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Foldable structure

a folding structure and multi-purpose technology, applied in the field of portable, multi-purpose foldable structures, can solve the problems of difficult assembly of multiple pieces of structures, inability to disassemble conventional structures, and inability to serve the function of portable structures

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-04-20
WONG KENNETH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, disassembleable conventional structures typically have multiple critical pieces that must be totally disconnected from each other to condense such structures to easily transportable sizes.
If one or more of the multiple critical pieces are lost, the portable structure cannot serve its function.
Multiple piece structures are also often difficult to assemble.
Such difficulty disadvantageously leads to long assembly and disassembly time.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention resolve many of the shortcomings of conventional foldable structures by providing a one-piece portable structure that eliminates the possibility of losing critical components and by providing a more easily assembled and disassembled portable goal / structure.

[0029]FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a foldable structure according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the foldable structure comprises a sports goal 100 that has an unfolded position (see FIGS. 14) and a folded position (see FIG. 6).

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the goal 100 structurally comprises four interconnected panels: a base panel 110, an upright panel 120, and two support panels 130, 140.

[0031] The base panel 110 comprises a foldable, flexible, continuous member 150 (see FIG. 3) that is covered with a flexible, fabric cover 160 (see FIG. 1). As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the flexible fabric cover 160 defines a sewn fabric sheath 170 around its pe...

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PUM

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Abstract

A foldable structure is a singular structure that includes first and second flexible, foldable panels that are pivotally connected to each other along adjacent edge portions. One or more support panels pivotally connects to one of the flexible, foldable panels and removably connects to the other flexible foldable panel. When in an unfolded position, the foldable structure may comprise any of a variety of structures such as, for example, soccer goals, sports goals, basketball hoops, tents, etc. The flexible, foldable panels comprise flexible, foldable, continuous members covered by fabric covers that are sewn together to form the pivotal connections.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 375,669, titled “FOLDABLE GOAL,” filed on Apr. 25, 2002.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Aspects of the present invention relate, in general, to a portable, multi-purpose foldable structure. Specifically, the embodiments are directed to a singular, foldable structure that can be folded into a hand-held configuration, thereby eliminating time consuming assembly and cumbersome transportation. Embodiments include portable sports goals and tent structures. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Several different types of portable structures (e.g., sports goals, basketball hoops, tents, billboards, etc.) may be disassembled and reassembled to reduce their size and facilitate their transportation between uses. Unfortunately, disassembleable conventional structures typically have multiple critical pieces that must be totally disconnected from each othe...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F41J1/12F41J13/00A63B63/00A63B63/08
CPCA63B63/004A63B63/08A63B2063/001A63B2208/12A63B2210/54
Inventor WONG, KENNETHCHIU, DANNIE
Owner WONG KENNETH