WO2008015668A2

WO2008015668A2 - Play device

Info

Publication number: WO2008015668A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charon Blum
Original assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-08-02
Filing date: 2007-07-29
Publication date: 2008-02-07
Also published as: WO2008015668A3

Abstract

There is provided herein a play device including a frame member defining at least one internal opening, at least one cover pivotably mounted to the frame member, the device configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each the cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of the at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with respect to the frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position. There is further provided herein a sandbox including a frame member defining at least one internal opening at least one cover pivotably mounted to the frame member, the device configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each the cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of the at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with respect to the frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position and at least one suitable basin adapted for being received by and supported with respect to the or each the internal opening, wherein the or each basin is adapted for holding at least one of sand and water.

Description

PLAY DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to play devices, in particular sandboxes and play tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sandboxes and play tables are well-known play devices that seive as recreational and educational facilities, especially for children. Sandboxes may include a sand basin, and in some cases also a water basin. Some examples of sandboxes are also coveiable with a cover. Play tables have a surface or zone on which a game can be played, or an activity, such as for example painting, crafts or clay modeling, may be performed.

For example, US 6,616,539 discloses a sand and water table mat includes a sand basin and a water basin.. One side of the sand basin includes rotation channels and a locking groove. One side of the water basin includes pivot rods and a locking bead. The pivot rods of the water basin rotate within the rotation channels of the sand basin while the water basin is rotated from a closed position, covering the sand basin, to an open position. As the water basin is rotated to the open position, the locking bead engages the locking groove. The locked bead and groove connection supports the sand basin and the water basin in the open position.. When the water basin is rotated to cover the sand basin, the locking bead disengages from the locking groove.. The water basin may be removed from the sand basin or may be rotated to cover the sand basin>

US 4,515,360 discloses a sandbox for recreational play which has a slidable cover. The cover slides between a closed position covering a container for holding sand and an open position wherein the sand container is uncovered. The cover has a downwardly depending end portion which supports the cover when in the open position, enabling the cover to be used as a play deck. The cover advantageously has an entertaining play suiface foimed thereon, preferably a miniature marina. A depression is formed in the cover into which water is received for use with water play toys. A toy vehicle roadway is also formed along the upper portion of the sandbox, and on the cover.. The roadway is endless regardless of whether the cover is in either the fully open or fully closed cover position. The container has a channel formed in three of its sidewalls. The ends of the channel are open to the exterior of the container. The cover slides between positions guided by the channel. An upward indentation is formed around thiee-quarters of the bottom of the cover adjacent the side edge so that with the cover in the closed position, water will drip ftom the indentation and into the channel and flow out the open ends so as to keep the inside of the container substantially dry.

US 5,640,911 discloses a water table, as used by young childien foi play and educational r area, which is open at the top for access ftom above with an upper perimeter around purposes, such sand and water table comprising a supported table having a depressed containethe upper edge of the depressed container area, in which perimeter is formed a recessed channel area that functions for dual pmposes, one being to help prevent spillage of sand, water, or other products from the depressed containei area, and the other function being to receive conformingly the bottom perimeter of a covering lid

USD 519,182 discloses a sand and water table with an umbiella A number of products in the market include a variety of sand and water tables, some of which are coverable by a fully removable cover, or by a pair of hinged covers that open to 270° from the closed horizontal position.

In US 5,782,185, the upper side of the tabletop of a play table is formed with storage depressions for the storage of e.g. toy building blocks. The play table has slidabie building plates having cylindrical coupling knobs on which the toy building blocks may be built The building plates are slidabie between a closed position in which they cover the storage depressions, and an open position pioviding access to the depiessions. The legs of the play table are pivotally mounted so that in a folded-up position they are disposed below and in parallel with the long edges of the tabletop. and in an unfolded position the legs slope outwardly so that the table stands stably

US 5,327,838 discloses a play table with integral storage areas accessible thiough the play surface has a fiame which supports a horizontal board having one oi more openings, A removable storage bin is suspended within each opening. Atop each opening, a removable panel is provided. Preferably, the panels collectively cover the entire surface area of the board, thus providing a smooth play or woik surface. When aiticles stored in a bin are needed, the panel overlying the bin is lemoved and its contents withdrawn, either piecemeal or by removing the bin itself The panel then is replaced atop the opening, thus restoring the smooth play surface to its entirety. When the articles need to be returned to the storage bin, the appropriate panel is leraoved and the articles may either be swept or placed into the bin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a play device comprising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of said at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with respect to said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position- In the open position the corresponding cover does not overlie the or each said internal opening;. the device may optionally comprise one, two or more than two .said covers pivotably mounted to said frame member.. The or each said cover may comprise generally planar surfaces on at least one of the upper and lower sides thereof The or each said cover may be hingedly mounted on said frame at a pivot axis mat is displaced from a corresponding edge of the frame member, defining an abutment surface for the corresponding cover in the open position thereof. In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the frame member may optionally comprise a generally rectangular planform.

In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the frame member may optionally comprise two adjacent said internal openings, separated via a diagonal member. In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the frame member may optionally comprise at least one recess adapted for holding items. The at least one recess may be adapted for retaining therein cylindrical vessels or may have any other suitable shape.

In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the frame member and/or said cover may optionally be formed as a molded product. Further optionally, at least one of said frame member and said cover may be formed as a unitary plastic molded product. In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the play device may further comprise at least one suitable basin adapted for being removably received by and supported with respect to the or each said internal opening.

Optionally, the or each said basin is formed as a molded product. Further optionally, at least said basin may be formed as a unitary plastic molded product.

In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the play device may further comprise a plurality of legs joined to said frame member.

Optionally, the legs may be detachably attached to said frame member. Optionally, the legs may be formed as molded products. Further optionally, the legs may be formed as a unitary plastic molded product

In the play device comprising any one or combinations of the features above, the play device may be particularly adapted for use as a play table and/or as a sandbox for recreational play.

According to one aspect of the invention, a play table is, provided comprising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of said at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with respect to said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position; and a plurality of legs attached to said frame member; wherein the or each said cover comprises an upper surface in said closed position configured as a play surface.

The play table may optionally comprise at least one suitable basin adapted for being received by and supported with respect to the or each said internal opening.

According to another aspect of the invention, a sandbox is provided comprising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of said at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with respect to said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position; and at least one suitable basin adapted for being received by and supported with respect to the or each said internal opening; wherein the or each basin is adapted for holding at least one of sand and water.

The sandbox may optionally comprise a plurality of legs attached to said frame member.

Some features of some embodiments of the invention may include one or more ofthe following:- the play device, when made from suitable materials, may be used for indoor and/or outdoor play, essentially as an all year round play item ~ for example it may be used as an outdoor play device at the beach or garden during the summer, and as an indoor play table during the winter; the openable covers provide an enlargement of the available working/playing area when open, and when closed protect the contents of the basins - for example, sand, water, toys etc; - the removable basins facilitate filling up, drainage and cleaning of the basins; suitable recesses provide the option of having removable sand molds, for example shaped as star¹ fish and so on, and/or cups, colanders, and so on - these accessories may optionally be provided as a kit with the play device; - other recesses on the frame member may be specially designed and shaped to enable particularly shaped cans, bottles, and so on, already available as arts and crafts accessories, for example, to be held there for particular activities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be caiiied out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

5 Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a play device according to an embodiment of the invention, in closed mode.

Fig, 2 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of Fig.1 in open mode. Fig.3 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Fig.2. Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the frame member of the embodiment of Fig. 10 3.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the covers removed. 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 to 8, a play device for use as sandbox, play table, and so on, according to air embodiment of the invention, is generally designated 100, and comprises a frame member 120, and a pair of covers 110.

20 Referring in particular to Fig. 4, the frame member 120 is of general rectangular planform having a first pair of opposed shorter end members 122 and an orthogonally disposed second pair of longer side members 124, joined together at comer portions 150 of the frame member 120 to form a generally central cavity in the frame member 120. A diagonal member 135 interconnects the inwardly facing edges of the side members 124 to

25 divide the cavity into a pair of juxtaposed and generally central frame openings 130. The openings 130 are of substantially identically shape, though of different orientation in plan view one from another, and each opening 130 comprises surrounding walls defined by inwardly-facing portions 130a of a corresponding end member 122 and portions 130b, 130c of the two side members 124, and an inward facing edge 130d of diagonal member

30 135. A substantially horizontal peripheral ridge 138 circumvents the two openings 130, the ridge 138 having side portions 138b corresponding to the side membeis 124, and end portions 138a corresponding to the end members 122, and is substantially coplanar with an upper suiface 137 of the diagonal member 135 and with the upper surface 123 of end members 122. An upwardly facing ledge 198 is provided along the walls of each opening 130, recessed fiom the ridge 138 and surface 137.

Each side member 124 together with its two corresponding comer portions 150 5 comprise an upper surface 155 thai is upwardly displaced with respect to the upper surface 123, the upper facing ridge 138, and surface 137, by a substantially uniform displacement d. Thus, a cential inner-facing side wall strip 152 is foimed between each upper surface 155 and the corresponding side portion 138b, flanked on each end 154 by end inner-facing wall strips 153 between the upper surface 155 at the corner portions 150 and the upper

10 surface 123. The end 154 is located at the pivot axis T' of the corresponding cover 110, as will become clearer herein, In plan view, the profile of the central strip 152 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse centerline T of the Same 120, having a central concavely curved portion and smoothly blending to a convex shaped end in the vicinity of each of the pivot axis T¹ Further in plan view, the profile of the end strips 153 are mirror

15 images of that of a corresponding portion of the central strip 152 with respect to the hinge axis T, which is a transverse imaginary line that is parallel to the centerline T₅ and thus the end strips 153 may also be convexly shaped

The covers 110 are configured for being individually, selectively and reversibly pivoted fiom a closed position, illustrated in Fig. 1, to an open position, illustrated in Fig

20 2. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 in particular, the two coveis 110 are substantially identical, and each cover 110 may comprise a generally flat plate 118 having an upper surface 111 and a lower surface 112. A peripheral flange 116 circumscribes the lower surface 112 of plate 118, comprising hinge wall 113 and opposed free wall 114, and side walls 115, depending generally orthogonally from the lower suiface to provide a shallow open-box like

25 structure. The covers 110 are complementarily shaped with respect to the recessed area of the frame 120 defined by the upper facing ridge 138, and thus in plan view, the profile of each side wall 115 is substantially complementary to that of the corresponding central strip 152 half, from the centerline T to the hinge line T', having a main convex portion and a smaller concave portion in the vicinity of the hinge edge 113. The depth d' of the flange

30 116 may also be similar to displacement d

The hinge edge 113 is substantially parallel to the hinge axis T', and a reinforcement web 119 may be provided on the lower suiface 112 displaced from the hinge wall 113. A hinge pin housing 176 is provided between the web 119 and hinge wall 113 at each tansverse end thereof, having aligned bores

A hinge arrangement 171 for the covers 110 is provided at the corresponding ends 154, and aligned with pivot axis T'. In the illusnated embodiment, the hinge aπangement comprises, at each transverse end of the hinge wall 113 of each cover 110, a hinge pin 172 adapted for being received in the boie of Hie corresponding pin housing 176 in cover 110 and extending through a corresponding apeiture 173 on side wall 115 thereof and into axially aligned aperture 174 at corresponding end 154. Different hinge arrangements aie of course possible, mutatis mutandis. Alternatively, a film hinge auangemeπt may be provided for pivoting the covers with respect to the Same member, for example.

The hinge wall 113 comprises a rounded edge with the upper surface 111, and this rounded edge rotates with iespect to curved groove 177 formed on the upper surface 123 parallel to the corresponding hinge axis T^!, as the cover 110 is being opened or closed. Thus, when the covers 110 are in the closed position, i e , in overlying relationship with the openings 130, the bottom facing parts of the free edges of the flange 116 abut parts of the upper facing ridge 138 and surface 137 to enable covers 110 to assume a generally horizontal fiat orientation. Similarly, in the open position, each cover 110 having been rotated by a pivot angle of about 180° about the corresponding hinge axis T' from the closed position, assumes a substantially flat position, wherein a portion of the upper surface 111 in the vicinity of the hinge wall 113 abuts the surface 123 of the corresponding end member 122, resting the cover in this substantially flat horizontal position, with the lower surface 112 thereof now facing upwards. Thus, surface 123, which displaces (he pivot axis T' from the free edge of the corresponding end member 122, acts as an abutment surface Optionally, a locking arrangement may be provided to lock the covers in open and/or in closed mode. For example, a defoimable blister or other projection may be formed inside strip 153 and/or side strip 152 at a suitable position such as to ietain (he cover 110 in place until he cover 110 is forced past die projection, by deformation of (lie same A finger engaging indentation 199 is provided on the top of each side member 124, close to the center line T, for facilitating opening (he covers 110 when these aie in the closed position, when (lie corners between the free walls 114 and side walls 15 overlie the indentations Alternatively, a handle, apertuie, recess, and so on may be provided to at least one of the covers to facilitate opening the same.

The end members 122 each optionally comprise a plurality of depressions or recesses 128, formed on the surfaces 123, and extending in a downward direction. The 5 iecesses 128 may be of any suitable shape and may be used for holding any desired implement, tool, vessel, materials, and so on, during or after, play with the device 100. In the illustiated embodiment, a single elongate recess 128 is provided, the recess having a wavy periphery 131 on one side and a substantially rectilinear periphery 133 on the opposite side, the wavy periphery comprising a plurality of concave cylindrical portions

10 136. The curvature of the cylindrical portions 136 may be matched, i.e , may be substantially complementary, to the curvature of standard or special tins of modeling clay or of tins of paints, for example, enabling such tins to be accommodated in the recess 128. Alternatively, spades, paintbrushes, pens, etc. may be accommodated in the recess 128. The recesses 128 on each of the two end members 122 may be the same, or may be

15 different one from the other

Fuither optionally, a well 159 is piovided at one or more of the comer poi lions 150. Each well 159 extends into the fiame 120 in a downwards direction, and may optionally comprise a closed bottom (not shown), or alternatively may be open at the bottom In the illustrated embodiment, each well 159 is substantially cylindrical, and

20 optionally the curvature of the cylindrical well 159 may be matched, i e , substantially complementary, to the curvature of particular sand or water buckets, oi of particular sand toys, or of tins of modeling clay or of tins of paints, for example, enabling such elements to be accommodated in the well 159. Alternatively, spades, paintbrushes, pens, etc may be accommodated in the well 159, either directly oi via a suitably-shaped cylindrical holder

25 (not shown). The wells 159 optionally piovided at each corner portion 150 may be the same, or may be different one from another. Optionally, a temporary or permanent cover may be provided for one or more of the wells 159.

The frame member 120 further comprises a peripheral skirt 127, extending outwardly and downwardly from the surfaces 155 and 123, and including the comer

30 portions 150, to a free peripheral edge 126,

The fiame membei 120 further comprises four sockets 162, projecting in a downward direction from the underside of the frame 120, one each from each comer portion 150. hi the illustrated embodiment, the play device 100 further comprises four legs 160, each one adapted for releasable connection with a corresponding socket 162 at a coiner poition 150. Each leg 160 may be substantially cylindrical for example, or alternatively frusto-conical as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, having a plug portion 163 at an upper end thereof complementary to and configured foi being engaged in the corresponding socket 162, an optionally comprises a decorative toe portion 164 at the bottom end, which may also assist in providing further stability of the device 100. A groove 165 may be provided in the plug portion 163, that aligns with and engages a complementary key (not shown) in the socket 162, in order to align the legs are desired, for example such that the toe portions 164 face outwardly in diagonal directions with respect to the frame member 120. A leg locking arrangement may be provided for locking the leg in place, and may comprise a deformable projection 166 that is radially depressed inwards as the plug portion 163 is being pushed into the socket 162, and springs out into engagement with aperture 167 in the socket 162 when the leg is fully engaged with respect thereto, locking the leg in place. To remove the leg, the projection is pushed in, and this is accompanied with a pulling action on the leg 160.

The play device 100, however, can be used without the legs 160, foi example by resting the frame member 120 via the sockets 162, on any suitable surface such as the ground, a table, a ledge, and so on.

The play device 100 further comprises a pair of removable basins 190, each defined by a base 192 and peripheral upwardly extending walls 194 having a plan form substantially complementary to mat of an opening 130, to piovide a containment volume V mat may be filled, fully or partially with, for example, one or more of: water, sand, toys, drawing and painting instruments or materials, and so on. According to the use thereof, the basins may be water impermeable. Hie basins 190 aie substantially identical one to the other, though in plan view oiiented differently with respect to the frame member 120. The basins 190 each comprise a peripheral upper lip 196 that is substantially complementary, and is removably receivable and supportable on a corresponding ledge 198 of one or the other of openings 130. Optionally, the basins 190 may compiise one or more handles (not shown), which may be provided, for example, on the base 192, or walls 194, or lip 196, for facilitating removal of the basin from the corresponding opening 130. In other embodiments, though, the basins may be of different shape one to another, and furthermoie, in yet oilier embodiments mere may be one or more than two basins, and/or the basins may be of any desired shape that may be mountable with respect to the corresponding openings in the fianie, mutatis mutandis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inward facing edges of side members 124 aie substantially curved, while the inwaid facing edges of the end members 122 are substantially rectilinear, and the side edges of the diagonal member 135 arc S-shaped, and thus, the openings 130 have a generally L-shaped internal periphery 140. In other embodiments of the invention, the openings 130 may have any desired shape and/or the device 100 may comprise one oi three or more man thiee openings instead of the two openings 130 comprised in the illustiated embodiment (optionally with a corresponding number of suitable basins), and/or wheie theie are two oi moie basins, the basins may be of the same or different shapes with respect to one another, mutatis mutandis.

The name member 120 may be made inlegially as a unitary piece, foi example as a molded plastic item, or made from any other suitable material Alternatively it may be made fiom different components permanently or reveisibly joined together Similarly, the legs 160 and/or the covers 110 may be made as molded plastic pieces, or fiom any other suitable material By "molded" includes any type of process by which a product may be formed by means of a three-dimensional negative representation thereof, for example including injection molding, thermal or vacuum forming, die stamping, and so on. Optionally, the frame member 120 and legs 160, or the frame member 120, the covers 110 and legs 160, or the frame member 120 and covers 110, may be made as a unitary piece. Where the covers and frame member are made as a unitary piece, the covers may be formed with a film hinge arrangement, and mere may suitable modifications to the device 100 for facilitating production thereof, mutatis mutandis.

In variations of these embodiments the end members 122 may be longer than the side members 124, and/or the plan form of the frame member 120 may be other than rectangular", for example polygonal, star-shaped, circular, elliptical, and so on.

In variations of these embodiments the legs 160 and sockets 162 may be omitted, and tiie frame member 120 is supported on the ground or other surface via the edge 126. Optionally, the skirt 127 may extend downwardly a sufficient distance such that when the frame member is supported on a surface, the covers 110 and/or the basins 190 are at a useful height with respect to the user. In variations of these embodiments, the play device may comprise less than four legs or more than four legs, or the legs may be replaced with, blocks, or any other structuie that permits a spacing between a ground surface and the frame member, for example a stand arrangement. Alternatively, the frame member may be adapted for being fixed to a wall oi ledge at a suitable height off the ground- in variations of these embodiments, the device may comprise a single pivotable cover, or more than two pivotable covers, and/or the coveifs) may be any desired shape or configuration, mutatis mutandis, though still permitting the cover to pivot from a closed position to a substantially horizontal open position, or 180° fioni the closed position.

The play device may be used as a sandbox, for example, by filling one or all of the removable basins, which may be impermeable, with water and/or sand, and one or all of the covers are opened to allow access to the basins. The removability of the basins facilitates both the filling thereof and the emptying and cleaning thereof. The open covers provide a convenient surface which can be used for forming sand sculptures and/or for storing or placing tools, and so on.

The play device may also be used as a play table, for example, with one or both the covers in the closed position, enabling access to the recess 128 and any tools, paints etc that may be found there, and the substantially flat upper surface(s) of the covers providing a work surface for painting, drawing, playing a game, and so on. Alternatively, the upper and/or lower surface(s) of each cover may comprise suitable moldings and/or markings for enabling particular games or activities to be played thereon. For example, one or both surfaces may be marked with squares to enable chess to be played thereon. The basins, while not strictly needed when the device is used as a play table, may nevertheless be useful as additional storage space for materials, play tools, games, and so on.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean "including but not limited to"

While mere has been shown and disclosed example embodiments in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A play device compiising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device 5 configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a pait of said at least one internal opening, and an open position, wheiein the covei is spatially fixed with respect to said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with iespect to that of the closed position-

10 2. A play device accoiding to claim 1, wherein in the open position the corresponding cover does not oveilie the or each said internal opening.

3. A play device according to claim 2, comprising two said covers pivotably mounted to said frame member,

4. A play device according to claim 2 oi 3, wherein the or each said cover 15 comprises generally planar surfaces on the upper and lower sides theieof.

5. A play device accoiding to claim 4, wherein the or each said cover is hingedly mounted on said frame at a pivot axis that is displaced fiom a coπesponding edge of the frame member, defining an abutment surface for the corresponding cover in the open position thereof,

20 6. A play device according to claim 1, wheiein said frame membei comprises a generally rectangular planform.

7. A play device according to claim I, wherein said frame member comprises two adjacent said internal openings, separated via a diagonal member.

8. A play device according to claim 1, wherein said frame member comprises at 25 least one recess adapted for holding items-

9. A play device according to claim 8, wherein said at least one recess is adapted for retaining therein cylindrical vessels.

10» A play device according to claim 1, wheiein at least one of said frame member and said cover is formed as a molded product.

30 11. A play device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of said frame member and said cover is formed as a unitary plastic molded product

12. A play device according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one suitable basin adapted for being lemovably received by and supported with iespect to the or each said internal opening,

13. A play device according to claim 12, wheiein the or each said basin is formed 5 as a molded product

14. A play device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of legs joined to said fiame member.

15. A play device accoiding to claim 14, wheiein said legs are detachably attached to said frame member

10 16. A play device according to claim 15, wherein said legs are formed as molded products.

17. A play device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, particularly adapted for use as a play table for recreational play, and father comprising a plurality of legs joined to said fiame member. 15

18. A play device according to claim 17, wherein said legs are detachably attached to said frame member.

19. A play device accoiding to claim 18, wherein said legs are foimed as molded products.

20. A play device accoiding to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 14 to 16, 20 paiticulaily adapted for use as a sandbox for recreational play, and comprising at least one suitable basin adapted for being received by and supported with respect to the or each said internal opening.

21. A play device according to claim 20, wheiein the oi each said basin is foimed as a molded product.

25 22. A play table comprising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device configured for enabling selective and leversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wheiein the cover overlies and covers at least a 30 part of said at least one internal opening, and an open position, wherein the covei is spatially fixed with respect to said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position; and a plurality of legs attached to said frame member; wherein the or each said cover comprises an upper surface in said closed position configured as a play surface

23. A play table according to claim 22, further comprising at least one suitable 5 basin adapted for being leceived by and supported with zespect to the or each said internal opening.

24. A Sandbox comprising: a frame member defining at least one internal opening; at least one cover pivotably mounted to said frame member, said device IO configured for enabling selective and reversible pivoting of the or each said cover between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies and covers at least a part of said at least one internal opening, and an. open position, wherein the cover is spatially fixed with iespeci io said frame member at a pivot angle of about 180° with respect to that of the closed position; and

15 at least one suitable basin adapted for being received by and supported with respect to the or each said internal opening; wherein the or each basin is adapted for holding at least one of sand and water.

20 25. A sandbox according to claim 24, further comprising a plurality of legs attached to said frame member.