Patent CA-2049581-A1 (CA)
Inventor: NYKULAIK LINDA S
IPC: A47D11/00
Filed: 1991-08-20
Abstract: 3.                           ABSTRACT     This invention is a play desk, which provides features of functionality for both work and play.  It could appeal to children as well as adults who are interested in dollhouses or are collectors of dollhouse furnishings and the like.            The invention consists of a desk and a separate core insert which can be interchangeable with other variations of the insert, of which two samples are depicted in the drawings attached. The desk and core insert are made of wood or wood products.            The immense practicality of this invention is one of space saving value.  A desk is a popular piece of furniture in any home, particular-ly a child's room.  Children need areas in their rooms for both work and play.  Dollhouses and miniature dollhouse furnishings are becoming ever more popular.  Oftentimes a dollhouse takes up a great deal of space in a child's room, and becomes an oversized obstacle.          As well, some dollhouses require many hours of assembly time, in addition to painting the dollhouse when complete.     By inserting the ready made dollhouse into the core of the desk, no extra room space is needed.  The desk itself is shaped in a way that resembles a house, and yet the outward design is similar to the popular secretary style desk.  The desk top in a closed position resembles a slanted roof.  The rectangular core of the desk houses the rooms of the dollhouse insert.  When the child wishes to play, it simply means opening the doors at the front of the desk, to reveal the play area housed inside.  Since boys may not be interested in the dollhouse, a variation of the desk insert is a two level play "house" depicting a "space wars" scene at the top level, and a landscape scene on the lower level.  The child may have toy spacemen or the like to use on the upper level, or army men, dinosaurs, farm animals, dinky toys, etc. to play with on the landscape scene of the lower level.            The desk insert can also be set inside an armoir, or other types of furniture that it may be compatible with.            The outward appearance and finish of the desk could be designed to match other bedroom furniture groupings.  As well, variations can be made to the outer appearance of the desk front doors, in order to give the desk a contemporary or traditional look, or conform to other 4.   styles of furniture groupings.  For example, to obtain a traditional look, the front doors could be made to look like three drawers by using a mock panel attached to each door front,with the appearance of drawer fronts.  Handles fixed to each mock drawer section would further en-hance the appearance of drawers.  The base and feet of the desk can also be varied in design to conform to a variety of furniture styles.            A separate bookshelf or cabinet unit (not shown in the drawings) could sit on the flat desk top area to provide extra storage shelves.            The hinged desk top in a closed position possesses a narrow ledge at its base, for holding pencils, music books while practicing music, books for reading, or acts as an excellent easel for doing artwork, drawing, etc.    Evenly spaced pre-drilled holes in the interior sides of the desk core centre area would hold clips inserted into the holes to support shelves inside the desk if a play insert is not desired.  There would be several sets of holes drilled to allow positioning of shelves at various heights.  These holes would not be visible on the exterior sides of desk, as they are drilled only part way into the side members.     The descriptions and illustrations shown here are not limiting in scope, and obvious changes or variations may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.