SYSTEM OF COLLAPSIBLE PANELS AND STRUCTURES
A collapsible structure is provided with a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable metallic frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of each respective frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, each panel having a left side and a right side, with the left side of one panel hingedly coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel. A magnetic connector connects a separate item to a portion of the frame member of one of the panels.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to collapsible panels and structures, and in particular, to collapsible panels and structures which can be connected by a system of magnetic connectors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are presently many collapsible structures that are being provided for use by children and adults in a number of different applications. Examples of these collapsible structures are illustrated in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,954 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,915 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,101 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,634 (McLeese), U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,592 (Norman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,533 (Ziglar), U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,188 (Kellogg et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,344 (Arias), U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,391 (LeGette), U.S. Pub. No. 2004/0139997 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), among others. These collapsible structures are supported by one or more frame members that can be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure. These collapsible structures can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as containers, tents, play structures, executive toys, shelters, sports structures, and others. As a result, collapsible structures have become very popular.
Most of these previous collapsible structures are preformed into specific configurations of panels that are stitched together. As such, they can only be used in their preformed configurations and the play variety often wanes over time. Attempts were made to provide separate panels that can be removably or adjustably attached to other panels or structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,265 to Zheng discloses the use of opposite VELCRO™ pads and other fabric connectors to connect panels. However, while the fabric connectors allow for the panels to be adjusted or replaced, the variations available to the user are still rather limited. In addition, VELCRO™ pads are also rather limiting in use because two opposing (male and female) pads are needed, and these pads need to be secured to specific locations on different panels. As a result, the user is still limited in that he or she can only effectuate a connection at specific pre-set locations along different panels.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREIt is an object of the present invention to provide a system of collapsible panels and structures that can be conveniently assembled and disassembled at a variety of locations at the discretion of the user.
In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, a collapsible structure is provided with a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable metallic frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of each respective frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, each panel having a left side and a right side, with the left side of one panel hingedly coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel. A magnetic connector connects a separate item to a portion of the frame member of one of the panels.
In another embodiment, a magnetic connector is permanently secured to a portion of the fabric material at a location offset from the frame member, with a separate item having a portion thereof that is made of metal, and being removably attached to the magnetic connector at the location of metal portion.
In yet another embodiment, two or more magnetic connectors can connect two or more panels together at the fabric portion of these panels.
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 frame members 40 may be provided as one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of material connected at both ends to form a continuous loop. The frame members 40 are preferably formed of flexible coilable steel, although other materials such as plastics may also be used. The frame members should be made 30, 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 40 is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown in
Fabric or sheet material 42 extends across each respective panel 22, 24, 26, 28, and is held taut by the respective frame member 40 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 40 may be merely retained within the respective frame retaining sleeves 38 without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 38 may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the respective frame members 40 respectively, to retain them in position.
At the top side 36 and the bottom side 32 of each panel 22, 24, 26, 28, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacent panel, the frame retaining sleeve 38 may be formed by merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying a stitching 46 (see
While the structure 20 of
The present invention provides magnetic connectors that allow a number of other items to be removably connected to the structure 20. For example, as shown in
The magnetic connectors 52 are illustrated in greater detail in
In one embodiment, each magnetic connector 52 can be comprised of a piece of magnet 58 encased inside a fabric pouch 56 (see
In another embodiment, magnetic connectors 521 are comprised of a piece of magnet 58 encased inside a compartment formed by the underlying fabric 42 of a panel and a covering piece of fabric 62. See
In yet another embodiment, a magnetic connector 522 can be secured to the fabric 42 adjacent the sleeve 38. See
In yet a further embodiment, the magnetic connectors can comprise a piece of magnet 58 secured inside a sleeve 38, as best shown in
The magnetic connectors according to the present invention provide a wide variety of options for removably connecting collapsible panels, collapsible structures and other metallic items, thereby providing the consumer with enhanced play variety and enjoyment.
Referring to
Referring to
In addition, triangular panels 80 can be provided as part of the system and used in different ways. For example, as shown in
In addition, another magnetic connector 52 can be used to couple the fabric of a triangular panel 80 to a side of the frame member 42 of the panel 50 in a manner where the panel 80 is perpendicular to the panel 50. Here, the magnetic connector 52 is used to connect to the metallic frame member of the panel 50, with the fabric of the panel 80 sandwiched in between. Another triangular panel 80 can be coupled to the opposite side edge of the panel 50. Thus, the panels 80 can be used as base supports for holding the panel 50 vertically upright.
The present invention provides a unique connection system for use with collapsible panels and structures because it relies on the metallic characteristic of the frame members 40 to couple other panels and items. Specifically, the metallic frame members 40 would attract to magnets, so the present invention uses the magnetic forces to create connection points. This provides a much more flexible system of connectors when compared with other known connectors (e.g., VELCRO™ pads, fabric connectors, etc.), and is more convenient and easy to use.
Since the collapsible structures 20 and panels of the present invention are often used to support other panels, structures and items, stability can become compromised. Therefore, stabilizing members can be provided to help maintain the stability of the resulting structure. Referring now to
As yet another example, as shown in
The principles of the present invention also allow a variety of other items to be removably coupled to a collapsible structure or panel even without the use of the magnetic connectors 52, 521 or 522. Specifically, the metallic nature of the frame members 40 allow for any object having a magnet incorporated therein to be coupled to the frame members 40.
For example, referring to
Therefore, in
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
1-13. (canceled)
14. A collapsible panel comprising a foldable frame member that has 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 panel having a bordering sleeve that retains the frame member, and having a magnet piece secured inside the sleeve.
15. The panel of claim 14, wherein the frame member is a metallic frame member, and the magnet piece is secured to the frame member through the magnetic attraction between the metallic frame member and the magnet piece.
16. An assembly, comprising:
- a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of each respective frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, each panel having a first fabric side and a second fabric side;
- wherein the first and second panels are positioned side-by-side against each other with the second fabric side of the first panel adjacent the first fabric side of the second panel;
- a first magnet piece positioned on first fabric side of the first panel; and
- a second magnet piece positioned on the second fabric side of the second panel at a location that is aligned with the location of the first magnet piece, such that the magnetic connection of the first and second magnet pieces maintains the first and second fabric pieces together.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 23, 2015
Publication Date: Apr 27, 2017
Applicant: PATENT CATEGORY CORP. (Walnut, CA)
Inventor: Yu Zheng (Walnut, CA)
Application Number: 14/921,888