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  Collapsible 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 20060076044. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED CASES [0001] This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/745,269, filed Dec. 23, 2003, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/307,769, filed Dec. 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,847, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/954,323, filed on Sep. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,224, which is in turn a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/349,566, filed on Jul. 8, 1999, entitled "Collapsible Structures", now U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,910. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and in particular, to collapsible structures which may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] Collapsible objects have recently become popular with both adults and children. Many of these collapsible objects have a plurality of panels which may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the object to facilitate convenient storage and use. Each panel is comprised of a fabric or material that is supported by a resilient frame member, with the fabric or material spanning a portion of, or entirely across, the area supported by the frame member. The frame member supports the periphery of each panel, and is capable of being twisted and folded to reduce the size of each panel. [0006] Examples of such collapsible objects are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,915 (Zheng) in the form of collapsible structures. These structures are currently being enjoyed by many people in many different applications. For example, these structures have been provided in many different shapes and sizes for children's play indoors and outdoors. Smaller versions of these structures have been used as infant nurseries. Even smaller versions of these structures have been used as dollhouses and action figure play houses by toddlers and children. As another example, these structures have been made into tents or outdoor structures that can be used by adults and children for camping or other outdoor purposes. These structures have also been used as beach cabanas. Even animals can enjoy these structures. Some of these structures have been made into shelters that can be used by pets, both indoors and outdoors. [0007] The wide-ranging uses for these collapsible structures can be attributed to the performance, convenience and variety that these structures provide. When fully expanded, these structures are stable and can be used as a true shelter without the fear of collapse. These structures are easily twisted and folded into a compact configuration to allow the user to conveniently store the structures. 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. [0008] Another example of collapsible objects includes collapsible game and play structures, such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,954 (Zheng). These structures provide a multitude of game structures that can be enjoyed by children and adults indoors and outdoors. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide collapsible objects and structures that are different from those mentioned above, and which offer the user different variety of play and flexibility in use. [0010] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, one collapsible structure according to the present invention has a base panel comprising separate first and second sides, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the base panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure also includes first and second loops, each loop having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side of the base panel is coupled to the first loop, and the second side of the base panel is coupled to the second loop. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in use in its expanded configuration; [0012] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve; [0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 thereof; [0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to another embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIGS. 5B through 5E illustrate how the structure of FIG. 5A may be twisted and folded for compact storage; [0017] FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of collapsible structures according to further embodiments of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a different way of deploying the structure of FIG. 1 for use; [0019] FIG. 10 illustrates one way in which a plurality of the structures of FIG. 1 can be deployed for use; and [0020] FIGS. 11-13 are perspective views of collapsible structures according to further embodiments of the present invention. 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