Collapsible framework, object containing same, and method of reducing a storage volume requirement for the object using same

Abstract

An object includes an outer covering ( 110, 810 ) and a collapsible framework ( 120 ) providing interior support to the outer covering. The collapsible framework includes at least a first support pole ( 121 ) comprising a plurality of sections. The plurality of sections includes at least a first section ( 131 ) and a second section ( 132 ), both of which have a first end ( 241, 433 ) and a second end ( 242, 434 ). In one embodiment the first end of the first section has a first opening ( 151 ) therein and the second end of the first section has a second opening ( 152 ) therein. The first end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening but not capable of passing through the second opening, and the second end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening and the second opening.

1 . A collapsible framework for providing interior support to an object, the collapsible framework comprising: 
 a support pole comprising:    a plurality of sections, including at least: 
 a first section comprising: 
 a first end; and 
 a second end having an opening therein; and  
 
 
 a second section comprising a first end and a second end, wherein:  
   the first end of the second section is not capable of passing through the opening; and    the second end of the second section is capable of passing through the opening.    
   
   
       2 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the support pole is a first support pole within a plurality of support poles, each of which form a part of the collapsible framework; and    each one of the plurality of support poles is substantially similar to the first support pole.    
   
   
       3 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the opening and a cross section of the support pole are circular.    
   
   
       4 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the second end of the first section comprises an overhang that forms a perimeter of the opening;    the first end of the second section comprises a ring having a shelf at a terminus thereof; and    the ring is too large to pass through the opening.    
   
   
       5 . The collapsible framework of  claim 4  wherein: the overhang overlaps and physically contacts the shelf when the second section is inserted to a maximum extent within the first section.  
   
   
       6 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the second section in an extended position in which the second section is inserted to a maximum extent within the first section.    
   
   
       7 . The collapsible framework of  claim 6  wherein: 
 the second section comprises a main shaft;    the locking mechanism comprises one or more protrusions that protrude away from    the main shaft; and    a combined thickness of the main shaft and the one or more protrusions is substantially identical to a diameter of the opening.    
   
   
       8 . The collapsible framework of  claim 7  wherein: 
 the main shaft of the second section is perpendicular to the first end and the second end of the second section.    
   
   
       9 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  further comprising: a base to which the support pole is physically coupled.  
   
   
       10 . The collapsible framework of  claim 9  wherein: 
 the base is circular.    
   
   
       11 . The collapsible framework of  claim 9  wherein: 
 the base comprises a removable part.    
   
   
       12 . The collapsible framework of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a platform physically coupled to the second end of the second section.    
   
   
       13 . The collapsible framework of  claim 12  wherein: 
 the platform further comprises an attachment feature capable of securing an accessory to the collapsible framework.    
   
   
       14 . The collapsible framework of  claim 12  further comprising: 
 at least one arm extending from the platform.    
   
   
       15 . An object comprising: 
 an outer covering;    a collapsible framework providing interior support to the outer covering, wherein the collapsible framework comprises: 
 at least a first support pole comprising: 
 a plurality of sections, including at least: 
 a first section comprising: 
 a first end having a first opening therein; and  
 a second end having a second opening therein; and  
 
 
 a second section comprising a first end and a second end;  
 
   a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the first section and the second section in an extended position with respect to each other;    a base physically coupled to the first support pole; and    a platform physically coupled to the second end of the second section, wherein: 
 the first end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening but not capable of passing through the second opening; and  
 the second end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening and the second opening.  
   
   
   
       16 . The object of  claim 15  wherein: 
 the support pole is a first support pole within a plurality of support poles; and    each one of the plurality of support poles is substantially similar to the first support pole.    
   
   
       17 . The object of  claim 16  wherein: 
 the second end of the first section comprises an overhang that forms a perimeter of the second opening;    the first end of the second section comprises a ring having a shelf at a terminus thereof, and    the overhang overlaps and physically contacts the shelf when the second section is inserted to a maximum extent within the first section such that the first end of the second section is contained within the first section.    
   
   
       18 . The object of  claim 17  further comprising: 
 at least one arm extending from the platform.    
   
   
       19 . The object of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 an accessory secured to the platform.    
   
   
       20 . A method of reducing a storage volume requirement for an object, the method comprising: 
 providing a collapsible framework for the object such that the object has a collapsed position and an extended position; and    collapsing the collapsible framework to place the object in the collapsed position, wherein: 
 the collapsible framework comprises: 
 a support pole comprising: 
 a plurality of sections, including at least: 
 a first section comprising:  
  a first end having a first opening therein; and  
  a second end having a second opening therein; and  
 a second section comprising a first end and a second end;  
 
 
 
   the first end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening but not capable of passing through the second opening; and    the second end of the second section is capable of passing through the first opening and the second opening.