|
(11) | EP 1 582 658 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Collapsible structure |
| (57) The present invention relates to a collapsible structure having a frame. The frame
includes at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly
connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand. The frame also
includes a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments, a
second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments, and a third
hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a collapsible structure and, in particular, to a collapsible structure having hinge mechanisms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Collapsible structures are known in prior art. Such collapsible structures can be used as tents, pavilions, automobile sun shields, beach mats, shelters, and children playhouses.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 5,411,046 discloses a collapsible tent having four triangular walls each consisting of foldable material having respective peripheral triangular shaped channel which constrains a coilable wire frame segment. To collapse the tent the walls are folded together into a triangular shaped stack and then the wire frame segments are twisted and folded into overlapping loops. One disadvantage of this type of collapsible structure is that it is difficult to twist and fold the structure into a collapsed configuration. A user has to use both hands and even a foot or a knee to twist and fold the tent. Furthermore, tremendous force is required to twist the coilable wire frame segment of the collapsible structure into overlapping loops.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,815,784 discloses a collapsible automobile sun shield in which two panels are joined end to end to spread out across a car window in an expanded configuration. The panels are adapted to be overlapped and coiled up together.
U.S. Patent No. 5,553,908 discloses a collapsible automobile sun shield comprising a frame segment which is constructed as a single closed loop that can be twisted into a plurality of concentric loops. One typical disadvantage of these collapsible structures is that holding means such as a bag is needed to hold and retain the coiled up and collapsed structure in its collapsed configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible structure utilizing hinge mechanism.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a first frame member including first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have a collapsed position and an expanded position. The collapsible structure further comprises a fabric material associated with the frame member covering at least a portion of the frame member.
[0007] In according with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure wherein the first segment superposes over the second segment when the collapsible structure is in the collapsed position, and wherein the first segment and the second segment are angularly positioned with each other when the collapsible structure is in the expanded position.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure wherein a second frame member is hingedly connected to the first frame member, and wherein a third frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure having means for hingedly interconnecting the first and second segments. The pivot means may be a bridge or a hinged bridge. The bridge and at least one of the first and second segments includes a snap-fit configuration, so that at least one of the first and second segments can be locked to the bridge when the collapsible structure is in the expanded position.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure comprising lock means for locking the first and second segments of the first frame member when the collapsible structure is in the expanded position.
The lock means may be in the form of a clip.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a first frame member including first and second segment hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have a collapsed position and an expanded position; and a second frame member connected to the first frame member, the second frame member including first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have the collapsed position and the expanded position.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a first frame member including a first closed-loop configuration and first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have a collapsed position and an expanded position; and a second frame member hingedly connected to the first frame member, the second frame member and a portion of the first frame member comprises a second closed-loop configuration, the second frame member including first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have the collapsed position and the expanded position.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a frame foldable between an open position and a collapsed position, the frame in the open position defining an enclosure, the frame further comprising foldable frame members having hinges provided at selected positions; the hinges in the open position adapted to support said frame members in an open position, the hinges in the folded position adapted to allow the structure to fold into a panel-like object for easy of storage and handling. In the preferred embodiment, the collapsible structure wherein the structure is a triangular or quadrilateral shape in the open position. The embodiments according to the present invention provide a collapsible structure which can be folded into a fully collapsed configuration and remains in such fully collapsed configuration without using any holding or fastening means.
[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible structure including a frame, the frame comprising: at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand; a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments; a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments; a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments; the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and the second hinge mechanism defining a second axis generally coplanar with the first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
[0015] In an embodiment, the second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis. At least a portion of the first segment superposes at least a portion of the second segment and at least a portion of the fourth segment superposes at least a portion of the third segment when the frame is in the first collapsed position. At least a portion of the first segment superposes at least a portion of the fourth segment and at least a portion of the second segment superposes at least a portion of the third segment when the frame is in the second collapsed position.
[0016] In another embodiment, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth segments is made up of a single piece of material.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, each of the second and third segments includes a non-linear configuration.
[0018] In a further embodiment, each of the second and third segments includes a generally L-shaped configuration.
[0019] In another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a non-linear configuration.
[0020] In another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a generally L-shaped configuration.
[0021] The frame further comprises a fourth hinge mechanism interconnects the fourth and first segments, wherein the second axis extends through the fourth hinge mechanism.
[0022] The collapsible structure further comprises a fabric material associated with the frame covering at least a portion of the frame.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible structure including a frame, the frame comprising: at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand; a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments; a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments; a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments; a fourth hinge mechanism interconnects the fourth and first segments; the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and the second and fourth hinge mechanism defining a second axis wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
[0024] In an embodiment, the frame is disposed in a plane when the frame is expanded. The second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis.
[0025] In another embodiment, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth segments is made up of a single piece of material.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a non-linear configuration.
[0027] In a further embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a generally L-shaped configuration.
[0028] The collapsible structure further comprises a fabric material associated with the frame covering at least a portion of the frame.
[0029] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible structure including a frame, the frame comprising: at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand, wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth segments is made up of a single piece of material; a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments; a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments; a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments; the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and the second hinge mechanism defining a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
[0030] In an embodiment, the frame is disposed in a plane when the frame is expanded. The second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis.
[0031] In another embodiment, each of the second and third segments includes a non-linear configuration.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, each of the second and third segments includes a generally L-shaped configuration.
[0033] In a further embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a non-linear configuration.
[0034] In another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth segments includes a generally L-shaped configuration.
[0035] The frame may further include a fourth hinge mechanism interconnects the fourth and first segments, wherein the second axis extends through the fourth hinge mechanism.
[0036] The collapsible structure may further include a fabric material associated with the frame covering at least a portion of the frame.
[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a first frame and a second frame connected to the first frame, each of the first and second frames including: at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing each of the first and second frames to collapse and expand; a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments; a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments; a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments; the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and the second hinge mechanism defining a second axis generally coplanar with the first axis wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
[0040] At least one of the first and second frames further comprises a fourth hinge mechanism interconnects the fourth and first segments, wherein the second axis extends through the fourth hinge mechanism.
[0041] The collapsible structure further comprises a fabric material associated with at least one of the first and second frames.
[0042] The collapsible structure further comprises a third frame interconnecting the first and second frames. Preferably, the third frame is hingedly connected to the first and second frames.
[0043] In one embodiment, the third frame includes at least first and second segments hingedly connected to one another allowing the third frame to collapse and expand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a foldable structure, such as an automobile sun shield or a beach mat, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 1A-1C show the frame of the foldable structure and the steps of folding the foldable structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 shows a collapsible structure, such as a tent or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A-2E show the frame of the collapsible structure and the steps of folding the collapsible structure of FIG. 2;
FIG. 2-1 shows a collapsible structure, such as a tent or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A-1 to 2E-1 show the frame of the collapsible structure and the steps of folding the collapsible structure of FIG. 2-1;
FIG. 3 shows a collapsible structure, such as a pavilion or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3A-3F show the frame of the collapsible structure and the steps of folding the collapsible structure of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows one of the two identical segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 shows a bridge member of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 shows a lock member of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 shows the lock member being coupled to the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4 in a partially folding position;
FIG. 10 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 4 in a fully expanded and locked position;
FIG.11 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 11 in a partially folding position;
FIG. 13 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 11 in a fully expanded and locked position;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 15 in a fully expanded and locked position;
FIG. 17 shows the two segments of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 15 without a lock member; and
FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a foldable structure 310, such as an automobile sun shield or a beach mat, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. A fabric material 332, or any other suitable materials, is mounted on the foldable structure 310.
[0046] FIGS. 1A-1C show the frame of the foldable structure 310 and the steps of folding the foldable structure 310.
[0047] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable structure 310 has two U-shaped frame members 330, 330 each including first and second curved frame segments 318, 320. The two U-shaped frame members 330, 330 are substantially identical in shape.
[0048] The first and second curved frame segments 318, 320 of each frame member 330 are hingedly connected together by hinge mechanisms 10, 110, 210, details of which will be described later.
[0049] The ends of the two frame members 330, 330 are also hingedly connected by hinge mechanisms 10, 110, 210, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, to form a closed loop.
[0050] To fold the foldable structure 310, the foldable structure 310 is first folded up along X-axis such that the two U-shaped frame members 330, 330 are in a superimposed relationship, as shown in FIG. 1B. Then, the two frame members 330, 330 are folded along Y-axis to form a final folded up structure, as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a collapsible structure 410, such as a tent or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. A fabric material 432, or any other suitable materials, is mounted on the collapsible structure 410.
[0052] FIGS. 2A-2E show the frame of the collapsible structure 410 and the steps of folding the collapsible structure 410.
[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collapsible structure 410 has a rectangular ground-engaging frame structure. The rectangular ground-engaging frame structure includes two square-bracket shaped frame members 430, 430 and two transversely extending frame members 430a, 430a.
[0054] Each of the two square-bracket shaped frame members 430, 430 includes first and second L-shaped frame segments 418, 420 hingedly connected to each other by a hinge mechanism 10, 110, 210, as described hereinbelow.
[0055] Each of the two transversely extending frame members 430a, 430a includes first and second elongated frame segments 418', 420' hingedly connected to each other by a hinge mechanism 10, 110, 210.
[0056] The free ends of each square-bracket shaped frame member 430 are hingedly connected to respective free ends of an upper square-bracket shaped frame member 430b forming two slanted side frames 440, 450 of the collapsible structure 410. Each of the side frames 440, 450 is in a closed loop configuration. The L-shaped frame segments 418, 420 and the elongated frame segments 418', 420' are angularly positioned with each other.
[0057] Each square-bracket shaped frame member 430.is hingedly connected to the two transversely extending frame members 430a, 430a by conventional connecting means such as conventional hinges. Also, the two upper square-bracket shaped frame members 430b, 430b are hingedly connected to each other by conventional connecting means such as conventional hinges.
[0058] To collapse the collapsible structure 410, the two transversely extending frame members 430a, 430a are first folded up thereby bringing the two slanted side frames 440, 450 towards each other, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2B, until the two slanted side frames 440, 450 are superimposed, as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0059] The two superimposed side frames 440, 450 are then folded up along Y-axis, as shown in FIG. 2D. The structure 410 is further folded up along X-axis to form a final L-shaped collapsed structure, as shown in FIG. 2E.
[0060] In summary, the collapsible structure 410 comprises a frame foldable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 2A, and a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 2E. The frame in the open position defines an enclosure with two slanted sides and two vertical sides. The frame further comprises foldable frame members 418, 420, 418', 420' having hinges 10, 110, 210 provided at selected positions. The hinges 10, 110, 210 in the open position adapted to support the frame members 418, 420, 418', 420' in an open position. The hinges 10, 110, 210 in the folded position adapted to allow the structure to fold into a panel-like object for easy storage and handling. The collapsible structure 410 is a triangular shape in the open position.
[0061] FIG. 2-1 shows a collapsible structure 410', such as a tent or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. A fabric material 432, or any other suitable materials, is mounted on the collapsible structure 410.
[0062] FIGS. 2A-1 to 2E-1 show the frame of the collapsible structure 410' and the steps of folding the collapsible structure 410'.
[0063] The frame of the collapsible structure 410' is the same as the frame of the collapsible structure 410 previously described except that the frame of the collapsible structure 410' does not have the rectangular ground-engaging frame members 430, 430a. Therefore, the frame of the collapsible structure 410' is not in a closed-loop configuration.
[0064] To collapse the collapsible structure 410', the two slanted side frames 440, 450 are first folded up towards each other, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2B-1, until the two slanted side frames 440, 450 are superimposed, as shown in FIG. 2C-1.
[0065] The two superimposed side frames 440, 450 are then folded up along Y-axis, as shown in FIG. 2D-1. The structure 410 is further folded up along X-axis to form a final L-shaped collapsed structure, as shown in FIG. 2E-1.
[0066] In summary, the collapsible tent structure 410' comprises a frame foldable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 2A-1, and a folded position, as shown in FIG. 2E-1.
[0067] In the open position, the frame and the fabric material mounted thereon define an enclosure therein. The frame and the fabric material can be folded into a panel-like object for easy storage and handling. This panel-like object is generally in the form of a flat panel. The thickness of the panel-like object is substantially equal to the thickness of the superimposed frames of the folded tent structure. The size of the panel-like object is about one-fourth of the size of the side frame of the tent structure.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows a collapsible structure 510, such as a pavilion or a children playhouse, with hinge mechanisms incorporated therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. A fabric material 532, or any other suitable materials, is mounted on the collapsible structure 510.
[0069] FIGS. 3A-3F show the frame of the collapsible structure 510 and the steps of folding the collapsible structure 510.
[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collapsible structure 510 has a rectangular ground-engaging frame structure. The rectangular ground-engaging frame structure includes two square-bracket shaped frame members 530, 530 and two lower transversely extending frame members 530a, 530a.
[0071] Each of the two square-bracket shaped frame members 530, 530 includes first and second L-shaped frame segments 518, 520 hingedly connected to each other by a hinge mechanism 10, 110, 210, as described hereinbelow.
[0072] Each of the two lower transversely extending frame members 530a, 530a includes first and second elongated frame segments 518', 520' hingedly connected to each other by a hinge mechanism 10, 110, 210.
[0073] The free ends of each square-bracket shaped frame member 530 are hingedly connected to respective free ends of an upper arch shaped frame member 530b forming two vertical side frames 540, 550 of the collapsible structure 510. Each of the two side frames 540, 550 is in a closed loop configuration. The L-shaped frame segments 518, 520 and the elongated frame segments 518', 520' are angularly positioned with each other at about 90 degrees. The elongated frame segments 518', 520' are angularly positioned with each other at about 180 degrees.
[0074] The two upper arch shaped frame member 530b, 530b are hingedly connected together by two upper transversely extending frame members 530d, 530d.
[0075] Each square-bracket shaped frame member 530 is hingedly connected to the two transversely extending frame members 530a, 530a by conventional connecting means such as conventional hinges. Similarly, each square-bracket shaped frame member 540 is hingedly connected to the two transversely extending frame members 530d, 530d by conventional connecting means such as conventional hinges.
[0076] To collapse the collapsible structure 510, the four transversely extending frame members 430a, 430d are first folded up thereby bringing the two vertical side frames 540, 550 towards each other, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3B, until the two vertical side frames 540, 550 are superimposed, as shown in FIG. 3C.
[0077] The two superimposed side frames 540, 550 are then folded up along X-axis, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. The structure 510 is further folded up along Y-axis to form a final collapsed structure, as shown in FIG. 3F.
[0078] The frame segments 318, 320, 418, 420, 418', 420', 518, 520, 518', 520' of the collapsible structures 310, 410, 510 may be made of plastic, or metal, or any other suitable materials.
[0079] In summary, the collapsible pavilion structure 510 comprises a frame foldable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 3A, and a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 3F. In the open position, the frame and the fabric material mounted thereon define an enclosure therein. The frame and the fabric material can be folded into a panel-like object for easy storage and handling. This panel-like object is generally in the form of a flat panel. The thickness of the panel-like object is substantially equal to the thickness of the superimposed frames of the folded pavilion structure.
[0080] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The hinge mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 10, comprises a first hinge segment 12 and a second hinge segment 14.
[0081] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second hinge segments 12, 14 are hingedly connected to each other by a bridge member 16.
[0082] The hinge mechanism 10 is adapted to hingedly connect the two frame segments 318, 320, 418, 420, 418', 420', 518, 520, 518', 520', collectively represented by reference numerals 18, 20, of the respective collapsible structures 310, 410, 510 hereinbefore described. The frame segments 18, 20 may be in the form of a rod or a strip, as shown in FIG. 4. The hinge mechanism 10 and the frame segments 18, 20 together define a frame member of the collapsible structure.
[0083] One end of the frame segment 18 is fixedly secured in a blindhole 22 at one end 24 of the hinge segment 12, and the other end of the frame segment 18 is fixedly secured to a hinge segment of another hinge mechanism. Similarly, one end of frame segment 20 is fixedly secured in a blindhole 26 at one end 28 of the hinge segment 14, and the other end of the frame segment 20 is fixedly secured to a hinge segment of another hinge mechanism.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hinge segment 12 which is substantially identical to hinge segment 14 of the hinge mechanism 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge segment 12 has a rectangular cross section.
[0085] One end 24 of the hinge segment 12 is adapted to be connected to the frame segment 18, as depicted in FIG. 4. The other end 34 of the hinge segment 12 is provided with two longitudinally extending arms 36, 38, The two arms 36, 38 are spaced apart defining a slot 40 therebetween.
[0086] A transversely extending aperture 46 is provided on arm 36. A transversely extending aperture 48, being in alignment with aperture 46, is provided on arm 38.
[0087] A central recess 50 is provided at the end 34 of the hinge segment 12 between the arms 36, 38. Details of the usage of the recess 50 will be described later.
[0088] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bridge 16 of the hinge mechanism 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The bridge 16 generally takes the form of a rectangular plate having opposite ends 52, 54 and rounded corners 56. One end 52 of the bridge 16 is provided with an aperture 62. The other end 54 of the bridge 16 is provided with another aperture 64.
[0089] Although the bridge 16 has been described as a rectangular plate having rounded corners, it is appreciated that the bridge 16 may be in other shape such as obround.
[0090] A semi-spherical boss 66, 68 is provided at each end 52, 54 of the bridge 16. The bosses 66, 68 are adapted to engage with recesses 50, 50 of the hinge segment 12, 14 respectively in a snap-fit configuration.
[0091] FIG. 7 shows a lock member 70 of the hinge mechanism 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The lock member 70 is generally in the form of a clip having an elongated rectangular plate 72 with bent side edges 74, 76. Furthermore, the lock member 70 has two front legs 82, 84 and two rear legs 86, 88 depending downwardly from the two side edges 74, 76 respectively. An integral flap 90 is provided at one end of the plate 72 adjacent to the two front legs 82, 84. The integral flap 90 extends upwardly at an angle with respect to the plate 72. The flap 90 permits a user to flip the lock member 70 from a locked position to an unlocked position.
[0092] FIG. 8 shows the lock member 70 being hingedly connected to the end 34 of the hinge segment 12 by a pin 92. One end 52 of the bridge 16 is interposed in slot 40 of hinge segment 12 in such a position that the apertures 46, 48, 62 are in alignment. A pin or rivet 94 is inserted through the apertures 46, 48, 62 allowing the hinge segment 12 to pivot relative to the bridge 16 about a pivot axis defined by the pin 94.
[0093] Similarly, the other one end 54 of the bridge 16 is interposed in slot 40 of hinge segment 14 in such a position that the apertures 46, 48, 64 are in alignment. A pin or rivet 96 is inserted through the apertures 46, 48, 64 allowing the hinge segment 14 to pivot relative to the bridge 16 about a pivot axis defined by the pin 96.
[0094] When the hinge mechanism 10 is in the expanded position, as shown in FIG. 8, the bosses 66, 68 on bridge 16 are frictionally engaged with recesses 50, 50 on hinge segments 12, 14 respectively. This frictionally retains the hinge segments 12, 14 in the expanded position.
[0096] FIG. 9 shows the lock member 70 in an unlocked position and hinge segment 14 moving in a direction, as shown by the arrow, from an expanded position towards a collapsed position. The rounded corners 56 of the bridge 16 and the clearance between the first and second hinge segments 12, 14 permit pivot movement of the first and second hinge segments 12, 14 in both directions.
[0097] FIG. 10 shows the hinge segments 12, 14 back in the expanded position and the locked member 70 in the locked position. A projection 80, extending outwardly from at least one side of the hinge segment 14, is adapted to engage with at least one of the front legs 82, 84 and frictionally hold the lock member 70 in the locked position.
[0098] The first and second hinge segments 12, 14, the bridge 16, and the lock member 70 may be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable materials.
[0099] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The hinge mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 110, comprises a first hinge segment 112 and a second hinge segment 114. Each of the hinge segments 112, 114 is generally in the form of a planar strip having a height greater than the width.
[0100] According to the embodiment of the invention, the first and second hinge segments 112, 114 have longitudinally extending and laterally offset arms 136, 138 respectively which are hingedly connected to each other by a rivet or pin 194. The hinge mechanism 110 is adapted to hingedly connect two frame segments 118, 120 of a collapsible structure of the present invention.
[0101] A lock member 170, hingedly connected to hinge segment 112 by a pin 192, is adapted to lock the hinge segments in an expanded position. The lock member 170 is similar to the lock member 70 of the first embodiment except that lock member 170 has a narrower width to fit over the planar hinge segments 112, 114.
[0102] FIG. 12 shows the lock member 170 in an unlocked position and hinge segment 114 moving in a direction, as shown by the arrow, from an expanded position towards a collapsed position.
[0103] FIG. 13 shows the hinge segments 112, 114 back in the expanded position and the locked member 170 in the locked position. A projection 180, extending outwardly from one or both sides of the hinge segment 114, is adapted to frictionally hold the lock member 170 in the locked position.
[0105] The first and second hinge segments 112, 114, and the lock member 170 may be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable materials.
[0106] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible structure in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The hinge mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 210, comprises a first hinge segment 212 and a second hinge segment 214. Each of the hinge segments 212, 214 is generally in the form of a planar strip similar to hinge segments 112, 114 of the second embodiment.
[0107] According to the embodiment of the invention, the first and second hinge segments 212, 214 have connecting end portions 236, 238 respectively which are hingedly connected to each other by a rivet or pin 294. According to the present embodiment, the end portion 236 is in the form of a slot 240 defined by two longitudinally extending arms 242, 244 whereas the end portion 238 is in the form of a tongue 278.
[0108] The hinge mechanism 210 is adapted to hingedly connect two frame segments 218, 220 of a collapsible structure of the present invention.
[0109] A lock member 270, hingedly connected to hinge segment 212 by a pin 292, is adapted to lock the hinge segments in an expanded position. The lock member 270 is similar to the lock member 170 of the second embodiment. The lock member 270 is in an unlocked position, as depicted in FIG. 12.
[0110] FIG. 16 shows the lock member 270 in a locked position, and hinge segments 212, 214 in an expanded position. A projection 280, extending outwardly from one or both sides of the hinge segment 214, is adapted to frictionally hold the lock member 270 in the locked position.
[0113] Similarly, the first and second hinge segments 212, 214, and the lock member 270 may be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable materials.
[0114] While the present invention has been shown and described with particular references to a number of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted that numerous other changes or modifications may be made without undue experimentation and without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the shapes of the frames are only used for illustration, and it is clear that many other shapes and variations may be made based on the teaching provided herein. The supporting frames may be flat rods, cylindrical rods, or structures of any shape. The joints are illustrated in the drawings using rectangular shapes, but may also be other shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. The frames may be complete loops, or merely rods or partially open structures. One or more parts of the frame, the whole section or part of a section of the frame may also assume non-linear shapes such, but not limited to, elliptical, hyperbolic, parabollic or sinusoidal shapes, instead of having rectilinear sides.
1. A collapsible structure including a frame, the frame comprising:
at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand;
a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments;
a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments;
a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments;
the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and
the second hinge mechanism defining a second axis generally coplanar with or perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
2. The collapsible structure of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first segment
superposes at least a portion of the second segment and at least a portion of the
fourth segment superposes at least a portion of the third segment when the frame is
in the first collapsed position.
3. The collapsible structure of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first segment
superposes at least a portion of the fourth segment and at least a portion of the
second segment superposes at least a portion of the third segment when the frame is
in the second collapsed position.
4. The collapsible structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second, third,
and fourth segments is made up of a single piece of material.
5. The collapsible structure of claim 1, wherein each of the second and third segments
includes a non-linear or L-shaped configuration.
6. The collapsible structure of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and
fourth segments includes a non-linear or L-shaped configuration.
7. The collapsible structure of claim 1, further comprising a fourth hinge mechanism
interconnects the fourth and first segments, wherein the second axis extends through
the fourth hinge mechanism.
8. The collapsible structure of claim 1, further comprising a fabric material associated
with the frame covering at least a portion of the frame.
9. A collapsible structure including a frame, the frame comprising:
at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing the frame to collapse and expand;
a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments;
a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments;
a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments;
a fourth hinge mechanism interconnects the fourth and first segments;
the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and
the second and fourth hinge mechanism defining a second axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.
10. A collapsible structure comprising a first frame and a second frame connected to the
first frame, each of the first and second frames including:
at least first, second, third, and fourth segments sequentially and hingedly connected to one another allowing each of the first and second frames to collapse and expand;
a first hinge mechanism interconnecting the first and second segments;
a second hinge mechanism interconnecting the second and third segments;
a third hinge mechanism interconnecting the third and fourth segments;
the first and third hinge mechanisms defining a first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the first axis to form a first collapsed position; and
the second hinge mechanism defining a second axis generally coplanar with the first axis, wherein the frame is foldable about the second axis to form a second collapsed position.