Abstract: A collapsible structure having an open top, a relatively rigid handle frame member, and a handle member used for ease in transporting goods, along with a method of collapsing same.

Abstract: A litter box for use by house pets, such as cats having structure for mechanical separation of clumped litter and waste material from unsoiled litter and subsequent return of unsoiled litter for later use. The litter box preferably includes a first section for receiving both clean litter and the animal preparing to use the device. The first section is separated from a second section by an upstanding sieve or sifting member. The apparatus further includes a removable collection tray for receiving waste material for final disposition after separation. A method of cleaning steps which include lateral rotation and counter-rotation of the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible container according to the present invention comprises a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a flexible frame, a web of material, and an edging material. At least one of the panel frames comprises a discontinuous loop. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the container or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container according to the present invention provides a collapsible debris container including a receptacle having a plurality of framed side panels, a bottom panel, and an open side. A chute may be coupled to the receptacle, or a portion of the container may be decoupled from the remainder, to form a chute. The container may include a handle to ease transportation of debris along the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having an open top, a relatively rigid handle frame member, and a handle member used for ease in transporting goods, along with a method of collapsing same.

Abstract: A collapsible container according to the present invention comprises a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a flexible frame, a web of material, and an edging material. At least one of the panel frames comprises a discontinuous loop. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the container or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention provides a collapsible plant shelter. A plurality of flexible panels is joined to form a supportive structure. Each panel is formed from a flexible material coupled, directly or indirectly, to a flexible frame member. At least a portion of the flexible material is preferably at least partially fluid impervious and not completely opaque, so as to provide a greenhouse effect to the interior of the shelter. A top flexible panel may also be provided, coupled to a top portion of at least two of the side panels. A selectively closeable access portal may be provided through one or more of the side panels. A portal flap may be at least partially releasable from the side panel material, such as by way of a zipper.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having a top panel, bottom panel, side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel releasably attached and forming an enclosure having a door. Each top, bottom, and side panel comprises a two-ply web of material and a removably seated continuous loop frame. One or more handles may be attached to the structure or formed within one or more of the panels. A method of making and collapsing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention provides a collapsible plant stand. A plurality of flexible panels is joined to form a supportive structure. Each panel is formed from a flexible material coupled to a flexible frame member. At least one panel may include a plurality of apertures formed through the flexible material, through which a plant portion may be allowed to extend. Alternatively, or in addition to the panels having apertures, a stand according to the present invention may include a plurality of flexible frame members joined to form a support frame and a plurality of shelves coupled to the support frame, the shelves being adapted to support parts of a plant such as fruit. A plant stand may also include a weed barrier panel.

Abstract: An adjustable kennel provides an enclosure for an animal that is lightweight, expandable and collapsible for storage and travel. The kennel has a semi-rigid frame that can be adjusted for size and an expandable, pliable cover allowing the kennel to be adjusted appropriately for the animal occupying it. When in use, the frame includes slidably expandable support members such that the kennel can accommodate different sized animals or can be adjusted to be used over a long period of time as an animal grows.

Abstract: An ironing pad having a relatively flexible laminate structure including among its layers an integrally formed, independent layer supporting hollow core units which are disposed adjacent to one another and being received in an individual pocket formed in overlying layers of a closed-sided envelope, and in which hollow core is formed of a plurality of contiguous adjacent open-cell cavities which provide a heat barrier in addition to a layer of relatively high-compressive strength for supporting the weight of steam or flat iron pressing of fabric materials. The pad assembly may include three separate hollow core heat barrier units in hinged relationship with one another to provide a relatively shortened lengthwise dimension to the entire assembly when the end units are folded.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a two-ply web of material and a continuous loop frame. One or more handles may be attached to the structure or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing such apparatus, said apparatus comprising a frame having an expanded state and a collapsed state, a web substantially stretched over the frame, at least one support member coupled to the frame, and a strap having its ends coupled to the web, including a releasable fastener located a predetermined distance from one of the ends of the strap, and having adjustable length to apply a corresponding tension to the frame and the web, biasing the apparatus into a convexly accurate condition.