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  Collapsible signage structuresRelated Patent Categories: Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, Or Cane, Portable Shelter (i.e., Tent Or Canopy), Framework, Arch-shaped Or Dome Type, Flexible Structure, Collapsible As A UnitThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070119492. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED CASES [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/872,927, filed Jun. 21, 2004, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/438,679, filed May 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,163, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/150,358, filed May 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,185, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/847,248, filed May 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,111, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/633,947, filed Aug. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,826, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/162,086, filed Sep. 28, 1998, abandoned, which is a division of Ser. No. 08/859,876, filed May 21, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,279, which is a division of Ser. No. 08/627,875, filed Apr. 3, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,596, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/281,369, filed Jul. 27, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/024,690, filed Mar. 1, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/764,784, filed Sep. 24, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,705, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] 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. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] U.S. Pat. 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. Pat. 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. [0006] 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. [0007] 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. [0008] 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 [0009] 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 [0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 1A is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve. [0012] 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. [0013] 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. [0014] FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG. 1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage. [0015] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0016] 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. [0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the basic component for a collapsible structure according to the present invention comprises a module 20. 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 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 but are the same as frame member 28c. [0018] 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 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 folded position in which the frame member is collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position (see FIG. 3(E)). [0019] Fabric or sheet material 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d 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. 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. Continue reading... Full patent description for Collapsible signage structures Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Collapsible signage structures patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. 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