IP Library Granted Patent US 7,031,147
Granted Patent B2
US 7,031,147 · App. 10/963,277 · Granted Apr 18, 2006

Collapsible structures having enhancements

Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,031,147
App. No.
10/963,277
Granted
Apr 18, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Claims (29)

1. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first frame member;

a second frame member crossing the first frame member at an apex to define an interior space;

a fabric material coupled to the frame members to enclose the interior space; and

an electrical component attached to the fabric material;

wherein the electrical component is selected from the group consisting of: a video screen, a speaker, an antenna, a touch sensor, a lighting device, a switch, a book, a cellular phone, a microphone, a musical instrument, and a radio.

2. The structure of claim 1 , further including an electrical coupling coupled to the electrical component.

3. The structure of claim 2 , wherein the electrical coupling includes at least one conductive path.

4. The structure of claim 2 , wherein the electrical coupling includes at least one wire.

5. The structure of claim 1 , further including a first frame retaining sleeve coupled to the fabric material for retaining the first frame member, and a second frame retaining sleeve coupled to the fabric material for retaining the second frame member.

6. The structure of claim 1 , further including attachment devices that attach the electrical component to the fabric material.

7. The structure of claim 6 , wherein the attachment devices include a loop and toggle combination.

8. The structure of claim 6 , wherein the attachment devices include opposing Velcro™ pads.

9. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first frame member;

a second frame member crossing the first frame member at an apex to define an interior space;

a fabric material coupled to the frame members to enclose the interior space;

an electrical component attached to the fabric material;

at least one wire coupled to the electrical component; and

a sleeve attached to the fabric material for retaining a portion of the at least one wire.

10. The structure of claim 9 , further including an electrical coupling coupled to the electrical component.

11. The structure of claim 9 , further including attachment devices that attach the electrical component to the fabric material.

12. A collapsible structure, comprising:

a first frame member;

a second frame member crossing the first frame member at an apex to define an interior space;

a fabric material coupled to the frame members to enclose the interior space; and

a light emitting device that is coupled to the fabric material.

13. The structure of claim 12 , further including an electrical coupling coupled to the electrical component.

14. The structure of claim 12 , further including attachment devices that attach the electrical component to the fabric material.

Assignments (1)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 16, 2013
From: PATENT CATEGORY CORPORATION
To: PREFERRED BANK
Reel/Frame 031421/0039 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 1079515500 · Mar 4, 2004
Continuation 1023632000 · Sep 5, 2002
Division 0973600400 · Dec 13, 2000
Continuation In Part 0956272400 · May 1, 2000
Related Publication 20050048865A1 · Mar 3, 2005