Collapsible Device with a Waffle Structure and Interlocking Joints

Abstract

A collapsible device in a waffle structure is disclosed. The collapsible device includes a plurality of panels, each having an outer edge and elongated slots. Each of the elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel. The elongated slots receive intersecting panels such that the plurality of panels intersect, interlock, and create a waffle-like structure. The plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to articulate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. The collapsible device is used in various applications, such as fidget toys, furniture, light fixtures, and other industrial applications such as jacks or material conveyors, or any application that benefits from flexibility or increasing or decreasing the size or length.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/596,116, filed on Nov. 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a device made of multiple interlocking panels that form a waffle-like structure that can freely collapse and expand in a scissor-like motion. The individual panels are connected with special joints that allow free movement while maintaining structural integrity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Waffle structures are commonly used in a variety of applications such as architectural, packaging, structural components, toys, etc., due to their rigidity and light weight. The waffle structures or waffle blocks consist of interlocking pieces resembling a waffle grid pattern. The waffle grid pattern allows the pieces to interlock securely, making it easy to create sturdy structures without the need for additional adhesives or tools. In some implementations, toys are provided in waffle structure, termed as, waffle structure toys, waffle blocks or waffle builders. The waffle structure toys are popular among children and educators for their versatility in building various structures and models.

An example of the waffle structure is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,762, entitled “Toy building block kit and pieces thereof” (“the '762 Patent”). The '762 Patent discloses a toy building block kit includes a variety of building block pieces with a first building block piece having on at least one side thereof, a longitudinal slot and a transverse slot, and a second building block piece (having on at least one side thereof a rib extending therefrom sized, configured and dimensioned to be received in one of the slots in the first piece. The pieces can be elongate, rectangular or triangular and each piece has crossing slots therein forming a waffle or matrix pattern on the various sides thereof. Also, each piece may have one or more ribs extending from a side thereof for interconnecting with another piece. Furthermore, a variety of specialty pieces, e.g., flat panel pieces, square or triangular, can be provided for constructing particular structures, e.g., houses, automobiles, airplanes, ships, etc.

Another example is disclosed in a PCT Publication No. 2008154034 entitled “Interlocking toy” (“the '034 Publication”). The '034 Publication discloses an interlocking toy formed from construction units, where certain of the construction units include assembly members, preferably in a matrix, that are capable of interlocking with assembly members, preferably in a matching matrix, from certain other construction units. The assembly members may be in the form of notches, slots, tabs, apertures (preferably square apertures or circular apertures), oblong recesses, and tapered oblong recesses, among other similar and other geometric and non-geometric constructs. Similarly, the construction units may be formed to any geometric or non-geometric configuration.

Although the above discussed waffle structures are useful, they have a few problems. For instance, the panels in existing waffle structures are held together with tight joints and therefore they don't allow flexibility. This limits the application of waffle structures to uses that are static.

There remains a continuing need for improved devices that use interlocking joints that enable a device to be collapsible and expand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a collapsible device with a waffle structure and interlocking joints.

In one aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a collapsible device in a waffle structure. The collapsible device includes a plurality of panels, each having an outer edge and elongated slots. Each of the elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel. The elongated slots receive intersecting panels such that the plurality of panels intersect, interlock, and create a waffle-like structure. The plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to articulate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a collapsible device in a waffle structure. The collapsible device includes a plurality of panels made of a translucent material. Each panel includes an outer edge and elongated slots. Each of the elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel. Each panel includes an interlocking joint having a pair holes connected by a slit. The elongated slot connects to a hole. The elongated slot is wider than the thickness of the panel. Further, the holes may be wider than the elongated slot. The elongated slots and the interlocking joints receive intersecting panels such that the plurality of panels intersect and create a waffle-like structure. The plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to articulate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.

In one implementation, the panels include a first group of panels extending in a first direction, and a second group of panels extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the collapsible device presents a three-dimensional device having an ability to collapse flat, and extend with magnified force. The collapsed configuration and an extended configuration are achieved by the connection of the panels that make up the structure with precisely designed joints. The special joints allow free movement while maintaining structural integrity. When used as a toy, the collapsible device presents a new form of kinetic movement that is sensory and enjoyable to play with.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a collapsible device implements, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible device in a resting configuration (base configuration with no pressure applied), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates panels of the collapsible device laid out flat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates intersection of two panels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the panels pivoting with respect to each other, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates the collapsible device in a collapsed configuration (when pressure is applied), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the collapsible device in an expanded configuration (when pressure is released), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different shapes, sizes, and forms and also many different materials, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.

It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this Specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. References cited in an Information Disclosure Statement should not be construed as an admission that the cited reference comes from an area that is analogous or directly applicable to the invention, but rather that the reference is being cited out of an abundance of caution.

Present embodiments use multiple interlocking panels that form a flexible waffle-like structure that can be used in various applications, such as fidget toys, furniture, light fixtures, and other industrial applications such as jacks or material conveyors, or any application that would benefit from flexibility or increasing or decreasing the size or length. The present embodiments show a 3-dimensional device that has the ability to collapse flat, yet extend with magnified force. This is accomplished through the connection of the panels that make up the structure with precisely designed joints. These special joints allow free movement while maintaining structural integrity. The interlocking panels loosely fit, yet do not fall apart because of the use of joints to interlock the panels.

FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a user 12 holds a collapsible device 14 in his/her hands 16, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of collapsible device 14, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Collapsible device 14 can be used in various applications, such as fidget toys, furniture, light fixtures, and other industrial applications such as jacks or material conveyors, or any application that benefits from flexibility or increasing or decreasing the size or length. The present description is presented considering collapsible device 14 as a toy. However, a person skilled in the art understands that collapsible device 14 can be implemented in other applications without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows collapsible device 14 in its base configuration with no pressure applied. In accordance with the present invention, collapsible device 14 includes a plurality of panels or slices 20. FIG. 3 shows all panels 20 of collapsible device 14 laid out flat. In one example, panels 20 include twenty-four (24) panels 20. A person skilled in the art understands that collapsible device 14 can be formed with an even number of panels 20 arranged in intersecting manner to form a waffle structure without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments can come with fewer panels such as 4 panels, or more that are arranged in a waffle-like structure and such implementations fall within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of panel 20, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each panel 20 is made of plastic, paper, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. In one example, each panel 20 is formed from a plastic material using conventional molding, extrusion, or other known production technique. Each panel 20 comes in a translucent, opaque, or transparent configuration. As can be seen, panel 20 has an oval-shaped structure 22 with suitable thickness. In one example, panel 20 has a thickness of about 0.76 millimeters (mm). Oval-shaped structure 22 has an outer edge 24 (i.e., circumference). A person skilled in the art understands that panel 20 having oval-shaped structure 22 is presented for illustration purposes and that panel 20 can come in other shapes having different geometry such as circular, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or irregular curvilinear shapes.

Panel 20 has a plurality of elongated slots 26 extending from outer edge 24 of oval-shaped structure 22. The number of elongated slots 26 depends on the size of panel 20 and/or position at which panel 20 intersects with other panels 20 in a waffle structure. In one example, each panel 20 includes four to nine elongated slots 26, as can be seen from FIG. 3. In one example, each panel 20 includes two or more elongated slots 26. Elongated slots 26 are spaced at equal or varied distance from one another along outer edge 24 to receive intersecting panels 20. Although the slots 26 are shown parallel to each other and in an elongated rectangular shape, the slots 26 may be in a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to trapezoidal, oblong oval, or curvilinear. The slots 26 can also be angled with respect the central axis instead of all perpendicular to the elongated central access of the panel 20.

Each elongated slot 26 extends inwardly from outer edge 24 towards a central portion of panel 20. In one example, each elongated slot 26 extends up to ⅓ or ½ distance of oval-shaped structure 22 from outer edge 24. It should be understood that each elongated slot 26 is wider than the thickness of panel 20. The wider elongated slot 26 allows intersecting panels 20 to fit together loosely.

In one implementation, each elongated slot 26 connects to an interlocking joint 28. Interlocking joint 28 (which acts as a flexible tab region between the first hole 30 and second hole 32) extends from elongated slot 26. Interlocking joint 28 includes two adjoined holes or apertures. In the embodiment shown the holes are pill-shaped holes or apertures. The holes may be circular, oval, elongated, rectangular or other shape without detracting from the spirit of the invention. Interlocking joint 28 includes a first hole 30 and a second hole 32 connected by a slit 34. Here, an inner end of elongated slot 26 terminates in a specifically designed interlocking joint 28 having first hole 30 and second hole 32. As can be seen, elongated slot 26 intersects with first hole 30. First hole 30 connects to second hole 32 via slit 34. Slit 34 indicates a thin cut portion between first hole 30 and second hole 32. Slit 34 allows intersecting panel 20 to enter from first hole 30 to second hole 32 and form a connection between panels 20. It should be understood that interlocking joint 28 and elongated slot 26 help to interconnect panels 20 without the need for additional tools. Slit 34 helps to retain the connection of interlocking joints 28 of intersecting panels 20. Slit 34 allows the panels 20 to pass by each other and interlock. In one example, each of first hole 30 and second hole 32 is larger in width (wider) than the width of rectangular elongated slot 26. This allows panels 20 to pass through elongated slot 26 and have an additional space for panels 20 to pivot while being in connection with one another. In some embodiments, there might only be one hole. The interlocking joints 28 may work even if there is only one hole, shown as the second hole 32, and the first hole may not exist, but rather the slot 26 may not have any widened area at the end of the slot 26 nearest the central portion of the panel 20. In some embodiments either the first hole 30 or second hole 32 may not be larger in width (wider) than the width of the slot 26. If the hole 32 is the same width as the slot 26 then the joint is characterized as being one hole 32 separated by the slot 26 by the tabbed region 29 of the interlocking joint 28. As shown in the embodiments the interlocking joint 28 has first hole 30 and second hole 32 and between those holes 30, 32 is a tab region 29 (i.e. the two holes 30, 32 are separated by a tab 29, which creates the lock that prevents the panels 20 from separating. A purpose of the holes 30, 32 is to allow free movement and the tab creates the lock.

Still referring to FIG. 4, oval-shaped structure 22 having a plain portion i.e., substantially half of oval-shaped structure 22 without elongated slot 26 and interlocking joint 28 is referred to as flat portion 36. Further, oval-shaped structure 22 having slots i.e., elongated slot 26 and interlocking joint 28 is referred to as slot portion 38.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, connecting two panels 20 is explained, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, slot portions 38 of two panels 20 are made to intersect forming a connection. Here, panel 20 is inserted through elongated slot 26. Once the inner edges of elongated slots 26 intersect, it gets captured within the enlarged first hole 30 that forms interlocking joints 28. Panels 20 are pushed further such that interlocking joints 28 allow respective panel 20 to enter into second hole 32 of intersecting panel 20 forming a tighter connection. As specified above, panel 20 passes through slit 34 to enter into second hole 32 of intersecting panel 20. After connecting panels 20, pressure can be applied on panels 20 to bring panels 20 closer to form a collapsed configuration. Applying pressure causes intersecting panels 20 to pivot relative to one another about the point of insertion into interlocking joints 28. Slit 34 and pill-shaped holes 30, 32 prevent the inserted leading edge from being pulled back out of the interlocking joint 28, thereby interlocking panels 20 while still permitting the pivoting movement that facilitates the flexibility and collapsibility of the overall collapsible device 14.

Now referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, operational features of collapsible device 14 are explained, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As specified above, collapsible device 14 includes 24 panels 20, each having a thickness of about 0.76 mm. Two pairs/groups of 12 panels 20 are made to intersect with each other to form a waffle structure. As can be seen, a first group of panels 20 are positioned in a first direction and a second group of panels are positioned perpendicularly to the first group. Panels 20 are spaced at a distance of approximately 10 mm. As specified above, slot portions 38 of panels 20 are used to intersect panels 20 in each direction i.e., first group of panels 20 extending in a first direction; and a second group of panels 20 extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels 20. FIG. 2 shows collapsible device 14 in its base configuration with no pressure applied. Here, both flat portion 36 (solid portion) and slot portion 38 of each panel 20 remain in a relatively straight-line configuration. FIG. 7 shows collapsible device 14 in a collapsed/flattened configuration when pressure is applied. Here, user 12 applies pressure by pressing outer panels 20 with his/her hands 16, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. Applying pressure causes flat portion 36 (solid portion) in each panel 20 to remain in straight-line configuration and press the slot portion 38 in each panel 20 such that slot portion 38 (one side of panel with elongated slots spaced apart) forms a step-like configuration or zig-zag configuration. In other words, compressing panels 20 causes slot portion 38 to offset from adjacent elongated slots 26 at each panel 20. As the slot portion 38 gets compressed, energy gets stored/accumulated.

When the pressure is released gradually or at once, slot portion 38 in each panel 20 tries to get back (spring up with magnified force) to their straight configuration. This results in release of the stored energy and causes the panels 20 to expand. Here, releasing pressure releases the stored energy at the slot portion 38 offsetting from adjacent elongated slots 26 at each panel 20 thereby popping each panel 20 simultaneously to simulate bouncing effect at collapsible device 14. User 12 can apply pressure from different directions and release the pressure on panels 20 to create different effects such as twisting, wave pattern, curved, bounce effect, etc., with collapsible device 14.

As presented above, the presently disclosed collapsible device can be used in various applications, such as fidget toys, furniture, light fixtures, and other industrial applications such as jacks or material conveyors, or any application that would benefit from flexibility or increasing or decreasing the size or length. When used as a toy, the collapsible device presents a dynamic toy with kinetic motions and satisfying tactile feedback from the undulating folds that extend and collapse. In one example, when used as a toy, the presently disclosed collapsible device may have a total length of approximately 165 mm and consist of 24 panels, 12 in each direction that intersect with each other to form a waffle structure.

The presently disclosed collapsible device presents several advantages over the prior art. The presently disclosed collapsible device presents an ability to create a loose fit between panels while still maintaining structural integrity and preventing disassembly. In conventional waffle-like structures, the intersecting panels are held together solely by friction from a very tight fit. This leads to stiffness, difficulty in articulating between collapsed and expanded configurations, and an increased likelihood that the components fall apart inadvertently. The presently disclosed collapsible device utilizes the elongated slots and interlocking joints to employ a loose fit with plenty of articulation, while still ensuring the panels remain interlocked. This enhances the flexibility, durability, and longevity of the device.

Clauses

Clause 1. A collapsible device, comprising: a plurality of panels, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels comprises an outer edge and a plurality of elongated slots, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel, wherein the plurality of elongated slots receive the plurality of panels thereby intersecting and creating a waffle-like structure, and wherein the plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to operate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.

Clause 2. The collapsible device of Clause 1, wherein each of the panels comes in an oval, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or irregular curvilinear shape.

Clause 3. The collapsible device of Clause 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots is wider than a thickness of the panel.

Clause 4. The collapsible device of Clause 3, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots has a rectangular configuration.

Clause 5. The collapsible device of Clause 1, wherein the panel comprises a pair of holes connected by a slit.

Clause 6. The collapsible device of Clause 5, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots connects via the pair of holes, and wherein the pair of holes allow intersecting panels to pivot at a point of insertion, and wherein between the pair of holes is a tabbed region that allows free movement of the intersecting panels while locking the intersecting panels within each other.

Clause 7. The collapsible device of Clause 6, wherein at least one of the holes is wider than each of the plurality of elongated slots.

Clause 8. The collapsible device of Clause 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprise a first group of panels extending in a first direction, and a second group of panels extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels.

Clause 9. The collapsible device of Clause 8, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots are spaced at equal or varied distance from one another, and wherein the panels in each of the first group of panels and the second group of panels are spaced at equal or varied distance from one another.

Clause 10. The collapsible device of Clause 1, wherein the panels are made of a translucent material.

Clause 11. A collapsible device, comprising: a plurality of panels, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels comprises an outer edge and a plurality of elongated slots, and wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel; and an interlocking joint positioned at one end of each of the elongated slot, wherein the elongated slots and the interlocking joints receive the plurality of panels thereby intersecting and creating a waffle-like structure, and wherein the plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to operate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.

Clause 12. The collapsible device of Clause 11, wherein the interlocking joint comprises a pair of holes connected by a slit, and wherein the interlocking joint is characterized as having a tab adjacent the slit that allows free movement of the plurality of panels while locking the plurality of panels to each other.

Clause 13. The collapsible device of Clause 12, wherein the elongated slot connects to the pair of holes, and wherein the holes allow intersecting panels to pivot at a point of insertion.

Clause 14. The collapsible device of Clause 13, wherein at least one of the holes is wider than each of the plurality of elongated slots.

Clause 15. The collapsible device of Clause 11, wherein each of the panels comes in an oval, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or irregular curvilinear shape.

Clause 16. The collapsible device of Clause 11, wherein the elongated slot is wider than a thickness of the panel.

Clause 17. The collapsible device of Clause 16, wherein the elongated slot has a rectangular configuration.

Clause 18. The collapsible device of Clause 11, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first group of panels extending in a first direction, and a second group of panels extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels.

Clause 19. The collapsible device of Clause 18, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots are spaced at equal or varied distance from one another, and wherein the each of the plurality of panels in each of the first group of panels and the second group of panels are spaced at equal or varied distance from one another.

Clause 20. A panel for use in a collapsible device: a panel, wherein the panel comprises an outer edge and an elongated slot, and wherein the elongated slot extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel; and an interlocking joint comprising at least one hole connected by a slit, wherein the at least one hole is a first hole at one end of the slit and a second hole at a second end of the slit; wherein the elongated slot and the interlocking joint are capable of receiving a second panel having an elongated slot and an interlocking joint.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.

Claims

1. A collapsible device, comprising:

a plurality of panels,

wherein each panel of the plurality of panels comprises an outer edge and a plurality of elongated slots, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel,

wherein the plurality of elongated slots receive the plurality of panels thereby intersecting and creating a waffle-like structure;

wherein the plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to operate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration;

wherein each of the plurality of panels is characterized as having a circular or oval shape;

wherein each of the plurality of panels has an interlocking joint comprising a first hole, a second hole, a tabbed region between the first hole and the second hole, and a slit adjacent one end of the tabbed region, wherein the slit connects the first hole with the second hole, and wherein the slit is substantially straight;

wherein each of the elongated slots is a non-curved vertical slot extending from the outer edge toward the first hole;

wherein at least some of the plurality of panels are differently sized from each other.

2. (canceled)

3. The collapsible device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots is wider than a thickness of the panel.

4. The collapsible device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots has a rectangular configuration.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The collapsible device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprise a first group of panels extending in a first direction, and a second group of panels extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels.

9. The collapsible device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots are spaced at equal distance from one another, and wherein the panels in each of the first group of panels and the second group of panels are spaced at equal distance from one another.

10. The collapsible device of claim 1, wherein the panels are made of a translucent material.

11-19. (canceled)

20. A panel for use in a collapsible device, comprising:

a panel, wherein the panel comprises an outer edge and an elongated slot, and wherein the elongated slot extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel;

wherein the panel is characterized as having a circular or oval shape;

wherein the panel has an interlocking joint comprising a first hole, a second hole, a tabbed region between the first hole and the second hole, and a slit adjacent one end of the tabbed region, wherein the slit connects the first hole with the second hole, and wherein the slit is substantially straight;

wherein each of the elongated slots is a non-curved vertical slot extending from the outer edge toward the first hole.