US20050000557A1 - Collapsible structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible structures which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The collapsible structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the play structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.
• 2. Description of the Prior Art
• Collapsible objects have recently become popular with both adults and children. Many of these collapsible objects have a plurality of panels which may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the object to facilitate convenient storage and use. Each panel is comprised of a fabric or material that is supported by a resilient frame member, with the fabric or material spanning a portion of, or entirely across, the area supported by the frame member. The frame member supports the periphery of each panel, and is capable of being twisted and folded to reduce the size of each panel.
• Examples of such collapsible objects are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,915 (Zheng) in the form of collapsible structures. These structures are currently being enjoyed by many people in many different applications. For example, these structures have been provided in many different shapes and sizes for children's play indoors and outdoors. Smaller versions of these structures have been used as infant nurseries. Even smaller versions of these structures have been used as dollhouses and action figure play houses by toddlers and children. As another example, these structures have been made into tents or outdoor structures that can be used by adults and children for camping or other outdoor purposes. These structures have also been used as beach cabanas. Even animals can enjoy these structures. Some of these structures have been made into shelters that can be used by pets, both indoors and outdoors.
• The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributed to the performance, convenience and variety that these structures provide. When fully expanded, these structures are stable and can be used as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. These structures are easily twisted and folded into a compact configuration to allow the user to conveniently store the structures. The light-weight nature of the materials used to make these structures makes it convenient for them to be moved from one location to another. These structures also provide much variety in use and enjoyment. For example, a child can use a structure both indoors and outdoors for different play purposes, and can use the same structure for camping.
• Another example of collapsible objects includes collapsible game and play structures, such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,954 (Zheng). These structures provide a multitude of game structures that can be enjoyed by children and adults indoors and outdoors.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• It is an object of the present invention to provide collapsible objects and structures that are different from those mentioned above, which offer the user different variety of play and flexibility in use.
• In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, one collapsible structure according to the present invention has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching.
• Another collapsible structure according to the present invention has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure ofFIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve;
• FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the section B of the structure ofFIG. 1 illustrating the connection between two adjacent panels;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate how the collapsible structure ofFIG. 4 may be twisted and folded for compact storage;
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a collapsible structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the structure ofFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
• The present invention illustrates basic principles that can be utilized for coupling adjacent panels of a collapsible structure. Although the present disclosure illustrates certain structural configurations in which these coupling principles are embodied, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the underlying principles of the present invention can be applied to collapsible structures having different shapes and sizes, and incorporating different numbers and arrangements of panels.
• According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a side of a panel is stitched to the fabric of an adjacent panel to hingedly attach the two adjacent panels together. The basic principles for this embodiment are illustrated inFIG. 1, where thestructure20 has threepanels22,24 and26 that are connected to each other. The three panels include afirst side panel22 and asecond side panel24 that are hingedly connected together to form a corner, and atop panel26 that is hingedly connected to thesecond side panel24. Thefirst side panel22 has aside28 that is hingedly connected to thesecond side panel24 in the manner described below, and thetop panel26 has aside30 that is also hingedly connected to thesecond side panel24 in the manner described below. In thestructure20, each of thepanels22,24,26 is illustrated as having four sides, although this merely for illustrative purposes and each panel can have any number of sides and can assume any shape and size. Thestructure20 shown inFIG. 1 can be used as a partition, among other possible uses.
• Eachpanel22,24,26 has a continuousframe retaining sleeve32 provided along and traversing the edges of all of its sides. As shown inFIG. 2, eachsleeve32 may be formed by folding a piece of fabric and applying astitching38 to enclose the sleeve. Acontinuous frame member34 is retained or held within eachframe retaining sleeve32 to support eachpanel22,24,26. Only oneframe member34 is shown inFIG. 2; the other frame members are not shown but are the same asframe member34. Thecontinuous frame members34 may be provided in the form of one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of material connected at both ends to form a continuous loop. Thecontinuous frame members34 are preferably formed of flexible coilable steel having a memory, although other materials such as plastics may also be used. Theframe members34 should be made of a material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, eachframe member34 is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown inFIG. 1 in connection with a corresponding panel, or a folded position in which theframe member34 is collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (seeFIG. 5E in connection with a corresponding panel).
• Fabric orsheet material36 extends across eachpanel22,24,26 and is held taut by therespective frame member34 when in its open position. Thefabric36 for aparticular panel22,24 or26 is stitched to its correspondingframe retaining sleeve32. Thefabric36 can extend completely across the panel to entirely cover the space enclosed by theframe member34, or can extend across selected portions of the space enclosed by theframe member34. For example, thefabric36 ofpanel22 has anopening37, so that thefabric36 does not extend across the entire space enclosed by theframe member34. The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaning and should be made from strong, lightweight materials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films and meshed materials. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by children. Theframe members34 may be merely retained within the respectiveframe retaining sleeves32, without being connected thereto. Alternatively, theframe retaining sleeves32 may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to theframe members34 to retain them in position.
• FIG. 3 illustrates how theside28 of thepanel22 is hingedly connected to thepanel24. Thesleeve32 of thepanel22 is stitched directly to thefabric36 of thepanel24 by astitching40 at any desired location of thefabric36 on thepanel24. Thestitching40 can extend along theentire side28. Thestitching40 also acts as a hinge for thepanels22 and24 to be folded upon each other, as explained below. Theside30 of thetop panel26 can be hingedly connected to thefabric36 of thepanel24 in the same way.
• Thepanels22,24,26 may be folded and collapsed to reduce the overall size of the panels for storage. Thepanel22 is first folded towards thepanel24 in the direction ofarrow42, and thepanel26 is folded towardspanels22,24 in the direction ofarrow44, so as to form a stack of threepanels26,22,24 (in one possible order) which can be twisted and collapsed using the techniques and principles described in connection withFIGS. 5C-5E below.
• FIG. 4 illustrates anotherstructure50 having its panels hingedly connected according to the principles illustrated inFIGS. 1-3.Structure50 has fourpanels52,54,56 and58 connected to each other to encircle an enclosed space. Eachpanel52,54,56 and58 has four sides, including afirst side60, asecond side62, athird side64 and afourth side66. Thefirst side60 of each panel is hingedly connected to thefabric68 of an adjacent panel to form thestructure50. The hinged connections of thefirst sides60 to thefabrics68 can be the same as that illustrated inFIG. 3 above. Again, even though each of thepanels52,54,56,58 is illustrated as having four sides, this is merely for illustrative purposes only and each panel can have any number of sides and can assume any shape and size. As a non-limiting example, thestructure50 shown inFIG. 4 can be used as a partition or play structure, and if a roof fabric (not shown) is attached to the top sides of thepanels60,62,64,66, can be used as a tent, shelter, cabana or similar structure.
• FIGS. 5A through 5E describe the various steps for folding and collapsing thestructure50 ofFIG. 4 for storage. As shown inFIG. 5A, the first step consists of pushing inpanels52 and54 about the hinged connections such that they collapse againstpanels58 and56, respectively. Then, twopanels52 and58 are folded about the hinged connections so as to be collapsed upon the other twopanels54 and56 to form a stack of fourpanels58,52,54,56 (in one possible order), as shown inFIG. 5B. The stack of panels is then twisted and folded to collapse the frame members and panels into a smaller shape. In the third step shown inFIG. 5C, theopposite border70 of the stack of panels is folded in upon the previous fold to further collapse the frame members with the panels. As shown inFIG. 5D, the fourth step is to continue the collapsing so that the initial size of the panels are reduced.FIG. 5E shows the fifth step with the frame members and panels collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric frame members and layers of the panels so that thecollapsed structure50 has a size which is a fraction of the initial size of each of the panels.
• To re-open thestructure50 to its expanded configuration, the combined stack of panels is unfolded. The memory (i.e., spring-load) of theframe members34 will cause theframe members34 to uncoil on their own and to quickly expand the panels to their expanded configuration shown inFIG. 5B. The same principle can be applied to re-open all the other embodiments of the present invention.
• According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the fabric of a panel is provided with one or more elongated openings through which another panel can be passed to effectuate a removable connection between the two panels. The basic principles for this embodiment are illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, where thestructure100 has threeseparate panels102,104 and106 that are connected to each other. Each of thepanels102,104,106 can have the same construction aspanels22,24,26 described above, except for the differences noted hereinbelow. For example, eachpanel104 and106 has anelongated opening108 and110, respectively, provided at any location, and in any desired orientation, on thefabric112 of thepanels104,106. Oneside114 of thepanel104 can be inserted through theopening110 of thepanel106 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels104 and106. In a similar manner, aside116 of thepanel102 can be inserted through theopening108 of thepanel104 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels102 and104. Thepanels102 and104 can be inserted as far through theopenings108 and110, respectively, as desired to create the desired resulting configuration of thestructure100. In addition, either panel of a joint can be pivoted with respect to the other panel to vary the angle between the two adjacent panels. For example, thepanel102 is shown inFIG. 7 as being generally perpendicular to (i.e., at about 90 degrees with respect to) thepanel104, and generally parallel with thepanel106. However, thepanel102 can be pivoted in the direction ofarrow118 to change the orientation between the twopanels102 and104, and to change the angle X between the twopanels102 and104. This will also change the orientation betweenpanels102 and106. Any of the threepanels102,104,106 can be pivoted in any direction to change the resulting configuration of thestructure100.
• FIG. 8 illustrates anotherstructure120 that has fourseparate panels122,124,126 and128 that are connected to each other. Each of thepanels122,124,126,128 can have the same construction aspanels22,24,26 described inFIG. 1 above, except for the differences noted hereinbelow. For example, thepanel122 has twoelongated openings130 and132, and thepanel126 has twoelongated openings134 and136. Theelongated openings130,132,134,136 can be provided at any location, and in any desired orientation, on thefabric138 of thepanels104,106, although in this embodiment, theopenings130 and134 should be aligned, and theopenings132 and136 should be aligned. The alignment of these opening pairs130,134 and132,136 facilitates the insertion of opposing sides of the other twopanels124,128 through the aligned openings. For example, oneside140 of thepanel124 can be inserted through theopening132 of thepanel122 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels122 and124, and the opposingside142 of thepanel124 can be inserted through theopening136 of thepanel126 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels124 and126. Similarly, oneside144 of thepanel128 can be inserted through theopening130 of thepanel122 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels122 and128, and the opposing side (not shown) of thepanel128 can be inserted through theopening134 of thepanel126 to effectuate a joint or connection between thepanels126 and128. Thepanels124 and128 can be inserted as far through any of theopenings130,132,134,136 as desired to create the desired resulting configuration of thestructure120, and to vary the size of the enclosed space formed by the fourpanels122,124,126,128. Thus, when assembled, the fourpanels122,124,126,128 define an enclosed space, with twoparallel panels122 and126 having elongated openings through which the otherparallel panels124 and128 may be extended and supported.
• Thestructure120 can be folded and collapsed for storage using the principles illustrated inFIGS. 5C-5E. In the first step, all the panels of the structure are separated by removing thepanels124 and128 from theelongated openings130,132,134,136. Then, the fourpanels122,124,126,128 are placed on top of each other to form a stack of four panels. The combined stack of panels is then twisted and folded in the manner shown inFIGS. 5C-5E so that thecollapsed structure120 has a size which is a fraction of the initial size of thestructure120.
• In thestructures100 and120, even though each of thepanels102,104,106,122,124,126 and128 is illustrated as having four sides, this is merely for illustrative purposes and each panel can have any number of sides and can assume any shape and size.
• The principles illustrated inFIGS. 6-8 provide for the easy assembly and disassembly of the structures, and provide the user with the flexibility to create different configurations. For example, the configurations shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 can be conveniently and quickly assembled by inserting certain panels through elongated openings in other panels. To disassemble thesestructures100,120, the panels can be quickly and conveniently removed and separated, and stacked for folding and collapsing. In addition, a variety of panels having different shapes and sizes can be provided and sold in a package, so that the user can create a structure having as many different panels, each panel having any desired shape and/or size, as desired. In this regard, although thepanels102,124 and128 inFIGS. 6-8 are shown as having no elongated openings, it is possible to provide all the panels with elongated openings (such as illustrated inFIG. 10 below) so that the user can use any panel he or she wishes in the creation and assembly of a structure having a configuration of his or her choice. As a result, the principles of the present invention can be used to provide a wide variety of structures, including but not limited to play structures, tents, shelters, partitions, cabanas, and containers.
• Another benefit provided by the principles ofFIGS. 6-8 is that the joints created by inserting a panel through an elongated opening in an adjacent panel can be rather stable even though these joints are removable. For example, thestructure120 inFIG. 8 is very stable because each panel is supported (albeit in a removable manner) at opposing ends or sides by an adjacent panel.
• In addition, although all the connections inFIGS. 1-8 are illustrated as being generally perpendicular or parallel to one or more sides of the panels, it is also possible to provide the connections at almost any angle with respect to the sides of the panels. For example,FIG. 9 illustrates apanel150 having aside152 that is coupled to anotherpanel154 an angle with respect to the sides of thepanel154, using the hinged connection shown inFIG. 3. As another example,FIG. 10 illustrates twopanels160 and162, each having elongated openings in theirfabrics164 that are angled with respect to the sides of thesepanels160,162. For example,elongated opening166 is positioned at an angle with respect to the sides of thepanel160, andelongated opening168 is positioned at an angle with respect to the sides of thepanel162.
• Thus, the embodiments of the present invention increase the applications and use of the collapsible structures to provide the user with an unlimited source and variety of fun and entertainment. The shapes and sizes of the panels and the structures can be varied or combined, as well as the entertainment features.
• While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the first panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation; and

a second panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the second panel to form the second panel when the frame member of the second panel is in the unfolded orientation;

the first panel further including a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching.

2. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the stitching hinges the first panel to the second panel.

3. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the fabric for each panel extends across the entire panel.

4. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein each panel further includes a frame retaining sleeve that retains the frame member for the respective panel, with the fabric for each panel stitched to the respective frame retaining sleeve.

5. The structure ofclaim 4, wherein the frame retaining sleeve of the first panel along its first side is stitched to the fabric of the second panel.

6. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the second panel has a first side, and wherein first side of the first panel is stitched to the fabric of the second panel at an angle with respect to first side of the second panel.

7. The structure ofclaim 1, further including:

a third panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the third panel to form the third panel when the frame member of the third panel is in the unfolded orientation;

a fourth panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the fourth panel to form the fourth panel when the frame member of the fourth panel is in the unfolded orientation;

wherein the second, third and fourth panels each further includes a first side; and

wherein the first side of each panel is stitched to the fabric of an adjacent panel to form an enclosed space.

8. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the first panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the first panel further including a first side; and

a second panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the second panel to form the second panel when the frame member of the second panel is in the unfolded orientation, and an opening provided in the fabric of the second panel;

wherein the first side of the first panel is inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

9. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein the first panel has an opening.

10. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein the fabric for each panel extends across the entire panel.

11. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein each panel further includes a frame retaining sleeve that retains the frame member for the respective panel, with the fabric for each panel stitched to the respective frame retaining sleeve.

12. The structure ofclaim 8, further including a third panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the third panel to form the third panel when the frame member of the third panel is in the unfolded orientation, the third panel having an opening provided in its fabric; and

wherein the first panel has a second side that is inserted through the opening of the third panel to couple the first panel to the third panel.

13. The structure ofclaim 12, wherein the second and third panels each include a second opening, and wherein the structure further includes a fourth panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member of the fourth panel to form the fourth panel when the frame member of the fourth panel is in the unfolded orientation, the fourth panel having a first side and a second side; and

wherein the first side of the fourth panel is inserted through the second opening of the second panel to couple the second panel to the fourth panel, and the second side of the fourth panel is inserted through the second opening of the third panel to couple the third panel to the fourth panel.

14. The structure ofclaim 13, wherein the second openings of the second and third panels are aligned with each other.

15. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein the first and second panels are perpendicular to each other.

16. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein the first and second panels are positioned at an angle with respect to each other.

17. The structure ofclaim 8, wherein second panel has a side, and wherein the opening is positioned at an angle to the side of the second panel.

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