Collapsible structures

Abstract

A collapsible structure has a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a first edge that defines an opening. The structure can have a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening, or an amusement item that is positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A collapsible structure comprising: 
 a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first edge that defines an opening; and    a lid that is coupled to the first end to completely cover the opening.    
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the lid has a peripheral sleeve, a loop member retained in the peripheral sleeve, and a material that is attached to the peripheral sleeve to cover the lid.  
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is a first opening, and wherein the second end has a second edge that defines a second opening, the structure further including: 
 a end wall attached to the second end to completely cover the second opening.    
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including a plurality of casters provided in spaced apart manner about the second end.  
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the coiled wire is compressible.  
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including a first tie member provided adjacent the first end, and a second tie member provided adjacent the second end, with the coiled wire being compressed when the first tie member is coupled to the second tie member.  
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including at least one handle provided adjacent the first end.  
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , further including a connection mechanism for removably coupling a portion of the lid to the first end.  
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the lid has a bottom surface, and further including an amusement item coupled to the bottom surface.  
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 9 , further including at least one support member coupled to the lid and the first end to maintain the lid at an opened position.  
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 9 , further including a door provided in the covering adjacent the second end.  
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the coiled wire is helical.  
     
     
         13 . A collapsible structure comprising: 
 a coiled wire supporting a covering which is attached to the wire to define an internal space, the coiled wire and its covering having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first edge that defines an opening; and    an amusement item positioned in the opening and coupled to the first end.    
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 13 , further including at least one connector for coupling the amusement item to the first end.  
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 13 , further including a door provided in the covering adjacent the second end.  
     
     
         16 . A collapsible structure, comprising: 
 a loop member that defines an opening; and    a container portion having an enclosing wall that is made from a soft and foldable material, the enclosing wall defining an interior space and attached to the loop member in a manner such that the interior space is accessed by the opening.    
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 16 , further including a peripheral sleeve that retains the loop member, the peripheral sleeve attached to the enclosing wall.  
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 16 , wherein the opening is circular.  
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 16 , wherein the opening is rectangular.