WO2016116866A1

WO2016116866A1 - Playscape bag

Info

Publication number: WO2016116866A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/050261
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony BRERETON; Mark Thompson
Original assignee: Ninja Corp
Current assignee: Ninja Corp
Priority date: 2015-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-20
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-20

Abstract

Embodiments of a playscape bag are disclosed. In one embodiment, the playscape bag includes a housing comprising a first play surface. The bag may further include a second play surface extendable from the housing. Also, the bag may include a closable compartment disposed in the housing.

Description

PLAYSCAPE BAG

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/105,399, filed 20 January 2015, which is entitled "Playscape Bag," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to portable play environments, and more specifically, to a playscape bag.

Background [0003] Imagination development is a significant component of childhood play. Typically, small children play with toys, such as small cars, action figures, dolls, animal figurines, or the like. Such toys may allow a child to enact simulated reality situations using the toys, and of course, their imaginations. It is often helpful to facilitate imaginative play by providing the child with props, back drops, printed play mats, or the like, which allow the child to be more fully immersed in imaginative play.

[0004] One such example, is a play carpet or mat, such as those printed with roads, trees, buildings, and the like. Such play carpets or mats allow the child to make his toy interact with the imagine an environment imagined around the graphical prompts provided by the printed play carpet or mat. A child may drive a car along a graphic designed to represent a road, allowing the child to imagine himself, or herself, driving the car down the road. Similarly, a dollhouse may provide a backdrop for imagined house play with dolls, replicas of furniture or the like. [0005] One further benefit of a play carpet or mat is that it provides a softer or more padded surface on which the child may play. The play carpets or mats are typically made of durable materials, which can prevent damage to underlying surfaces, such as hardwood floors and the like. Additionally, any damage due to food or drink spillage may be less worrisome, because the play carpets or mats are typically less expensive to replace than underlying rugs or carpets. Unfortunately, play carpets or mats are typically messy. The carpets are often relatively large, taking up a substantial area of a room, and the child typically uses several toys of various types in combination with the play surface. For example, the child may spread small cars, dolls, action figures, animal figurines, or the like in the area of the play surface. [0006] One further problem with previously known play surfaces is that they are generally not very portable. A play carpet or mat may be 5 feet by 8 feet, which means that the play carpet is typically a minimum of 5 feet wide, even when rolled. Typical play surfaces also fail to accommodate the associated play accessories, such as cars, dolls, or figurines. Accordingly, play environments are typically not portable, beyond the home, without significant prior planning and space accommodations for transport.

Summary

[0007] Embodiments of a playscape bag are disclosed. In one embodiment, the playscape bag includes a housing comprising a first play surface. The bag may further include a second play surface extendable from the housing. Also, the bag may include a closable compartment disposed in the housing.

[0008] In an embodiment, the playscape bag may include a graphic disposed on the first play surface. The graphic may be removable. In an embodiment, the bag may also include a plurality of interchangeable graphics configured to be disposed on the first play surface. The bag may also include a graphic disposed on the second play surface. In a further embodiment, the graphics are configured to be interchangeable. [0009] In a further embodiment, the bag may include a third play surface, the third play surface being extendable from the second play surface. The bag may further include one or more foldable covers configured to cover at least one of the first play surface, the second play surface, and the third play surface. The bag may also include a locking mechanism for locking the cover in place. A graphic may also be disposed on the one or more foldable covers.

[0010] In an embodiment, the bag includes a closable lid for covering the closable compartment. The bag may further include a securing mechanism for securing the lid to the closable compartment. Additionally a graphic may be disposed on a surface of the lid.

[0011] In an embodiment, the bag may include an internal pouch disposed within the closable compartment. In a further embodiment, the bag may include a carry handle for hand carrying the playscape bag during transport. The bag may also include a shoulder strap for shoulder carrying the playscape bag during transport. Additionally, the bag may include a plurality of shoulder straps for back carrying the playscape bag during transport. In an embodiment, the bag may include a foot coupled to the housing, the foot configured to prevent damage to the housing. The bag may also include an external pouch coupled to the housing.

Detailed Description

[0012] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag. [0015] FIG. 3 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag. [0016] FIG. 4 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag. [0018] FIG. 6 is a rear view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a detail callout view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0020] FIG. 8 is a detail callout view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0021] FIG. 9 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0022] FIG. 10 is a left side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0023] FIG. 11 is a right side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0024] FIG. 12 is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. [0025] FIG. 13 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag. Detailed Description [0026] Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0027] The present embodiments include a playscape bag. In an embodiment, the playscape bag may include a housing comprising a first play surface, a second play surface extendable from the housing, and a closable compartment disposed in the housing. In a further embodiment, the playscape bag may be transportable by a handle or shoulder straps.

[0028] Beneficially, the playscape bag may provide a portable play surface, with imagination promoting graphics, and a compartment for storing or transporting play articles, such as toys, small cars, dolls, figurines, etc. A further benefit of the present embodiments is the ability to pack up the play surface and play articles into a relatively compact bag, which is more easily and efficiently transportable than prior play surfaces.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag 100. In an embodiment, the playscape bag 100 may include a housing 102. The playscape bag 100 may further include a first play surface 106, a second play surface 104, and a third play surface 108. In an embodiment, the playscape bag 100 may include a first flap 110 and a second flap 112, and a latch 114 for securing the flaps 110, 112 in place. The housing 102 may include a closable compartment, which is closable by a cover 116 and secured in place by the securing mechanism 118. The playscape bag 100 may further include a handle 120 for carrying the playscape bag 100. [0030] In an embodiment, the first play surface 106 may be disposed on a surface of the housing 102. When placed in a vertical position, the first play surface 106 may serve as a backdrop for the playscape environment. The second play surface 104 may fold down from the first play surface 106 to a horizontal position. In one embodiment, a third play surface 108 may extend from the second play surface 104. For example, the third play surface 108 may fold out from the second play surface 104. One or more flaps, e.g. , flap 110 and flap 112 may fold out to release the second play surface 104 and the third play surface 108. In a further embodiment, the second play surface 104 and the third play surface 108 may fold up against the first play surface 106. The first flap 110 and the second flap 112 may fold back to retain the second play surface 104 and the third play surface 108 against the first play surface 106. The latch 114 may secure the first flap 110 and the second flap 112 in place.

[0031] In an embodiment, graphics may be disposed on the first play surface 106, the second play surface 104 and the third play surface 108. In a further embodiment, the graphics may be removable. In still further embodiments, multiple interchangeable graphics may be included with the playscape bag 100. [0032] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag 100. In an embodiment, the housing 102 includes a closable compartment 202. The closable compartment 202 may be closable by a cover 116. In a further embodiment, the closeable compartment 202 may include an internal pouch 204. In still a further embodiment, the closeable compartment 202 may include a plurality of internal pouches, including a second internal pouch 206.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag 100. In an embodiment, the cover 116 may include an additional play surface, and in some embodiments, may also include a graphic. As shown in FIGs. 4-5, one or more external pouches 402 may be disposed on the housing 102. In addition to the handle 120, one or more shoulder straps 404 may be included. For example, the shoulder straps 404 may be attached to a back side of the cover 116.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a rear view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an expanded playscape bag 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the closable compartment 202 may include multiple internal pouches, including additional pouch 602. The cover 116 may fold up to cover the compartment 202. In an embodiment, the securing mechanism 118 may secure the cover 116 over the compartment 202. For example, the securing mechanism 118 may be a zipper. In an alternative embodiment, the securing mechanism 118 may be a snap, latch, clasp, or the like. The closed compartment 202 is illustrated in FIGs. 7-13.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a detail callout view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag 100. As illustrated, the corners of the housing 102 may include durable or ruggedized features, such as piping 702 to protect the housing 102 from wear and tear during use. Additionally, FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the securing mechanism 118.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a detail callout view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag 100. FIG. 8 illustrates further details of the shoulder straps 404. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap 404 may include padding 802 for a more comfortable carrying experience. FIG. 8 also illustrates adjustment bracket 804 for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps 404.

[0037] FIGs. 9-13 illustrate various views of the closed bag 100. The front view of FIG. 9 illustrates the flaps 110, 112 in a closed position. FIGs. 10-11 illustrate external pouches 402 and the shoulder straps 404. FIG. 10 illustrates the securing mechanism 118 in a secured position. FIG. 12 is a bottom view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a playscape bag 100. In an embodiment, the bottom may include one or more feet 1202. The feet 1202 may provide a level support surface for the bottom of the housing 102. Additionally, the feet 1202 may protect the bottom of the housing 102 from damage. The embodiment of FIG. 13 illustrates placement of the carrying handle 120 relative to the shoulder straps 404. [0038] Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

[0039] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms "coupled" or "operably coupled" are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

Claims

1. A playscape bag, comprising: a housing comprising a first play surface; a second play surface extendable from the housing; and a closable compartment disposed in the housing.

2. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a graphic disposed on the first play surface.

3. The playscape bag of claim 2, wherein the graphic is removable.

4. The playscape bag of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable graphics configured to be disposed on the first play surface.

5. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a graphic disposed on the second play surface.

6. The playscape bag of claim 5, wherein the graphic is removable.

7. The playscape bag of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable graphics configured to be disposed on the second play surface.

8. The playscape bag of claim 1 , further comprising a third play surface, the third play surface being extendable from the second play surface.

9. The playscape bag of claim 8, further comprising one or more foldable covers configured to cover at least one of the first play surface, the second play surface, and the third play surface.

10. The playscape bag of claim 9, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the cover in place.

11. The playscape bag of claim 9, further comprising graphic disposed on the one or more foldable covers.

12. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a closable lid for covering the closable compartment.

13. The playscape bag of claim 12, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the lid to the closable compartment.

14. The playscape bag of claim 12, further comprising a graphic disposed on a surface of the lid.

15. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising an internal pouch disposed within the closable compartment.

16. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a carry handle for hand carrying the playscape bag during transport.

17. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap for shoulder carrying the playscape bag during transport.

18. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shoulder straps for back carrying the playscape bag during transport.

19. The playscape bag of claim 1, further comprising a foot coupled to the housing, the foot configured to prevent damage to the housing.

20. The playscape bag of claim 1 , further comprising an external pouch coupled to the housing.