Collapsible signage structures
A collapsible structure includes at least three panels, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.
This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/872,927, filed Jun. 21, 2004, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/438,679, filed May 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,163, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/150,358, filed May 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,185, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/847,248, filed May 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,111, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/633,947, filed Aug. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,826, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/162,086, filed Sep. 28, 1998, abandoned, which is a division of Ser. No. 08/859,876, filed May 21, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,279, which is a division of Ser. No. 08/627,875, filed Apr. 3, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,596, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/281,369, filed Jul. 27, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/024,690, filed Mar. 1, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/764,784, filed Sep. 24, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,705, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible signage and barrier structures which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The collapsible structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,301,705 and 5,816,279 illustrate examples of collapsible structures that can be used for a variety of different applications. For example, the structures shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,301,705 and 5,816,279 have been used as shelters, toy structures, tents, hunting blinds, hampers, storage units, and covers, among other devices.
There are many signage structures provided for use in the marketplace. Most of the conventional signage products are comprised of plastic panels having the desired words or message(s) imprinted on the surfaces of these plastic panels. Unfortunately, plastic panels can be bulky and heavy. In particular, where the signage needs to be larger, larger plastic panels can be very inconvenient and difficult to use, as well as being expensive.
Similarly, many barriers are erected to shield or keep construction sites, precious objects or dangerous objects away from people. Other barriers are used to define a path of travel or motion for people. Unfortunately, most of these conventional barriers are made from wood, plastic or metal, so that these barriers are heavy, bulky, expensive and not conveniently transportable.
In light of the above, there still remains a need for signage and barriers that can be provided in a convenient, light-weight and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREIn order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the collapsible structure according to the present invention comprises at least three panels, each panel comprising a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) illustrate how the collapsible structure of
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.
As shown in
The continuous frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d 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 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are preferably formed of flexible coilable steel, although other materials such as plastics may also be used. The frame members should be made 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 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown in
Fabric or sheet material 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d extends across each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, respectively, and is held taut by the respective frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d 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 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d may be merely retained within the respective frame retaining sleeves 24a, 24b, 24c and 24c without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d, respectively, to retain them in position.
At the top side 26d and the bottom side 26b of each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacent side panel, the frame retaining sleeve 24a, 24b, 24c or 24b may be formed by merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying a stitching 35 (see
An optional upper panel 32 comprised of fabric 30e may also be connected to the upper edge 26d of each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d. The upper panel 32 is preferably made of the same type of fabric as the side panels 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d.
Openings 38 may be provided in some or all of the panels 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 32. These openings 38 may be of any shape (e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular, square, diamond, etc.) and size. These openings 38 allow air to pass through them so that the structure 20 can be less susceptible to being toppled if a blast of wind were to blow directly at the structure 20.
While the module 20 of
FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) describe the various steps for folding and collapsing the module 20 of
Openings 138 can be provided in one or more panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, and these openings 138 can be similar to the openings 38. In addition, flaps 155 can be provided in some of these openings 138. The flaps 155 can be formed by providing a U-shaped cut on the fabric 130, and these flaps 155 function to allow some air to pass through, but not as much air as if the opening 138 were not covered by a flap 155.
Images 125 can be provided on some or all of the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d to deliver the intended message. As used herein, the word “image(s)” shall include depictions, letters, illustrations and words. For example, the image(s) 125 can contain the name of a restaurant or store so that the structure 120 can be used as a sign for a restaurant or store. As other examples, the image(s) 125 can contain instructions (e.g., “DO NOT ENTER”, “TURN LEFT TO HALEY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY”, etc.), warnings (e.g., “WET”), advertisements, novelty images (e.g., a smiling face), banners (e.g., the school enblem for a university or professional sports team), and announcements (e.g., “BIRTHDAY PARTY CANCELED”), among others.
The image(s) 125 can be provided on a patch that can removably attached to the outer surface of the fabric 130 via a removable connection mechanism (not shown), such as but not limited to VELCRO™ pads, hooks, snaps, detachable zippers, and fasteners, among others. Thus, the structure 120 can be used to display a variety of different image(s) at different times by changing the images 125, depending upon the desires of the user.
A handle 145 can be provided along the top sides of the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d for lifting the structure 120.
In addition, a weight 150 can be provided adjacent the corners of the bottom sides 126b of each panel 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d. The weight 150 can be embodied in the form of a plastic or metal rod, a beanie bag, or any object that has enough weight to provide stability to the structure 120. The weight 150 can be retained inside a pocket 152 that is sewn to the inside or outside of the fabric 130. The weight 150 can access the pocket 152 via a pocket opening 154. The weights 150 function to provide greater stability to the sign structure 120 to prevent it from being toppled when in use. Thus, the number and actual weight of these weights 150 can be distributed and arranged in a manner to optimize the stability provided to the structure 120 when it is deployed for use in the configuration shown in
The structure 120 can be folded and collapsed in the manner illustrated in connection with
As an alternative, additional panels 322e, 322f can be hingedly connected to any of the other hinged connections to provide additional walls, partitions or barricades for use. These additional panels 322e, 322f can have the same construction as any of the panels 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and the hinged connection to any of the existing hinged connections can be the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B of U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385.
Openings 338 (and flaps), and image(s) 325, can be provided in one or more of the panels 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, 322e, 322f, and weights can be provided in pockets 352 that are provided in the corners (or they can extend along the entire length) of the bottom side 326b of one or more of the panels 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, 322e. The image(s) 325 can be warning messages or descriptions of the protected item, among others.
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.
Claims
1. A collapsible structure, comprising:
- at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space;
- an image provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels; and
- a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.
2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the image is removably connected to the fabric.
3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the fabric of each panel includes at least one opening.
4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel has a pocket in which the weight is retained.
5. The structure of claim 4, wherein the at least one panel is a first panel, further including a second weight coupled to a second panel.
6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the second panel has a pocket in which the second weight is retained.
7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the panels are hingedly connected along their side edges.
8. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels is flat.
9. The structure of claim 1, wherein the weight is removable from the at least one panel.
10. A method for displaying a message, comprising:
- a. providing a collapsible structure, comprising: at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space; and a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.
- b. providing the message on the fabric of at least one of the panels.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein step (b) includes removably connecting the message to the fabric.
12. The method of claim 10, further including providing at least one opening on the fabric of each panel.
13. The method of claim 10, further including connecting side edges of the panels.
14. The method of claim 10, further including providing the weight in a pocket of the first panel.
15. The method of claim 14, further including providing another weight in a pocket of the second panel.
16. The method of claim 10, further including:
- folding the panels one on top of each other to form a stack of panels; and
- twisting and folding the stack of panels to form a plurality of concentric frame members and layers of the panels.
17. A collapsible barrier, comprising:
- at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space; and
- a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.
18. The barrier of claim 17, further including an image provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 29, 2007
Publication Date: May 31, 2007
Inventor: Yu Zheng (Walnut, CA)
Application Number: 11/699,625
International Classification: E04H 15/40 (20060101);