Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-23
2001-07-31
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Framework
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267129
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible frame assemblies that can be used in supporting collapsible structures. The collapsible frame assemblies may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the resulting collapsible structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.
2. 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. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 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.
The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributed to the performace, convenience and variety that these structures provide. These collapsible structures are made up of a plurality of panels, each of which is supported by a coilable frame member. When fully expanded, these structures are stable and can be used as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. The coilable frame members allow these structures to be 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.
The coilable frame members for these collapsible structures are often made from either a continuous frame member formed into a loop, or an elongated frame member having its opposite ends secured together to form a continuous loop. These frame members define the shape of the panels, and provide the requisite support to maintain the panels in their defined shape.
In this regard, many of the known coilable frame members are typically provided in a pre-formed configuration which cannot be changed. As a result, the variety of use and play for the resulting collapsible structures can be limited.
Thus, there still remains a need for coilable frame members that allow different collapsible structures to be assembled 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 present invention provides a collapsible frame assembly having a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a plurality of corner sleeves. Each corner sleeve has a lumen for retaining a selected portion of the frame member, with the plurality of corner sleeves positioned in spaced apart relation along the frame member to form a bend at each location of a corner sleeve.
Each collapsible frame assembly can be used to form a panel for a collapsible structure, with one side of each frame assembly hingedly coupled to another side of an adjacent frame assembly to form a series or ring of two or more frame assemblies.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5038812 (1991-08-01), Norman
patent: 5163461 (1992-11-01), Ivanovich et al.
patent: 5301705 (1994-04-01), Zheng
patent: 5467794 (1995-11-01), Zheng
patent: 5560385 (1996-10-01), Zheng
patent: 0902137 (1999-03-01), None
patent: 2635136 (1990-02-01), None
patent: WO 90/15209 (1990-12-01), None
Cuomo Peter M.
Hansen James O.
Patent Category Corp.
Sun Raymond
LandOfFree
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