U.S. patent application number 14/921888 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for system of collapsible panels and structures.
This patent application is currently assigned to PATENT CATEGORY CORP.. The applicant listed for this patent is PATENT CATEGORY CORP.. Invention is credited to Yu Zheng.
Application Number | 20170114566 14/921888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58558419 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170114566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zheng; Yu |
April 27, 2017 |
SYSTEM OF COLLAPSIBLE PANELS AND STRUCTURES
Abstract
A collapsible structure is provided with a plurality of panels,
the plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a
second panel, each panel having a foldable metallic frame member
that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric
material covering portions of each respective frame member to form
the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the
unfolded orientation, each panel having a left side and a right
side, with the left side of one panel hingedly coupled to the right
side of an adjacent panel. A magnetic connector connects a separate
item to a portion of the frame member of one of the panels.
Inventors: |
Zheng; Yu; (Walnut,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PATENT CATEGORY CORP. |
Walnut |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PATENT CATEGORY CORP.
Walnut
CA
|
Family ID: |
58558419 |
Appl. No.: |
14/921888 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2313/04 20130101;
E04H 15/44 20130101; E04H 15/006 20130101; A63H 33/26 20130101;
A63H 33/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/44 20060101
E04H015/44; E04H 15/64 20060101 E04H015/64; B65D 21/08 20060101
B65D021/08; E04H 15/54 20060101 E04H015/54 |
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A collapsible panel comprising a foldable frame member that has
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 panel having a
bordering sleeve that retains the frame member, and having a magnet
piece secured inside the sleeve.
15. The panel of claim 14, wherein the frame member is a metallic
frame member, and the magnet piece is secured to the frame member
through the magnetic attraction between the metallic frame member
and the magnet piece.
16. An assembly, comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality
of panels including at least 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 portions of
each respective frame member to form the panel for each frame
member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, each
panel having a first fabric side and a second fabric side; wherein
the first and second panels are positioned side-by-side against
each other with the second fabric side of the first panel adjacent
the first fabric side of the second panel; a first magnet piece
positioned on first fabric side of the first panel; and a second
magnet piece positioned on the second fabric side of the second
panel at a location that is aligned with the location of the first
magnet piece, such that the magnetic connection of the first and
second magnet pieces maintains the first and second fabric pieces
together.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to collapsible panels and
structures, and in particular, to collapsible panels and structures
which can be connected by a system of magnetic connectors.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are presently many collapsible structures that are
being provided for use by children and adults in a number of
different applications. 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. 5,071,188 (Kellogg et al.), U.S.
Pat. No. 6,485,344 (Arias), U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,391 (LeGette), U.S.
Pub. No. 2004/0139997 (Zheng) 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] Most of these previous collapsible structures are preformed
into specific configurations of panels that are stitched together.
As such, they can only be used in their preformed configurations
and the play variety often wanes over time. Attempts were made to
provide separate panels that can be removably or adjustably
attached to other panels or structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,220,265 to Zheng discloses the use of opposite VELCRO.TM. pads
and other fabric connectors to connect panels. However, while the
fabric connectors allow for the panels to be adjusted or replaced,
the variations available to the user are still rather limited. In
addition, VELCRO.TM. pads are also rather limiting in use because
two opposing (male and female) pads are needed, and these pads need
to be secured to specific locations on different panels. As a
result, the user is still limited in that he or she can only
effectuate a connection at specific pre-set locations along
different panels.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system
of collapsible panels and structures that can be conveniently
assembled and disassembled at a variety of locations at the
discretion of the user.
[0007] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention,
a collapsible structure is provided with a plurality of panels, the
plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second
panel, each panel having a foldable metallic frame member that has
a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material
covering portions of each respective frame member to form the panel
for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded
orientation, each panel having a left side and a right side, with
the left side of one panel hingedly coupled to the right side of an
adjacent panel. A magnetic connector connects a separate item to a
portion of the frame member of one of the panels.
[0008] In another embodiment, a magnetic connector is permanently
secured to a portion of the fabric material at a location offset
from the frame member, with a separate item having a portion
thereof that is made of metal, and being removably attached to the
magnetic connector at the location of metal portion.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, two or more magnetic connectors
can connect two or more panels together at the fabric portion of
these panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a system of
collapsible panels and structures according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the section 2-2 in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the
panel of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a
sleeve, and a magnet secured to the fabric adjacent the sleeve.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the
panel of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a
sleeve, and a magnet secured as part of the sleeve.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of the section B of the
panel of FIG. 1 illustrating a magnet secured to the fabric.
[0015] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate how the collapsible structure
of FIG. 1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates another system of collapsible panels and
structures according to the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate how three panels can be connected
by two magnetic connectors.
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the use of stabilizing members to
support the structures of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] 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.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a structure 20 is provided that
comprises four panels 22, 24, 26 and 28 connected to each other to
encircle an enclosed space. Each panel 22, 24, 26, 28 can have four
sides, such as a left side 30, a bottom side 32, a right side 34
and a top side 36, although each panel 22, 24, 26, 28 can assume
any configuration and have any number of sides, Each panel 22, 24,
26 and 28 has a frame retaining sleeve 38 provided along and
traversing the four edges of its four sides 30, 32, 34 and 36. A
frame member 40 is retained or held within each respective frame
retaining sleeve 38 to support each panel 22, 24, 26, 28. Only the
frame member 40 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; the other frame members
are not shown but are the same as frame member 40.
[0021] The frame members 40 may be provided as one continuous loop,
or may comprise a strip of material connected at both ends to form
a continuous loop. The frame members 40 are preferably formed of
flexible coilable steel, although other materials such as plastics
may also be used. The frame members should be made 30, of a
material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible to a
sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, each frame member
40 is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or
expanded position such as shown in FIG. 1, or a folded position in
which the frame member is collapsed into a size which is much
smaller than its open position (see FIG. 6D).
[0022] Fabric or sheet material 42 extends across each respective
panel 22, 24, 26, 28, and is held taut by the respective frame
member 40 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. The
frame members 40 may be merely retained within the respective frame
retaining sleeves 38 without being connected thereto.
Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 38 may be mechanically
fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the respective frame members
40 respectively, to retain them in position.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates one possible connection for connecting
adjacent edges of two panels 22 and 24. The fabric pieces 42 are
stitched at their edges by a stitching 44 to the respective sleeves
38. Each sleeve 38 may be formed by folding a piece of fabric. The
stitching 44 also acts as a hinge for the panels 22 and 24 to be
folded upon each other, as explained below. The connections for the
three other pairs of adjacent edges may be identical. Thus, the
connections on the left side 30 and the right side 34 of each panel
22, 24, 26, 28 act as hinge connections for connecting an adjacent
panel.
[0024] At the top side 36 and the bottom side 32 of each panel 22,
24, 26, 28, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacent
panel, the frame retaining sleeve 38 may be formed by merely
folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying a
stitching 46 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The fabric piece 42 for the
corresponding panel may then be stitched to the sleeve 38.
[0025] While the structure 20 of FIG. 1 is shown and described as
having four panels, each having four sides, it will be appreciated
that the structure 20 may be made of any number of panels, each
having any number of sides, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, each structure may
have at least one panel, and each panel may have three or more
sides. Thus, the structures of the present invention may take a
variety of external shapes. However, each panel, regardless of its
shape, is supported by at least one frame member 40.
[0026] FIGS. 6A through 6C describe the various steps for folding
and collapsing the structure 20 of FIG. 1 for storage. The first
step consists of pushing panels 22 and 24 towards panels 28 and 26,
respectively, about their hinged connections so that panel 22
collapses upon panel 28 and panel 24 collapses upon panel 26. Then,
the two panels 22 and 28 are folded so as to be collapsed upon the
two panels 24 and 26 to form a stack of four panels. In the second
step, the structure 20 is then twisted and folded to collapse the
frame members 40 and panels 22, 24, 26, 28 into a smaller shape. In
particular, the opposite border 60 of the stack of panels 22, 24,
26, 28 is folded in (see arrow 62 in FIG. 6A) upon the previous
fold to further collapse the frame members 40 with the panels. As
shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the folding is continued so that the
initial size of the structure 20 is reduced until the frame members
40 and panels are collapsed on each other (see FIG. 6D) to provide
for a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of
concentric frame members 40 and layers of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28
so that the collapsed structure 20 has a size which is a fraction
of the size of the initial structure.
[0027] The present invention provides magnetic connectors that
allow a number of other items to be removably connected to the
structure 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, other panels 48 and
50 (which can be identical in construction to the any of the panels
22, 24, 26, 28) can be removably coupled to any panel 22, 24, 26,
28 via magnetic connectors 52. Similarly, another structure 54
(which can be identical in construction to the structure 20 but
smaller in size) can also be removably coupled to any panel 22, 24,
26, 28 via magnetic connectors 52.
[0028] The magnetic connectors 52 are illustrated in greater detail
in FIGS. 2-5. The present invention provides many ways to embody
the magnetic connectors 52.
[0029] In one embodiment, each magnetic connector 52 can be
comprised of a piece of magnet 58 encased inside a fabric pouch 56
(see FIG. 1). This connector 52 can be used in a simple manner, by
placing it on an edge of the panel 28 and then aligning an edge of
the other panel 50 to the connector 52. Since the frame members 40
in the panels 28 and 50 are made of metal, they will experience a
strong attraction to the connector 52 and therefore the two panels
28 and 50 will be coupled at the location of the connector 52. By
providing multiple connectors 52, as shown in FIG. 1 along the same
edges of the panels 28 and 50, and positioning these connectors 52
between the frame members 40 of two panels (e.g., 28 and 50), a
very strong connection can be created between the two panels 28,
50. This type of connector 52 will also allow the user to connect
any metallic item to an edge of any of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28,
and 50. This is also shown in FIG. 7 with the panels 80 and 50.
[0030] In another embodiment, magnetic connectors 521 are comprised
of a piece of magnet 58 encased inside a compartment formed by the
underlying fabric 42 of a panel and a covering piece of fabric 62.
See FIG. 5. These connectors 521 are positioned at fixed locations
on the panels, and can be used to connect any metallic item to the
fabric 42 of the panel at the location of the connectors 521.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, a magnetic connector 522 can be
secured to the fabric 42 adjacent the sleeve 38. See FIG. 3. The
magnetic connectors 522 are comprised of a piece of magnet 58
encased inside a compartment formed by the underlying fabric 42 of
a panel and a covering piece of fabric 62, and positioned adjacent
the sleeve 38. These connectors 522 are positioned at fixed
locations on the panels, and can be used to connect any metallic
item to the fabric 42 of the panel at locations along the edge of
the panel.
[0032] In yet a further embodiment, the magnetic connectors can
comprise a piece of magnet 58 secured inside a sleeve 38, as best
shown in FIG. 4. The magnet 58 can be secured to a location on the
inner wall of the sleeve 38 by glue, or simply through its
automatic attraction/connection force with the metallic frame
member 40. These magnetic connectors can be used to connect any
metallic item to the frame member 40 of the sleeve 38 that it is
retained inside.
[0033] The magnetic connectors according to the present invention
provide a wide variety of options for removably connecting
collapsible panels, collapsible structures and other metallic
items, thereby providing the consumer with enhanced play variety
and enjoyment. FIGS. 1 and 7 illustrate a few examples of these
play options.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the panel 50 can be coupled to the top
of the structure 20 so that the panel 50 can function as a roof.
This can be accomplished by using separate connectors 52 to connect
the edges of the panel 50 with the top edges 36 of the panels 22,
24, 26, 28. In addition, the panel 48 can be removably coupled to
the fabric 42 of panel 26; specifically, magnetic connectors 521
can be stitched to the fabric 42 and they could directly attract
(connect) the metallic frame member 40 of the panel 48. Similarly,
the structure 54 can be removably coupled to the panel 24 via two
sets of magnetic connectors 52 in accordance with the technique
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, or through magnetic connectors 521 that
are stitched to the fabric 42 of the panel 24.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, the structure 20 can be embellished by
adding a fabric roof 70. The roof 70 (which does not have an
encircling frame member 40) can be a piece of fabric with magnetic
connectors 521 encased along opposite edges 72, 74 of the roof 70,
so that these opposite edges 72, 74 can be coupled to the top edges
36 of the panels 22 and 26. In addition, another fabric roof 70 can
be used to create a covered area defined by a single panel (e.g.,
50 from FIG. 1) and the panel 24 by coupling the opposite edges 72,
74 to the top edges 36 of the panels 24 and 50. Instead of encased
connectors 521, it is also possible to use separate connectors 52,
and place them on top of the fabric roofs 70 so that each edge 72,
74 of the fabric roofs is sandwiched between a connector 52 and the
underlying frame member 40 on the structure 20. Thus, when FIGS. 1
and 7 are compared, it can be seen that the magnetic connectors 52
or 521 allow the panel 50 to be used for different purposes to vary
and enhance the play options for the system of panels 50 and
structures 20 shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] In addition, triangular panels 80 can be provided as part of
the system and used in different ways. For example, as shown in
FIG. 7, one triangular panel 80 can be coupled to the fabric 42 of
the panel 22 simply by using two magnetic connectors 52 to sandwich
the fabric of the triangular panel 80 to the fabric 42 of the panel
22. Here, this illustrates how two magnetic connectors 52 can be
effectively used to easily couple two fabric pieces together. FIGS.
8A and 8B illustrate this in greater detail, where FIGS. 8A and 8B
show three panels PA, PB and PC (which can be identical in
construction to panels 22, 24, 26, 28, 50) connected by two
magnetic connectors M (which can be identical to 52) by sandwiching
them between the connectors M.
[0037] In addition, another magnetic connector 52 can be used to
couple the fabric of a triangular panel 80 to a side of the frame
member 42 of the panel 50 in a manner where the panel 80 is
perpendicular to the panel 50. Here, the magnetic connector 52 is
used to connect to the metallic frame member of the panel 50, with
the fabric of the panel 80 sandwiched in between. Another
triangular panel 80 can be coupled to the opposite side edge of the
panel 50. Thus, the panels 80 can be used as base supports for
holding the panel 50 vertically upright.
[0038] The present invention provides a unique connection system
for use with collapsible panels and structures because it relies on
the metallic characteristic of the frame members 40 to couple other
panels and items. Specifically, the metallic frame members 40 would
attract to magnets, so the present invention uses the magnetic
forces to create connection points. This provides a much more
flexible system of connectors when compared with other known
connectors (e.g., VELCRO.TM. pads, fabric connectors, etc.), and is
more convenient and easy to use.
[0039] Since the collapsible structures 20 and panels of the
present invention are often used to support other panels,
structures and items, stability can become compromised. Therefore,
stabilizing members can be provided to help maintain the stability
of the resulting structure. Referring now to FIG. 9, the structure
20 can be provided with a stabilizing assembly 100 which includes
fabric extensions 102, 104 and a supporting bar-and-cord frame 106.
Specifically, fabric extensions 102, 104 extend on either side of a
panel (e.g., 22), and each extension 102, 104 has a curved or arc
shape. Spaced-apart sleeve portions 108 are provided along the top
of the extensions 102, 104, and along the top edge 36 of the panel
22, so that the sleeve portions 108 together define a semi-circular
shape. The bar-and-cord frame 106 is comprised of a plurality of
bar pieces 112 separated by cords 114. The bar pieces 112 have
opposing ends that are adapted to be tight-fitted to the ends of
adjacent bar pieces 112 so that the bar-and-cord frame 106 defines
a semi-circular shape when completely assembled for deployment. The
assembled bar-and-cord frame 106 can be inserted through the sleeve
portions 108 so that the bar-and-cord frame 106 can function as a
stabilizing member to the side of the structure defined by the
panel 22.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a different type of bar-and-cord frame
where two such frames 120 are deployed on the fabric 42 of the
panel 22 in a crossing or ".sub.+" shaped configuration, as defined
by sleeve portions 124 positioned on the fabric 42 to define the
configuration.
[0041] FIG. 10 also illustrates another type of stabilizing member,
which can take the form of another panel 140. Specifically,
magnetic connectors 521 can be sewn onto specific locations of the
fabric 42 of the panel 26 and the floor fabric 132, and then the
panel 140 can be coupled to the panel 28 and the floor by placing
the edges of the panel 140 against these connectors 521 so that the
edges of the metallic frame member 40 inside the panel 140 can be
coupled to the connectors 521. As a result, the panel 140 can
function as a stabilizing member by being positioned in an angled
manner to hold the panel 26 upright against the floor.
[0042] As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 7, the triangular
panels 80 can be used as stabilizing members for a single panel
50.
[0043] The principles of the present invention also allow a variety
of other items to be removably coupled to a collapsible structure
or panel even without the use of the magnetic connectors 52, 521 or
522. Specifically, the metallic nature of the frame members 40
allow for any object having a magnet incorporated therein to be
coupled to the frame members 40.
[0044] For example, referring to FIG. 9, a base plate 130 defines a
planar upper surface that has a plurality of studs 132 provided
thereon. Magnet pieces 134 can be housed inside the base plate 130.
The base plates 130 can be used to removably couple play objects
136 that are supported on a base 138. The base 138 is adapted to be
coupled to the studs 132 on the support base plates 130 in a manner
that is similar to a LEGO.TM. connection. Specifically, most
LEGO.TM. brick pieces have two basic components: studs on top and
tubes on the inside. A brick's studs are slightly bigger than the
space between the tubes and the walls. When the bricks are pressed
together, the studs push the walls out and the tubes in. The
material is resilient and wants to hold its original shape, so the
walls and tubes press back against the studs, Friction also plays a
role, preventing the two bricks from sliding apart. This
stud-and-tube coupling system uses an interference fit, which
provides a firm, friction-based connection between two parts
without the use of an additional fastener, Thus, the bottom of the
base 138 would also include the tubes and walls that are normally
found at the base of a conventional LEGO.TM. brick.
[0045] Therefore, in FIG. 9, the base plate 130 itself has a magnet
134 that allows it to be removably coupled to the frame member 40
of any of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28.
[0046] 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.
* * * * *