Activity Box

Abstract

The activity box includes two pairs of wheels with blind holes, two axles with two ends releasably insertable into the blind holes, and a box defining a space with a defined volume large enough to accommodate the axles. The wheels include a first magnetically attractable component. The axles include a second magnetically attractable component fixed to each end of each axle. The axles have a length spanning the width of the box, and the box has two pairs of through-holes on two opposing sides to accommodate the axles so that the axles pass through the through-holes. The two pairs of wheels are rotatably attached to the box by magnetically coupling the first magnetically attractable component to the second magnetically attractable component, such that the activity box is configured for use as a cart that can roll across a surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates generally to toys, and more particularly to activity boxes. [Background technology]

[0002] background Children can develop spatial, language, cognitive and problem-solving skills by playing with toys such as building blocks. It is desirable that such toys be safe and easy to use. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] overview One aspect of the invention features an activity box including two pairs of wheels having blind holes, the wheels including a first magnetically attractable component; two axles having two ends releasably insertable into the blind holes, the axles including a second magnetically attractable component fixed to each end of each axle; and a box defining a space having a defined volume large enough to fit the axles, the axles having a length spanning the width of the box, the box having through holes on two opposing sides of the box to accommodate the axles such that the axles pass through the two pairs of through holes, wherein the two pairs of wheels are rotatably attached to the box by magnetically coupling the first magnetically attractable component to the second magnetically attractable component such that the activity box is configured for use as a cart that can roll across a surface.

[0004] In some embodiments, the side of the box defines an orifice. In some examples, the activity box further includes a string configured to pass through the orifice and be secured to the orifice. In some cases, the activity box further includes a toggle string including a dowel, the toggle string configured to pass through the orifice. In some embodiments, the activity box further includes a magnetic lid having five different holes, each hole shaped to fit a component passing therethrough.

[0005] In some arrangements, the dowel has a length greater than a diameter of the orifice. In some embodiments, the sides of the box define a groove. In some embodiments, a first magnetically attractable component fits into the wheel at the base of each blind hole. In some examples, the first magnetically attractable component is a magnet. In some cases, the second magnetically attractable component is an overmolded insert. In some arrangements, the overmolded insert is an overmolded steel insert.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention features an activity box that includes a corner protector having a rigid plastic core having a pair of walls joined together forming a first right angle therebetween and a plate extending vertically from the inner surface of the pair of walls, the plate having a cut bolt extending from a top surface of the plate; a corner protector having an impact absorbing outer surface molded over the rigid plastic core; a box having two adjacent sides forming a second right angle at a corner recess configured to receive the corner protector; and a wood fastener that attaches to the two adjacent sides at the corner recess, the wood fastener defining a hole configured to receive the cut bolt, wherein the corner protector provides impact resistance to the activity box.

[0007] In some embodiments, the shock absorbing outer surface is made from a flexible or pliable material. In some examples, the flexible or pliable material is rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. In some arrangements, the wood fastener supports the load or strengthens the second right angle.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention features an activity box that includes a removable panel, a plurality of components designed to cooperate with one another to form a rectangular shape having dimensions large enough to occupy approximately one-third of the volume of the activity box, and a magnetic lid having a rim with four magnetic elements fitted therein, the magnetic lid having five different holes, each hole shaped to fit a component passing through it, each component shaped to pass through only one of the five different holes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the components are matching blocks. In some embodiments, the removable panel has an opening to facilitate removal of the panel. In some arrangements, the plurality of components have a three-dimensional geometric shape. In some examples, the three-dimensional geometric shape includes a sphere, a cube, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, a slab, a ring, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, a bow, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the plurality of components includes a dowel, a string, a toggle string, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of components includes a first magnetically attractable element and a second magnetically attractable element, the first magnetically attractable element being configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetically attractable element.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to activity boxes that include multiple components, some of which include magnetic elements, lids, and removable panels that allow a child to do a number of different activities (e.g., at least 20 or more activities). Such activities can be of increasing complexity and therefore suitable for a wide range of child ages (e.g., ages 12 months to 48 months). Further, the activity boxes described herein include multiple components that can be approximately fitted inside the box for compact storage. Additionally, the activity boxes described herein are safe and made from non-toxic materials that can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.

[0011] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] Description of the drawings [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an activity box. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the activity box. [Figure 3A] FIG. 13 is a top view of the activity box when configured for use as a cart. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the activity box of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the axle of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a box including corner protectors. [Figure 6C] This is a bottom view of the box without the corner protectors. [Figure 7A] FIG. [Figure 7B] A cross-sectional view of a corner of a box. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an activity box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0014] Detailed Description FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an activity box 2. The activity box 2 includes a box 4 and a lid 6. The box 4 has a pair of side walls 5, a pair of end walls 7, an open top 9 (shown in FIG. 2), and a bottom 40 (shown in FIG. 6B). In this example, the box 4 is rectangular in shape, but the box 4 can be, for example, a square or any other suitable geometric container. The box 4 and the lid 6 can be made from a non-toxic material (e.g., wood) and coated with a water-based non-toxic paint. In some embodiments, the activity box 2 is made from a plastic material. The lid 6 is also rectangular in shape and has a top side 11, a bottom side, a pair of side edges 13, and a pair of end edges 15. The lid 6 defines a first hole 14a, a second hole 14b, a third hole 14c, a fourth hole 14d, and a fifth hole 14e. The lid 6 is a molded lid with each hole shaped to fit a component passing therethrough. The holes can have any suitable geometric or non-geometric shape. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first hole 14a has a square shape, the second hole 14b has a circular shape, the third hole 14c has a triangular shape, the fourth hole 14d has a pentagonal shape, and the fifth hole 14e has a trapezoidal shape. The side wall 5 defines a first through hole 8a, a second through hole 8b, a third through hole 8c, and a fourth through hole 8d. The first through hole 8a and the second through hole 8b are defined by one side wall and are positioned closer to the bottom edge of the box 4 than the top edge of the box. Similarly, the third through hole 8c and the fourth through hole 8d are defined by the other side wall of the box 4 and are positioned such that the third through hole 8c and the fourth through hole 8d are aligned with the first through hole 8a and the second through hole 8b. End wall 7 defines first and second grooves 10a, 10b that can be used as handles for gripping activity box 2. Box 4 further includes first, second, third, and fourth corner protectors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 2, the activity box 2 includes a first plurality of components 16a and a second plurality of components 16b. The exploded view shown in FIG. 2 illustrates the order in which the lid 6, the first plurality of components 16a, the removable panel 18, the second plurality of components 16b, and the box 4 are arranged and nested during storage. The activity box 2 further includes a bag for receiving the first and second plurality of components 16a and 16b if the user does not choose to nest all of the components for storage. Each of the plurality of components 16a and 16b is designed to cooperate with one another to form a rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the plurality of components 16a and 16b has dimensions large enough to occupy approximately one-third of the volume of the box 4 when the components are arranged to cooperate with one another. In some examples, when both the first and second pluralities of components 16a and 16b are arranged such that each of the components is arranged to cooperate with one another, the first and second pluralities of components have dimensions large enough to occupy about two-thirds of the volume of box 4. In some embodiments, when both the first and second pluralities of components 16a and 16b are arranged such that each of the components is arranged to cooperate with one another, the first and second pluralities of components have dimensions large enough to occupy about half, about three-quarters, or about seven-eighths of the volume of box 4.

[0016] The first and second plurality of components 16a and 16b have three-dimensional geometric shapes. The three-dimensional geometric shapes include a sphere, a cube, a rectangular solid, a cylinder, a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, a slab, a toroid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, a bow, or any combination thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the activity box 2 includes a set of 18 building blocks 70 that can be arranged in a 6x3 array. The activity box 2 further includes the following components: 18 building blocks 72, 3 stringing blocks 76, 4 right triangles 78, 4 stringing beads 80, 2 bows 82, 4 figures 84, 5 matching blocks 86, 4 wheels 26, 1 string 88, and 2 dowels 90. In some examples, each matching block 86 is shaped to pass through only one of the five different holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e in the lid 6. The first and second pluralities of components 16a and 16b can include components further including a first magnetically attractable element and a second magnetically attractable element. The first magnetically attractable element can be configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetically attractable element. In some embodiments, the magnetically attractable elements can be magnetically coupled to adopt a defined arrangement suitable for storage within the box 4.

[0017] The activity box 2 includes a removable panel 18 that defines an opening 20. The removable panel 18 can be used to separate the first and second plurality of components 16a and 16b when stored within the box 4. Thus, during use, the removable panel 18 is positioned above the second plurality of components 16b stored inside the box 4, and the first plurality of components 16a is stored on a top surface 19 of the removable panel 18. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the removable panel 18 can be positioned below the second plurality of components 16b or above the first plurality of components 16a during storage within the box 4. The opening 20 is defined near an edge 21 of the removable panel. In some embodiments, the opening 20 can be defined near an edge opposite the edge 21, near a center of the removable panel, or in any suitable portion of the removable panel 18. The opening 20 facilitates removal of the removable panel 18 from storage by a user. In some embodiments, the removable panel 18 can define two, three, four, five, or more openings to facilitate removal. The openings 20 have a circular shape, although the openings 20 can have any other suitable geometric or non-geometric shape.

[0018] The box 4 further includes an orifice 22 defined by an end wall 7. The end wall 7 further defines a second groove 10b as shown in FIG. 2. The activity box 2 can further include a string 30 that can be threaded through or secured to the orifice 22 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The string 30 can be used to pull the activity box 2 when configured for use as a cart that can roll across a surface. The string 30 can be a toggle string 74. In some examples, the toggle string 74 can be a string secured to a dowel. The dowel can have a length greater than the diameter of the orifice 22. In this manner, when the string is threaded through the orifice 22 and pulled by a user (e.g., a child 28), the dowel can abut against the inner surface of the end wall 7 without exiting the orifice 22, causing the activity box 2 to move in the direction of the pulling force. In some embodiments, the dowel is a rod or flat piece of wood or plastic. In some cases, the dowel has a rectangular or cylindrical shape.

[0019] When used in a cart configuration as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the activity box 2 includes a first wheel 26a, a second wheel 26b, a third wheel 26c, a fourth wheel 26d, a first axle 24a, and a second axle 24b. Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the wheel 26 having a first surface 27a, which further defines a blind hole 32. Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the wheel 26 on line 34 of Figure 4A. The blind hole 32 has a depth d that starts at the first surface 27a, but does not pass through the second surface 27b. The wheel 26 includes a first magnetically attractable component 36 that fits within the wheel 26 at the base 29 of the blind hole 32. In some embodiments, the first magnetically attractable component 38 is a magnet or a component that is attracted to a magnet. In some examples, the first magnetically attractable component 36 is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0020] 5A and 5B show the axle 24 with a pair of second magnetically attractable components 38 fixed to the first and second ends 31a and 31b of the axle 24. In some embodiments, the second magnetically attractable components 38 are magnets or components that are attracted to magnets. In some examples, the second magnetically attractable components 38 are made of ferromagnetic materials. In some embodiments, the second magnetically attractable components 38 are overmolded inserts. The overmolded inserts can be steel inserts. The box 4 defines a space with a defined volume large enough to fit the first and second axles 24a and 24b. The first and second axles 24a and 24b have a length l that spans the width w of the box 4. The box 4 has two pairs of through holes (i.e., 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d) on two opposing side walls 5 that accommodate the first and second axles 24a and 24b. The first and second axles 24a and 24b thus pass through the through holes 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d when the activity box 2 is in the cart configuration. A user (e.g., a child 28) can releasably insert the first and second ends 31a and 31b of the first and second axles 24a and 24b into the blind holes 32 of the first, second, third, and fourth wheels 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively. The user (e.g., a child 28) can then rotatably attach the two pairs of wheels 26 to the box 4 by magnetically coupling the first magnetically attractable component 36 to the second magnetically attractable component 38 fixed to each end 31a and 31b of each axle 24. The axles 24 and wheels 26 are thus physically and magnetically engaged during assembly of the cart configuration. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the axles can be releasably coupled to the wheels via snap or click fittings.

[0021] FIG. 6A shows a top view of the upper side 11 of the lid 6. The lid 6 has five different holes (i.e., 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e), each hole shaped to accommodate a component passing therethrough as described above. FIG. 6B shows a bottom view of the box 4 with the bottom surface 40 and the corner protectors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d disposed at each corner. FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of the box 4 without the corner protectors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. As seen in FIG. 6c, the box 4 has two adjacent side surfaces 42a and 42b that form a right angle α at the corner recess 46. The corner recess 46 is configured to receive the corner protector 12. The box 4 further includes a wooden fastener 48 attached to the two adjacent side surfaces 42a and 42b at the corner recess 46. The wooden fastener 48 defines a hole 50. The wood fastener 48 either supports the load, reinforces the right angle α, or supports the load and reinforces the right angle α.

[0022] FIG 7A shows a perspective, partially transparent view of box 4 including corner protectors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Corner protectors 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are designed to non-releasably couple to the exterior surface of each corner of box 4. FIG 7B shows a cross-sectional view on line 54 of FIG 7A. As shown in FIG 7B, threaded bolts 52 of corner protectors 12 are non-releasably inserted (e.g., glued) into holes 50 such that holes 50 are configured to receive threaded bolts 52.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 8, the corner protector 12 has a hard plastic core having a first wall 58a and a second wall 58b integrally connected therebetween forming a first right angle α. The hard plastic core can be made of nylon, polyamide, or any other suitable material. The corner protector 12 further includes a plate 56 extending perpendicularly from first and second inner surfaces 60a and 60b of the first and second walls 58a and 58b. The plate 56 has a threaded bolt 52 extending from a top surface 62 of the plate 56. The corner protector 12 further includes an impact absorbing exterior overmolded onto the hard plastic core. The impact absorbing exterior provides impact resistance to the activity box 2. The corner protector 12 thus allows the activity box 2 to withstand foreseeable child use, damage, or abuse, such as impact of the activity box 2 on an impact medium (e.g., the ground). In some embodiments, the impact absorbing exterior is made of a flexible or pliable material. Non-limiting examples of flexible or pliable materials include rubber, silicone, and polyurethane. In some embodiments, the rubber material can be a thermoplastic rubber. In some embodiments, the shock absorbing outer surface is made from a material including, but not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 9, the lid 6 is a magnetic lid having a side edge 13 in which a first magnetic element 64 is fitted. The lid 6 can be a magnetic lid having a rim or edge in which two or more magnetic elements are fitted. In this example, the lid 6 has four magnetic elements 64 fitted within the side edge 13. The box 4 further includes four magnetic elements 66 as shown in FIG. 10A, which is a cross-sectional view of the box 4. The magnetic elements 66 are fitted within the top edge 68 of the side wall 5. The magnetic elements 64 and 66 are positioned such that the magnetic elements 64 and 66 are partially or fully aligned to facilitate magnetic coupling of the lid 6 and the box 4 when the lid 6 is placed on the box 4. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the magnetic elements 64 and 66 are aligned with the through holes 8a and 8d. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements 64 and 66 can be positioned in any suitable portion of any edge of the lid 6 and the box 4, respectively. In some embodiments, magnetic elements 64 and 66 are magnets or components that are attracted to magnets. In some examples, magnetic elements 64 and 66 are made from ferromagnetic materials. In some embodiments, magnetic element 66 is a ferromagnetic screw or a magnetic screw. In some embodiments, magnetic element 64 is a semicircular or circular magnet.

[0025] In play, the activity box 2 can be used in a range of different configurations and different activities that are complex and appropriate for various child ages. For example, the activity box 2 can be used as a matching box by placing the lid 6 on the box 4. The user (e.g., a child) can then match the shape of the matching block 86 to the shape of the holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e, and then drop the matching block 86 through the hole. In another example, the activity box 2 can be used by a user (e.g., a child) to "make-believe" using a doll 84 to build a house-like structure with the remaining components of the activity box 2. In another example, in play, the user (e.g., a child) can use multiple components 16a and 16b to build an upward structure (e.g., a tower).

[0026] In some embodiments, the removable panel 18 can be made from a material that is optically transparent (e.g., clear plastic). In yet another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can sort the multiple components 16a and 16b, for example, by color or shape.

[0027] In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use multiple components 16a and 16b to create a pattern (e.g., position one type of component next to a different type of component and repeat this structure continuously). In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use multiple components 16a and 16b to create a domino trail using the building blocks 72. In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can arrange multiple components 16a and 16b into the shape of letters resembling the alphabet. In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can magnetically couple the wheels 26 and use the removable panel 18 as a ramp on which the wheels 26 roll. In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the dowel 90 as a "drum stick" to hit the bottom surface 40 of the box 4. As described above, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the activity box 2 in a cart configuration in which multiple components 16a and 16b can be loaded into the space defined by the box 4.

[0028] In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can create a pattern by threading a string 88 through the stringing beads 80. Threading encourages hand-eye coordination and using both hands together. In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to build a house-like structure by using the space defined by the box 4 as an "empty room". In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to build or create a face and expression. Building a face with the multiple components 16a and 16b can help a child become more aware of their emotions, which is an early stage in developing self-control. In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to build a more elaborate three-dimensional structure (e.g., a tower, bridge, or city-like structure).

[0029] In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to practice jumping over small obstacles (e.g., by placing the dowel end of the string 88 in the first wheel 26a and the toggle end of the string 88 in the second wheel 26b). In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to create a path for a doll 84 by arranging the building blocks 72 on a surface. By arranging objects and creating a path, a child can develop spatial relationships (e.g., by learning that one object can be connected to multiple objects to build a larger object on a flat surface). In another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to learn to count (e.g., by building a tower with one or more building blocks 70). In yet another example, in play, a user (e.g., a child) can use the multiple components 16a and 16b to build a tower-like structure. In yet another example, in play, a user (eg, a child) can use a marker to draw or write on a removable panel made from a clear plastic material.

[0030] While a number of examples have been described for illustrative purposes, the foregoing is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Other examples and modifications currently exist and will exist in the future within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An activity box, A corner protector, a rigid plastic core having a pair of walls integrally connected to each other forming a first right angle therebetween, and a plate extending perpendicularly from an inner surface of the pair of walls, the plate having a cut bolt extending from a top surface of the plate; A shock-absorbing outer surface overmolded onto the hard plastic core A corner protector having a box configured to receive the corner protector, the box having two adjacent sides forming a second right angle with the corner recess; a wood fastener attached to the two adjacent side surfaces at the corner recess, the wood fastener defining a hole configured to receive the cut bolt; Including, The corner protectors provide impact resistance to the activity box.

2. The activity box of claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing exterior is made from a flexible or pliable material.

3. The activity box of claim 2 , wherein the flexible or pliable material is rubber, silicone, or polyurethane.

4. The activity box of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wooden fastener supports a load or reinforces the second right angle.

5. An activity box, With removable panels a plurality of components designed to cooperate with one another to form a rectangular shape having dimensions large enough to occupy approximately one-third of the volume of the activity box; a magnetic lid having an edge, the edge having four magnetic elements fitted therein, the magnetic lid having five different holes, each hole shaped to fit a component passing therethrough; Including, An activity box according to any preceding claim, wherein each component is shaped so that only one of the five different holes passes through it.

6. The activity box of claim 5 , wherein the removable panel has an opening to facilitate removal of the panel.

7. The activity box of claim 5 or 6, wherein the components have three-dimensional geometric shapes.

8. The activity box of claim 7 , wherein the three-dimensional geometric shape comprises a sphere, a cube, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, a slab, a toroid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a trapezoidal prism, a segment, or any combination thereof.

9. The activity box of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the plurality of components comprises dowels, strings, toggle strings, or any combination thereof.

10. 10. The activity box of claim 5, wherein the plurality of components includes a first magnetically attractable element and a second magnetically attractable element, the first magnetically attractable element being configured to magnetically couple to the second magnetically attractable element.

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