CA2061096C - Toy door assembly - Google Patents

Toy door assembly

Info

Publication number
CA2061096C
CA2061096C CA002061096A CA2061096A CA2061096C CA 2061096 C CA2061096 C CA 2061096C CA 002061096 A CA002061096 A CA 002061096A CA 2061096 A CA2061096 A CA 2061096A CA 2061096 C CA2061096 C CA 2061096C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
assembly
panel
panel member
door
door assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002061096A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2061096A1 (en
Inventor
Denise Mraz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2061096A1 publication Critical patent/CA2061096A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2061096C publication Critical patent/CA2061096C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00Other toys
    • A63H33/04Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/044Buildings
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B7/00Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
    • E06B7/28Other arrangements on doors or windows, e.g. door-plates, windows adapted to carry plants, hooks for window cleaners
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B7/00Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
    • E06B7/28Other arrangements on doors or windows, e.g. door-plates, windows adapted to carry plants, hooks for window cleaners
    • E06B7/32Serving doors; Passing-through doors ; Pet-doors

Abstract

A toy door assembly for covering a portal comprises a panel member, a door member, a doorway defined within the panel member, a hinge connecting the door member to the panel member for opening and closing the doorway, and support structure integral with the panel member for supporting the panel member when in use. The panel member comprises a central panel portion, opposite sides extending generally upwardly when the assembly is in use, a top side and a bottom side. The support structurecomprises a support tab connected to one of the panel member sides and extends from the side into proximity with a peripheral region of the portal. The preferred support structure further comprises anchor structure for securing the support tab to the peripheral region. The anchor structure is formed by cooperating hook and loop structures which enable adhesion of the panel about the portal. The support tab is connected to the panel member by scoring the panel material along the juncture of the support tab and the corresponding panel member side. The hinge is formed by scoring the panel material along the juncture of the door member and panel member to facilitate bending and then reinforcing the scored bend line with tape adhered to the panel.

Description

- . 2~6 1 09~

TOY DOOR ASSEMBLY
Technical Field This invention relates to toys, and more specifically to toy door assemblies detachably covering portals, or doorways, in buildings.

5 Background Small scale "playhouses," furniture and appliances constructed on a child's scale are in widespread use in playrooms and bedrooms by children at play. Playrooms and bedrooms are accessible through adult sized portals or doorways which are not only out of scale compared to children's furnishing but also, when they remain open, 10 may preclude a sense of seclusion or privacy during play.
The present invention provides a new and improved children's toy door assembly wherein a toy door is provided in a panel which detachably covers a building wall portal so that children can pass through the portal via the toy door with the portal being closable by closing the toy door.

15 Summary of the Invention Generally speaking, the present invention may be considered as providing a toy door assembly for covering a portal co,ll~,ising: a panel member comprising opposite sides extending generally upwardly when the assembly is in use, a top side and a bottom side which extend generally horizontally when the assembly is in use and the 20 panel member defining a doorway therein; a door member; a hinge connectillg the door member to the panel member for opening and closing the doorway; support sgl~i ~;~

, .. .

structure integral with the panel member for supporting the door assembly and for detachably securing the assembly to a peripheral portal region when in use; and wherein the first panel portion comprises a first fold line extending parallel to the top S and bottom sides, the panel member being foldable along the first fold line into a storage configuration, the second panel portion being foldable along a second fold line extending transversely with respect to the first fold line into the storage configuration.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment made with reference to the 10 accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective, fragmentary view of a child's door assembly constructed according to the invention detachably mounted on a door frame;
Figure 2 is an elevational view of the child's door assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a toy door hinge as seen from the plane indicated by the line 3-3 of Figure 2 with parts in an alternative position;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view seen applu~ ately from the plane indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 1; and, Figure S is an enlarged fragmentary view of part of the toy door assembly 20 within the line 5 of Figure 2.

sgl~

Best Mode for Practicing the Invention A toy door assembly 10 for detachably covering a portal or doorway of a child's playroom is illustrated in the drawings. The assembly 10 comprises a panel member 12, a doorway 14 defined within the panel member, a door member 16, a hinge 18 connecting the door member 16 to the panel member 12, and support structure 20 integral the panel member for supporting the door assembly when in use.
In the illustrated embodiment, the door assembly 10 is detachably positioned to cover a door frame molding 22 extending about a portal between rooms in a building. The illustrated assembly 10 is made from a relatively thick, high strength sheet of "cardboard" material which is cut, scored and creased appropriately to produce elements of the assembly.
The preferred panel member 12 is generally rectangular and sized to provide a greater frontal area than the door frame molding 22 so that when the assembly 10 is in place the door molding 22 is covered. The panel member 12 comprises opposite upwardly extending sides 26, 28, a top side 30 extending along the top of the door frame 22 and a bottom side 32 adjacent the floor. The panel member 12 defines opposite major sg/jj .
2~61096 surfaces 34, one facing through the portal and the other away from the portal. The major surfaces preferably bear printed indicia which can be illustrations of popular cartoon figures, etc. f~mili~r to children. Alternatively, the s~rf~ces 34 can be finished with an easily erasable plain coating to enable the user to illustrate the surfaces as desired.
. The panel member is constructed so that it is easily folded into a compact package for shipment or storage. Fold lines 40, 42, 44 are formed in the panel member so that the assembly can be folded roughly in t~irds and then in half. The fold line 40 extends horizontally across the panel member just above the doorway 14 when the assembly 10 is erected. The fold lines 42, 44 extend vertically parallel to each other in ~ .nment with opposite sides of the doorway 14. The fold lines 40, 42, 44 are preferably formed in part by scoring the panel member. This procedure makes it easy to fold the panel member without unduly we~k~ning it.
The doorway 14 is formed in the panel member 12 by a cut line S0 and a series of score lines 52. The cut line S0 defines a straight, upwardly extending side of the doorway (aligned with the fold line 42) and a contiguous arch section at the upper end.
The arch section merges into the score lines 52 which are aligned to form the opposite doorway side. The doorway 14 is dimencioned to accommodate children between 3 and 9 years old and thus is relatively small compared to the door frame mokling 22. The height of the doorway 14 is less than half that of the panel to minimi7e the folded size of the assembly 10.
In the illustrated assembly 10 a viewing port 54 and simulated mail slot 56 are formed in the panel member. The viewing port 54 is illustrated as an elongated narrow slot formed above the doorway 14 to enable easy observation through the panel by adult sized persons. The simulated mail slot 56 is disposed beside the doorway 14.
The door member 16 is formed by the cut and score lines 50, 52 which define the doorway 14. Thus the door member,has an arched top and a straight side forrned by the cut line 50 and is connecte~ to the panel 12 along the score lines 52. A simulated keyhole 58 cut through the door provides a hand hold for gripping the door when being opened or closed. In the plere~led assembly 10 the door member bottom side 60 is cut short of the panel member bottom side 32 to provide clearance for carpeting, area rugs or other floor surface covering between the door member and the floor F.
The hinge 18 can be of any suitable construction, but in the illustrated assembly 2Q~1~96 10 comprises a series of panel m~t~ri~l bridges 62 exten-ling between the panel member 12 and the door member 16 bridging the panel and door member juncture. The bridges 62 are defined by and between the spaced score lines 52. The door member opens and closes by flexing and bending the bridges 62 along a hinge line which is aligned with the panel fold line 44. The score lines 52 serve to reduce the re~ist~nce to motion the panel members materi~l would otherwise exhibit, yet do not cignifi~ntly weaken the connection between the door and panel members. ~
In the plefelled and illllstr~ted embo-liment, the hinge 18 further comprises a length of tape 64 covering the score lines 52 and the bridges 62. The tape 62 is formed from fabric or plastic ribbon with an adhesive material on one side. The tape provides added strength and support when the door member 16 is opened and closed yet is readily flexible so door opening and closing is easy. The tape can be of any applop~iateconstruction and may be placed on both major surfaces 34, if desired.
The support structure 20 maintains the assembly 10 in its erected condition whenin use. In the prefe~l~ assembly 10, the support structure compri~e~ support tabs 74, 76 and anchors 78. The support tabs 74, 76 are respectively connected to the opposite panel member sides 26, 28. The illustrated tabs 74, 76 are continuous with the panel members and hinged to the panel member sides 26, 28 by bend lines (which define the sides 26, 28). The illustrated assembly employs bend lines which are intermittently scored to f~cilit~te movement of each tab about an axis defined by its associated bend line.
The tabs 74, 76 extend from adjacent the top side of the erected assembly 20 across the horizontal fold line to arljacent the bottom side 32 where they are cut away to provide clearance for a baseboard adjacent the door frame molding 22 when the door assembly 10 is erected. When bent to their positions illustrated in Figure 1, tabs 74, 76 extend across the line of the fold lin~e 40 and serve to stiffen and stabilize the assembly 10 when it is erected. The fold line 40 could otherwise allow the door assembly 10 to buclde or fold in half when the assembly is erected.
The anchors 78 det~ch~bly secure the assembly 10 to the door frame molding 22.
The illllctr~ted anchors 78 secure the support tabs 74, 76 to the door frame mold when the tabs are folded into position. Thus, the illustrated anchors not only serve to maintain the assembly 10 in its erect position but also maintain the tabs in their folded conditions.

2û61096 ~_- 5 The p~cÇcllcd anchors are formed by cooperating pairs of hook and loop fastener - elements 78a, 78b att~hed to the tabs and the door frame molding, respectively. Each fastener element comprises a circular flexible body having hook or loop filaments fixed to one side and projecting away from the body. The other side of the body is provided with a pressure adhesive by which it is adhered to its associated tab or to the door frame molding. The bodies can be peeled off the moldin~ and tab and later replaced, if desired.
The f~tençr elements are of the type~which may be purchased under the tr~dem~rk Velcro~.
In the illustrated assembly, several fastener elemçnt~ 78a are attached to each tab at spaced-apart locations along the length of the tab. An equal number of f~terlçr elements 78b is adhered to each side of the door frame molding at spaced locations which are aligned with ~lernent~ 78a when the assembly is erected. The aligned elements 78a, 78b are pressed together when the assembly is erected and "latch" the tabs 74, 76 to the door frame molding sides.
In the preferred assembly, the support structure 20 further comprises panel member portions which are positioned to further stiffen the assembly 10 when it is erected.
As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 the panel member 12 comprises a first, centralpanel portion 82 defined between the fold lines 42, 44 and second, fl~nking panel portions 84, 86 defined between the respective fold lines and panel member sides 26, 28.
The doorway 14 and door member 16 are defined within the central panel portion 82.
The second panel portions extend parallel to each other across the horizontal fold line 40.
The illustrated assembly 10 (Figure 1) is erected with the second panel portions folded along the respective lines 42, 44 to form obtuse angles with respect to the central portion 82 and the respective associated support tab. The folded second portions coact with the support tabs to further stiffen the ere~ted assembly against any tendency to fold about the line 40. The erected assembly 10 resembles a "bay window" because the second portions extend at slight angles with respect to the central portion.
The "bay window" form of construction further enables the assembly 10 to fit portals and door frame mol-lings having various widths. The second panel portions can be bent at varying obtuse angles with respect to the central portion to align the support tabs with the sides of particular door frame moldings while stiffening the assembly 10.

While a single preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in det~il the invention is not to be considered limited to the precise construction disclosed. Various adaptations, modifications and uses of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates. For example, a support tab could be conne~ted to the top side of the panel member in addition to or in lieu of the support tabs 74, 76; or support feet could be connected to the bottom side of the panel member.
The intention is to cover all such adapt~ations, mo~lific~tions and uses which fall within the scope or spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A toy door assembly for covering a portal comprising:
a. a panel member comprising opposite sides extending generally upwardly when said assembly is in use, a top side and a bottom side which extend generally horizontally when said assembly is in use and said panel member defining a doorway therein;
b. a door member;
c. a hinge connecting said door member to said panel member for opening and closing the doorway;
d. support structure integral with said panel member for supporting said door assembly and for detachably securing the assembly to a peripheral portal region when in use;
wherein said panel member comprises a first panel portion defining said doorway and said support structure further comprises a second panel portion between said first panel portion and one of said upwardly extending sides, said second panel portion being disposed at an angle with respect to said first panel portion to stiffen said assembly when in use; and wherein said first panel portion comprises a first fold line extending parallel to said top and bottom sides, said panel member being foldable along said first fold line into a storage configuration, said second panel portion being foldable along a second fold line extending transversely with respect to said first fold line into the storage configuration.
2. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a support tab connected to one of said panel member sides and extending from said side into proximity with a peripheral region of said portal, said support tab extending at an angle from said side for stiffening said assembly when in use.
3. The door assembly of claim 2 wherein said support tab is disposed along one of said upwardly extending panel member sides and said support structure further comprises a second tab located along the opposite upwardly extending panel side.
4. The door assembly of claim 3 wherein said tabs are hinged on said upwardly extending sides to allow said tabs to be bent and flexed and disposed out of the plane of said panel member to stiffen said door assembly.
5. The door assembly of claim 4 wherein said support structure further comprises anchor means for detachably engaging said peripheral region, portal region and said assembly.
6. The door assembly of claim 2 wherein said panel member comprises a first panel portion defining said doorway and said support structure further comprises a second panel portion between said first panel portion and one of said upwardly extending sides, said second panel portion being disposed at an angle with respect to said first panel portion to stiffen said assembly when in use.
7. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said support structure further comprises anchor means for detachably connecting said assembly to a peripheral region of a portal.
8. The door assembly claimed in claim 7 wherein said anchor means comprises cooperating hook and loop fastener elements adhered to said peripheral region and to said assembly, said respective elements being aligned and latched together when said assembly is in use.
9. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said hinge comprises tape extending between said door member and said panel member adjacent said doorway.
10. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said panel member and said door member are formed from the same material and are continuous, said hinge comprising bridges of said material extending between said door member and said panel member.
11. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said door assembly further comprises opposite major panel member faces, said faces defining indicia bearing surfaces.
12. A toy door assembly for covering a portal comprising:
a. a panel member formed from a sheet of material comprising opposite sides extending generally upwardly when said assembly is in use, a top side and a bottom side which extend generally horizontally when said assembly is in use;
b. a small scale doorway defined within said panel member;
c. structure for enabling said assembly to be folded to a storage condition comprising a first fold line extending across said panel member generally parallel to said top and bottom side, said panel member being foldable along said first fold line into said storage condition, and second fold lines extending transversely with respect to said first fold line, said panel member being foldable along said second fold lines to said storage condition; and, d. support structure integral with said panel member for supporting said door assembly when in use, said support structure comprising a panel member portion between one of said second fold lines and the adjacent upwardly extending panel side, said panel portion being bent about said one fold line when said assembly is in use to stiffen said assembly against folding about said first fold line.
13. A toy door assembly for covering a portal comprising:
a. a panel member comprising opposite sides extending generally upwardly when said assembly is in use, a top side and a bottom side which extend generally horizontally when said assembly is in use and said panel member defining a doorway therein;
b. a door member;
c. a hinge connecting said door member to said panel member for opening and closing the doorway;
d. support structure integral with said panel member for supporting said door assembly and for detachably securing the assembly to a peripheral portal region when in use; and wherein said first panel portion comprises a first fold line extending parallel to said top and bottom sides, said panel member being foldable along said first fold line into a storage configuration, said second panel portion being foldable along a second fold line extending transversely with respect to said first fold line into the storage configuration.
14. The door assembly of claim 13 wherein the support structure comprises a support tab connected to one of said panel member sides and extending from said side into proximity with a peripheral region of said portal, said support tab extending at an angle from said side for stiffening said assembly when in use.
15. The door assembly of claim 14 wherein said support tab is disposed along one of said upwardly extending panel member sides and said support structure further comprises a second tab located along the opposite upwardly extending panel side; and wherein said tabs are hinged on said upwardly extending sides to allow said tabs to be bent and flexed and disposed out of the plane of said panel member to stiffen said door assembly.
16. The door assembly of claim 15 wherein said support structure further comprises anchor means for detachably engaging said peripheral region, portal region and said assembly.
17. The door assembly of claim 13 wherein said support structure further comprises anchor means for detachably connecting said assembly to a peripheral region of a portal.
18. The door assembly claimed in claim 17 wherein said anchor means comprises cooperating hook and loop fastener elements adhered to said peripheral region and to said assembly, said respective elements being aligned and latched together when said assembly is in use.
19. The door assembly of claim 14 wherein said panel member comprises a first panel portion defining said doorway and said support structure further comprises a second panel portion between said first panel portion and one of said upwardly extending sides, said second panel portion being disposed at an angle with respect to said first panel portion to stiffen said assembly when in use.
20. The door assembly of claim 13 wherein said panel member and said door member are formed from the same material and are continuous, said hinge comprising bridges of said material extending between said door member and said panel member.
CA002061096A 1991-06-18 1992-02-12 Toy door assembly Expired - Fee Related CA2061096C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/717,088 US5190090A (en) 1991-06-18 1991-06-18 Toy door assembly
US717,088 1991-06-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2061096A1 CA2061096A1 (en) 1992-12-19
CA2061096C true CA2061096C (en) 1995-06-13

Family

ID=24880672

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002061096A Expired - Fee Related CA2061096C (en) 1991-06-18 1992-02-12 Toy door assembly

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US5190090A (en)
CA (1) CA2061096C (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5935382A (en) * 1996-05-31 1999-08-10 Valmet-Karlstad Ab Method and board machine for manufacturing a paperboard web
GB2450191A (en) * 2007-12-22 2008-12-17 Slam Doors Ltd Door arrangement
USD793577S1 (en) * 2015-12-28 2017-08-01 Alexis de Toth Fairy door
US20200053979A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 William J. Johnson Pet window
US20200053978A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 William Johnson Pet window

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1315628A (en) * 1919-09-09 gilbert
US1647733A (en) * 1924-07-14 1927-11-01 Anna W Keichline Portable partition
US3247628A (en) * 1962-10-11 1966-04-26 Miller Elaine Heisley Transportable and collapsible stage assembly
US3562973A (en) * 1969-02-14 1971-02-16 Du Pont Collapsible prefabricated structure
US3601916A (en) * 1969-10-13 1971-08-31 Weight Watchers International Paperboard foldable screen
US3913656A (en) * 1973-01-24 1975-10-21 Reynolds Guyer Hinged panels
US3916838A (en) * 1974-02-26 1975-11-04 Geraldine Ann Swart Door protector
US4011682A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-03-15 Mattel, Inc. Toy backdrop display for simulating one or more rooms of a doll house
US4372364A (en) * 1981-11-09 1983-02-08 Katz Edward R Door protector
US4764142A (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-08-16 Griffith Marlene J Portable stage structure and kit
US4914844A (en) * 1989-09-25 1990-04-10 Seery Terence J Display attachment for doors

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5190090A (en) 1993-03-02
CA2061096A1 (en) 1992-12-19

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