Multi-layered foldable playboard and method for packaging same

Abstract

A method for packaging a playboard is disclosed. The method includes providing a playboard, a figurine, instructions, a packaging label, and a transparent container. The playboard is folded along a gap region between first and second substantially planar backing members so that the first and second substantially planar backing members lay substantially flat against one another in mating relationship. The transparent container has a sealed periphery forming a containment chamber. The containment chamber is divided into a display window and a pocket. The display window is adapted for receiving the packaging label and includes a handle for carrying the transparent container. The pocket is adapted for receiving the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions and has a flap portion for removably securing the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions within the pocket.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of packaging a playboard comprising the steps of: 
 providing a playboard including first and second substantially planar backing members, each backing member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge, a portion of the peripheral edge of the first backing member adjacent and spaced from a corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the second backing member such that a gap region is formed between the first and second backing members, the playboard further including a first laminate fixed to the upper surface of each backing member and spanning the gap region between the backing members, a second laminate fixed to the lower surface of each backing member and also spanning the gap region between the backing members, the first and second laminates fixed to one another in the gap region, and a third laminate of a first cloth material fixed to the first laminate and substantially covering an area defined by the upper surfaces of the backing members and the gap region;    folding the playboard along the gap region between the first and second substantially planar backing members wherein the first and second substantially planar backing members lay substantially flat against one another in mating relationship;    providing a figurine of a second cloth material;    providing instructions for use of the playboard and the figurine;    providing a packaging label;    providing a transparent container, the transparent container having a sealed periphery forming a containment chamber, the containment chamber divided into a display window and a pocket, the display window adapted for receiving the packaging label and including a handle, and the pocket adapted for receiving the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions and having a flap portion for removably securing the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions within the pocket;    inserting and sealing the packaging label within the display window; and    inserting the folded playboard, the figurine, and the instructions within the pocket.    
     
     
         2 . A playboard comprising: 
 a pair of backing members, each backing member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge, a portion of the peripheral edge of the first backing member adjacent and spaced from a corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the second backing member such that a gap region is formed between the first and second backing members;    a first laminate fixed to the upper surface of each backing member and spanning the gap region between the backing members;    a second laminate fixed to the lower surface of each backing member and spanning the gap region between the backing members wherein the first and second laminates are fixed to one another in the gap region such that a pair of score lines are formed along the adjacent portions of the peripheral edges of the first and second backing members;    a third laminate of a first cloth material fixed to and substantially covering an area defined by the upper surfaces of the backing members and the gap region;    a substantially planar playboard surface formed by the third laminate, the substantially planar playboard surface being inwardly foldable toward the gap region along the pair of score lines wherein the first and second backing members lay atop one another in mating relationship; and    a figure produced from a second cloth material identical to the first cloth material wherein the figure adheres to the substantially planar playboard without the use of an additional bonding agent.    
     
     
         3 . A playboard comprising: 
 a first backing member adjacent to and in spaced relationship with a second backing member, each backing member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge, the first backing member and second backing member in spaced relationship wherein a gap region is formed between corresponding portions of the peripheral edges;    a membrane fixed to the backing members and spanning the gap region; and    a cloth laminate at least partially covering a region defined by the upper surfaces of the first and second backing members and the gap region wherein the first and second backing members are foldable along the gap portion such that the first and second backing members lay flat against one another.    
     
     
         4 . The playboard of  claim 3  wherein the membrane comprises a first laminate fixed to the upper surfaces of the first and second backing members.  
     
     
         5 . The playboard of  claim 4  wherein the membrane further comprises a second laminate fixed to the lower surfaces of the first and second backing members.  
     
     
         6 . The playboard of  claim 5  wherein the first laminate and the second laminate are joined in the gap region.  
     
     
         7 . The playboard of  claim 6  wherein the first laminate and the second laminate are joined such that a first score line is created along a portion of the peripheral edge of the first backing member.  
     
     
         8 . The playboard of  claim 7  wherein the first laminate and the second laminate are joined such that a second score line is created along a portion of the peripheral edge of the second backing member wherein the first backing member is inwardly foldable along the first score line and the second backing member is inwardly foldable along the second score line such that the first and second backing members lay flat against one another.  
     
     
         9 . The playboard of  claim 8  wherein the score lines are located adjacent the upper surfaces of the backing members.  
     
     
         10 . The playboard of  claim 9  further comprising a figure of a cloth material, the figure adhering to the cloth laminate.  
     
     
         11 . The playboard of  claim 10  wherein the figurine adheres to the cloth laminate without the use of a chemical adhesive.  
     
     
         12 . A method of packaging the playboard of  claim 3  comprising the steps of: 
 folding the playboard along the gap region between the pair of backing members wherein the pair of backing members lay substantially flat against one another in mating relationship;  
 providing a transparent container, the transparent container having a sealed periphery forming a containment chamber, the containment chamber including a pocket adapted for receiving the folded playboard; and  
 inserting the folded playboard within the pocket.  
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the steps of: 
 providing a figurine cut from a cloth material; and  
 inserting the figurine within the pocket.  
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the steps of: 
 providing instructions for use of the playboard and figurine; and  
 inserting the instructions within the pocket.  
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising the step of: 
 providing the containment chamber with a display window separate from the pocket.  
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the steps of: 
 providing a packaging label;  
 inserting the packaging label within the display window; and  
 sealing the packaging label within the display window.  
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising the step of: 
 providing the display window with a handle.  
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the handle comprises an aperture passing through the display window.