TECHNICAL FIELD
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view, showing an embodiment of the chair cover and indicating positioning of rigid plates associated therewith.
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a kitchen sink embodiment of the chair cover.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, except showing a front door of the chair cover in an open position, revealing storage pockets on the front panel.
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating a countertop embodiment of the chair cover, having simulated drawer storage pockets.
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating an oven and stove embodiment of the chair cover.
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view, similar to FIG. 9, except illustrating operation of door panels on front panel and upper panel that simulate a stove door and microwave door.
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating a partial chair cover embodiment, simulating a refrigerator, prior to attaching to a household chair.
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating the partial cover embodiment attached to the chair.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view, illustrating operation of door panels on the rear panel of the cover that simulate refrigerator and freezer doors and reveal storage pockets thereon
FIG. 14 is a top plan view with parts broken away, illustrating one of the rigid plates contained within a panel pocket.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view, illustrating a kitchen sink embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.
FIG. 16 is a top plan view, illustrating a countertop embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.
FIG. 17 is a top plan view, illustrating an oven and stove embodiment of the chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view, illustrating a refrigerator embodiment of the partial chair cover, partially disassembled and laid flat.
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
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 100F 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 100F 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.
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.
Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 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 36 each have a top edge 36T, a front edge 36F, 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 panel 42.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the side panels 36 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 panel 32, and the side panels 36 are substantially orthogonal to both the front panel 32 and top panel 34 but are substantially parallel to each other. The bottom edges 36B 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, 36B 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 panel 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.
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.
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 panel 40 has a front surface 40F and a rear surface 40R. A panel pocket 64 is attached to the rear surface 40R of the upper panel 40. The panel pocket 64 may have a flap 65 for selectively allowing access to the panel pocket 64. Referring to FIG. 14, the panel pocket 64 is a substantially rectangular fabric panel attached to the rear surface 40R of the upper panel 40 and is sized to contain the substantially rectangular rigid upper plate 62 and maintain it in position between the rear surface 40R of the upper panel 40 and the panel pocket 64. The rigid upper plate 62 is made of a rigid material such as corrugated plastic, foam, or the like. With the rigid upper plate 62 inserted into the panel pocket 64, now referring to FIG. 3, the panel pocket 64 positions the (now hidden) rigid upper plate 62 between the upper panel 40 and the chair back 106, where it helps maintain the position and stature of the otherwise flexible chair cover 20. Referring again to FIG. 2, the rigid seat plate 61 is positioned beneath the top panel 34, and as the top panel 34 is positioned over the seat 102, the rigid seat plate 61 is thereby positioned between the top panel 34 and the seat top 102T. The rigid seat plate 61 may be located within another panel pocket, 64A, similar to the panel 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.
FIGS. 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 panel 40, and the door panel 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 panel 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 panel 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 panel 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.
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 panel 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.
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 221E, 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.
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.
FIGS. 11, 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 106 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.
The partial chair cover 80 shown in FIG. 11, 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 selectively 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.
It 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.
Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.
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.
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.
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 embodiments 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.
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.
Patent Application
20180169538
