Patent Publication Number: US-2011061824-A1

Title: Erect Flexible Panel(s) with Support Member(s) and Connected Erect Flexible Panels Producing an Enclosure or Container

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application #61/241,573, filed Sep. 11, 2009 and titled: “Collapsible Upright Enclosure or Container”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application #61/276,696, filed Jun. 09, 2010and titled: “Erect Flexible Panel(s) with Support Member(s) and Connected Erect Flexible Panels Producing an Enclosure or Container”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a panel of flexible material supported in an unfurled and erect position using at least one or preferably two diagonal support members. Connecting at least three said erect flexible panels produces an enclosure or container. Adding vertical or horizontal support members increases the rigidity of each flexible panel. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     There are many prior art rigidly supported pieces of material which are well known. The most well known type is the type of kite flown by Benjamin Franklin when he discovered electricity. The kite design had a cross type internal light frame, with thin flexible material stretched over it and a tail attached to the bottom of the kite for stability. The kite&#39;s dimensions produced a quadrilateral figure having two pairs of equal adjacent sides, symmetrical only about the vertical diagonal. Another prior art supported piece of material is the externally supported boat sail; a piece of material held vertically on a mast and attached horizontally to a top point or linear edge and a bottom linear edge. The sail&#39;s dimensions have been triangular, square or rectangular. Anther supported piece of material includes the wind-catching sails attached to the arms of a windmill. 
     None of the prior art solutions for supporting a piece of material use the same means and methods for supporting a piece of material in an unfurled position using at least one or two diagonal support members disclosed in this patent application. The addition of vertical and/or horizontal support members increase the rigidity of each panel. The description of the present invention makes it non-obvious over all prior art. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a means and method for supporting at least one flexible panel of material in an unfurled position using only one diagonal support member. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a means and method for supporting at least one flexible panel of material in an unfurled position using two diagonal support members. Adding vertical or horizontal support members increases the rigidity of each flexible panel of material. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a means and method for supporting flexible panels of material in an unfurled position using preferably two diagonal support members and connecting at least three rigidly supported panels of material to produce an enclosure or container. Adding vertical or horizontal support members increases the rigidity of each flexible panel of material. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are provided within this patent application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the means and method for supporting a panel of material in an unfurled position using one or two diagonal support members produces an erect unfurled flexible panel or connected erect flexible panels producing an enclosure or container. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a flexible panel of material is supported in an unfurled position using one diagonal support member, where one end is attached to a bottom corner on a vertically supported edge and the opposite end is attached to a top corner. Alternatively, a second diagonal support member can be attached on the opposite side of the flexible panel of material sandwiching the flexible panel of material in between the first diagonal support member and second diagonal support member. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible panel of material is supported in an unfurled position using two diagonal support members; where a first diagonal support member end is attached to a bottom corner on a vertically supported edge and the opposite end is attached to a top corner on a non-vertically supported edge and a second diagonal support member end is attached to a top corner on a vertically supported edge and the opposite end is attached to a bottom corner on a non-vertically supported edge. The flexible panel of material is preferably sandwiched between a first diagonal support member and a second diagonal support member. At the point where the middles of the first diagonal support member and the second diagonal support member intersect, they are preferably fastened together. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible panel of material is held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners and a second diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners. For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also vertically reinforced with middle, left and right vertical support members attached to horizontal edges. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible panel of material is held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners and a second diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners. For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also vertically reinforced with middle, left and right vertical support members attached to horizontal edges. For increasing the horizontal rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also horizontally reinforced with middle, top and bottom horizontal support members attached to vertical edges. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembled and erect collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container, with at least three sides, where each side is held upright and in an unfurled position using two preferably diagonal support members on each panel side. 
     Carrying straps attached to the top opposite sides of the four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container allows it to be carried and folded up and compactly secured using the carrying straps as a securing and carrying closure means by wrapping the top carrying straps around the bottom of the eight diagonal support members. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembled and erect collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container, with four sides, where two opposite sides are held upright and in an unfurled position using two preferably diagonal support members on each opposite panel sides and the other two opposite sides are held in an unfurled position using a top horizontal support member and a bottom horizontal support member instead of two diagonal support members. 
     The preferred means and method of securing the support members include using receiving pockets, grommets and fasteners, locking insertion pins, magnetic type fasteners, etc. receiving pockets, grommets and fasteners, locking insertion pins, magnetic type fasteners, etc. 
     Securing a piece of loop tape (Velcro™) to the middle of each side panel section where the flexible diagonal support members and intersect, allows a piece of hook tape (Velcro™) to be placed over the flexible diagonal support members and intersection point and secured to the piece of loop tape (Velcro™) or vice versa. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention would also include flexible vertical support members inserted into vertical top and bottom support member securing means on each corner or in the middle of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container to increase vertical stability. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention would also include flexible horizontal support members inserted into horizontal top and bottom support member securing means on each horizontal top edge and on each horizontal bottom edge or in the middle of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container to increase horizontal stability. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention would use a top panel section attached to the top edges of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container. The top panel section can be attached to all sides of the top edges permanently or can be made to be removed or be made to open with one side of the top panel section permanently attached to one side of the top edges of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container and preferably a fastening means on the opposite top edge. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention could be used as a temporary housing structure for emergency and disaster use. By placing a grommet in the middle of the roof, a vertical pole can be used to hold the roof up and prevent sagging of the roof. By removing the roof&#39;s vertical pole support and allowing the roof to sag downward, the roof can also be used as a means of water collection, where the rain water is collected and stored in a cistern (55 gallon drum, etc.) in the middle of the enclosure. 
     A multitude of modifications and enhancements can be made to the flexible panel of material supported in an unfurled position using one or preferably two diagonal support members and connecting at least three of said panels, but preferably four of said panels, produces an enclosure or container without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as a whole. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood in connection with the following drawings and descriptions of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the invention as well as other objects, features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a flexible panel of material supported in an unfurled position using one diagonal support member where one end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means. The flexible panel of material is preferably a flag. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a flexible panel of material supported in an unfurled position using two diagonal support members; where a first diagonal support member end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means and a second diagonal support member end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means. The flexible panel of material is preferably sandwiched between a first diagonal support member and a second diagonal support member. At the point where the middles of the first diagonal support member and the second diagonal support member intersect, they are fastened together using a preferred grommet fastening means, sandwiching the flexible panel of material between the middles of the first diagonal support member and the second diagonal support member. The flexible panel of material is preferably a flag. 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a flexible panel of material held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member and a second diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners using receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each diagonal support member. For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also vertically reinforced with middle, left and right vertical support members attached to horizontal edges using vertical receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each vertical support member. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a flexible panel of material held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member and a second diagonal support member attached to diagonal corners using receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each diagonal support member. For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also vertically reinforced with middle, left and right vertical support members attached to horizontal edges using vertical receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each vertical support member. For increasing the horizontal rigidity of the flexible panel of material, the flexible panel of material is also horizontally reinforced with middle, top and bottom horizontal support members attached to vertical edges using horizontal receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each horizontal support member. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container, where each side is held upright and in an unfurled position using two preferably external diagonal support members on each panel side. The diagonal support members shown on the outside of the enclosure/container but can also be located on the inside of the enclosure or container. 
         FIG. 6  is a frontal perspective view of the assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container shown in  FIG. 5  where carrying straps have been attached to the top opposite sides of the four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container and the four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container has been folded up and compactly secured using the carrying straps as a securing and carrying closure means by wrapping the top carrying straps around the bottom of the eight diagonal support members. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container shown in  FIG. 5  where two opposite panel sides of the erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container both use a top and bottom horizontal support member instead of two diagonal support members. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERING 
       
           
             1  shows a flexible panel of some type of material in an unfurled position using at least one or preferably two diagonal support members. 
             2  shows a first diagonal support member end fastened to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge and an opposite first diagonal support member end fastened to a top, preferably reinforced, diagonal corner. 
             3  shows a shows a second diagonal support member end, preferably located on an opposite side of a flexible panel, fastened to a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge and an opposite second diagonal support member end fastened to a bottom, preferably reinforced, diagonal corner. 
             4  shows a vertically supported reinforced edge of a flexible panel. 
             5  shows a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge of a flexible panel and a fastening point or means. 
             6  shows a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a vertically supported edge of a flexible panel and a fastening point or means. 
             7  shows a top, preferably reinforced, corner on a non-vertically supported edge of a flexible panel and a fastening point or means. 
             8  shows a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner on a non-vertically supported edge of a flexible panel and a fastening point or means. 
             9  shows a fastening point centrally located in the vertical and horizontal middle location of a flexible panel for fastening the flexible panel in between the middles of a first diagonal support member and a second diagonal support member. 
             10  shows a panel section using panel of flexible material. 
             15  shows an inside edge of a panel section using panel of flexible material. 
             20  shows an inside bottom corner securing point of a panel section. 
             25  shows an outside top corner securing point of a panel section. 
             30  shows a first diagonal support member. 
             40  shows a securing means. 
             50  shows an inside top corner securing point of a panel section. 
             55  shows an outside bottom corner securing point of a panel section. 
             60  shows a second diagonal support member. 
             70  shows a central point of a panel section where a first and a second diagonal support member intersect. 
             80  shows a top horizontal support member. 
             85  shows a bottom horizontal support member. p 0   102  shows a first diagonal support member. 
             103  shows a second diagonal support member. 
             104  shows a middle vertical support member. 
             105  shows a left vertical support member. 
             106  shows a right vertical support member. 
             107  shows a middle horizontal support member. 
             108  shows a top horizontal support member. 
             109  shows a bottom horizontal support member. 
             110  shows a diagonal top left corner fastening point or securing means. 
             111  shows a diagonal top right corner fastening point or securing means. 
             112  shows a diagonal bottom left corner fastening point or securing means. 
             113  shows a diagonal bottom right corner fastening point or securing means. 
         
      
     
    
    
     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 limited 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 description found in the present patent application, the drawings and the appended claims. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the basic component for the a flexible panel of material  1  supported in an unfurled position comprises one diagonal support member  2  or preferably two diagonal support members  2  and  3  in a diagonal arrangement or a sandwiching arrangement for maintaining a unfurled position. Also explained in greater detail in this patent application, at least three flexible panels of material  1  supported in an unfurled position using two diagonal support members  2  and  3  for maintaining a unfurled position, according to the present invention, are all preferably connected together to create an enclosure or container  10 . 
     According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by providing a flexible panel of material  1  supported in an unfurled position, wherein the unfurled inside edge  4  is secured to a rope, pole, etc. from an inside top corner securing point  5  and an inside bottom corner securing point  6 . When the unfurled inside edge  4  of the flexible panel of material  1  is vertically secured to a rope, pole, etc., the flexible panel of material  1  will drape down, supported from the inside top corner securing point  5 , where the outside bottom corner securing point  8  will be closest to the ground. One preferred embodiment entails attaching one end of a diagonal support member  2  to an inside bottom corner securing point  6  using a securing means and attaching the other end of a diagonal support member  2  to an outside top corner securing point  7  using a securing means. The securing means can be in the form of a receiving pocket, a grommet, or any other type of fastening or securing means. 
     The diagonal support members  2  and  3  are preferably transparent or translucent. If the diagonal support members  2  and  3  are being secured to the flexible panel of material  1  where both ends are inserted into opposite diagonal corner receiving pockets, the diagonal support members  2  and  3  are preferably made out of a flexible material. If the diagonal support members  2  and  3  are being secured to the flexible panel of material  1  where both ends are inserted into opposite corner grommets, the diagonal support members  2  and  3  are preferably made out of a flexible material. If the diagonal support members  2  and  3  are being secured to the flexible panel of material  1  where both ends are attached to opposite corner grommets, the diagonal support members  2  and  3  can be made out of a rigid material. A good transparent/translucent material for the diagonal support members  2  and  3  would be a plexiglass or Lexan™ material. To prevent wear of the flexible panel of material  1  from wind and movement, the diagonal support member&#39;s  2  and  3  or one or two diagonal support member&#39;s  2  ends should be rounded and the edges coming in contact with the flexible panel of material  1  should be rounded. Rounding of the diagonal support member&#39;s edges  2  or  3  coming in contact with the flexible panel of material  1  can be done with a router or be one of the dimensions molded into the part. The corner securing points on the flexible panel of material  1  should also have some type of reinforcement included. Additional securing/fastening points in the middle of or along the diagonal support members  2  and  3  or in the middle of or along one or two diagonal support member(s)  2  are also provided to increase reinforcement and to prevent wear and tear of the flexible panel of material  1  from wind and movement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 1  illustrates a flexible panel of material  1  supported in an unfurled position using one diagonal support member  2  where one end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner  6  on a vertically supported edge  4  using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner  7  on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means. The flexible panel of material  1  is preferably a flag. 
     Alternatively, a second diagonal support member  2  can be attached on the opposite side of the flexible panel of material  1  sandwiching the flexible panel of material  1  in between the first diagonal support member  2  and second diagonal support member  2  increasing the rigidity of the diagonal support members  2  for extra large flexible panels of material  1  (flags and banners). Additional securing means (grommets) can also be used to sandwich the flexible panel of material  1  in between the diagonal support members  2  to increase the rigidity of the diagonal support members  2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a flexible panel of material  1  supported in an unfurled position using two diagonal support members; where a first diagonal support member  2  end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner  6  on a vertically supported edge  4  using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner  7  on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means and a second diagonal support member  3  end is attached to a top, preferably reinforced, corner  5  on a vertically supported edge  4  using a preferred grommet fastening means and the opposite end is attached to a bottom, preferably reinforced, corner  8  on a non-vertically supported edge using a preferred grommet fastening means. The flexible panel of material  1  is preferably sandwiched between a first diagonal support member  2  and a second diagonal support member  3 . At the point where the middles of the first diagonal support member  2  and the second diagonal support member  3  intersect  9 , they are fastened together using a preferred grommet fastening means, sandwiching the flexible panel of material  1  between the middles of the first diagonal support member  2  and the second diagonal support member  3 . The flexible panel of material is preferably a flag. 
     One preferred method of attaching the erect panel of flexible material (flag) of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  onto a flagpole would be using two circular metal loops (carabiner/karabiner) with spring or screwed gates, and both circular metal loops having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of a flag pole, and attaching the two circular metal loops to both attaching means on the flagpole&#39;s hoisting rope. Another method of attaching the erect panel of flexible material (flag) of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  onto a flagpole would be using two loosely fitted plastic tie wraps. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flexible panel of material  1  held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member  102  attached to diagonal corners  111  and  112  and a second diagonal support member  103  attached to diagonal corners  110  and  113  using receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each diagonal support member  102  and  103 . For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material  1 , the flexible panel of material  1  is also vertically reinforced with middle  104 , left  105  and right  106  vertical support members attached to horizontal edges using vertical receiving pocket fastening means  120  and  121 ,  110  and  112 , and  111  and  113  for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each vertical support member  104 ,  105  and  106 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flexible panel of material  1  held in an unfurled position using a first diagonal support member  102  attached to diagonal corners  111  and  112  and a second diagonal support member  103  attached to diagonal corners  110  and  113  using receiving pocket fastening means for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each diagonal support member  102  and  103 . For increasing the vertical rigidity of the flexible panel of material  1 , the flexible panel of material  1  is also vertically reinforced with middle  104 , left  105  and right  106  vertical support members attached to horizontal edges using vertical receiving pocket fastening means  120  and  121 ,  110  and  112 , and  111  and  113  for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each vertical support member  104 ,  105  and  106 . For increasing the horizontal rigidity of the flexible panel of material  1 , the flexible panel of material  1  is also horizontally reinforced with middle  107 , top  108  and bottom  109  horizontal support members attached to vertical edges using horizontal receiving pocket fastening means  122  and  123 ,  110  and  111 , and  112  and  113  for inserting the preferably rounded ends of each horizontal support member  107 ,  108  and  109 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the basic component for the vertically standing and collapsible upright flexible enclosure&#39;s or container&#39;s  10  side panel  35  is supported by two diagonal flexible support members  60  and  65  secured to two opposite top  40  and  50  and two bottom corners  45  and  55  diagonal support member securing means. In order to more fully understand the present invention, during the course of this description, the vertically standing collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  and preferred embodiments, will be labeled and explained to easily identify like elements according to the different embodiments which illustrate the presently disclosed invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims and the description provided herein. Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10 , where each side  35  is held upright and in an unfurled position using two preferably external diagonal support members  60  and  65  on each panel side  35 . The diagonal support members  60  and  65  shown on the outside of the enclosure/container  10 , but can also be located on the inside or on the inside and outside of the enclosure or container  10 . 
     The invention disclosed in the present patent application preferably uses at least one sheet of flexible material  35  connected at a first left end  15  and a second right end  20 , using some type of attaching method (receiving pockets, grommets and fasteners, locking insertion pins, magnetic type fasteners, etc.), to create an at least three sided hollow shape for producing an enclosure or container  10  with the desired amount of sides. If each flexible material panel  35  is constructed separately, then each panel must be attached to each other after assembly to produce the enclosure or a container  10 . In the case of using only one sheet of flexible material panel  35 , before attaching the first left end  15  and second right end  20  of the enclosure, the following steps are required in the assembly process. The top edge  25  of the sheet of flexible material should be reinforced. The top edge  25  can either be bound, a reinforcing panel of material can be attached to the top edge  25  or the top edge  25  can be folded in upon itself once or twice and secured in place using some type of securing method. If the invention is to be used as an enclosure, then the same process should be performed on the bottom edge  30 . The two top corners  40  and  50  diagonal support member securing means and two bottom corners  45  and  55  diagonal support member securing means have to be attached to the four corners of each side panel section  35 . After the two top corners  40  and  50  diagonal support member securing means and two bottom corners  45  and  55  diagonal support member securing means have to be attached to the four corners of each side panel, the first left end  15  and second right end  20  of the enclosure  10  are attached. If the enclosure  10  is going to be used as a container  10 , a bottom panel section  70  has to be attached to the bottom edge  30  of the enclosure  10 . 
     To finish the steps of producing a vertically standing and collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  with two diagonal support members  60  and  65  for each side, one end of the first flexible diagonal support member  60  has to be inserted into the top left corner diagonal support member securing means  40  and the opposite end of the first flexible diagonal support member  60  has to be inserted into the bottom right corner diagonal support member securing means  45  of a side panel section  35 , and then one end of the second flexible diagonal support member  65  has to be inserted into the top right corner diagonal support member securing means  50  and the opposite end of the second flexible diagonal support member  65  has to be inserted into the bottom left corner diagonal support member securing means  55  of the side panel section  35 . Completing this assembly process on each side panel section  35  produces the fully functional vertically standing collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container. The preferred dimensions of a laundry bag container would preferably be two feet wide, two feet deep and three feet high. Although it is not shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the addition of two extra long carrying straps attached to opposite sides of the top edges  25  allow the laundry bag container to be carried as a backpack and to secure the container in a fully collapsed position for carrying by the straps like a purse. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  shown in  FIG. 5  where the previously disclosed carrying straps have been attached to the top opposite sides  25  of the four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  and the four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  has been folded up and compactly secured using the carrying straps as a securing and carrying closure means by wrapping the top carrying straps around the bottom  30  of the eight diagonal support members  60  and  65 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the assembled and erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  shown in  FIG. 5  where two opposite panel sides of the erect four sided collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  both use a top horizontal support member  80  and a bottom horizontal support member  85  instead of two diagonal support members  60  and  65  for both opposite parallel sides. 
     Securing a piece of loop tape (Velcro™) to the middle  80  of each side panel section  35  where the flexible diagonal support members  60  and  65  intersect, allows a piece of hook tape (Velcro™) to be placed over the flexible diagonal support members  60  and  65  intersection point  80  and secured to the piece of loop tape (Velcro™) or vice versa. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 3 , would also include flexible vertical support members inserted into vertical top  25  and bottom  30  support member securing means on each corner  75  of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  to increase vertical stability. Another means of increasing vertical stability for larger enclosures or containers, includes flexible vertical support members inserted into top  25  and bottom  30  support member securing means in the middle of each side panel section  35 , where each flexible vertical support member intersects with the flexible diagonal support members  60  and  65  at their intersection point  80 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 4 , would also include flexible horizontal support members inserted into horizontal top  25  and bottom  30  support member securing means on each horizontal top edge  25  and on each horizontal bottom edge  30  of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  to increase horizontal stability. Another means of increasing horizontal stability for larger enclosures or containers, includes flexible horizontal support members inserted into horizontal support member securing means in the middle of each side panel section  35 , where each flexible horizontal support member intersects with the flexible diagonal support members  60  and  65  at their intersection point  80 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention would use a top panel section attached to the top edges  25  of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10 . The top panel section can be attached to all sides of the top edges  25  permanently or can be made to be removed or be made to open with one side of the top panel section permanently attached to one side of the top edges  25  of the collapsible upright flexible enclosure or container  10  and preferably a fastening means on the opposite top edge  25 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention could be used as a temporary housing structure for emergency and disaster use. By placing a grommet in the middle of the roof, a vertical pole can be used to hold the roof up and prevent sagging of the roof. By removing the roof&#39;s vertical pole support and allowing the roof to sag downward, the roof can also be used as a means of water collection, where the rain water is collected and stored in a cistern (55 gallon drum, etc.) in the middle of the enclosure. 
     These and other features of the present invention will be more fully understood by referencing the drawings. While the preceding description refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In summary, the present invention, previously described, has provided at least one panel of material supported in an unfurled position using one or preferably two attached diagonal support members to maintain said unfurled position. Adding vertical or horizontal support members increases the rigidity of the unfurled panel of material. The present invention will most likely be used to unfurl flags, banners and the like for full panel display at places like the United Nations, Olympic Games, sporting events, government and public buildings, flag poles, etc. Using at least three connected erect flexible panels also produces an enclosure or container where each panel maintains an unfurled position. Adding vertical and/or horizontal support members increases the rigidity of each unfurled panel of material. 
     While the present invention disclosed has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of the invention&#39;s other features. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those having an ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made to the system of the invention and it is appropriate that the description and appended claims are construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as a whole. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.