Multipurpose collapsible panels

Abstract

Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A collapsible structure comprising: 
 a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, the single panel further including an amusement feature provided thereon.    
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the amusement feature includes a netting.  
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the amusement feature includes a goal.  
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the amusement feature includes an opening.  
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has at least one attachment mechanism coupled thereto, for removably securing the panel to a supporting structure.  
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including a second panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member of the second panel to form the second panel when the frame member of the second panel is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric of the second panel assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member of the second panel, with the second panel coupled to the single panel to support the single panel in a vertical orientation.  
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 6 , further including a third panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member of the third panel to form the third panel when the frame member of the third panel is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric of the third panel assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member of the third panel, with the third panel coupled to the single panel and the second panel to support the single panel in a vertical orientation.  
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 6 , further including a third panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member of the third panel to form the third panel when the frame member of the third panel is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric of the third panel assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member of the third panel, with the third panel coupled to the second panel to support the single panel in a vertical orientation.  
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 6 , wherein the second panel further includes at least one attachment mechanism for removably coupling to the single panel.  
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including a second panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member of the second panel to form the second panel when the frame member of the second panel is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric of the second panel assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member of the second panel, the single panel further including an amusement feature provided thereon, and with the second panel coupled to the single panel.  
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 6 , wherein the second panel is positioned at an angle with respect to the single panel.  
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the single panel has a frame retaining sleeve for retaining the frame member.  
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the amusement feature includes indicia.  
     
     
         14 . A collapsible cover comprising: 
 a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, the panel having at least one attachment mechanism coupled thereto, for removably securing the panel to a supporting structure.    
     
     
         15 . The cover of  claim 14 , further including flotation devices coupled to the panel.  
     
     
         16 . The cover of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment mechanism is a weighted piece that is coupled to a side of the panel.  
     
     
         17 . A collapsible cover comprising: 
 a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, the panel having a flotation device coupled thereto.    
     
     
         18 . The cover of  claim 17 , further including amusement features provided on the fabric.  
     
     
         19 . A collapsible base comprising: 
 a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, the panel having an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted.    
     
     
         20 . The base of  claim 19 , wherein the opening has a circumference, and further including a drawstring provided along the circumference.  
     
     
         21 . A collapsible cover comprising: 
 a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, the panel having a fabric wall coupled to its sides.    
     
     
         22 . A collapsible structure comprising: 
 a plurality of panels, each having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member, each panel having at least three sides, with the panels positioned parallel to each other to define a space between adjacent panels; and    a fabric wall that is coupled to at least two of the sides of each pair of adjacent panels.    
     
     
         23 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein one of the panels has an opening in its fabric for providing ingress to and egress from the space defined by the fabric wall.  
     
     
         24 . The structure of  claim 22 , wherein the panels are parallel to each other.