied with a tent structure for temporarily covering a user. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be attached to a number of other like apparatus for the creation of larger play or activity areas.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that can be attached to a number of other like apparatus for the creation of larger tent structures. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities to which can be applied a variety of appliqués such as tires, carriage wheels, car front ends, carriage front ends, castle walls, seating or stands such as those used for race tracks, sports stadiums, etc.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable tool and car repair mat that can be attached to a rolling car repair dolly and also hold a variety of tools for easy access during car repair. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that may be offered in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to suit a wide variety of applications and user preferences. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that comprise infant mobile devices that contain hanging items such as toys, animals, etc which can be assembled and placed over the play mat area to entertain an infant or child.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains audio or musical capabilities such as radio, CD, etc. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains alarm clock capabilities. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains built in lighting capabilities. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that contains darkening screens for reducing light bleed when used for sleeping purposes.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities which is more versatile and compact than prior art devices. It is intended that any other advantages and objectives of the present invention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable play activity apparatus for toy storage and transportation in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention can include a mat and a container that merges into the mat so that the container and mat to form an integral combination. The container defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second closed end. When in an operational configuration, the mat extends outwardly from the container to form a recreation area. When in a storage configuration, the mat has sufficient flexibility, to allow for it to be rolled around the container and conform to the shape of the container when the apparatus is in a storage/transport configuration.
According to several embodiments of the present invention, the mat can further comprise a floor portion and at least two flap portions, with of the flap portions defining a crease with said floor portion. Each flap portion has an attaching means fixed to the flap portion opposite from the crease. When folded along the creases and attached to each other with the attachment means, the floor portion and flap portions cooperate to define a tent structure. The flap portions can be formed with a sleeve, and respective support members, each said support members being inserted into a respective said sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similarly-referenced characters refer to similarly referenced parts, and in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatus according to several embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1, which illustrates the play mat in an unrolled and ready to use state;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable play activity apparatus FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1, which shows the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, the main storage compartment, the secondary optional tent storage compartment, and further showing the optional flap portions of the mat in an assembled and upright position;

FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4, but with objects disposed in the main storage compartment, and with the container having a front access opening and hinged panels, according to several alternative embodiments of the present invention, which are shown in the open position;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a portable play activity apparatus illustrating the tented embodiment with the tent in the assembled state having a rectangular flap opening, with the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat border pieces in the assembled and upright position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a portable play activity apparatus illustrating the tented embodiment with the tent in the assembled state with the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat floor portion and flap portions in the assembled and upright position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of two portable play activity apparatus, which illustrates the tented embodiments with the tents in the assembled state with the play mats in the unrolled and ready to use state; further showing the optional flap portions in the assembled and upright position with both assemblies disposed end to end to allow passage from one apparatus to the other;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of a portable play activity apparatus illustrating another tented embodiment supported by flexible rods, with the tent in the assembled state having a rectangular flap opening, with the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, further showing the optional vertical mat border pieces in the assembled and upright position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1, but further showing the optional vertical mat border pieces in the flat non assembled position with the Velcro connection tabs not attached;

FIG. 11 is the same view as FIG. 10, but with the mat floor portion and flap portions in the upright assembled position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1, according to several embodiments of the present invention, which illustrates an optional recessed pillow storage compartment with attached pillow and an attached sleeping bag in the laid out ready to use state;

FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of a portable play activity apparatus illustrating the play mat in the unrolled and ready to use state, and further showing multiple optional front disposed, hinged access doors in the closed position, as well as a side disposed access that is capped;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the apparatus in a partially rolled up state;

FIG. 16 is the same view of FIG. 14, but with the mat fully wrapped around the container in a fastened state;

FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a carrying shoulder strap attached to each end of the container;

FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 16, but with a handle fastened to the back side of the mat;

FIG. 19 is an end view of a portable play activity apparatus of FIG. 1, which shows the play mat in the rolled up, ready to store or transport state; and

FIG. 20 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a portable play activity apparatus illustrating the play mat in the unrolled ready to use state, wheel appliqués attached to the main tube body ends, and further showing an enlarged detail illustrating the wheel center as a threaded, removable end cap removed from the main tube body with objects inserted inside the tube body end opening.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and useful portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities, which is simpler in construction, more universally usable and more versatile in operation than known device of this kind.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that provides a user with a roll up, portable play activity mat and also with a vessel in which to store and transport toys and the like. It is also a purpose of the present invention to provide a new portable play activity apparatus with toy storage and toy transportation capabilities that has many novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that result in a new portable play activity apparatus which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus.
The present invention, disclosed herein in several embodiments, can provide portable toy storage and play area that can quickly be unrolled and placed into a position on the ground where a child can comfortably play in a designated region. The device will allow a user to transport a wide variety of items, and can be used by children of a wide age group for a variety of purposes which are disclosed herein as preferred and alternate embodiments including but not limited in use to, a portable toy storage and play mat area, a portable overnight tube for storing personal items, pillow, clothing, as well as a wrap around sleeping mat and optional tent for sleepovers and or camping environments, a portable modular, tented play area that can be connected to one or more similar modular play areas to create a single larger play area, a portable napping or sleeping mat with optional tent screen or darkening panels to reduce light bleed for day care or travel environments, as well as other applications not referred to herein which are obvious to the use and function of the invention and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure contained herein.
Referring now to the Figures, apparatus 10 generally comprises a main storage container 12, a play area mat 14 that merges integrally into container 12 and an adjustable shoulder strap 16 (FIG. 17) and optional themed appliqués 18. The main storage container 12 in the preferred embodiment can have a cylindrical tube shaped body having first and second substantially planar, round ends 20, 22 and a substantially hollow interior wherein articles 24 such as toys and the like may be inserted for storage and or transport (See FIGS. 5 and 20). As described more fully below, the interior of container 12 can be accessed, and can function so that a multitude of articles 24 can be inserted for storage and or transport, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20. These articles 24 can include but not limited in use to, toys, books, clothing, food and beverage items, diapers, pull ups, personal care items including tooth brushes, combs, hair brushes, towels, blankets, as well as other articles not referred to herein.
The adjustable shoulder strap 16 is intended to removably attach to each end 20, 22 of the tube by means of clip fasteners (not shown) or similar quick release fasteners that will allow a user to quickly detach and re-attach the shoulder strap to the end of container 12 for easy transport. In lieu of (or in addition to) strap 16, a handle 26 can be attached to container 12 for transport of the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 18.
It is to be understood that the present invention may embody one or two openings disposed at the tube ends 20, 22, and may be closed by a variety of methods including but not limited in use to, hinged flaps, compression caps, screw caps, snap caps, and other methods not referred to herein of closing the tube end openings which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure contained herein. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 19-20, tube enclosure cap(s) 28 or similar devices can be securely held in position at the ends of the container by a variety of means such as threaded connection whereby the cap(s) comprise threaded grooves at the exterior surface of the cap body, which integrate with and engage threaded grooves at the interior of the main storage container body and whereby a user must rotate the end cap(s) in a repeated manner to disengage the cap from the storage container body and thereby allow access therein to open container 12.
The end caps may further be secured in position by one or a multitude of pins and slotted grooves (not shown) whereby the pins are embodied in the main storage container body disposed towards the corresponding end of the container body and protrude inward in a perpendicular manner from the curved exterior surface of the storage container body, and whereby the first and second end caps comprise a corresponding number of slots which receive each pin, and when the cap is rotated or twisted in a turning motion, the slots will ride along the pins and act to pull the caps in a direction which is towards the end of the storage container at which point the slots will allow for the pins to be locked into a secure position along the path of the slot and thereby secure the caps into position until the process is reversed. The end caps can also be presented as end inserts that are inserted or threaded into the ends of the tubes and whereby the overall diameter of the opening and corresponding plug end is smaller than the diameter of the main storage container body.
The play activity mat is generally rectangular in shape and can have a flat profile which is similar to a foam pad with a thickness of approximately one half inch (0.5″) and can further be intended to attach to the main storage container body along one edge by means of Velcro straps, snaps, zippers, buttons, ties, clips, or other fastener not referred to herein which will perform the same function and is therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure contained herein. Or, the mat and container can be manufactured as an integral unit so that the entire mat/container combination is integral to each using the processes cited above. The mat material may be offered in a variety of embodiments including but not limited in use to, a piece of foam or foam rubber covered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam wrapped in fabric, rubber, fabric filled with feathers, down filling, or similar material which will act as a cushioning barrier between the child and the floor surface. When the mat is not in use, it is intended that the mat be wrapped around the exterior surface of the main storage container, and secured thereon by means of Velcro straps 32, as shown in FIGS. 16-18. Snaps, zippers, buttons, ties, clips, or other fastener not referred to herein which will perform the same function could also be used, and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure contained herein.
As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10-11, the mat 14 may further include floor portion 40 with folded flap portions 42 that can be folded in a manner which is perpendicular to the main mat body and then attached at each end to the adjacent panel end by fastening means 44 such as Velcro, snaps, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, as well as other methods of attaching the end panels not referred to herein which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. Once the side and end panels are in the folded upright, the panels define a crease 41, and the flap portions 42 and floor portion 40 of the mat cooperate to create a play enclosure 45, wherein a child can safely play in a secure semi-confined environment, as shown in FIG. 11. When the end and side panels are in the flat unfolded position, they will act to extend the play mat area. It is to be understood that the play mat material is intended to be printed thereon with graphics, images, logos, photographs, alpha and or numeric characters etc.
As shown in FIG. 9, the present invention in several alternate embodiments can comprise one or more tent panels 36. The tent panels include an access opening 37 and can be erected by means of rigid or semi flexible poles 38 similar to those used in common camping tent enclosures, which insert into sleeves or pockets (not shown), which are sewn into the tent panels and or the connector pocket tabs attached to the play mat, and which thereby act to keep the tent panels in an upright and stable position. In these embodiments, the container may include a partition disposed within the interior of the tube to establish an additional storage compartment 34 within the main container 12, for the storage of tent panels 36 and poles 38 when not in use. The tent storage compartment can be seen in FIG. 4. These embodiments may further comprise an additional access opening which is separate from the main tube access openings. Once again, the methods of closing or securing the access openings may be accomplished in a variety of ways referred to above in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Still other alternate embodiments may contain the tent as described in the above alternate embodiment as well as openings 37 in the tent panels and connector pieces to allow for a second tent panel 36 can be attached to the first tent panel 36 to thereby create a single larger tented play area structure, which allows for one or more users to travel freely between the attached individual tented play areas. An example of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In this manner the tented play areas can be connected together in an end to end manner or a side by side manner that allows for any number of tented play areas to be connected together.
The present invention in several alternate embodiments can further comprise a mat 14 with increase thickens to establish a sleeping mat. These embodiments can option include a sleeping bag 46 which the user can unroll along with mat 14 and then sleep therein. The sleeping bag can be selectively attached to mat 14, according to the user's needs. The main tube compartment may further contain a built in pillow recess region at the exterior of the container wherein a pillow 48 can be selectively attached, or inserted for use when the sleeping bag is unrolled and then remove prior to rolling mat 14 around container 12 for storage. In these embodiments the sleeping 46 and pillow 48 can be selectively attached via Velcro strips, etc., and the container 12 can be used to store any variety of items associated with overnight sleeping activities such as sleep wear, person care items, etc.
Still another alternate embodiment of the invention may be incorporated into a rolling car repair dolly wherein the main container is intended to store and transport articles 24 that are tools, and the mat material is intended to serve as a back pad which the user lays on during use. This embodiment may offer the main container in a variety of open faced embodiments to allow for quick easy access to tools contained therein and which may also contains a hinged front face plate that can be closed and secured in position when not in use.
This embodiment may further comprise a variety of articles 24 that are accessories used in mechanical repair including but not limited in use to, lights, reflectors, compressor connections or equipment, on board diagnostics equipment, as well as other items not referred to herein which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 20, other alternate embodiments of the invention can comprise appliqués 18 that can be attached to the exterior surfaces of the main storage container to personalize or theme the play area. These appliqués 18 can include but not limited in use to, racing car features such as tires, numbers, car doors, car front ends, steering wheels, carriage wheels, carriage front and or back ends, castle components such as doors, walls, bridges, moats, etc., flowers, fairies, princess associated items, as well as other themed items not referred to herein which can be incorporated into the invention disclosed herein to further enhance or embellish the appearance, use, and or function of the invention.
Still other alternate embodiments of the invention can comprise infant mobile devices (not shown) that contain hanging items such as toys, animals, etc., which attach to a flexible pole or tube which can be inserted into pole pockets attached to the corners or sides of the main mat or play pad, and which will act to support the hanging mobile devices and thereby entertain an infant or child. As in the tent embodiment disclosed above, the various components of the mobile can be stored in the main tube container in the main compartment or a secondary compartment specific to the components. This embodiment may also be used with existing infant and child entertainment products (not shown) that can simply be placed on top of the mat or play pad and thereby act to entertain the infant or child.
Still other embodiments can be used for physical work out or gym related activities wherein the mat provides a suitable surface on which a user can stretch and or yoga, exercise, etc. and wherein the container will serve as a vessel to hold related articles such as gym supplies, water, towel, wallet, keys, etc., and which may contain compartments or pockets having nylon netting specific to securing such articles.
The main container and mat can be manufactured separately or as an integral unit out of a suitable plastic material that can be made by means of vacuum forming, injection mold process, or other suitable method of manufacture that will accomplish the goal of affordable manufacturing. If manufactured separately, and as disclosed previously herein, the mat or pad material can be a piece of foam or foam rubber covered in a vinyl or plastic lining, foam wrapped in fabric, rubber, fabric filled with feathers, down filling, or similar material which will act as a cushioning barrier between the child and the floor surface. Other suitable materials may be used to manufacture the invention in a durable and affordable manner.
In each of the embodiments disclosed herein it is to be understood that the main tube body and mats or pads may be offered in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to suit a wide variety of applications and user preferences.
The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the intended use and application of the invention. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
While the portable play activity apparatus of the present invention, as herein shown and described in detail, is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages above stated, it is to be understood that the presently preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention. As such, no limitations are intended other than as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a container;

a flexible mat attached to said container on one edge to extend outwardly therefrom; and,

said mat conforming to the shape of said container when said mat is wrapped around said container.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said mat further comprises:

a floor portion;

at least two flap portions, each said flap portion defining a crease with said floor portion; and,

said floor portion and said flap portions cooperating to define a tent structure when said flap portions are folded along said crease and attached to each other with said attaching means.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said flap portions have a sleeve formed therein, and further comprising at least two support members, each said support members being inserted into a respective said sleeve.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said container defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second closed end.

5. A toy, comprising;

a mat;

a container merging integrally into said mat; and,

said mat extending outward from said container and having sufficient flexibility to conform to said container when rolled around said container.

6. The toy of said 5, wherein said mat further comprises:

a floor portion;

7. The device of claim 5 wherein said flap portions have a sleeve formed therein, and further comprising at least two support members, each said support members being inserted into a respective said sleeve.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein said container defines a storage interior and has a first open end and second closed end.

9. A method for establishing a compact, portable recreation area comprising the steps of:

A) providing a container for holding recreation items;

B) forming a mat that is integral to said container, said mat extending outwardly from said container when said container;

C) wrapping said mat around said container; and,

D) selectively extending said mat from said container.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said container defines an interior and further comprising the step of:

E) storing recreation items in said container.