GB2440656A

GB2440656A - Play structure

Info

Publication number: GB2440656A
Application number: GB0714776A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Gray
Original assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Current assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-02
Filing date: 2007-07-30
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Also published as: GB0615295D0; GB0714776D0

Abstract

A play structure 2 comprises at least a first portion 4 and a second portion 6. The portions 4, 6 are relatively moveable between a storage condition and a number of in-use configurations. In the storage condition, at least part of one of the portions 4, 6 is received within the other portion 4, 6, perhaps completely. The size of the structure 2 may be significantly reduced in the storage condition. The portions 4, 6 may each have a roof, opposing side walls 8, 10. an end wall 12 and an opening 14 and may share a common edge pivot axis 22 allowing the portions to be rotated with respect to each other. The floor area of the play structure 2 may be completely enclosed. The portions 4, 6 may be formed using magnetically attached frame pieces (28, Fig 2a) located within pockets of a sheet material (Fig 3) used to cover the frame. A collapsible element 24 may have to be collapsed before the portions 4, 6, can be placed in their storage condition. Also disclosed is a toy accessory (72, Figs 7a & 7b) that includes an engagement means for connection to a play structure, magnetically connecting to the frame (28). A second toy accessory (Figs 6a & 6b) may be partially collapsible from an in-use condition to a storage condition using a panel (64, Fig 6a) and at least one retainer (66, Fig 6a), the panel (64) being releasable from the retainer (66) to allow the toy to be collapsed and stored.

Description

1 2440656 Play Structure and Accessories therefor The invention to

which this application relates is to a play structure and to accessories therefore, said play structure of a form known typically as a play house and/or play area in which a child can play and use a range of accessories which typically, although not necessarily, have an appearance which is related to the play structure.

The provision of play houses and play structures is well known but the forms of the same have been relatively unchanged for a number of years and can be split into two basic groupings, a first group which comprises a series of panels and/or rods which are fixed together and are generally intended to be maintained in a fixed condition for a prolonged period of time to provide a relatively permanent structure and a second group, provided in a collapsible form, possibly by the use of coil spring : ... frames. S... * . S...

*:*::* The problem with the first group is that in many instances, the play structures are provided for use within a room of a house and, due to the relatively permanent nature of the playhouse structure, and the size, they can take up a relatively large area of the room. This means that, especially in premises where room space is at a premium, the play structure of this type can be an unpopular toy with adults. However, due to the construction of the same, it is not easy to dismantle and rebuild the structure frequently to make the space available when the play structure is not in use.

The second group of play structures which are formed from a more easily collapsible frame, conventionally suffer the problem of not being sufficiently rigid or robust so that the same are 1* P prone to collapse during play and this can be frustrating to children.

For both groups of structures a child would typically wish to use accessories which are related to the type of structure, to further enhance the enjoyment which is gained by playing with the play structure, the accessories, for example, could be a kitchen set or a bedroom set with models of items typically found in those rooms, provided as part of the set. A problem is that in many cases, the accessories cannot be provided in the required location by the child and/or can easily move or be toppled over during play such that frustration can be caused to the child.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problems and thereby through this, allow improved enjoyment to be gained from playing with the play structures and accessories thereto in accordance with the invention. S. * S * *5. *.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a play * ** structure, said play structure including at least a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions being relatively movable between a storage condition and one or more in-use conditions and wherein one of the portions is provided in, or can be adapted to, a form which allows at least part of the same to be received within the other portion in the storage condition.

The reception of at least part of one of the portions within the other portion, means that the play structure can be moved to a storage condition in which the size of the structure is significantly reduced in comparison to the in-use condition.

Thus the reduction in space taken up by the structure when in a storage condition means that the structure need not be entirely collapsed for storage purposes upon the end of every use of the * ,* same. it also means that the structure can be more easily and quickly moved to an in- use condition from the storage condition.

In one embodiment, the said portion is substantially wholly enclosed within the said other portion in the storage condition.

In one embodiment, the said first and second portions each inc]ude a roof, two opposing side walls and one end wall with an opening defined which opposes the said end wall. In this arrangement, when the two portions are moved to the storage condition, the respective openings in the portions lie in substantially the same vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the said portions are moved to at least one in-use condition in which the said portions are positioned such that the floor area of the play structure is enclosed and formed by both of said portions. This is typically achieved by moving S *..

one of the portions Out of the other portion from the storage condition and then rotating one of the portions 1 80 degrees.

In one embodiment, attachment means can be provided to allow the said portions to be retained in the storage and/or in-use conditions. In one embodiment, a plurality of in-use conditions are possible, including a first in-use condition wherein said portions face each other, and a second in-use condition in which said first and second portions lie side by side.

In a further embodiment, alternative or additional in-use conditions are achieved by relative pivotal movement between first and second portions about a pivot axis formed by adjacent edges of respective side walls of the portions. * ,*

Typically, the said respective edges are those adjacent edges of the side walls which are located at the opening in each portion.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis is retained by engagement l)ctwcen said edges by connection means. In one embodiment, the connection means include hook and ioop fastening patches, a magnetic arrangement, a hinge mechanism, or any combination of the same.

In one embodiment, the portions can include further openings to allow access to be gained to the interior of the play structure when in an in-use condition and/or to form other features of the play structure such as, for example, windows, chimneys or the like.

In one embodiment, the walls of the play structure are formed by a ftame formed from a series of elongate members and said frame supports a sheet material to form the walls and roof. In *::::* one embodiment, the frame members or portions thereof are provided of magnetically attractive material and/or are magnetic.

Typically, the elongate frame members are substantially enclosed within pockets formed in the sheet material which thereby allows the frame members to be substantially hidden from view and also provide improved support and location for the sheet material with regard to the frame.

In one embodiment the fabric includes location means and/or connector elements to receive the frame members and connect the same together and/or locate the members with respect to the fabric.

In one embodiment, one or more of the said portions of the said structure can incorporate a feature which is movable between an extended position and a collapsed condition. Typically, the said feature is movable to a collapsed condition to allow the portion to which the same is attached, to be configured so as to be received within another portion of the structure for a storage condition.

In one embodiment, the opening of at least the portion which is of a size to receive the other portion therein for storage purposes, is provided with a reduced profile frame member, or no frame member, at the base of the opening so as to improve the ability for a person to slidably move said other portion through the opening and into the storage condition and to move the said portion in the reverse direction to move it to an in-use condition.

In one embodiment, the sheet material has, at least on the external face thereof, visual material applied thereto. In a * * preferred embodiment, the visual material is applied using a photographic printing technique.

*:*::* In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a play *:*. structure comprising first and second side walls, an end wall extending between the same and a roof and wherein an opening is defined in a plane parallel with and spaced from the rear wall to allow access to the interior of the structure. In one embodiment the said structure can be used independently or in conjunction with other play structures.

in a further embodiment of the invention, the play structure includes one or more accessories which can be used in conjunction with the play structure and, at least some of said accessories may be received within the inner portion of the play * . structure when in a storage condition to therefore further allow the storage of at least some of the accessories.

in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy accessory, said toy accessory provided for use in conjunction with a play structure, and wherein the accessory includes engagement means which allow the accessory to be retained in position with the play structure.

Preferably, respective engagement means are provided on the accessory and play structure, and allow a person to select a range of possible locations at which they can engage the accessory with the play structure.

In one embodiment, the play structure includes a series of elongate members which are typically provided as part of the frame of the play structure and which can be provided at a selected height with regard to the play structure. Typically one or more of the accessories which are to be selectively located * *. and engaged, are provided with mutual engagement means at the same height. This allows the child to selectively position and engage the accessory at any part where the said frame members are provided. ** . * * *

* In one embodiment, one of the frame members or accessories are provided of magnetically attractive material and the other of the said accessories or frame members are provided with a magnetic material so as to form the engagement means and the magnetic attraction between the two parts allows the location of the accessory at a selected position with regard to the play structure.

In a further aspect there is provided a toy accessory, said toy accessory at least partially collapsible so as to allow the same to be moved between a storage position and an in-use position, said accessory formed from a retaining means and at least one panel which is engageable with said retaining means to form the accessory in an in-use position and which panel is releasable from the retaining means to allow the accessory to be held in a storage position.

In one embodiment, the accessory is at least partially collapsible so as to allow the same to be moved to a storage position, and the retaining means is relatively rigid which forms one face of the accessory, and the at least one panel is typically provided as part of a collapsible assembly which is engageable with said retaining means to form the accessory for play, and is releasable from the retaining means and is then collapsible to move the same to a storage position.

in one embodiment, the said collapsible assembly is formed of sheet material with fold lines to allow the same to be folded S..,.' between storage and play conditions. * *.

Thus, there is provided in accordance with the invention, a play structure which has significant advantages, in its own right, *:*::* compared with conventional structures, and one or more *:*. accessories for use and which are provided in an improved form to allow the selective location of the accessories with a play structure or another article, to thereby allow the same to be retained in position during play. The provision of the play structure and accessories together, form an effective and significantly improved play combination.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Figures la -e illustrate different embodiments of use of a play structure in accordance with the invention in one embodiment; Figures 2a -d illustrate the construction or frame in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a -d illustrate an arrangement of sheet material pieces lot-use with the frame to form the play structure; Figure 4 illustrates one possible play structure and accessory environment created in accordance with the invention; Figures 5 a -d illustrate one form of accessory; Figures 6a -c illustrate a further form of accessory; Figures 7a and b illustrate a means for engagement of the accessory with regard to the play structure in accordance with *.** one embodiment; and * ..

Figures 8a-d illustrate another embodiment of play structure in accordance with the invention. * ** * . S

*: Referring firstly to Figures la -e, there is illustrated a play structure 2 in various configurations in accordance with the invention, in each case, the play structure comprises first and second portions 4, 6. Each portion has side walls 8, 10, 8', 10' respectively. Opposing the respective end walls 12, 12', is an opening 14, 14'. In Figure le, the play structure is shown in a storage condition in which the portion 4 which is formed to be a slightly larger shape than the portion 6, receives substantially all of the portion 6 within the same. The portion 6 is moved into the portion 4 as indicated by arrow 18 such that the openings 14, 14' lie substantially in the same plane. It will also be seen how accessories 20 which can be used in conjunction with the play structure, can also be stored by placing the same within the portion 6. Thus, in the storage condition, it will be appreciated that the play structure takes up significantly less space than when in an in-use condition.

Figures Ia -d illustrate various in-USC conditions in accordance with the invention. In Figure Ia, there is provided an enclosed play area 20 in which the openings 14 and 14' abut one another such that the enclosed play area is formed by the entire floor area of the portions 4 and 6. In Figure ib, the portions 4 and 6 are pivotally moved about a common edge pivot axis 22 and therefore can be pivotally moved about said axis as indicated by arrow 24. Any suitable hinge mechanism can be provided but in one form, the hinge may be formed by magnetic attraction between the respective edges, or by the use of hook and loop fasteners, or the like. It will also be appreciated that the pivotal movement provides an area 26 between the portions, ****** which can be used for playing and is still linked to give the * impression that the same is part of the play structure thereby increasing the play area available.

Figure ft shows the two portions 4, 6 having been pivotally *:*. moved about the axis 22 to lie side by side. Figure Id shows the two portions 4 and 6 having been separated from one another and still form a play area with an area 26 defined between the same and which is incorporated as part of the play area.

It will also be seen that the portion 6 includes a part 24 which protrudes above the height of the inner surface of the portion 4 within which the same is to be stored as shown in Figure le.

As a result, the portion 24 is provided as a "pop-up" feature and is therefore collapsed to lie substantially flat in line with the roof portion 26 prior to moving the portion 6 into portion 4 for storage.

Figures 2a to d illustrate one form of construction of the play structure in accordance with the invention and shows portion 4 in Figures 2a,b and d and part of portion 6 in Figure 2c. Each of the portions is formed from a frame of elongate members 28 which arc secured to one another via brackets 30. In Figure 2a not all of the frame members are shown whereas in Figure 2b the frame members are shown in position.

The frame includes intermediate horizontal frame members 28' the purpose of which will be subsequently described. It should therefore be appreciated that the frame which is constructed, is relatively rigid and can be provided in a semi-permanent condition. It is also preferred that no frame member is provided at the front edge 32 of the portion 4, so as to allow improved movement as indicated by arrow 18 in Figure le of the poition 6 within the portion 4 for storage purposes. Figure 2d illustrates how the frame members, in actual use are hidden b * .* being received within pockets 34 formed in the sheet material which surrounds the frame. The pockets have the ability to hide the frame members and therefore improve the attractiveness of the play structure but also have the functional abll1ty of securing the sheet material to the frame at more locations and thereby improve the close fitting of the sheet material to the frame.

Figure 2c shows how the pop-up portion 24 can be formed by fibreglass support rods 36 and an EPS rod 38 according to one embodiment of the invention, thereby allowing the same to be relatively easily moved to a collapsed condition in line with the roof portion.

Figures 3a to d illustrate the sheet material panels which can be located on the frame in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this case, Figures 3a and 3c represent the sheet material panels 40 for the outer surface of portion 6 and the inner panels 42 for the inner surface of portion 6 respectively.

The Figures 3b and 3d illustrate the outer panels 44 for the portion 4 of the play structure and the inner panels 46 for the inner surface of the portion 4.

In addition to the play structure 2, further accessories can be provided which allow the utility of the play structure to be further improved. In Figure 4, there is illustrated a play structure in the form of a shop and a range of accessories 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 all, or some, of which can be used in conjunction with the play structure to give, in this case, the appearance of a shop. The accessories depict those items which would normally be provided within a shop for use or be used by a customer, when shopping. In one embodiment, it is envisaged that a range of accessories will be provided as a set * * for purchase in conjunction with, or subsequent to, the purchase of the play structure and the accessories can be selectively used by a child in conjunction with the play structure, regardless of the particular configuration in which the structure is provided. * **

Furthermore, at least some of the accessories can be stored within the portion 6 of the play structure when the structure is moved to the storage condition. It will also be appreciated from Figure 4 that in the play structure, the plane along which the openings in each portion are formed, can be along the length of the play structure rather than across the width which is the case with the arrangement shown in Figures Ia to e. Thus it will be appreciated that the split in the play structure portions can be provided in any required configuration to suit the particular play structure depiction which is required.

Figures 5a to d illustrate a shelf unit accessory 48 of Figure 4 and illustrate how the accessories themselves can be movable between different in-use positions. Thus, in Figure 5a, the shelf units are shown as separate units, in Figure Sb the shelf units are located side by side, in Figure 5c the shelf units are shown back to back and in Figure Sd a single shelf unit is shown with printing 50 provided to increase the realism of the shelf unit to a child.

It should therefore be mentioned at this stage that another important part of the play undertaken by a child in conjunction with the invention is the ability to reconfigure and rearrange both the play structure and accessories.

Figures 6a and b illustrate a further form of accessory, in this case in the form of a washing machine. However, the figures are provided to show the manner in which the accessory can be moved between a storage position and an erected position and :. therefore the particular use of the accessory is not relevant.

The accessory can be provided for initial shipping and/or subsequent storage, in a flattened condition in which a *:::* collapsible assembly 52 is folded flat about fold lines 54. A more rigid retaining means 56 is provided and add on components 58 can also be provided which can subsequently be *:*::* fixed in position. The add on components are shown in Figure *:*. 6b with the assembly 52 partially moved to an erected condition and, provided in a fully erected condition as shown in Figure 6a.

Once fully erected, the retaining means 56 can be moved down onto the top edges 60 and locate therewith as indicated by arrow 62. The location with the top edges 60 of the assembly 52 serves to retain the top edges in the erected position and hence the assembly in the erected position. If required, a base panel 64 can be provided which can be located at the bottom or intermediate the top and bottom edges of the assembly 52 and which adds further rigidity to the body via engagement in location means 66. In order to move the accessory to a collapsed condition, the retaining means 56 are removed from the panels and then the assembly can be folded about fold lines 54 to a flattened condition.

it should be appreciated that although this is shown in conjunction with a washing machine accessory, the concept can be used with any suitable accessory.

Turning now to Figures 7a and b, there is shown a further advantage of the current invention which, although particularly suitable with regard to the play structure of the current invention, may be used in conjunction with other play structures to beneficial effect. The Figures 7a-d show part of the inner walls of a portion of the play structure and an accessory being selectively positioned with respect to the same.

A problem which is often experienced by children when playing :..::: with play structures and accessories, is that the accessories can S... . . be relatively easy to topple over which may, in turn, disrupt *:::* other articles. To a child this can be extremely frustrating. This problem is overcome in the current invention in the following manner. * . e * . S * ..

*.: In this case, the play structure is provided as previously described, with regard to Figures 2a to d, with a frame which is formed of elongate members 28. Typically, the frame members are formed of steel or another magnetically attractive material.

In accordance with the invention, intermediate frame members 28' are provided at a height below the top level of the height of some of the accessories. These frame members 28' provide an opportunity to provide engagement and location for these accessories and, furthermore, to provide a series of selective locations for the accessories which are not readily apparent to a child. The actual form of engagement can be selected to suit particular purposes but one form is now described.

In accordance with Figures 7a and b, there is shown an accessory 70, in this case in the form of a cooker and the same is shown in position within the portion 4 of the play structure in accordance with the invention. Also shown, in broken lines, are the members 28 of the frame which are located within pockets in the sheet material which form the walls. In particular, the intermediate frame members 28' are shown and it will be seen how the top level 72 of the accessory 70 is above the height of the frame members 28'. It will also be seen how the accessory is neatly located within the play structure abutting the wall of the same.

Figure 7b illustrates how this is achieved in more detail and shows a rear view of the accessory 70 and shows part of frame member 28' against which the accessory 70 is abutted.

Furthermore, the accessory is maintained in this abutted S... . . . . relationship by the provision of a strip of magnetic material 74 on the rear face of the accessory 70 at the same height as the frame member 28'. As the frame member 28' is magnetically attractive then the magnetic material 74 is attracted to the same that when the accessory is brought into proximity with the frame member, the magnetic attraction causes the accessory to be engaged with the frame member and therefore retained in position during play by a child. This therefore prevents the accessory from falling over or causing other disruption during play.

Figure 7b also illustrates a further accessory 76 being moved in the direction 78 towards the frame member as indicated by arrow 78 to allow the magnetic strip of material 74 thereon to be attracted to the frame member 28' and thereby locate that accessory 76 adjacent to the accessory 70.

Figures 8a -d illustrate a further embodiment of play structure in accordance with the invention. In this case the structure 100 comprises a frame formed from a plurality of members 102 which support sheet material to define side walls 106, 108, end walls 110, floor 112 and roof 114. An opening 116 is defined opposite the rear wall 110 to allow access to be gained into the structure, a practical example of which is shown in Figures 8b and c.

Figure 8d illustrates an accessory in the form of a stand 118 which can be provided in the structure by folding out the panels 120, 122 and on which other accessories, such as till 124 can be supported. In this case, as in the other embodiments, the play structure can be used as a portion in conjunction with other portions to form the overall structure or may be used independently as a play structure in its own right. *...

it will therefore be appreciated that in accordance with the *:*::* current invention, there is provided a play structure and accessories for use with the play structure which offer * significant advantage over conventional play structures, with the advantages including the ability to move a play structure easily between, in-use and storage positions without the need to dismantle the support frame and furthermore, to allow the child to move the play structure between a plurality of different in-use positions and allow accessories for use with the play structure to be retained in position.

Claims

Claims 1. A play structure, said play structure including at least a

first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions being relatively movable between a storage condition and one or more in-use conditions and wherein one of the portions is provided in, or can be adapted to, a form which allows at least part of the same to be received within the other portion in the storage condition.

2. A play structure according to claim I wherein the reception of at least part of one of the structure portions within the other portion means that the play structure can be moved to a storage condition in which the size of the structure is significantly reduced in comparison to the one or more in-use CO fl di tio n s.

3. A structure according to claim I wherein the said portion :. is substantially wholly enclosed within the said other portion in :..::: the storage condition.

*:::* 4. A structure according to claim 1 wherein the first and second portions each include a roof, two opposing side walls and one end wall, with an opening defined which opposes the * *. said end wall. ** . * S * * **

5. A structure according to claim 4 wherein when the two pOi:tions are moved to the storage condition, the respective openings in the portions lie substantially in the same vertical plane.

6. A structure according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the in-usc conditions comprises the said portions positioned such that the floor area of the play structure is enclosed and formed by both the said portions.

7. A structure according to claim 6 wherein the in-use condition is achieved by moving one of the portions out of the other portion from the storage condition and then rotating one of the portions by 180 .

8. A structure according to claim I wherein attachment means are provided to allow the said portions to be retained in the storage and/or in-use conditions.

9. A structure according to claim I wherein a plurality of in-use conditions can be selected, said conditions including a first in-use condition wherein said portions face each other and a second in- use condition in which the first and second portions lie side by side.

10. A structure according to claim I wherein a plurality of in-use conditions can be selected by relative pivotal movement of the first and second portions about a pivot axis formed by adjacent edges of respective side walls of the portions.

* 11. A structure according to claim 10 wherein the respective edges arc those adjacent edges of the side walls which are located at the opening in each portion.

12. A structure according to claim 10 wherein the pivot axis is formed by engagement between said edges by connection means.

13. A structure according to claim I wherein the portions include further openings to allow access to be gained to the interior of the play structure when in an in-use condition and/or to form other features of the play structure.

14. A structure according to claim I wherein the walls of the play structure are formed by a frame formed from a series of elongate members and said frame supports sheet material to form the walls and roof.

15. A structure according to claim 14 wherein the frame members or portions thereof are provided of magnetically attractive material and/or are magnetic and/or carry portions of magnetically attractive material thereon.

16. A structure according to claim 14 wherein the elongate frame members are substantially enclosed within pockets formed in the sheet material.

17. A structure according to claim 14 wherein the elongate frame members pass through locators and/or connectors formed in the sheet material. S. * S

18. A structure according to claim 1 wherein one or more of S... . the said portions of the said structure incorporate a feature which is movable between an extended position and a collapsed condition.

19. A structure according to claim 18 wherein the said feature is movable to a collapsed condition to allow the portion to which the feature is attached to be configured so as to be received within another portion of the structure for the storage condition.

20. A structure according to claim 1 wherein the sheet material has, at least on the external face thereof, visual material applied t h crc to.

21. A structure according to claim 20 wherein the visual material is applied using a photographic printing technique.

22. A structure according to claim 1 wherein any one of the said portions can in its own right be used as a play structure independently of the other portion.

23. A structure according to claim I wherein the structure includes one or more accessories which can be used in conjunction with the play structure.

24. A structure according to claim 23 wherein at least some of said accessories may be received within the inner portion of a play structure when in a storage condition to allow storage of at least some of the accessories therein.

25. A toy accessory, said toy accessory provided for use in conjunction with a play structure of a form described in any of claims I to 24 and wherein the accessory includes engagement means which allow the accessory to be retained in position with I...

respect to the play structure. * ** * * S * **

26. An accessory according to claim 25 wherein respective engagement means are provided on the accessory and the play structure to allow a range of selectable locations to be provided . .: at which the accessories can be positioned.

27. An accessory according to claim 25 wherein the play structure includes a series of elongate members which are provided as part of the frame of the play structure and which can be provided at a selected height with regard to the play structure.

28. An accessory according to claim 27 wherein one or more of the accessories are provided with mutual engagement means at the same height as the elongate members.

29. A structure according to any of claims 25 to 28 wherein OflC of the frame members or accessories are provided with magnetically attractive material and the other of said accessories or frame members are provided with magnetic material so as to form engagement means via the magnetic attraction between the respective parts.

30. i\ toy accessory, said toy accessory at least partially collapsible so as to allow the same to be moved between a storage position and an in-use position, said accessory formed from a retaining means and at least one panel which is engageable with said retaining means to form the accessory in an in-use position and which panel is releasable from the retaining means to allow the accessory to be held in a storage position. * .

31. An accessory according to claim 30 wherein the retaining means forms at least part of one face of the accessory. * .* * 0 S * 0I

32. An accessory according to claim 30 wherein the retaining means is substantially rigid. * **

33. A formation means according to claim 32 wherein the retaining means includes receiving means in the form of a slot into which an edge of said at least one panel is received and secured.

34. An accessory according to claim 31 wherein said further panel is part of a collapsible assembly including a plurality of panels, each of which can be selectively engaged with the formation means.

35. An accessory according to claim 34 wherein said panels are each interconnected and relatively movable with respect to each other so that, when engaged with the retaining means, the panels are located in a particular configuration defined by the retaining means and, when released from the retaining means, the panels can be moved so as to reduce the size of the same for storage requirements 36. An accessory according to claim 35 wherein the said panels form a collapsible assembly with said panels joined via fold lines to allow the same to be folded between storage and play conditions.

37. An accessory according to claim 35 wherein when said panels are moved to a play condition, a further panel is provided to be positionable with respect to the panels to thereby retain the said panels in the play condition. I. I. * *** S... * . . * S. *. . * S. * *. S. S * . S. 5 * S