Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – With lifting or handling means for primary component or... – Position adjusting means; e.g. – leveling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-19
2001-02-27
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
With lifting or handling means for primary component or...
Position adjusting means; e.g., leveling
C052S097000, C052S143000, C473S471000, C273S398000, C273S402000, C446S487000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192635
ABSTRACT:
2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible panels which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes, and for use in a variety of applications. The collapsible panels may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the panels to facilitate convenient storage and use.
3. Description of the Prior Art
Collapsible structures have recently become popular with both adults and children alike. Examples of such structures are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,038,812 (Norman), 5,467,794 (Zheng) and 5,560,385 (Zheng). These structures have a plurality of panels that may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use. As such, these structures are 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, hunting, camping or other outdoor purposes. These structures have also been popular 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 inside and outside the house.
The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributed to the performace, 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 structure. 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.
However, many of these collapsible structures are typically provided in a pre-formed configuration which cannot be disassembled without destroying the structure. As a result, the variety of use and play for these structures can be limited.
Thus, there still remains a need for collapsible structures that provide increased variety of play, entertainment value, and utility.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the collapsible structures according to the present invention have, in their most basic embodiment, a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member.
In one embodiment, the single panel further includes an amusement feature provided thereon. In another embodiment, the single panel can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter. In yet a further embodiment, the panel can be used as a base, and has an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels of the present invention can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.
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“Kargo Gear” Brochure, by Kel-Gar, Inc., 1998.
Friedman Carl D.
Patent Category Corp.
Sun Raymond
Yip Winnie
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