U.S. patent application number 11/035126 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for collapsible sleeping structures.
Invention is credited to Zheng, Yu.
Application Number | 20050121061 11/035126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27754036 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050121061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zheng, Yu |
June 9, 2005 |
Collapsible sleeping structures
Abstract
A collapsible structure having at least one foldable frame
member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric
material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one
panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a
mat coupled adjacent the bottom side of at least one of the at
least one panel.
Inventors: |
Zheng, Yu; (Walnut,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond Sun
Law Offices of Raymond Sun
12420 Woodhall Way
Tustin
CA
92782
US
|
Family ID: |
27754036 |
Appl. No.: |
11/035126 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11035126 |
Jan 13, 2005 |
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10092844 |
Mar 6, 2002 |
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6848460 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/56 20130101;
E04H 15/40 20130101; E04H 15/324 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/126 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/40 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A collapsible structure, comprising: a first panel and a second
panel, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded
and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering the
respective frame member to form the panel for each frame member
when the respective frame member is in the unfolded orientation,
each panel having a left side and a right side; a third panel
having two overlapping frame members, each overlapping frame member
having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material
covering the overlapping frame members to form the third panel when
the overlapping frame members are in the unfolded orientation, the
third panel having a left side and a right side; wherein the left
side of the third panel is hingedly coupled to the right side of
the first panel, and the right side of the third panel is hingedly
coupled to the left side of the second panel; and wherein the left
side of the first panel and the right side of the second panel are
free of any connections to any panels.
22. The structure of claim 21, wherein the overlapping frame
members overlap each other at a plurality of overlapping
points.
23. The structure of claim 21, wherein each panel has a bottom
side, and further including a mat coupled adjacent the bottom side
of at least one of the panels.
24. The structure of claim 23, wherein the mat extends beyond the
bottom side of the at least one of the panels.
25. The structure of claim 23, wherein the mat is folded up to be
removably coupled to either the left side of the first panel or the
right side of the second panel.
26. The structure of claim 21, further including a hood coupled to
the panels.
27. The structure of claim 23, further including a base coupled to
the panels, with the mat attached to the base.
28. The structure of claim 27, wherein the mat is removably
attached to the base.
29. The structure of claim 27, wherein the base comprises a narrow
strip of material that traverses the bottom sides of the
panels.
30. The structure of claim 23, further including means for
attaching the mat to at least one of the panels.
31. The structure of claim 21, wherein each frame member is twisted
and folded to its folded orientation reduce the overall size of the
frame member.
32. The structure of claim 21, wherein each panel further includes
a frame retaining sleeve for retaining the respective frame
member.
33. The structure of claim 23, wherein the mat includes means for
cushioning the body of an occupant.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and
in particular, to collapsible structures that incorporate a
sleeping accessory.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are presently many collapsible structures that are
being provided for use by children and adults. Examples of these
collapsible structures are illustrated in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,954 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772 (Zheng),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,915 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,101 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng),
U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,634 (McLeese), U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,592
(Norman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,533 (Ziglar), U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188
(Kellogg et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), among
others. These collapsible structures are supported by one or more
frame members that can be twisted and folded to reduce the overall
size of the structure. These collapsible structures can be used in
a wide variety of applications, such as containers, tents, play
structures, executive toys, shelters, sports structures, and
others. As a result, collapsible structures have become very
popular.
[0005] One other possible application for such collapsible
structures is for use as a slumber tent, where a sleeping accessory
or equipment, such as a sleeping bag, pillow, light futon or
mattress, or similar support, is incorporated with the collapsible
structure. When a collapsible structure is being adapted for use as
a sleeping or slumber tent, ease of use (i.e., convenience) and
storage considerations become important. For example, such a
structure should provide quick and convenient access to the
interior, and should be easy to fold into a smaller configuration
for storage.
[0006] Thus, there still remains a need to provide collapsible
sleeping structures that are convenient to use and that are easy to
store.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible structure that incorporates a sleeping implement.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
collapsible sleeping structure that are convenient to use and to
store.
[0009] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention,
the present invention provides a collapsible structure having at
least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded
orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame
member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the
unfolded orientation, and a mat coupled adjacent the bottom side of
at least one of the at least one panel.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
structure has a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, each
panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an
unfolded orientation. The left side of the first panel is hingedly
coupled to the right side of the second panel, the right side of
the first panel is hingedly coupled to the left side of the third
panel, and the left side of the second panel and the right side of
the third panel are free of any connections to any panels.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the structure has two frame members, each frame member having a
first end and a second end that are adapted to contact a surface,
with the two frame members overlapping each other.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the structure has a plurality of separate panels that
are hingedly coupled to each other.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the at least one frame member is a frame member having a
figure-eight configuration when in the unfolded orientation, the
figure-eight configuration defining a first loop, a second loop,
and a crossover that forms the apex of the frame member in the
unfolded orientation and with the first and second loops extending
downwardly from the apex.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a collapsible structure
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the
structure of FIG. 1A illustrating a frame member retained within a
sleeve.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1A
illustrating a few modifications made thereto.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate how the structure of FIGS. 1A and 2
can be twisted and folded to reduce the structure to a size which
is a fraction of the size of the free-standing structure.
[0018] FIGS. 4-7A are perspective views of collapsible structures
according to different embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7B is an expanded view of the section B of the
structure of FIG. 7A.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 7A
illustrating a few modifications made thereto.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate how the structure of FIG. 9 can be
twisted and folded to reduce the structure to a size which is a
fraction of the size of the free-standing structure.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 10A
illustrating modifications made thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] 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.
[0025] The present invention provides collapsible structures that
incorporate a sleeping implement, such as a sleeping bag, pillow,
light futon or mattress, or similar support. As used herein, the
terms "hingedly coupled" or "hingedly connected" shall mean to
couple two edges or sides by stitching, or by the use of removable
attachment mechanisms (such as Velcro.TM. pads or opposing toggles
and loops, among others).
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a collapsible structure 20 that has
three panels 22, 24 and 26 that are connected to each other to
partially enclose a space. One panel 22 acts as a central panel,
and the other two panels 24 and 26 are side panels. The panel 22
has four sides, with a left side 28, a bottom side 30, a right side
32 and a top side 34. Each of the side panels 24 and 26 has a
three-sided configuration, with a bottom side 36, a left angled
side 38, and a right angled side 40. The right side 40 of the panel
26 is hingedly conected to the right side 32 of the panel 22, and
the left side 38 of the panel 24 is hingedly conected to the left
side 28 of the panel 22. Each panel 22, 24 and 26 has a continuous
frame retaining sleeve (e.g., see 42 in FIG. 1B) provided along and
traversing the edges of its sides. A continuous frame member 44 is
retained or held within each frame retaining sleeve 42 to support
and define the shape of each panel 22, 24 and 26. Only one frame
member 44 is shown in FIG. 1B; the other frame members are not
shown but are the same as frame member 44.
[0027] The continuous frame members 44 may be provided as one
continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of material connected at
both ends to form a continuous loop. The continuous frame members
44 are preferably formed of flexible coilable steel, although other
materials such as plastics may also be used. The frame members 44
should be made of a material which is relatively strong and yet is
flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. The
material should have a memory that allows the frame members to
spring back to the expanded position when unfolded from the folded
position. Thus, each frame member 44 is capable of assuming two
positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as
shown in FIG. 1A, or a folded position in which the frame member is
collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position
such as shown in FIG. 3E.
[0028] Fabric or sheet material 46 extends across each panel 22,
24, 26, and is held generally taut by the respective frame members
44 when in its open position. 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. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable to
withstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by
children. The frame members 44 may be merely retained within the
respective frame retaining sleeves 42 without being connected
thereto. Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 42 may be
mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame
members 44 to retain them in position.
[0029] A hood 48 can be attached to the sides 34, 40 and 38 of the
panels 22, 24 and 26, respectively, to form a canopy or shade. The
hood 48 can be made of the same material as the fabric 46, and can
be stitched to the sides 34, 40 and 38 of the panels 22, 24 and 26,
respectively, in the manner shown in FIG. 1A. The lower edge 50 of
the hood 48 can be positioned a distance from the bottom sides 36
of the panels 24 and 26 so as to provide an opening 60 (i.e., below
the lower edge 50) for ingress and egress into the interior of the
structure 20. A mat 52 can have portions of two sides 54 and 56
permanently attached (e.g., stitched) or removably attached (e.g.,
such as shown in FIGS. 2, 10A and 11) to the bottom sides 36 of the
panels 24 and 26. The mat 52 can be a support that is made of the
same structure and material as conventional sleeping bags, and
provides a sleeping surface for the occupant of the structure 20.
For example, the mat 52 can be filled with a cushioning element
that functions to provide a soft and cushioning support surface for
the occupant's back and body. The cushioning element can include
down, padding, or any other materials used to provide a soft and
comfortable support for the user's back and body. The portions of
the sides 54 and 56 of the mat 52 that are not attached to the
panels 24 and 26 can be used in one of two manners. First, the
unattached portions of the mat 52 can be folded up (see Arrow A1)
and then removably attached (e.g., via VELCRO.TM. pads 58) to the
hood 48 to close the opening 60, so that the structure 20 can be
used as a tent. Second, the unattached portions of the mat 52 can
be folded up (see Arrow A1) and then inserted into the interior of
the structure 20 to function as a blanket.
[0030] Thus, the panels 22, 24, 26 and the hood 48 define the
interior of the structure 20. The occupant can easily enter or
leave the interior of the structure 20 via the opening 60. The mat
52 functions as both a sleeping surface and as a cover to close the
opening 60 when the occupant is sleeping inside the structure 20.
The mat 52 can even be used as both a sleeping surface and as a
blanket to cover the user. The mat 52 can be conveniently and
effectively attached in a removable manner to the hood 48.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a modification to the structure 20, where
the mat 52 is removably attached (e.g., via the use of VELCRO.TM.
pads 64) to the panels 22, 24 and 26. In addition, the hood 48 can
be omitted in the modified structure in FIG. 2 so that the outer
edge 66 of the mat 52 can be removably attached (e.g., via the use
of VELCRO.TM. pads 64) to the top side 34 of the panel 22. As a
result, the size of the opening 60 is increased, and a portion of
the mat 52 would cover the entire opening 60.
[0032] The structure 20 shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 can be folded and
collapsed very quickly and conveniently. First, as shown in FIG.
3A, the mat 52 can be detached from the panels 22, 24, 26, and the
panels 24 and 26 are then folded about their hinged connections
against the panel 22. For the structure 20 in FIG. 1A, the hood 48
can be folded in together with the panels 24 and 26 since the hood
48 is made of a flexible and foldable material. The mat 52 can be
removed and folded separately (if the mat 52 is removably attached
to the panels 22, 24, 26), or can be tucked against the panels 22,
24, 26 and folded together with the panels 22, 24, 26. See FIG. 3B.
Then, in the second step shown in FIG. 3C, the resulting structure
is then twisted and folded to collapse the frame members and panels
into a smaller shape. In particular, the opposite border 68 of the
structure 20 is folded in to collapse the frame members with the
panels. As shown in FIG. 3D, the fourth step is to continue the
collapsing so that the initial size of the structure is reduced.
FIG. 3E 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 the collapsed structure has a size
which is a fraction of the size of the initial structure.
[0033] To deploy the structure 20 for use, the user merely opens
the folded panels 22, 24, 26. The natural bias of the frame members
44 will cause the frame members 44 to uncoil, so that the panels
22, 24, 26 quickly spring back to the configuration shown in FIG.
3A. The panels 24 and 26 are folded away from the panel 22, so that
the structure 20 is again ready for use. The mat 52 can be
re-attached to the panels 22, 24, 26 (if the mat 52 is removably
attached to the panels 22, 24, 26) or the mat 52 can be opened from
the panels 22, 24, 26 and laid out flat. Thus, the structure 20 can
be quickly and easily folded and collapsed for storage, and can be
quickly and easily opened and re-deployed for use. The compact size
of the collapsed structure 20 makes storage simple and
convenient.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates another structure 80 having two panels 82
and 84 that are hingedly connected to each other along their top
sides 86 thereof to form an inverted V-shape. Each panel 82 and 84
can have the same general construction as the panel 22 illustrated
above, and include a frame member that supports and defines the
shape of the panel 82 and 84. Although FIG. 4 illustrates each
panel 82 and 84 as having four sides, including a top side 86, a
left side 88, a right side 90 and a bottom side 92, each panel 82
and 84 can be provided with any number of sides as desired. A mat
94, which can have the same construction and material as the mat 52
described above, can be attached (either by stitching or removably
attached via VELCRO.TM. pads) to the bottom side 92 of each panel
82 and 84. Two opposing side walls 96, which can be made entirely
of fabric (as defined above), can be stitched or otherwise attached
to the left and right sides 88 and 90 of the panels 82 and 84. A
slit 98 can be provided in one or both side walls 96 to allow for
ingress and egress into the interior (which is defined by the
panels 82, 84 and the side walls 96) of the structure 80. In the
structure 80, the mat 94 functions as a base and as a sleeping
surface.
[0035] The structure 80 can be conveniently folded and collapsed by
folding the panels 82 and 84 towards each other about the hinged
connection at the top sides 86. The mat 96 can either be removed
(if the mat 96 is removably attached) or folded between or outside
of the panels 82 and 84. The folding steps illustrated in FIGS.
3C-3E above can then be used to fold and collapse the structure 80
into a smaller configuration for convenient storage. The structure
80 can be quickly and easily re-deployed for use by opening the
folded panels 82, 84 so that the natural bias of the frame members
will cause the frame members to uncoil, causing the panels 82, 84
to quickly spring open. The panels 82 and 84 can be spread apart to
the configuration shown in FIG. 4. The mat 84 can then be
re-attached (if previously removed) or merely opened and laid out
flat, and the structure 80 is ready for use again.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates another structure 120 that is similar to
the structure 80, but contains a few modifications. The structure
120 has a top panel 122 that has two opposing sides 124 and 126,
and two side panels 128 and 130 that are hingedly connected along
their top sides 132 to the sides 124 and 126, respectively, of the
top panel 122. Each panel 122, 128 and 130 can have the same
general construction as the panel 22 illustrated above, and include
a frame member that supports and defines the shape of each panel
122, 128 and 130. Although FIG. 5 illustrates each panel 122, 128
and 130 as having four sides, each panel 122, 128 and 130 can be
provided with any number of sides as desired. A mat 134, which can
have the same construction and material as the mat 52 described
above, can be attached (either by stitching or removably attached
via VELCRO.TM. pads) to the bottom side 136 of each side panel 128
and 130. One or two opposing end panels 138, which can have the
same general construction as the panel 22 illustrated above, can be
hingedly connected to the left side 140 and right side 142 of the
panels 128 and 130. If only one end panel 138 is provided, the
other end of the structure 120 can be covered by a fabric end wall
that is stitched to the sides 140 and 142 of the side panels 128
and 130, respectively. It is preferable to removably attach one
side (e.g., 146) of at least one end panel 138 to a side 140 or 142
of one side panel 128, 130 so that the end panel 138 can be swung
open like a door to provide easier access to and from the interior
of the structure 120. The other side 148 of the end panel 138 can
be stitched or removably attached to a side 140 or 142 of the other
side panel 128, 130. An opening 144 can also be provided in one or
both end panels 138 to allow for ingress and egress into the
interior (which is defined by the panels 122, 128, 130, 138) of the
structure 120. In the structure 120, the mat 134 functions as a
base and as a sleeping surface.
[0037] The structure 120 can be conveniently folded and collapsed
in the following manner. For example, if the mat 134 is removably
attached to one of the panels (e.g., 130), the mat 134 can be
detached from the bottom side 136 of the panel 130, and the end
panels 138 folded on top of the panel 128 about the hinged
connection between the sides 140 or 142 (of panel 128) and the side
148 of the end panel 138. Then, the panels 122 and 130 are folded
on top of the panel 128 about the hinged connection between the
sides 132 (of panel 128) and 124 in the direction of arrow A2. The
panel 130 can then be folded on top of the panels 122 and 128 about
the hinged connection between the sides 132 (of panel 130) and 126
in a direction opposite to that of arrow A2 to form a stack of
panels 130, 122, 128, 138 (in one possible order). The folding
steps illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E above can then be used to fold and
collapse the structure 120 into a smaller configuration for
convenient storage.
[0038] If the mat 134 is permanently attached to the panels 128,
130, then the end panels 138 are folded into the interior of the
structure 120 against the panel 128 (see direction A4) about the
hinged connection between the sides 140 or 142 (of panel 128) and
the side 148 of the end panel 138. Then, the panels 122 and 130 are
folded on top of the panel 128 about the hinged connection between
the sides 132 (of panel 128) and 124 in the direction of arrow A2
to form a stack of panels 130+122, 128, 138 (in one possible
order). The folding steps illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E above can then
be used to fold and collapse the structure 120 into a smaller
configuration for convenient storage.
[0039] As an alternative, one or both of the hinged connections
along the sides 124 or 126 can be a removable attachment, so that
the panels 128 and 130 can be separated from the panel 122. The
three panels 122, 128, 130 can be placed on top of each other to
form a stack of panels that can be folded and collapsed according
to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E above.
[0040] The structure 120 can be quickly and easily re-deployed for
use by opening the folded panels 122, 128, 130, 138 so that the
natural bias of the frame members will cause the frame members to
uncoil, causing the panels 122, 128, 130, 138 to quickly spring
open. The panels 122, 128, 130, 138 can then be opened or
re-assembled to the configuration shown in FIG. 5. The mat 134 can
be re-attached to the appropriate panels (e.g., 128 and 130), and
the structure 120 is ready for use again.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a collapsible structure 160 that is made
up of a single figure-eight frame member 162. The structure 160
corresponds to the structure shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,825,892, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by this
reference as though fully set forth herein. The figure-eight
configuration of the frame member 162 is characterized by a left
loop 164 separated from a right loop 166 by a crossover point 168.
The loops 164 and 166 have straight portions 170 and 172,
respectively, for resting on a flat surface when the structure 160
is in the configuration shown in FIG. 6. The frame member 162 can
be formed from any of the materials used for the frame members 44
above. The figure-eight configuration shown in FIG. 6 can be formed
by a single 360 degree twist of the frame member 162.
[0042] The structure 160 has left and right frame retaining sleeves
174 which retain the frame member 162. The sleeves 174 also define
straight portions to retain the straight portions 170 and 172.
Fabric 176 can be stitched or otherwise attached to the sleeves 174
to form opposing fabric side walls that are defined by the loops
164, 166. In addition, fabric 178 can also be stitched to the
sleeves 174 to form side walls that join opposing spaces between
the loops 164, 166. As a result, the fabric pieces 176 and 178
would define the interior of the structure 160. A mat 180, which
can have the same construction and material as the mat 52 described
above, can be attached (either by stitching or removably attached
via VELCRO.TM. pads) to the straight portions 170 and 172. An
opening 182 can also be provided in one or both fabric pieces 176,
178 to allow for ingress and egress into the interior of the
structure 160. In the structure 160, the mat 180 functions as a
base and as a sleeping surface.
[0043] The structure 160 can be folded and collapsed by reference
to FIGS. 5-7 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892. In summary, the straight
portions 170, 172 are pushed towards each other, and the two loops
164, 166 are deformed so that they overlie each other and crossover
168 is partly bent towards one of the straight portions (e.g.,
170). The crossover 168 is then further bent towards the straight
portion 170, and then the steps in FIGS. 3C-3E hereinabove can be
applied to complete the twisting and folding.
[0044] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a structure 200 which has two
separate crossing frame members 202, 204 that can be of the same
material as the frame member 44 illustrated above. The frame
members 202, 204 cross at an apex 206, and their respective ends
are secured to holding mechanisms 208 provided at the corners of a
mat 216, so as to form a domed or apexed configuration for the
structure 200. Each holding mechanism 208 can take the form of an
angled piece of fabric which retains the end of a frame member 202,
204 inside its interior. The mat 216 can have the same construction
and material as the mat 52 described above. Fabric material 210 can
be stitched or otherwise attached to the frame members 202, 204 to
define the interior of an enclosing tent. Frame retaining sleeves
212 can be stitched to the fabric 210 to retain the frame members
202, 204. An opening 214 can also be provided at one or more
locations in the fabric material 210 to allow for ingress and
egress into the interior of the structure 200. In the structure
200, the mat 216 functions as a base and as a sleeping surface.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates the same structure 200 from FIG. 8,
except that the mat 216 is also used to cover the opening 214 using
the same principles illustrated above in connection with FIGS. 1A
and 2. In this regard, removable attachment mechanisms (such as
VELCRO.TM. pads 218) can be used to removably attach portions of
the mat 216 to the fabric material 210. As an alternative, the
covering (outer) portion of the mat 216 can be inserted through the
opening 214 into the structure 200 for use as a blanket.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a structure 20a that has the same general
configuration as the structure 20 in FIG. 1, except that the panel
22 in structure 20 is now replaced by two overlapping panels 22a
and 22b. Otherwise, the other elements in structure 20a are the
same as the corresponding elements in structure 20. Therefore, the
same numeral designations will be used in FIGS. 1A and 9, except
than an "a" has been added to the designations in FIG. 9, and no
further description of these elements will be repeated for
structure 20a in FIG. 9.
[0047] The construction of the overlapping panels 22b and 22b is
illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 1A and 3 of U.S. Pat. No.
5,975,101, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by this
reference as though fully set forth herein. In particular, each
panel 22a and 22b is defined by a separate resilient frame member,
so that the two separate frame members 260 and 262 together define
the outer boundary of the overlapping panels 22a, 22b,
respectively. Each frame member 260, 262 can be the same as the
frame member 44 in FIG. 1B hereinabove, and are fitted within each
other, and overlap or cross-over each other at overlapping points
240 and 242. The overlapping point 240 is defined by the
intersection or crossing of the upper sides 244 and 246 of frame
members 260 and 262, respectively, and the overlapping point 242 is
defined by the intersection or crossing of the lower sides 248 and
250 of frame members 260 and 262, respectively. The overlapping
points 240 and 242 can be positioned anywhere along the upper sides
244, 246 or lower sides 248, 250. The two overlapping frame members
260, 262 are pivotable about their overlapping points 240 and 242
between two positions, a first completely open position in which
both frame members 260, 262 lie flat in about the same plane (as
shown in FIG. 9), and a second folded position in which the frame
members 260, 262 are folded towards each other (such as in the
direction of arrow A3 in FIG. 10C) to overlie each other. Each
frame member 260, 262 is retained in a loop retaining portion
(e.g., see 264) of one or more fabric pieces. For example, as shown
in FIG. 9, two fabric pieces 254 and 256 are provided, one for each
frame member 260 and 262, respectively. Each fabric piece 254 and
256 covers (either partially or completely) and forms a panel 22a
or 22b within the respective frame member 260 or 262, and is
preferably held in tension with the frame member 260 or 262. The
fabric pieces 254, 256 can also cross each other along an imaginary
line defined by the two overlapping points 240 and 242. The other
details relating to the overlapping panels 22a and 22b are set
forth in greater detail in the specification and drawings of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,975,101, and shall not be repeated herein.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the structure 20a can be
provided with a separate fabric base 270 that has its edges
stitched to the bottom sides 36a, 248 and 250 of the panels 22a,
22b, 24a and 26a. The mat 52a can then be placed on top of and
removably secured (e.g., by VELCRO.TM. pads 272) to the fabric base
270.
[0049] As a further alternative, FIG. 11 shows that the fabric base
270b can be provided in the form of a narrow strip of material that
traverses the bottom sides 36a, 248, 250 of the panels 22a, 22b,
24a and 26a, with VELCRO.TM. pads 272 provided along the fabric
base 270b. Otherwise, the structures shown in FIGS. 10A and 11 are
identical.
[0050] FIGS. 1A-10D also illustrate how the structure 20a can be
twisted and folded to reduce its configuration. In FIGS. 10A and
10B, the mat 52a can be detached from the panels 22a, 22b, 24a,
26a, and the panels 24a and 26a are then folded about their hinged
connections with the panels 22a and 22b, respectively, to be placed
on top of the panels 22a and 22b, respectively. Then, as shown in
FIG. 10C, the panels 22a, 22b are folded about the hinge defined by
their overlapping points 240 and 242 to form one stack of panels
22a, 24a, 26a, 22b (in one possible order), as shown in FIGS. 10D
and 10E. The folding steps illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E above can
then be used to fold and collapse the stack of panels into a
smaller configuration for convenient storage. If the mat 52a is not
removably attached to the panels 22a, 22b, 24a, 26a, the mat 52a
can be folded against the stack of panels shown in FIG. 10E, and
folded along with the panels.
[0051] To re-deploy the structure 20a for use, the user merely
opens the folded panels 22a, 22b, 24a, 26a. The natural bias of the
frame members 44 will cause the frame members 44 to uncoil, so that
the panels 22a, 22b, 24a, 26a quickly spring back to the
configuration shown in either FIG. 10C or 10D. The panels 24a and
26a are folded away from the panels 22a, 22b, and the mat 52a
re-attached to the panels 22a, 22b, 24a, 26a, or opened out and
laid flat, so that the structure 20a is again ready for use.
[0052] 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.
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