Pop up collapsible structures

Abstract

A foldable enclosure structure containing a fabric cover defining a desired shape when expanded to an expanded position; a first supporting frame fixedly attached to the cover and a second supporting frame provided within the cover and rotatably coupled to the first frame such that the second frame is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second frame is superposed over the first frame in the collapsed position for ease of storage, but is rotated axially to intersect with the first frame in the expanded position to prop up the cover to the desired shape. To ensure that the structure is stable in the expanded position, fixing means is/are provided for fixedly attaching the second frame to the first frame in the expanded position.

1 . A foldable enclosure structure comprising: 
 a) a fabric cover defining a desired shape when expanded to an expanded position;    b) a first supporting frame attached to said cover; and    c) a second supporting frame rotatably coupled to said first frame such that said second frame is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position whereby said second frame is superposed over said first frame in said collapsed position for ease of storage, and said second frame is rotated axially to intersect with said first frame in said expanded position is attached to said cover to prop up said cover to said desired shape; and    d) fixing means for fixedly attaching said second frame to said first frame in the expanded position.    
     
     
         2 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein said first frame is fixedly attached to said cover.  
     
     
         3 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said second frame is fixedly attached to said cover.  
     
     
         4 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said first frame in the open position has a shape that is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the cover along the attachment points therebetween.  
     
     
         5 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said second frame in the open position has a shape that is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the cover along the attachment points therebetween.  
     
     
         6 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said first and second frames are each foldable from an open position to a folded position, said folded position achievable by twisting and folding each said frame into at least two concentric circles.  
     
     
         7 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said fixing means is a Velcro tape, a pair of strings, a zipper, a rigid coupler or a ball joint.  
     
     
         8 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said fixing means is a bottom pad for mounting onto the bottom of said enclosure, said bottom pad having a bottom frame shaped to match the shape of the bottom of said desired shape for abutment of said first and second frame in said expanded position.  
     
     
         9 . A structure according to  claim 2  further comprising at least one reinforcement frame attachable along the girth of said first and second frames in said expanded position to prop up said cover to said desired shape.  
     
     
         10 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said first and second frames are each in the general shape of a loop and containing a first and second central vertical axis respectively, said first and second frame coupled together such that said first and second central vertical axes are coinciding therewith and said second frame rotatable therealong.  
     
     
         11 . A structure according to  claim 10  wherein said cover defines a complete enclosure with a top portion, a bottom portion and side portions for sheltering at least one person therein, said cover further provided with at least one opening for the person to access therethrough.  
     
     
         12 . A structure according to  claim 11  wherein said fixing means is a bottom pad for mounting onto the bottom of said enclosure, said bottom pad having a bottom frame shaped to match the shape of the bottom of said desired shape for abutment of said first and second frame in said expanded position  
     
     
         13 . A structure according to  claim 2  wherein said first and second frames are each in the general shape of a loop and containing a first and second central horizontal axis respectively, said first and second frame coupled together such that said first and second central horizontal axes are coinciding therewith and said second frame rotatable therealong.  
     
     
         14 . A structure according to  claim 13  wherein said fixing means is at least one loop attachable to said first and second frames along the vertical girth for abutment in the expanded position.  
     
     
         15 . A method of supporting a fabric enclosure comprising providing a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid loops having a shape of a section of the enclosure and defining a central axis therein; fixedly attaching one of said loop to a cross-section of said enclosure; and coupling the other loop or loops to said attached loop at a position wherein said loop or loops are rotatable along said central axis relative to said attached loop.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  further comprising abutting said loops in pre-determined relative position using a reinforcement frame.