Collapsible structures

• US 20070246093A1
• Filed: 05/30/2007
• Published: 10/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yu Zheng
• Original Assignee: Yu Zheng
• Inventors: Zheng, Yu
• Granted Patent: US 7,575,011 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 135/128
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 15/40 flexible

Abstract

Collapsible structure are provided having a first base panel and a second panel, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The second panel is flexed so that the first and second panels define an interior space, with the second panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the outer periphery of the first panel. The second panel can have two or more supporting frame members to allow the collapsible structures to be provided in different configurations and sizes. In addition, the first base panel can be replaced by a fabric or similar piece of material that is coupled to the first and second end edges of the second panel. The second panels can be coupled within, or outside, the outer periphery of the first base panel or fabric.

Claims

1-36. -36. (canceled)

37. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first base panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member, the first panel having an outer periphery; and

a second panel having first and second foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame members when the frame members are in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame members, the second panel being flexed so that the first and second panels define an interior space, with the second panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the first panel adjacent the outer periphery;

wherein the first and second frame members are spaced apart from each other at all points thereof, and with the second frame member smaller than and lying within the periphery of the first frame member.

38. The structure of claim 37, wherein the second panel has a first sleeve provided on the material of the second panel for retaining the first frame member, and a second sleeve provided on the material of the second panel for retaining the second frame member.

39-41. -41. (canceled)

42. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first base panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member, the first panel having an outer periphery; and

a second panel having first and second foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame members when the frame members are in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame members, the second panel being flexed so that the first and second panels define an interior space, with the second panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the first panel adjacent the outer periphery;

wherein the second panel has a first side edge and an opposing second side edge, with the first and second frame members crossing each other at opposing locations along the first side edge and along the second side edge.

43. The structure of claim 42, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge are each defined by a portion of the first sleeve and a portion of the second sleeve.

44. The structure of claim 42, wherein the second panel has a first sleeve provided on the material of the second panel for retaining the first frame member, and a second sleeve provided on the material of the second panel for retaining the second frame member, with the first and second sleeves converging to a sleeve portion adjacent each end edge which retains both the first and second frame members.

45-61. -61. (canceled)

62. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a base fabric having an outer periphery; and

a panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member, the panel being flexed so that the base fabric and panel define an interior space, with the panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the first panel adjacent the outer periphery.

63. The structure of claim 62, further including an end fabric wall attached to one side of the panel and the outer periphery.

64-70. -70. (canceled)