COLLAPSIBLE SIGNAGE STRUCTURES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Related Cases

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Serial No. 10/872,927, filed June 21 , 2004, which is a continuation of Serial No. 10/438,679, filed May 15, 2003, now U.S. Patent No. 6,752,163, which is a continuation of Serial No. 10/150,358, filed May 16, 2002, now U.S. Patent No. 6,575,185, which is a continuation of Serial No. 09/847,248, filed May 2, 2001 , now U.S. Patent No. 6,390,111 , which is a continuation of 09/633,947, filed August 8, 2000, now U.S. Patent No. 6,269,826, which is a division of Serial No. 09/162,086, filed September 28, 1998, abandoned, which is a division of Serial No. 08/859,876, filed May 21 , 1997, now U.S. Patent No. 5,816,279, which is a division of Serial No. 08/627,875, filed April 3, 1996, now U.S. Patent No. 5,664,596, which is a continuation of Serial No. 08/281 ,369, filed July 27, 1994, now U.S. Patent No. 5,560,385, which is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 08/024,690, filed March 1 , 1993, now U.S. Patent No. 5,467,794, which is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 07/764,784, filed September 24, 1991 , now U.S. Patent No. 5,301 ,705, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.

2. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible signage and barrier structures which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The collapsible structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structures to facilitate convenient storage and use.

3. Description of the Prior Art U.S. Patent Nos. 5,301 ,705 and 5,816,279 illustrate examples of collapsible structures that can be used for a variety of different applications. For example, the structures shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,301 ,705 and 5,816,279 have been used as shelters, toy structures, tents, hunting blinds, hampers, storage units, and covers, among other devices.

There are many signage structures provided for use in the marketplace. Most of the conventional signage products are comprised of plastic panels having the desired words or message(s) imprinted on the surfaces of these plastic panels. Unfortunately, plastic panels can be bulky and heavy. In particular, where the signage needs to be larger, larger plastic panels can be very inconvenient and difficult to use, as well as being expensive.

Similarly, many barriers are erected to shield or keep construction sites, precious objects or dangerous objects away from people. Other barriers are used to define a path of travel or motion for people.

Unfortunately, most of these conventional barriers are made from wood, plastic or metal, so that these barriers are heavy, bulky, expensive and not conveniently transportable.

In light of the above, there still remains a need for signage and barriers that can be provided in a convenient, light-weight and cost-effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the collapsible structure according to the present invention comprises at least three panels, each panel comprising a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 A is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 thereof.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second preferred connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 thereof.

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG. 1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different embodiments of the present invention.

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 5 limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A ₁ the basic component for a collapsible structure according to the present invention comprises a module 20. o Referring to FIG. 1 , the module 20 comprises four side panels 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d connected to each other to encircle an enclosed space. Each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d has four sides, a left side 26a, a bottom side 26b, a right side 26c and a top side 26d. Each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d has a continuous frame retaining sleeve 24a, 24b, 24c or 24d provided 5 along and traversing the four edges of its four sides 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d. A continuous frame member 28a, 28b, 28c or 28d is retained or held within each frame retaining sleeve 24a, 24b, 24c or 24d, respectively, to support each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d. Only the frame member 28c is shown in FIG. 1A; the other frame members 28a, 28b and 28d are not shown o but are the same as frame member 28c.

The continuous frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d may be provided as one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of material connected at both ends to form a continuous loop. The continuous frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are preferably formed of flexible coilable 5 steel, although other materials such as plastics may also be used. The frame members 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, each frame member 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d is capable of assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown in FIG. 1 , or a o folded position in which the frame member is collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (see FIG. 3(E)).

Fabric or sheet material 30a, 30b, 30c and 3Od extends across each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, respectively, and is held taut by the respective frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d when in its open position. 5 The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaning and should be made from

strong, lightweight materials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment. The frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d may be merely retained within the respective frame retaining sleeves 24a, 24b, 24c and 24c without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame members 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d, respectively, to retain them in position.

FIG. 2A illustrates one possible connection for connecting adjacent edges of two side panels 22a and 22d. The fabric pieces 30a and 3Od are stitched at their edges by a stitching 34 to the respective sleeves 24a and 24d. Each sleeve 24a and 24d may be formed by folding a piece of fabric. The stitching 34 also acts as a hinge for the side panels 22a and 22d to be folded upon each other, as explained below. The connections for the three other pairs of adjacent edges may be identical. Thus, the connections on the left side 26a and the right side 26c of each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d act as hinge connections for connecting an adjacent side panel.

At the top side 26d and the bottom side 26b of each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacent side panel, the frame retaining sleeve 24a, 24b, 24c or 24b may be formed by merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying a stitching 35 (see FIG. 1A). The fabric piece for the corresponding side panel may then be stitched to the sleeve.

FIG. 2B illustrates another possible connection for connecting adjacent edges of two side panels 22a and 22d. As in the connection of FIG. 2A, the fabric pieces 30a and 3Od are folded over at their edges at bottom side 26b and top side 26d to define the respective sleeves 24a and 24d. However, the frame retaining sleeves 24a and 24d converge at, or are connected to, one sleeve portion which interconnects side panels 22a and 22d to form a singular frame retaining sleeve 40 which retains the frame members 28a and 28d.

Sleeve 40 may be formed by providing a tubular fabric, or by folding a piece of fabric, and applying a stitching 42 to its edges to connect the sleeve 40 to the fabric pieces 30a and 3Od. Stitching 42 acts as a hinge for the side panels 22a and 22d. The connections for the three other pairs of adjacent edges may be identical.

An optional upper panel 32 comprised of fabric 3Oe may also be connected to the upper edge 26d of each side panel 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d. The upper panel 32 is preferably made of the same type of fabric as the side panels 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d. Openings 38 may be provided in some or all of the panels 22a, 22b,

22c, 22d and 32. These openings 38 may be of any shape (e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular, square, diamond, etc.) and size. These openings 38 allow air to pass through them so that the structure 20 can be less susceptible to being toppled if a blast of wind were to blow directly at the structure 20. While the module 20 of FIG. 1 is shown and described as having four side panels, each having four sides, it will be appreciated that a module may be made of any number of side panels, each having any number of sides, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each module may have three or more side panels, and each side panel may have three or more sides (see FIG. 5). Thus, the module of the present invention may take a variety of external shapes. However, each side panel of the module, regardless of its shape, is supported by at least one continuous frame member.

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) describe the various steps for folding and collapsing the module 20 of FIG. 1 for storage. In FIG. 3(A), the first step consists of pushing in side panels 22a and 22d such that side panel 22d collapses upon side panel 22c and side panel 22a collapses upon side panel 22b. Then, in the second step shown in FIG. 3(B), the two side panels 22a and 22b are folded so as to be collapsed upon the two side panels 22c and 22d, to form a stack of four flat panels 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. The structure is then twisted and folded to collapse the frame members and side panels into a smaller shape. In the third step shown in FIG. 3(C), the opposite border 44 of the structure is folded in upon the previous fold to further collapse the frame members with the side panels. As shown in FIG. 3(D) ₁ the fourth step is to continue the collapsing so that the initial size of the structure is reduced. FIG.

3(E) shows the fifth step with the frame members and side panels collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric frame members and layers of the side panels so that the collapsed structure has a size which is a fraction of the size of the initial structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment where the module 20 of FIGS. 1-3E can be used as a collapsible sign. Since the structure 120 in FIG. 4 has the same construction as the structure 20 in FIG. 1 , the same numerals will be used to designate the same elements in FIGS. 1 and 4 except than a "1" will 5 be added to precede the numerals in FIG. 4. The sign structure 120 has four panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d that can have the same construction and hinged connections as the panels 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d in FIGS. 1-3E, except that the shape of the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d is modified. Specifically, the top side 126d of each panel is shorter than the bottom side 126b of each o panel so that the structure 120 has a generally truncated pyramidal configuration. Also, the upper panel 32 can be omitted from the structure 120.

Openings 138 can be provided in one or more panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, and these openings 138 can be similar to the openings 38. In 5 addition, flaps 155 can be provided in some of these openings 138. The flaps 155 can be formed by providing a U-shaped cut on the fabric 130, and these flaps 155 function to allow some air to pass through, but not as much air as if the opening 138 were not covered by a flap 155.

Images 125 can be provided on some or all of the panels 122a, 122b, 0 122c, 122d to deliver the intended message. As used herein, the word

"image(s)" shall include depictions, letters, illustrations and words. For example, the image(s) 125 can contain the name of a restaurant or store so that the structure 120 can be used as a sign for a restaurant or store. As other examples, the image(s) 125 can contain instructions (e.g., "DO NOT 5 ENTER", "TURN LEFT TO HALEY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY", etc.), warnings (e.g., "WET"), advertisements, novelty images (e.g., a smiling face), banners (e.g., the school enblem for a university or professional sports team), and announcements (e.g., "BIRTHDAY PARTY CANCELED"), among others. The image(s) 125 can be provided on a patch that can removably o attached to the outer surface of the fabric 130 via a removable connection mechanism (not shown), such as but not limited to VELCRO™ pads, hooks, snaps, detachable zippers, and fasteners, among others. Thus, the structure 120 can be used to display a variety of different image(s) at different times by changing the images 125, depending upon the desires of the user.

A handle 145 can be provided along the top sides of the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d for lifting the structure 120.

In addition, a weight 150 can be provided adjacent the corners of the bottom sides 126b of each panel 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d. The weight 150 can be embodied in the form of a plastic or metal rod, a beanie bag, or any object that has enough weight to provide stability to the structure 120. The weight 150 can be retained inside a pocket 152 that is sewn to the inside or outside of the fabric 130. The weight 150 can access the pocket 152 via a pocket opening 154. The weights 150 function to provide greater stability to the sign structure 120 to prevent it from being toppled when in use. Thus, the number and actual weight of these weights 150 can be distributed and arranged in a manner to optimize the stability provided to the structure 120 when it is deployed for use in the configuration shown in FIG. 4.

The structure 120 can be folded and collapsed in the manner illustrated in connection with FIGS. 3A-3E. To deploy the structure 120 for use, the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d are opened, and the spring memory of the frame members of the panels will cause the panels to spring open to the open or expanded position. The user can then separate the panels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d into the orientation shown in FIG. 1 and then insert the weights 150 into the pockets 152, and the structure 120 is ready for use as a signage structure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a signage structure 220 that is essentially the same in construction as the structure 120, so the same numerals will be used to designate the same elements in FIGS. 4 and 5 except than a "2" will precede the numerals in FIG. 5. The structure 220 has only three panels 222a, 222b, 222c. To accommodate three (as opposed to four) panels, one of the hinged connections 234 can be a removable connection (e.g., the side edges are connected by a VELCRO™, hook, or other similar removable connection) so that the connection between the panels 222a, 222c can be removed and the three panels 222a, 222b, 222c can be subsequently folded one on top of each other to provide a stack of three flat panels 222a, 222b, 222c that can be folded and collapsed according to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E. Openings 238 (and flaps 255), and image(s) 225, can be provided in one or more of the panels 222a, 222b, 222c, and weights 250 (e.g., sand) can be

provided in pockets 252 that extend along the entire length of the bottom side 226b of the panels 222a, 222b, 222c.

FIG. 6 illustrates how the module 20 shown in FIG. 1 can be further modified to function as a protective barrier. In particular, the enclosed space defined by the ring of panels can be used to retain or surround an object or area that either poses danger or requires protection, with the panels functioning to prevent access to the object or area. For example, the structure 320 can be the same as the structure 20, so the same numerals will be used to designate the same elements in FIGS. 1 and 6 except than a "3" is added to precede the numerals in FIG. 6. The upper panel 32 can be omitted from the structure 320. The panels 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d of the structure 320 encircle or enclose an object 360 from which access is to be denied. For example, the object 360 can be a museum exhibit, with the structure 320 functioning as a barricade or wall. As another example, the object 360 can be a construction item, with the structure 320 functioning to protect or shield people from the object 360.

As an alternative, additional panels 322e, 322f can be hingedly connected to any of the other hinged connections to provide additional walls, partitions or barricades for use. These additional panels 322e, 322f can have the same construction as any of the panels 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and the hinged connection to any of the existing hinged connections can be the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B of U.S. Patent No. 5,560,385.

Openings 338 (and flaps), and image(s) 325, can be provided in one or more of the panels 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, 322e, 322f, and weights can be provided in pockets 352 that are provided in the corners (or they can extend along the entire length) of the bottom side 326b of one or more of the panels 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, 322e. The image(s) 325 can be warning messages or descriptions of the protected item, among others.

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.