Abstract:
A cover assembly for a play area, such as a sandbox, comprises a frame disposed over the play area and a covering material attached to the frame. The frame is constructed so as to be convertible between a first configuration in which children can enter and play in a fully enclosed play area and a second configuration in which the play area is shaded, but open to the outside.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to the field of children&#39;s play apparatus and, more particularly, to a combination cover and enclosure for a sandbox or other play area. 
   2. Background 
   Sandboxes are widely popular as a category of children&#39;s play apparatus. When not in use, it is desirable to protect the sand in a sandbox from the elements. This helps maintain the sand in good condition for play and helps prevent the sand from being contaminated with foreign objects or substances. Therefore, many sandboxes are provided with removable covers. Many of the prior art sandbox covers are cumbersome to handle and store. Moreover, the prior art sandbox covers are not useful for providing an enclosed play environment. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a cover assembly for a play area, such as a sandbox, comprising a frame disposed over the play area and a covering material attached to the frame. The frame is constructed so as to be convertible between a first configuration in which the play area may be fully enclosed, yet still be accessible for play, and a second configuration in which the play area is shaded, but open to the outside. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a covered play apparatus in a closed configuration in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a covered play apparatus in a closed configuration in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 3  in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a covered play apparatus in a closed configuration in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 5  in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a covered play apparatus in a closed configuration in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 7  in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a covered play apparatus in a closed configuration in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 9  in an intermediate configuration. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the covered play apparatus of  FIG. 9  in an open configuration. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. 
     FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a covered play apparatus  100  in which the covered play area comprises a sandbox. Sandbox  102  is formed with perimeter wall members  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110 . The perimeter wall members may be made of wood, plastic or other suitable material. A tent-like cover assembly  112  encloses sandbox  102  and protects it from the elements. The cover assembly also prevents intrusion by cats and other animals. The cover assembly comprises a pair of support members  114 ,  116 . Support members  114  and  116  comprise first leg members  114   a  and  116   a , respectively, and second leg members  114   b  and  116   b , respectively. In the closed configuration of the cover assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the support members resembles an inverted letter “V” arcing over a respective side of the sandbox. In alternate embodiments, such as described below, the support members may be curved to resemble an inverted letter “U”. 
   Cover assembly  112  further comprises a covering material  118  attached to support members  114  and  116 . Covering material  118  is preferably a waterproof material that will protect the contents of sandbox  102 . Material commonly used for camping tents, such as canvas, nylon and the like, are suitable for use as covering material  118 . The covering material may be imprinted with decorative designs, such as paw prints, fossils, insects or animals, to provide a themed play apparatus. 
   Cover assembly  112  further comprises a panel  120  of material attached to support member  114 . A corresponding panel of material may also be attached to support member  116 . Panel  120  (and the corresponding unseen panel) may be constructed of the same material as covering material  118 . Preferably, however, these panels are made of a screen-like material for ventilation, which helps prevent mold and dry out any damp sand. The screened panels also allow sandbox  102  to be used in inclement weather. The panels preferably include an opening  121  to allow for ingress and egress. The opening may be closed with a zipper, Velcro or other suitable means. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , cover assembly  112  is shown in an open configuration. Support members  114  and  116  pivot upwards on pivots  122 , which are attached to wall member  108 . A pair of support struts  115  and  117  are pivotally attached to wall member  104  and are slidingly coupled to respective second leg members in slots  114   c  and  116   c , respectively. As the support members are pivoted upwardly, the support struts  115  and  117  also pivot upwardly until reaching the ends of the respective slots, at which point the support struts lock into position to secure the support members in the open configuration. In this configuration, each of the support members resembles and inverted letter “L”. Covering material  118  remains attached to support members  114  and  116  in the open configuration, thereby providing shade for sandbox  102 . If desired, however, the covering material may be detached from the support members and stowed along wall member  108 . In the open configuration, the side panels may be furled and secured along their respective support members using straps  124  or other suitable means. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a second embodiment of a covered play apparatus  200  that is generally similar in concept to the embodiment previously described. The covering material and side panels have been omitted for clarity; however, it will be understood that these elements of the previously described embodiment are equally applicable to the embodiment illustrated here. Apparatus  200  comprises sandbox  202  and cover assembly  212 . Sandbox  202  includes uprights  203 ,  205 ,  207  and  209 . The uprights are primarily for decorative effect and contribute to the themed nature of the play apparatus when a decorated covering material is used as described above. 
   Support members  214  and  216  of the cover assembly  212  are pivotally attached to sandbox  202  at pivots  222 . In contrast to the previously described embodiment, support struts  215  and  217  are pivotally connected to support members  214  and  216 , respectively, but are not otherwise attached to sandbox  202 . To place the cover assembly in its open configuration, the assembly is pivoted up at pivots  222  and the support struts  215  and  217  are pivoted down to rest on the ground. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a third embodiment of a play apparatus  300  that is generally similar in concept to the two embodiments previously described. Support members  314  and  316  of the cover assembly are pivotally attached to sandbox  302  at pivots  322  in identical fashion to the second embodiment described immediately above. Support struts  315  and  317  are pivotally connected to support members  314  and  316 , respectively, and are fitted with clips  326 . These clips keep the support struts aligned with the respective support members while in the closed configuration. 
   To place the cover assembly in its open configuration, the assembly is pivoted up at pivots  322  and the support struts are unclipped from their respective support members and are rotated approximately 180° to clip to the support members on the opposite side of clips  326 . Uprights  303  and  305  each have a hook  328  to hold support struts  315  and  317  when the cover assembly is in its open configuration. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a covered play apparatus  400  that is again generally similar in concept to the embodiments previously described. In this embodiment, support struts  415  and  417  telescope within second leg members  414   b  and  416   b , respectively. In all other respects, apparatus  400  is identical to apparatus  300  described immediately above. To place the cover assembly in its open configuration, support struts  415  and  417  are slid outwardly from the respective second leg members to rest within hooks  428  on uprights  403  and  405 . 
     FIGS. 9-11  illustrate a fifth embodiment of a covered play apparatus  500 . Cover assembly  512  is pivotally coupled to sandbox  502  at pivots  522  in the same manner as the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, the cover assembly comprises curved support members, each of which generally resembles an inverted letter “U”. Cover assembly  512  is supported in the open configuration by articulated support members  514  and  516  (not shown), which are pivotally coupled to sandbox  502  at  523 . A clip  527  is attached to support member  514  (and similarly to corresponding support member  516 ) to lock the support member securely in the open configuration. 
   It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.