Cardboard play structure

Abstract

A foldable cardboard play structure is provided that comprises at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least the first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of the one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least the second foldable panel. The slots are adapted to receive the corresponding first tab and at least one of the first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon. The edge portions are configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of the first and second foldable panel.

1 . A foldable cardboard play structure comprising:
 at least a first and second foldable cardboard panel, wherein at least said first foldable panel includes one or more first tabs, each of said one or more first tabs corresponding to a slot located on at least said second foldable panel, said slots adapted to receive said corresponding first tabs, and wherein at least one of said first and second foldable panels include one or more edge portions having at least one fold line and a second tab thereon, said edge portions being configured to wrap around exposed rough edges of the other of said first and second foldable panel.   
     
     
         2 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said cardboard is corrugated. 
     
     
         3 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said fold lines of said edge portions further include slits adapted to receive said second tabs. 
     
     
         4 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein a portion of said first tabs is wider than said slots. 
     
     
         5 . The play structure according to  claim 4 , wherein said portion is configured to fold to be received by said corresponding slot. 
     
     
         6 . The play structure according to  claim 5 , wherein said portion is configured to butterfly open after insertion into a slot, locking the first tab in position. 
     
     
         7 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said cardboard panels include an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer surface is customizable. 
     
     
         8 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said structure forms one of a vehicle, jet plane, and concession stand. 
     
     
         9 . The play structure according to  claim 8 , wherein said vehicle structure includes one or more of an entry door capable of handedly rotating open and closed, a window, a storage space, a side mirror, and a dashboard. 
     
     
         10 . The play structure according to  claim 8 , wherein said jet includes one or more of a wing panel, a backrest, and carrying handles. 
     
     
         11 . The play structure according to  claim 8 , wherein said concession stand includes one or more of an awning, a sign, a menu, a cabinet, and a countertop. 
     
     
         12 . A method for assembling a cardboard play structure comprising:
 providing at least two cardboard panels including a corresponding number of tabs and complementary slots;   securing at least said first cardboard panel to said second cardboard panel by inserting one or more first tabs on one of said first or second panel into one or more corresponding slots on the other of said first and second panel; and   eliminating exposed edges from said one or more cardboard panels by wrapping an edge portion of one of the first and second cardboard panels around the other of said first and second cardboard panels and inserting a second tab located on the edge portion to insert into a corresponding slit provided on a fold line of the same cardboard panel.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 2 , further including disassembling said cardboard play structure by removing any inserted tabs and flattening the structure for at least one of travel and storage. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein a portion of said first tabs is wider than said slots. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 4 , further including folding the wider portion of the first tabs prior to inserting said first tabs into said slots and unfolding said wider portion after the first tabs are fully inserted into the slots. 
     
     
         16 . A kit for assembling a cardboard play structure for pretend play, said kit comprising:
 at least two cardboard panels capable of being assembled into a play structure;   one or more accessory pieces; and   decorating materials for customizing said play structure, wherein said cardboard panels include one of a plurality of tabs and a plurality of corresponding slots, wherein said slots are adapted to receive said corresponding tabs to join said one or more cardboard panels.   
     
     
         17 . The kit according to  claim 14 , wherein said cardboard is corrugated cardboard. 
     
     
         18 . The kit according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said cardboard panels further includes edge portions having tabs and corresponding slits thereon, said edge portions configured to wrap around corresponding portions on another cardboard panel and insert said tab into said corresponding slit. 
     
     
         19 . The play structure according to  claim 1 , wherein a portion of said tabs is wider than said slots. 
     
     
         20 . The play structure according to  claim 4 , wherein a said portion is configured to butterfly open after insertion into a slot, locking the tab in position.