Abstract:
A collapsible frame assembly has a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a plurality of corner sleeves. Each corner sleeve has a lumen for retaining a selected portion of the frame member, with the plurality of corner sleeves positioned in spaced apart relation along the frame member to form a bend at each location of a corner sleeve. Each collapsible frame assembly can be used to form a panel for a collapsible structure, with one side of each frame assembly hingedly coupled to another side of an adjacent frame assembly to form a series or ring of two or more frame assemblies.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible frame assemblies that can be used in supporting collapsible structures. The collapsible frame assemblies may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the resulting collapsible structures to facilitate convenient storage and use. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Collapsible structures have recently become popular with both adults and children alike. Examples of such structures are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 (Zheng). These structures have a plurality of panels that may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use. As such, these structures are being enjoyed by many people in many different applications. 
     The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributed to the performace, convenience and variety that these structures provide. These collapsible structures are made up of a plurality of panels, each of which is supported by a coilable frame member. When fully expanded, these structures are stable and can be used as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. The coilable frame members allow these structures to be easily twisted and folded into a compact configuration to allow the user to conveniently store the structure. The light-weight nature of the materials used to make these structures makes it convenient for them to be moved from one location to another. These structures also provide much variety in use and enjoyment. For example, a child can use a structure both indoors and outdoors for different play purposes, and can use the same structure for camping. 
     The coilable frame members for these collapsible structures are often made from either a continuous frame member formed into a loop, or an elongated frame member having its opposite ends secured together to form a continuous loop. These frame members define the shape of the panels, and provide the requisite support to maintain the panels in their defined shape. 
     In this regard, many of the known coilable frame members are typically provided in a pre-formed configuration which cannot be changed. As a result, the variety of use and play for the resulting collapsible structures can be limited. 
     Thus, there still remains a need for coilable frame members that allow different collapsible structures to be assembled that provide increased variety of play, entertainment value, and utility. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the present invention provides a collapsible frame assembly having a coilable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a plurality of corner sleeves. Each corner sleeve has a lumen for retaining a selected portion of the frame member, with the plurality of corner sleeves positioned in spaced apart relation along the frame member to form a bend at each location of a corner sleeve. 
     Each collapsible frame assembly can be used to form a panel for a collapsible structure, with one side of each frame assembly hingedly coupled to another side of an adjacent frame assembly to form a series or ring of two or more frame assemblies. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective cut-away view of a frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a corner sleeve of the frame assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a frame assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a structure formed from a plurality of the frame assemblies of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4B through 4F illustrate how the structure of FIG. 4A may be twisted and folded for compact storage. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates how a cover can be applied to the structure of FIG.  4 A. 
     FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of different structures and frame assemblies formed from one of the frame assemblies of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 9-10 are perspective views of another structure formed from a plurality of the frame assemblies of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure of FIG. 4A illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 10 taken along line  12 — 12  thereof. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     The present invention provides coilable frame assemblies that can be formed of different shapes and sizes. These frame assemblies can be used to form and define panels that are assembled together to form collapsible structures. These structures can be folded and collapsed into a compact configuration for convenient storage and transportation. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a possible basic embodiment for a coilable frame assembly according to the present invention. The coilable frame assembly  20  has a frame member  22  and a plurality of corner sleeves  24  that receive selected portions of the frame member  22 . Each sleeve  24  is generally tubular and defines a lumen  26  for receiving a portion of the frame member  22 . FIG. 1 illustrates the frame assembly  20  in a cut-away view so that the frame member  22  can be shown lying inside the lumens  26  of the sleeves  24 . Each sleeve  24  should be made of a flexible material that allows it to be twisted and folded together with the frame member  22 . In particular, each sleeve  24  is made of a material that can be either flexible or stiff (depending on the application or intended use of the assembly  20 ), and the material can even have a memory. Examples of such materials can include plastic, PVC, rubber, and the like. Each sleeve  24  is also angled so as to define bends in the frame member  22  at the portions where the sleeve  24  is deployed. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, four sleeves  24  are provided to define a generally four-sided configuration for the frame assembly  20 . Therefore, each sleeve  24  in FIGS. 1 and 2 functions to cause a selected portion of the frame member  22  to be bent or angled, and in this case, by about ninety degrees, to form a corner. As illustrated in other embodiments herein, the number of sleeves  24  can be varied to provide frame assemblies having a different number of sides. In addition, the shapes (i.e., angles) of the sleeves  24  can be varied to provide different shapes for the resulting frame assembly  20 . 
     The frame member  22  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 member  22  is preferably formed of flexible coilable steel having a memory, although other materials such as plastics may also be used. The frame member  22  should be made of a material which is relatively strong and yet is flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, the frame member  22  is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown in FIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame member  22  is collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (see FIG.  4 F). 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a modification to the frame assembly  20 . In frame assembly  20   a  in FIG. 3, the sleeves  24  are still the same, but the singular frame member  22  has been replaced by a plurality of elongated frame members or sections  22   a . Each opposing end  28   a  and  30   a  of each elongated section  22   a  is inserted into the lumen  26  of a different sleeve  24  and retained therein. The ends  28   a  and  30   a  can be secured inside the lumens  26  of the sleeves  24  by friction fit, glue, driving a nail or similar mechanism through the sleeve  24  and the end  28   a  or  30   a , or similar methods. Thus, in addition to defining bends or corners, each sleeve  24  performs the additional function in the embodiment of FIG. 3 of connecting the ends  28   a  and  30   a  of two separate but adjacent elongated sections  22   a . The elongated sections  22   a  can be made from the same material as the frame member  22 . 
     Notwithstanding the different structures for the frame members  22  and  22   a , each frame assembly  20  and  20   a  can be used to form a panel that can be combined with other panels to form a collapsible structure. Therefore, even though the numeral designation  20  will be used to designate frame assemblies hereinbelow, it is intended that this numeral designation can be applicable to either of the frame assemblies  20  and  20   a.    
     One example of a collapsible structure  40  that utilizes a plurality of frame assemblies  20  is illustrated in FIG.  4 A. Structure  40  has four panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  that are coupled together to form an enclosed space  50 . Each of these panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  is defined by a frame assembly  20 , and each panel  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  has four sides  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 . The right side  56  of each panel (e.g., see panel  42 ) is hingedly connected to the left side  52  of an adjacent panel (e.g., see panel  44 ) by a retaining sleeve  60 , which has a lumen that retains the two adjacent frame members  22  of the adjacent panels (e.g.,  42  and  44 ). As a result of this hinged connection, adjacent panels can be folded about the hinge formed by the retaining sleeve  60 . The retaining sleeve  60  can be made of a fabric or any of the materials used for the sleeves  24 . 
     Fabric or sheet material  62  can extend across any of the panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . For illustrative purposes only, a portion of one of the panels  46  is shown with a fabric  62 , although it is possible to provide fabric material  62  to extend across any or all of the other panels  42 ,  44  and  48 . The fabric  62  is held taut by the frame member  22  when in its open position. The fabric  62  can extend completely across the panel  46  to entirely cover the enclosed space defined by the frame member  22 , or can extend across selected portions of the enclosed space defined by the frame member  22 . 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  62  should be water-resistant and durable to withstand wear and tear. The type of material used for the fabric  62  can be varied depending on the intended use. As one non-limiting example, a tough film-like material can be used if the panel  62  is intended for outdoor use or for use that may involve significant wear and tear. As another non-limiting example, a cloth-like material can be used if the structure  40  is intended primarily for indoor use. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, the fabric piece  62  is stitched at its edges by a stitching  64  to a peripheral sleeve  66 . The peripheral sleeve  66  may be formed by folding a piece of fabric, and then applying the stitching  64  to connect the peripheral sleeve  66  to the fabric. Alternatively, the peripheral sleeve  66  may be formed by merely folding over the fabric  62  and applying the stitching  64 . The frame member  22  and the sleeves  24  may be merely retained within the peripheral sleeve  66  without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the peripheral sleeve  66  may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame member  22  and sleeves  24  to retain them in position. 
     FIGS. 4A-4F describe the various steps for folding and collapsing the structure  40  of FIG. 4A for storage. In FIG. 4A, the panels  42  and  44  are pushed in against panels  48  and  46 , respectively, about the hinges, in the direction of arrow A 1 . Then, the combined panels  44  and  46  are folded against the combined panels  42  and  48  about the hinges, in the direction of arrow A 2  (see FIG. 4B) to form one stack of panels  46 ,  44 ,  42 ,  48 , in one possible order, as shown in FIG.  4 C. Thereafter, one opposing side or border of the combined panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  is folded in to collapse the frame members  22  with the panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . As shown in FIGS. 4D-4F, the panels are twisted and folded to continue the collapsing so that the initial size of the panels is reduced. FIG. 4F shows the frame members  22  and panels collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric frame members  22  and panels so that the collapsed structure  40  has a size which is a fraction of the size of the initial structure  40  in the expanded upstanding configuration. 
     To re-open the structure  40  to its expanded configuration, the panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  are unfolded. The memory (i.e., spring-load) of the frame members  22  will cause the frame members  22  to uncoil on their own and to quickly expand the panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  to their expanded configuration shown in FIG.  4 C. The respective panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  can then be folded about their hinged connections to be opened. The same principles can be applied to collapse, and to re-open, all the other embodiments of the present invention described above. In addition, the frame assemblies  20 ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  80 ,  90  of FIGS. 1,  3 ,  6 ,  7  and  8 , respectively, can be collapsed according to the steps shown in FIGS. 4D-4F. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a structure  70  in which the frame assemblies in FIG. 4A are used as a support for a fabric covering  72 . The fabric covering  72  can be a four-sided enclosing fabric piece, with each side having generally the same shape and size as one of the frame assemblies  20  that make up the panels  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . The covering  72  can then be slipped over the structure  40  to encircle or enclose the structure  40 , as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates another application or use for the frame assembly  22 . The frame assembly  20   b  in FIG. 6 can be used to support an item  76  (e.g., picture frame) or other exhibit or indicia. The frame assembly  20   b  is the same as the frame assembly  22  or  22   a , except that connectors  78  (such as ties, straps, or the like) are coupled to the frame member  22   b  and the item  76 . For example, each connector  78  can be a tie that has one end tied to the frame member  22   b  and the opposing end tied to the item  76 . As another example, one end of the connector  78  can be nailed to the frame member  22   b , and the opposing end of the connector  78  tied to the item  76 . 
     The shape of the frame assembly  20 ,  20   a  can also be varied. An example of a frame assembly that has a different shape is shown in FIG. 7, where the frame assembly  80  is essentially the same in construction as either the frame assembly  20  or  20   a , except that frame assembly  80  has five sides. As a result, five sleeves  82  that are similar to sleeves  24  are provided to define the five-sided frame assembly  80 . Each sleeve  82  is the same as sleeve  24 , except that each is provided at a different angle to create the necessary configuration for the frame assembly  80 . For example, the sleeves  82   a  and  82   b  are provided to be generally right-angled at AN1 (i.e., ninety degrees), while sleeves  82   c  and  82   d  define an angle (e.g., AN2) greater than ninety degrees, and sleeve  82   e  defines an angle (e.g., AN3) greater than angle AN2. 
     Another example of a frame assembly that has another different shape is shown in FIG. 8, where the frame assembly  90  is essentially the same in construction as either the frame assembly  20  or  20   a , except that frame assembly  90  has three sides. As a result, three sleeves  92  that are similar to sleeves  24  are provided to define the three-sided frame assembly  90 . Each sleeve  92  is the same as sleeve  24 , except that each is provided at a different angle to create the necessary configuration for the frame assembly  90 . For example, the sleeves  92   a  and  92   b  are provided at a first angle AN4, while sleeve  92   c  defines an angle (e.g., AN5) greater than angle AN4. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the use of four of the three-sided frame assemblies  90  to form a four-sided collapsible structure  100 . The principles illustrated in connection with the structure  40  of FIG. 4A are applicable to the structure  100  of FIG. 9, the only difference being that the frame assemblies  90  in FIG. 9 have a different shape from the frame assemblies  20  in FIG.  4 A. As with FIG. 4A, each frame assembly  90  defines a panel  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and fabric pieces  62  can be stitched to cover one or more of the panels  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  defined by the frame assemblies  90 . In addition, retaining sleeves  110  (which can be the same as retaining sleeves  60 ) can be used to hingedly couple adjacent frame assemblies  90 . The structure  100  can be folded and collapsed using the same method illustrated above for structure  40 . 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the structure  100  of FIG. 9 with each panel  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  partially or completely covered by fabric  62 . For example, the fabric  62  that extends across panel  108  can have a meshed portion  112 , while the fabric  62  that extends across panel  102  can have slits  114  that are used to define a door. Therefore, the structure  100  as illustrated in FIG. 10 can be used as a tent or shelter. The fabric  62  can be attached to the frame members of the frame assemblies  90  using the principles illustrated in FIG.  11 . 
     In addition, the retaining sleeves  110  can be omitted in FIG.  10 . Instead of providing the retaining sleeves  110  to couple and hinge the sides of adjacent panels, it is possible to stitch the sides of adjacent panels to form a hinged connection. In particular, the right side  122  of each panel can be stitched to the left side  120  of each panel. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates one method for hingedly connecting the right side  122  of panel  108  and the left side  120  of panel  102 . The fabric pieces  62  for each panel  102  and  108  are folded over at their edges along the bottom side  124  to define the respective peripheral sleeves  66  in the manner described in connection with FIG.  11 . The fabric pieces  62  are stitched at their edges by a stitching  126  to the respective peripheral sleeves  66 . The stitching  126  also acts as a hinge for the panels  102  and  108  to be folded upon each other. The same hinge structure can be used for hingedly connecting the right sides  122  and the left side  120  of the other adjacent panels. 
     The structures  40  and  100  can be used in the same applications as those similar structures described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,301,705 and 5,560,385. Thus, the frame assemblies of the present invention provide the flexibility of forming panels and structures having a variety of different shapes, thereby increasing the applications and use of the resulting collapsible structures to provide the user with an unlimited source and variety of fun and entertainment. 
     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.