US007137399B1
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 7,137,399 Bl
`(10) Patent No.:
`Nov. 21, 2006
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Ransom etal.
`
`
`(54) COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE WITH TOP
`SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Robert M. Ransom, 8102 Coldwater
`Rd., Flushing, MI (US) 48433; Todd P.
`Weston, 7780 Pleasant La., Ypsilanti,
`.
`MI (US) 48197; Ryan L. Kubica, 8470
`Apple Blossom, Flushing, MI (US)
`48433; Scott D. Wehner, 4407 W.
`Stanley Rd., Mt. Morris, MI (US)
`48458
`Subjectto any disclaimer,the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/845,309
`
`(51)
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May13, 2004
`Related U.S. Application Data
`.
`.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/470,128, filed on May
`13, 2003.
`Int Ch
`(2006.01)
`EO4H 15/40
`(2006.01)
`E04H 15/36
`(2006.01)
`E04H 15/26
`(2006.01)
`EO4H 15/44
`(52) US. CL cee 135/128; 135/136; 135/137;
`135/138; 135/124; 135/121; 135/143; 135/126;
`135/127; 52/79.5; 52/641; 52/649.5; 52/80.1;
`52/81.2; 52/81.4; 52/81.5; 52/81.6; 52/82;
`52/83
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 52/79.5,
`52/641, 649.5, 63, 80.1-81.6, 82, 83, 86-89,
`52/90.1-91.1; 135/92-93, 116-120, 128,
`135/132-155, 124, 101, 126-127, 87, 95,
`135/98, 121, 129, 143, 148, 157, 160; 206/321
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`11/1932 Tupper ..... eee 101/244
`1,887,382 A *
`7/1963 Frommelt
`........0..000. 135/123
`3,095,886 A *
`F300tee A : Ltove Luppens seceeeeeceeeeseeeeees 296/161
`OFMAN oe...
`990,
`ceeeeeeecee teens 135/126
`
` S/L98L Marks veces
`. 135/125
`4,269,210 A *
`4,779,514 A * 10/1988 Prigmoreet al.
`....c..4... 52/79.5
`
`5/1989 Machado «0... eee 135/138
`4,825,891 A *
`4,825,892 A *
`5/1989 Norman oo... eee 135/126
`.......0.... 135/125
`4,941,499 A *
`7/1990 Pelsue et al.
`
`8/1990 Wilkinson oe $2/80.1
`4,951,432 A *
`S038812 A * S991 Notmansstussnnnean 135/126
`10/1991 Peters cesses 428/64.1
`5,059,463 A *
`5,172,526 A * 12/1992
`
`5,195,551 A *
`3/1993
`5,205,089 A *
`4/1993 Cunningham oo... 52/79.
`5,218,982 A
`6/1993 Kenji
`5,311,813 A *
`5/1994 Fairbanks et al.
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner—Jeanette Chapman
`(74) Aitorney, Agent, or Firm—Young Basile
`
`............ 99/645
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`The invention is a collapsible structure comprising a plu-
`rality of panel elements, each having a coilable frame
`element and flexible material attached to the frame element.
`The panel elements are joined to define an enclosure having
`a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The bottom perimeter
`rests on a supporting surface. The structure has at least one
`roof support rod having a first end and a second end. The
`first end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a
`first location on the bottom perimeter, and the second end of
`the at least one roof support rod is attached to a second
`location on the bottom perimeter. The at least one roof
`support rod is in supporting contact with the roof portion of
`the enclosure.
`
`2 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Page 1 of 12
`Page 1 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/1996 Plinta
`5,528,849 A
`5,562,225 A * 10/1996 McKenna ............0006 220/9.1
`
`.. 135/126
`5,579,799 A * 12/1996 Zheng ...........
`5,582,197 A * 12/1996 Dobberstein «1.0.0.0... 135/87
`5,613,512 A
`3/1997 Bean
`5,669,403 A
`9/1997 Belcheret al.
`5,676,168 A * 10/1997 Price wc cceeeeeeeee 135/126
`5,794,640 A *
`8/1998 Jang seecceascescesceeccuscusees 135/131
`5,816,278 A * 10/1998 Kim ...........
`we 135/126
`5,842,940 A * 12/1998 Macaluso ...
`ve ATBIAT8
`5,871,026 A *
`2/1999 Lin oe
`ceeccceeneeeeeee 135/98
`5,921,260 A *
`7/1999 Carter
`..
`vee 135/145
`6,109,282 A *
`8/2000 YOON ..eeeecseceeeeeeees 135/126
`6,151,841 A * 11/2000 Green vec 52/79.4
`6,202,665 Bl
`3/2001 O’Hare
`
`
`
`6/2001 Macaluso... eee 273/400
`6,247,699 BL*
`w 135/124
`6,302,127 B1* 10/2001 Gayton.....
`
`.. 135/126
`6,318,394 B1* 11/2001 Zheng ......
`
`6,325,086 B1* 12/2001 Shinneretal.
`. 135/126
`
`..
`.. 135/137
`6,328,050 B1* 12/2001 McConnell
`
`6,431,193 B1*
`8/2002 Carter
`...
`... 135/145
`.. 135/126
`6,453,923 B1*
`9/2002 Zheng ...
`
`135/126
`6,481,451 B1* 11/2002 Zheng ...
`
`.. 135/125
`6,499,498 B1* 12/2002 Zheng ...
`
`4/2003 Macaluso .
`.. 273/400
`6,543,776 B1*
`4/2003 Bixleretal.
`6,550,491 B1*
`135/145
`
`1/2004 Hotes ..........
`52/86
`6,679,009 B1*
`
`8/2004 Morganteetal.
`135/128
`6,779,538 B1*
`
`. 5/102
`2/2005 Brereton......
`6,851,136 B1*
`
`..cesccsccecsseseeseeeees 52/645
`6,901,714 BL*
`6/2005 Liapi
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 2 of 12
`Page 2 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,137,399 B1 FIG - 1
`
`Page 3 of 12
`Page 3 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`FIG - 3 14
`
`
`Page 4 of 12
`Page 4 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`
`
`Page 5 of 12
`Page 5 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`
`
`Page 6 of 12
`Page 6 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`
`
`Page 7 of 12
`Page 7 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`Nov.21, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`Page 8 of 12
`Page 8 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`1
`COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE WITH TOP
`SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/470,128, filed May 13, 2003.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to portable enclosures for
`protection from the elements, and more particularly to a
`collapsible enclosure utilizing flexible roof-support ele-
`ments in combination with coilable side panel elements.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Portable enclosures, such as tents, have been used as
`blinds andshelters since the beginning of recorded time. The
`structure and appearance of such enclosures is as varied as
`human culture.
`
`Morerecently, portable, lightweight, durable, and afford-
`able enclosures have becomea desirable accessory for many
`outdoorrecreational activities, including camping and hunt-
`ing. The widespread availability of modern lightweight
`structures and fabrics has resulted in the proliferation of
`literally hundreds of new designs for portable enclosures.
`Among the manypopular currentstyles for tents and hunting
`blindsare the so-called “collapsible” structures that utilize a
`spring-like framework that can be easily collapsed and
`folded for transportation and storage. Such popular designs
`are typified in, for example, our current and co-pending
`application Ser. No. 10/025,279.
`These types of enclosures are inexpensive, lightweight,
`and convenient to use. However, one drawback in structures
`of this type is found in the lack of support available for the
`roof or upper portion of the enclosure. Early designs used
`the tension created by the pull of the side panels against the
`top fabric, but the tension applied to the top fabric was
`limited. Overtime, the fabric of the enclosure stretches, and
`the framework elementslose their resiliency. Eventually, the
`roof or top portion of the enclosure sags and deforms,
`restricting head roominside the enclosure and allowing the
`collection of water and debris on the roof area. In addition,
`the relaxation of fabric throughout the structure causes an
`overall loss of rigidity throughout the structure over time.
`Tt is desirable, therefore, to improve the structural integ-
`rity of existing collapsible structures by inclusion of light-
`weight and resilient frame elements that can be easily
`transported, inserted in the structure of the enclosure and
`removed with a minimum ofdifficulty, and that can be easily
`adapted to cause the roof or upper portion of the enclosure
`to conform to a particular profile,
`thereby elevating or
`extending a portion of the enclosure upward.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`The invention, therefore, is a collapsible structure com-
`prising a plurality of panel elements each having a coilable
`frame element and flexible material attached to the frame
`
`60
`
`2
`rod attached to a second location on the bottom perimeter.
`Therod is further in supporting contact with the roof portion
`of the structure.
`
`In one embodimentofthe present invention, a first corner
`and a second corner of the enclosure correspondto thefirst
`and second locations on the bottom perimeter. The at least
`one roof support rod may be made in multiple sections and
`may be madeofa flexible material. In another embodiment,
`one or more sleeves may be attached to the roof portion of
`the enclosure and the at least one roof support rod may be
`disposed within those sleeves.
`In another embodiment, the flexible material has an inner
`surface and an outer surface. Visible patterns may be pro-
`vided on either or both of the inner surface or outer surface
`
`of the flexible material. In addition, a covering element
`bearing a visible pattern on a first surface and adapted to
`surround and cover substantially all of the enclosure may be
`provided. This covering element, which may bereversible,
`may also have a secondvisible pattern on a second surface
`opposing the first surface.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a simplified and partially cut-away perspective
`view of the invention showing the relative position of the
`support rods in relation to the rest of the structure;
`FIG.3 is a perspective view of another embodimentofthe
`invention, showing the invention in a configuration wherein
`the fabric panels may be removed from the framework;
`FIG.4 is a detailed perspective view of one portion of a
`perimeter of one frame, showing the method of removing the
`resilient frame from the fabric structure;
`FIG.5 is a perspective view of the invention, showing an
`embodimentutilizing a removable cover;
`FIG.6 is a detailed perspective view of one comerof the
`invention, showing a method offixation of the removable
`cover to the underlying structure;
`FIG.7 is a perspective view of the invention, showing the
`reversibility of the removable cover;
`FIG.8 is a perspective view showingthe first step in the
`folding process of the invention;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the second step in
`the folding process of the invention;
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view showingthe third step in the
`folding process of the invention;
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the fourth step in
`the folding process of the invention;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view showingthefifth step in the
`folding process of the invention;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the invention as
`folded prior to insertion in the carrying bag;
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the relationship
`between the folded enclosure and its carrying bag.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EMBODIMENT
`
`FIG.1 illustrates one embodimentof enclosure 10. Enclo-
`sure 10 is designed with sufficient interior volume to accom-
`modate one or more occupants. The overall dimensions of
`the enclosure are selected to insure the relative comfort of
`
`element. These panels elements are joined to define an
`enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The
`bottom perimeter rests on a supporting surface. Thestructure
`has at least one roof support rod having a first end and a
`second end, with the first end of the rod attached to a first
`location on the bottom perimeter and the second endof the
`Page 9 of 12
`Page 9 of 12
`
`65
`
`the occupants in the desired activity, which, by way of
`example in this application, is of a size suitable for hunting.
`The primary components of enclosure 10 are panel elements
`12 each supported by a frame element 14 and substantially
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`3
`composed of a flexible material 16 attached to frame ele-
`ments 14. The panel elements 12 are joined together to form
`the enclosure 10, and the completed enclosure 10 includes a
`roof portion 18 and a bottom perimeter 20. The roof and
`overall structure are further supported by support rods 22.
`Again,
`in reference to the illustration of the present
`invention in FIG. 1, each panel element 12 features a frame
`element 14 captured within a sleeve 24. Frame element 14
`is typically made ofa resilient or spring-like material, such
`as spring steel, whichis strong and durable, yet lightweight.
`The sleeve 24 in which frame element 14 is captured is sewn
`or otherwise attached to flexible material 16, which provides
`the overall size, shape, and substance of panel element 12.
`Both sleeve 24 and flexible material 16 may be made from
`a traditional fabric such as Dacron orlinen, however, other
`materials, such as plastic sheeting, may be used. The size
`and shape of covering material 16 and attached sleeve 24
`determine the appropriate size of frame element 14. When
`fully constructed, these materials should be sized such that
`frame element 14 exerts a positive outward bias communi-
`cated through sleeve 24 to covering material 16, thus apply-
`ing tension to the covering material 16 interior to the sleeve
`24 and frame element 14. The frame element 14 thus
`
`provides a measure of rigidity to panel element 12. Addi-
`tional portions of covering material 16 may be provided
`exterior to the circumference formed by sleeve 24 for use in
`further defining the overall size and shape of panel element
`12 and providing margins at which panel element 12 may be
`joined to additional panel elements 12.
`Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, an alternative arrangement of
`the relationship of frame element 14 with sleeve 24 is
`shown. In this embodiment, sleeves 24 are provided with
`closure devices 26, such as zippers, velcro, or the like,
`permitting access to the interior of sleeve 24 and the removal
`or replacement of frame element 14 fromwithin sleeve 24.
`Alternatively, covering material 16 having different sizes or
`uses may be provided on frame elements 14 to allow
`additional flexibility for a user. Utilizing this method, an
`outdoorsman might carry the frame elements 14 for the
`enclosure 10 and a plurality of covering materials 16 which
`maybeinstalled upon the frame membersat will, providing
`to the occupant a wide variety of different camouflage or
`other patterns for different environments and seasons. Each
`covering material 16 maybe reversible, so that one covering
`provides two discrete patterns or colors to the user.
`Returning to FIG. 1, additional detail pertaining to the
`construction of enclosure 10 will now be described. Panel
`
`elements 12 each having a frame element 14 and covering
`material 16 provided on frame element 14 through sleeve 24
`are arranged in adjacent positions and joined at panel edges
`28. Panel elements 12 may be joined at panel edges 28 by
`a sewn seam or other appropriate means. Interior corner
`pockets 30 are provided at the lower corners of panel edges
`28. In addition, stake loops 32 may be provided on the
`exterior lower corners of panel edges 28 where adjoining
`panel elements 12 come together. Stake loops 32 may be
`used to tie or otherwise secure enclosure 10 to a mounting
`surface, as depicted in an exemplary embodiment shownin
`FIG. 7, wherein a stake 34 is used to secure the enclosure 10
`to the ground 36 through stake loop 32. Returning to FIG.1,
`joined panel elements 12 further meetat the top of enclosure
`10 to form a roof portion 18. Roof portion 18 may be formed
`from covering material 16 on panel elements 12, or it may
`be provided as a separate piece of material. Access ports,
`such as a window 38 or door 40 may be provided on one or
`more panel elements 12. Windows 38 and doors 40 mayalso
`be provided with closures such as zippers, velcro, snaps,
`Page 10 of 12
`Page 10 of 12
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`
`
`4
`buttons, or the like. These windows 38 and doors 40 permit
`ingress and egress to the user, as well as viewing ofthe area
`outside of the enclosure,
`the firing of weapons, or the
`utilization of photographic equipment. The use of reversible
`closures, such as reversible zippers, on the windows 38 and
`doors 40 of enclosure 10 ensures that the utility of such
`windows 38 and doors 40 regardless of which side of the
`covering is outermost.
`Returning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the installation and
`operation of support rods 22 will be shown.In the illustrated
`embodimentas shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, support rods 22 are
`substantially arcuate in shape. Each support rod 22 has
`support rod ends 42. Support rod ends 42 are inserted into
`and reside within corner pockets 30 formed along the lower
`portion of panel edges 28 of the enclosure 10. Support rods
`22 generally traverse panel edges 28 and are dimensioned to
`occupy the full diagonal perimeter 44 of the enclosure 10. In
`one embodiment, support rods 22 traverse the interior diago-
`nal perimeters 44 of enclosure 10 and support roof portion
`18 from within the enclosure 10. Alternatively, sleeves 46
`may be provided on the exterior of roof portion 18 of
`enclosure 10 and support rods 22 may traverse the exterior
`of the diagonal perimeter 44 of the enclosure 10, engaging
`sleeves 46, thereby supporting roof portion 18. Sleeves 46
`may be formed from any suitable material and attached to
`roof portion 18 by sewing or other means knownintheart.
`Suitable substitutes for sleeves 46 may be provided, such as
`hook-and-loop fasteners or ties that may be fastened to
`support rods 22 at various points along the diagonal perim-
`eters 44 of the enclosure 10. Each support rod 22 may be
`constructed in a unitary fashion from a rigid material,
`however, better results may be achieved if each rod 22 is
`constructed in multiple sections. These sections may be
`disassembled for easy transportation and storage. Support
`rods 22, whether unitary or sectioned, are ideally con-
`structed from a substantially rigid yet somewhat flexible
`material such as spring steel, aluminum alloys, carbon
`fibers, or composites. If constructed in a unitary fashion, it
`is desirable for support rods 22 to be made from a material
`similar to that used for frame elements 14 such that support
`rods 22 could be coiled to a diameter approximately one-
`third of their overall size for easy transportation and storage
`with collapsed enclosure 10.
`The support obtained from the use of support rods 22
`allows for an increased variety of configurations of the
`overall enclosure 10. In one embodiment, it may be prefer-
`able to significantly extend roof portion 18 in a vertical
`direction. In such an embodiment, support rods 22 may be
`dimensioned in such a way as to support a vertically
`extended roof portion 18. In another embodiment, it may be
`desirable to eliminate a frame element 14 from one panel
`element 12 on enclosure 10. This may be done to accom-
`modate a door 40 having a significantly larger size, or simply
`to conserve material used in the enclosure 10 whenit is
`carried on longtrips to remote locations. In addition to these
`embodiments, it will be appreciated that the enclosure 10
`may be provided with as many panel elements 12 as are
`suitable for a particular application. Most enclosures 10 will
`require the use ofat least three panel elements 12 for suitable
`stability, and other embodiments may have six or more panel
`elements 12. In an embodiment having an odd number of
`panel elements 12, it is desirable to allow at least one panel
`edge 28 to be opened by way of removable fasteners or the
`like (not shown) in order that all panel elements 12 may be
`properly collapsed upon each otherin preparation for coiling
`and storage.
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`5
`FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present
`invention. In this embodiment, the enclosure 10 includes a
`removable covering 48 bearing a visible pattern 50. The
`covering 48 is manufactured in a size slightly larger than the
`outside dimension of the erected enclosure 10.
`In this
`
`fashion, the covering 48 bearing a visible pattern 50 may be
`drawn overthe exterior of enclosure 10, much as a glove is
`drawn over a hand, providing a new appearance for the
`enclosure 10. In this embodiment, the covering 48 bears a
`color, camouflage, background-matching, or other visible
`pattern 50 which is different from the color, camouflage,
`background-matching, or other visible pattern of the under-
`lying enclosure 10. Removable covering 48 may be con-
`structed from any appropriate material, including materials
`lighter in weight than materials used for covering material
`16, as removable covering 48 is dimensioned such that it
`does not bear the tensioning stresses provided by frame
`elements 14 and support rods 22. Removable covering 48 is
`also provided with one or more windows 52 and doors 54,
`preferably dimensionedto align substantially with windows
`38 and doors 40 of underlying enclosure 10 when removable
`covering 48is in a fully installed position. Windows 52 and
`doors 54 are provided with appropriate closures, such as
`zippers, velcro, snaps, or the like to permit repeated opening
`and closing of windows 52 and doors 54. Fasteners 56 are
`provided at appropriate intervals along bottom perimeter 20
`of enclosure 10 to aid in securing covering 48 to enclosure
`10. As can be seen in detail in FIG. 6, a corresponding
`fastener is provided along the bottom margin 60 of remov-
`able covering 48 to cooperate with fastener 56 on enclosure
`10 and thus secure removable covering 48 to enclosure 10.
`Fasteners 56 and 58 may be any fastener suitable for the
`application, such as velcro, snaps, ties, buttons, or thelike.
`Bottom margin 60 of removable covering 48 may be further
`provided with slits 62 at the corners to accommodate stake
`loops 32.
`FIG.7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
`invention in which removable covering 48 is also reversible.
`In this embodiment, removable covering 48 bears a first
`visible pattern 50 on oneside and a secondvisible pattern 64
`on the reverse side of removable covering 48.
`Turning now to FIGS. 8-13, the collapsing of the enclo-
`sure 10 will be described. The collapsing process may be
`performed with the frame elements 14 alone, with the frame
`elements 14 covered by a covering material 16, or with the
`frame elements 14 covered by the covering material 16 and
`one or more removable coverings 48. In the embodiment
`shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 10 comprises four panels
`elements 12, each having a frame element 14, and erected in
`such a fashion as to present a quadrilateral enclosure 10
`having a roof portion 18. After removing roof support rods
`22, inasmuch as the covering material 16 is flexible, the
`enclosure 10 maybeflattened, as shown in FIG.8 by urging
`panel element 12a against panel element 12c and panel
`element 125 against panel element 12d. In this configura-
`tion, the frame element 14a associated with panel element
`12a is brought into contact with frame element 14c associ-
`ated with panel element 12c, and frame element 14asso-
`ciated with panel element 126 is brought into contact with
`frame element 14d associated with panel element 12d.
`Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, panel elements 12a@ and 12c
`and associated frame elements 14a and 14c are folded in the
`direction of the arrow,
`thereby stacking panel elements
`12a-12d against one another, thereby bringing into super-
`imposed contact frame elements 14a—14d. Next, as shown in
`FIG. 10, simply twisting the stack of superimposed frame
`members into a U-shaped configuration initiates the folding
`Page 11 of 12
`Page 11 of 12
`
`6
`process. A second twist as shown by the arrowsin FIG. 11
`results in the formation of three overlapping coils ofresilient
`material each having a substantially smaller diameter than
`the diameter of the frame members above-described. The
`three coils 66, 68, and 70 are shown in FIG. 12. When the
`three coils 66, 68, and 70 are superimposed, they form a
`compact package 72 which maybeeasily transported. In the
`preferred embodiment, the invention is provided with a
`container 74 adapted to enclose and restrain the collapsed
`enclosure or framework. The container 74 may be provided
`with one or more pockets (not shown) in which to store one
`or more removable coverings 48. Further, the container may
`be provided with shoulder straps 76 and a closure 78 to
`facilitate carrying.In this fashion, the user may conveniently
`carry the framework,the principal enclosure, or the frame-
`work,principal fabric covering, and a plurality of additional
`coverings.
`While the invention has been described in connection
`with what is presently considered to be the most practical
`embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
`to be limited to those disclosed embodiments. To the con-
`
`is intended to cover various modifications and
`it
`trary,
`equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope
`of the appended claims, which scope is intended to be
`accorded the broadest interpretation so as encompass all
`such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted
`under the law.
`
`Accordingly, we claim:
`
`The invention claimed is:
`
`1. Acollapsible structure, comprising:
`a plurality of panel elements each having a coilable frame
`element and flexible material attached to the frame
`element,
`the flexible material of the panel elements joined to define
`an enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom
`perimeter,
`said bottom perimeter resting on a supporting surface,
`at least one roof support rod having a first end and a
`second end,
`the first end of the at least one roof support rod attached
`to a first location on the bottom perimeter, the second
`end of the at least one roof support rod attached to a
`second location on the bottom perimeter,
`the at least one roof support rod in supporting contact with
`the roof portion,
`a covering element bearing a visible pattern on a first
`surface and adapted to surround and coversubstantially
`all of said enclosure,
`wherein said covering elementfurther comprises a second
`surface opposing said first surface and bearing a second
`visible pattern, and
`wherein said covering element is reversible so that the
`secondsurface is selectively visible from the exterior of
`the enclosure.
`
`2. Acollapsible structure, comprising:
`four panel elements each having a coilable frame element
`and flexible material attached to the frame element,
`the flexible material of the four panel elements joined to
`define an enclosure having a roof portion and a first
`corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth
`corner, wherein the first and third corners are opposite
`corners, and the second and fourth corners are opposite
`corners,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`said first, second, third, and fourth corners resting on a
`supporting surface,
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`

`

`US 7,137,399 B1
`
`7
`a first roof support rod and a second roof support rod each
`having a first end and a second end,
`the first end of the first roof support rod attached to the
`first corner,
`the second endofthe first roof support rod attached to the
`third corner,
`the first end of the second roof support rod attached to the
`second corner,
`the second end of the second roof support rod attached to
`the fourth corner,
`the first and second roof support rods in supporting
`contact with the roof portion,
`
`10
`
`8
`a covering element bearing a visible pattern on a first
`surface and adapted to surround and coversubstantially
`all of said enclosure,
`wherein said covering element further comprises a second
`surface opposing said first surface and bearing a second
`visible pattern, and
`wherein said covering element is reversible so that the
`secondsurface is selectively visible from the exterior of
`the enclosure.
`
`Page 12 of 12
`Page 12 of 12
`
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1004
`
`