Collapsible structures having overlapping support loops
AssigneePatent Category Corp.
InventorYu Zheng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.
Claims23
A structure comprising:
- (a) a first panel and a second panel, each of the panels having:
- a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge, a second edge and a bottom edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position;
- and
- a fabric that covers a portion of the loop member;
- (b) wherein the loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, the fabric of the first panel crossing the fabric of the second panel, and the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable;
- and
- (c) wherein the bottom side of each panel contact a support surface when the loop members are in the expanded position.
A structure comprising:
- (a) a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, each of the panels having:
- a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and a second edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position;
- and
- (b) wherein the loop members of the first, second and third panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first, second and third panels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first, second and third panels, the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the loop members of the first, second and third panels are pivotable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.