Collapsible Device with a Waffle Structure and Interlocking Joints

Abstract

A collapsible device in a waffle structure is disclosed. The collapsible device includes a plurality of panels, each having an outer edge and elongated slots. Each of the elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel. The elongated slots receive intersecting panels such that the plurality of panels intersect, interlock, and create a waffle-like structure. The plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to articulate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. The collapsible device is used in various applications, such as fidget toys, furniture, light fixtures, and other industrial applications such as jacks or material conveyors, or any application that benefits from flexibility or increasing or decreasing the size or length.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible device, comprising:
 a plurality of panels,   wherein each panel of the plurality of panels comprises an outer edge and a plurality of elongated slots, wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel,   wherein the plurality of elongated slots receive the plurality of panels thereby intersecting and creating a waffle-like structure;   wherein the plurality of panels is configured to move pivotally to operate the plurality of panels between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration;   wherein each of the plurality of panels is characterized as having a circular or oval shape;   wherein each of the plurality of panels has an interlocking joint comprising a first hole, a second hole, a tabbed region between the first hole and the second hole, and a slit adjacent one end of the tabbed region, wherein the slit connects the first hole with the second hole, and wherein the slit is substantially straight;   wherein each of the elongated slots is a non-curved vertical slot extending from the outer edge toward the first hole;   wherein at least some of the plurality of panels are differently sized from each other.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots is wider than a thickness of the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible device of  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots has a rectangular configuration. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels comprise a first group of panels extending in a first direction, and a second group of panels extending perpendicular to intersect the first group of panels. 
     
     
         9 . The collapsible device of  claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots are spaced at equal distance from one another, and wherein the panels in each of the first group of panels and the second group of panels are spaced at equal distance from one another. 
     
     
         10 . The collapsible device of  claim 1 , wherein the panels are made of a translucent material. 
     
     
         11 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A panel for use in a collapsible device, comprising:
 a panel, wherein the panel comprises an outer edge and an elongated slot, and wherein the elongated slot extends from the outer edge towards a central portion of the panel;   wherein the panel is characterized as having a circular or oval shape;   wherein the panel has an interlocking joint comprising a first hole, a second hole, a tabbed region between the first hole and the second hole, and a slit adjacent one end of the tabbed region, wherein the slit connects the first hole with the second hole, and wherein the slit is substantially straight;   wherein each of the elongated slots is a non-curved vertical slot extending from the outer edge toward the first hole.