Folding Or Collapsible Patents (Class 446/478)
  • Patent number: 7484520
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20090004949
    Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Julian R. Payne
  • Patent number: 7407425
    Abstract: A walled structure apparatus generally orientated perpendicular to a horizontal surface, the apparatus including a first panel with a major plane, a corner and a notch, a second panel with a major plane, a corner and a tab received with the notch, and a hinge structure within the notch. The hinge structure generally uniting the panels for movement to a number of selected positions and includes interengaged flexible components permitting inward and outward movement and being generally located within the notch and tab. Through this movement, the walled structure apparatus exhibits a deformed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Stewart P. Jeske
  • Patent number: 7364487
    Abstract: A structure building system is described that utilizes a mat, a set of connectors and a set of structural members to build a structure. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic coupling/connection may be used to connect the piece of the structure together. The system may also have one or more pieces of material that may be draped over the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cranium, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Evans, Adam Tobin, Adam DeVito, Quillon Tsang, Joel Shrock
  • Patent number: 7306003
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7261613
    Abstract: A plaything for executing a reciprocating activity has a curved platform reciprocatably mounted on a base. The platform has a traveling surface with a longitudinally spaced, opposing pair of end ramps. A coaster can travel back and forth freely on the platform. The end ramps are inclined to cause reversion of the coaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Everett Hull
  • Patent number: 7258592
    Abstract: A kit for creating an illusion that suggests a Santa Claus visit in a premises is disclosed. The kit includes items revealed to a child audience. These items include a displayer at which small items can be placed, and amusement items for use by at least a member of the child audience in carrying out steps that the child audience is invited to believe will assist Santa Claus in making the visit. The kit also includes items at least temporarily concealed from the child audience. The concealed items include means for making boot print resembling marks to mark an illusionary trail of Santa Claus in the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: John I. Colak
  • Patent number: 7140376
    Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. Alternatively, frame retaining sleeve portions may be used to interconnect and retain two or more frame members from two or more adjacent side panels and to act as hinge portions. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7125311
    Abstract: A device for positioning a telescopic doll in a packing box includes a telescopic doll and a packing box. The telescopic doll has two feet each with a sole, a seat formed on the sole, and a first hook pivotally mounted on the seat. Two fixed legs respectively extend upwards from the feet. Two first rod are telescopically and respectively mounted on the fixed legs. Each first rod has a line extending from a bottom end of the first rod through the shaft and connected to the first hook. Two second rods are telescopically and respectively mounted on the first rods. The packing box has a bottom plate and a second hook formed on the bottom plate and detachably engaged with the first hook. Whereby, the doll can be easily unfolded and taken out from the packing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 7104221
    Abstract: A doghouse includes a plurality of side panels connecting a front panel and a rear panel. A roof includes two roof panels each including runners that slidably connect to upper ledges in the front and rear panels. The side panels can be connected to the front and rear panels using hooks on the side panels that are slidably engaged to receiving members in slots in the front and rear panels. Alternatively, the side panels can slidably connect to the front and rear panels using a tee or dovetail joint. The prefabricated doghouse can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times over the lifetime of the doghouse without experiencing significant wear and tear. The doghouse can be assembled and disassembled efficiently by following a series of easy-to-follow steps. A user can disassemble the doghouse, store the doghouse, and easily assemble the doghouse with a minimal amount of time and effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Four Paws Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 7100333
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 7096875
    Abstract: A creative, protective play space device for children comprising an umbrella like structure which represents an animal, and in which the extremities of the animal, such as the head and the tail, extend beyond the end of the umbrella ribs, and fall toward the ground, creating the partial walls of the play space, which may be completed with netting fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Zipjack Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martha Dubinsky-Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7018267
    Abstract: A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Homegrown Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Delaney, Jennifer L. Delaney
  • Patent number: 6948280
    Abstract: A portable and assembleable enclosure having a floor constructed of a first rigid panel and a second hingedly interconnecting panel, a recessed channel extending about an outer perimeter of the floor panels. A plurality of walls are each constructed of a rigid material and exhibit an annular shaped projection along a first extending side edge. A corresponding and annular shaped recess extends along a second extending side edge and receives, in engaging fashion, a first extending side edge of a succeeding wall and so that the walls may be interconnected along opposing extending edges in addition to being secured to the floor in upwardly extending fashion from within the recessed channel. A peaked roof is constructed of a first rigid panel and a second interconnecting rigid panel and which is secured to an upper perimeter extending edge of the interconnected walls. First and second pairs of triangular shaped and hinged end panels securing to opposite ends of the peaked roof panels and to enclose the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Dave Marcinkowski, Mary Marcinkowski
  • Patent number: 6851439
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20040266316
    Abstract: A rectangular base housing is formed of generally parallel sidewalls coupled to a rear wall and top and bottom walls. The base housing forms an open side which receives a hingedly secured front panel to form an open or closed configuration. The interior of the base housing is divided by interior floors, ceiling and partition to form a plurality of open-faced room environments. The front panel is joined to the base housing along a lower hinge and is secured in a closed position by a pair of zipper attachments and may be opened to a play position. The front panel is formed of a pair of flexible clear plastic sheets captivating a quantity of liquid therebetween in a sealed pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Josiah Li, Peter Helenek
  • Publication number: 20040166765
    Abstract: A folding playhouse for recreational use by small children. The playhouse is of a single piece of rigid cardboard held together at its ends by strips of adhesive back hook and loop fasteners to form four walls. The playhouse has an integral roof formed by the same means. The playhouse folds flat for storage by means of an accordion style fold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Helen Sue Martin, Eddie Glen Martin
  • Patent number: 6752164
    Abstract: The invention discloses an indoor tent encompassing the space in a room designed to change the atmosphere of a child's room or play room having preprinted characters and the ability whereby users can create interchangeable themes. The room-tent has a zippered access panel functioning as a door that functions from the interior and the exterior. A window is provided to allow air and sunlight to enter the structure and has attached curtains. An opening is also provided for either a viewing port or access port and can also be provided with curtains. A cargo net is attached to the ceiling portion of the interior of the tent. Objects such as clothes, books, magazines, towels and other goods are stored away and easily access. Hook and loop attachable picture frames are also provided. The frames are designed so that the pictures can be interchangeable with the design of the tent. The picture frames are fixedly attached to the tent wall by means of hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Wan Joo Park
  • Patent number: 6752163
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6694994
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels chat are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6684894
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6672659
    Abstract: A toy that is easily convertible between a toy lounge chair and a toy vanity for a doll. The toy has a main body with a base and a pair of sides with a number of movable sections secured to the base. The main body has two faces, one of which forms portions of the lounge chair and the other of which forms portions of the vanity. A separate leg assembly is selectively moved to act as a support for the lounge chair or the vanity. The movable sections are rotatable so as to reveal face portions that form a mirror and a box-like compartment or drawer of the vanity, or a seat back, seating base and a single or two piece leg rest for the lounge chair. The leg assembly may be hingedly attached to or be formed separate from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melohn, Yukha Ann Mo
  • Patent number: 6634646
    Abstract: A portable game table having a protective outer surface when in the closed position. The portable game table includes a game table having an outer surface and a case configured to attach to the game table. A portion of the outer surface of the game table includes a portion of the protective outer surface. The game table may be configured to have a game played thereon, such as football, billiards and air hockey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Wolpert, Raymond Wolpert
  • Patent number: 6631590
    Abstract: A shelter apparatus comprises an open box base member having a bottom panel and a peripheral, box side wall. A front and a rear shelter walls are removeably engaged in spaced apart vertical slots on the inside of the box side wall. A tension beam is engaged with, and extends between the front and rear shelter walls for rigidity. A fabric cover is extensive between opposing portions of the box side wall and is draped over and supported by the shelter walls. The fabric cover is joined with the front and rear shelter walls and the box side wall by a surface fastening means so that the box side wall, the front and rear shelter walls and the fabric cover enclose a space for a pet. The same elements may be stored within the box base member and secured by the tension beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Shannon Glowaski
  • Patent number: 6607421
    Abstract: A foldable structure having an assembled configuration and a folded configuration. The foldable structure includes a main portion, a base panel which supports the main portion and a stabilizing panel which attaches to the main portion to stabilize the structure when in the assembled configuration. The foldable structure preferably includes at least one removable intermediate section which partition the space defined by the assembled main portion. Additionally, the foldable structure is preferably provided with anti-tip members which secure the main portion to the base panel so as to prevent the main portion from tipping away from the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Deborah W. Rossi
  • Patent number: 6575185
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6572436
    Abstract: A modular toy station is transformable from a closed storage configuration to an open in-use configuration providing a play surface. The station includes a box section and a platform. The box section is hingedly connected to the platform so as to pivot from a storage configuration to an in-use play configuration. The platform has features typically like those of a service station extending from it, which are concealed by the box section in the storage configuration and which extend upwardly from the platform in the in-use play configuration. The toy station further includes a recessed ledge at an edge of the platform configured to support a tab of an ancillary item such as a ramp joining piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: May Cheong Toy Products Factory Limited
    Inventor: Moon-Lam So
  • Patent number: 6565405
    Abstract: An inflatable play structure comprises at least one inflatable house defining a cavity for accommodating a child and an inflatable tunnel detachably attached to the house. The house includes two side walls and front and rear walls connected together to form a continuous wall, and support tubes placed at each corner of the two side walls and front and rear walls. The house has a first access opening and a first one flap extending from a lower portion of the wall having a pair of hook and loop fasteners. The inflatable tunnel has two arched tubes erected from and affixed to a bottom wall defining a first opening and a second opening. The tunnel includes at least one open window and a second flap extending along the bottom wall and having a pair of hook and loop fasteners aligned with corresponding hook and loop fasteners of the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Intex Recreation Corp.
    Inventors: Yaw-Yuan Hsu, Chin-Hsiang Pan, Kun Chao Hsu
  • Patent number: 6553725
    Abstract: A blind for use by hunters, bird watchers, field observers and the like has at least three upstanding walls, a top cover and a bottom pan where at least one of the walls has an opening for ingress and egress and at least one of the walls has an openable and closeable window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Washington
  • Publication number: 20030066552
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030066553
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6527609
    Abstract: A doll house includes a modular, box-like structure having a floor, a top surface, a rear wall, two side walls and an open front. Wall panels are provided with two surfaces with different designs thereon and each wall panel can be installed to fully cover a respective wall of the structure. Either surface of a panel can be provided to be visible, and the wall panels can be removed from the walls and re-installed with different surfaces revealed. Similarly, ceiling and floor panels each with two surfaces having different designs can be installed on the floor and top surface, respectively. A front dust cover can be placed over the open front. The doll house may be used with stacking pins to enable for the stacking of multiple modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pleasant Company
    Inventors: Pleasant T. Rowland, Larissa Winterhalter, Carol Moretti
  • Patent number: 6502596
    Abstract: An elongated portable structure for use as a tent or the like, having at least one end panel. The end panel has a sheet of substantially non-stretchable flexible fabric material disposed in a generally upright orientation. Two hoops of flexible, resilient, strip material are attached to the sheet. The sheet has portions in the spaces within the hoops to maintain the hoops taut and to resist collapse or distortion of the hoops. A flexible fabric cover extends from the end panel to provide shelter for a person occupying the structure. The hoops are capable of being twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage. The structure may have a second end panel with hoops, similar to the first end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Danaher
  • Patent number: 6499498
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6491567
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a contractile toy structure having a building or figure bodily shape. The toy structure according to the invention comprises one or more sets of resilient supporting mechanisms and a plurality of lock mechanisms. The resilient supporting mechanism makes the toy structure contractile and the lock mechanism holds the toy in a contracted state after the resilient supporting mechanisms are compressed. Through changes between contracted and extended states, the toy can display different postures. In addition, the invention has the advantage of reduced space requirement in transportation due to its contractility that has an effect similar to a foldable or compressible characteristic and thus provides convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Po Wing Chan
  • Patent number: 6453923
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20020061711
    Abstract: An interchangeable panel, modular display system for use as a doll house or miniature display case includes a modular frame with at least one wall section having grooves for slidably receiving a wall panel therein. The frame also includes an opening for inserting a wall panel into and removing a wall panel from the wall section. Each wall panel includes a flat, rigid support, a magnetically attractable layer, and a decorative cover layer. Magnetically attractable decorations can be removably attached at selected locations on the wall panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: MARY E. FARMER BROCK, JOHN J. MCGEOUGH
  • Patent number: 6371144
    Abstract: A tent having the overall appearance and shape of a NASCAR vehicle has fabric suspended between two sections of flexible pipe manufactured from PVC or fiberglass. The flexible tube sections cross forming two gentle smooth curves which when viewed from above form a flattened X. The bottom panel of the tent is a rectangle which has two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides and which may be staked to the ground. Two sides extend upwardly from the two long sides of the rectangle, and have the appearance of the sides of an automobile. The front bumper, the hood, the front windshield, the car top, the back window, rear spoiler and the rear bumper are formed by a panel which is joined to the tent bottom and the tent sides having printed indicia thereon representative of the various automotive parts. The driver's side of the car has a door formed by a zipper. A screen flap within the door forms an inner screen door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Capital Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Ragatz
  • Patent number: 6360761
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having 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 fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6350174
    Abstract: A miniature roll-up halfpipe for use with fingerboards or miniature skateboards includes a pair of sideframes configurable in either a collapsed compact configuration or an extended open configuration. A pair of platforms join the end portions of the sideframes to form a generally rectangular structure having a pair of upwardly open curved edges. A flexible resilient sheet is received upon the supporting frame to form a curved surface of the type frequently used by skateboarder's or the like. In the closed configuration, the flexible sheet is rolled into a cylindrical shape and encloses the collapsed siderails and platform elements. A pair of generally cylindrical endcaps are received upon the opposed ends of the rolled sheet to provide closure and secure attachment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Halford, Eric SodKar Fai, Steven Moran
  • Patent number: 6331147
    Abstract: A sandbox having a removably attachable cover which optionally forms a roof. The cover has depressions which receive corresponding projections formed in the sand receptacle to lock the cover over the receptacle. The receptacle and cover resiliently deflect to enable engagement and disengagement. The receptacle has troughs molded therein for stowing a plurality of posts. The posts are erected to support the cover in a location spaced from and above the receptacle when it is desired that the cover serve as a roof for protecting children playing in the sandbox. The posts are received in sockets molded into the receptacle. The cover is preferably conical, opening downwardly, and has transparent windows formed therein. The receptacle has rounded edges for safety and hand grips for grasping and maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventors: Liliana Munro, Olaf Linnartz
  • Patent number: 6311709
    Abstract: A self-erecting, collapsible and foldable dome structure comprises an armature formed by two unconnected loops of resiliently flexible wire concentrically and orthogonally intersecting at the center of the structure, and being bent into a dome shaped configuration. The fabric cover comprises two commensurate cruciform sheets joined around their peripheries to form an envelope containing the armature, and a series of gore panels filing the gaps between the arms of the cruciform envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Billwin Auto Accessories, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wai Hang Louie, Ming Tak Yau
  • Patent number: 6283819
    Abstract: An improved doll house is provided for storing and playing with dolls and accessories that is configured so as to be thematically integrated with the dolls and accessories. The doll house comprises a plurality of molded, hollowed-out compartments which are hinged together to provide an openable enclosure with the appearance of a mushroom having a head section and a stem section. Concave berths, having bubble-shaped doors, are provided in the head section for storage of dolls which resemble faeries. Upper and lower scalloped seating areas are provided on an interior surface of the compartments to accommodate the dolls. The compartments include windows with curtains to allow one to view the interior of the doll house when the compartments are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Kimmie Polinger, Jessica Polinger
  • Publication number: 20010011550
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6260707
    Abstract: A house shaped carrying case and display assembly is herein disclosed. The house shaped carrying case and display assembly is comprised of an outer housing which includes a plurality of panels that define an internal compartment. Within the internal compartment is a display unit, utilized for displaying and receiving information and materials to and from a customer. The house shaped carrying case and display assembly is moveable between a first and second position, wherein in the first position the house shaped housing is operable as a carrying case and in the second position is operable as a display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: FleetBoston Financial Corporation
    Inventor: Allen W. Harris
  • Patent number: 6219974
    Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 6168495
    Abstract: A portable child's amusement and educational center comprises a tent suitable for children's play of the type generally having flexible walls supported by a frame and a portal for entering and exiting, and a learning board for educational learning attached to the tent. The learning board is removable and interchangeable, and may contain educational exercises, allow for writing on its surface, or for attachment of alphanumeric characters or figures. The learning board is removably contained in a transparent pocket assembly preferably provided with transparent sub-pockets for containing various children's play articles bearing corresponding indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Young W. Yoon
  • Patent number: 6146238
    Abstract: A foldable toy storage container includes a base member, a plurality of side members and a top member which are hinged together. Each member is adapted to selectively receive, a releasable, replaceable scenery forming panel on at least one face thereof. The base member, side members and top member are movable between a first position forming a substantially box-shaped toy storage container and a second position forming a flat substantially rectangular play area with at least some of the scenery panels exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: William K. Daiber
  • Patent number: 6138701
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, a fabric for partially covering the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric in particular areas so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. The structure may include a third loop member having one side which is hingedly connected to one side of the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6108982
    Abstract: A collapsible, folding play structure including wall members which are integrally connected to each other and roof members which are integrally connected to the wall members. Two end roof members lend support to two side roof members which connect to end roof members with tabs. The two side roof members join at the top of the roof with interlocking tabs. The play structure may be folded and stored by folding the roof members outward to the corresponding wall members. The roof and wall members are then folded flat and again folded together to form a flat compact storage state for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Julie McClendon Davison