Abstract
A foldable structure includes an internal substructure and an external substructure. The internal substructure is configured to be alternatively positioned in a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. The external substructure is coupled to an outer portion of the internal substructure. The internal substructure includes a plurality of supports that are movable between a supporting position and a non-supporting position and are configured to releasably connect to each other. The supports are configured to allow the internal substructure to travel between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration when the supports are positioned in their respective non-supporting positions. The supports are configured to retain the internal substructure in the expanded configuration when the supports are positioned in their respective supporting positions.
Claims
1. A foldable structure comprising: an internal substructure configured to be alternatively positioned in a folded configuration and an expanded configuration; wherein the internal substructure comprises a foldable sheet comprising at least a pair of opposed bias tabs; wherein each of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs is movable between a supporting position and a non-supporting position; wherein each of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs is configured to allow the internal substructure to travel between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration when each tab is positioned in its respective non-supporting position; wherein each of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs is configured to retain the internal substructure in the expanded configuration when each tab is positioned in its respective supporting position; wherein the opposed bias tabs are configured to releasably connect to each other in an interlocking engagement when the internal substructure is positioned in the expanded configuration and each tab is positioned in its respective supporting position; and an external substructure coupled to an outer portion of the internal substructure.
2. The foldable structure of claim 1, wherein the foldable sheet comprises at least one center fold crease; and wherein the at least one center fold crease extends through at least a first tab of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs.
3. The foldable structure of claim 2, wherein the internal substructure is inhibited from being folded about the at least one center fold crease when the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs are positioned in their respective supporting positions; and wherein the internal substructure is not inhibited from being folded about the at least one center fold crease when the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs are positioned in their respective non-supporting positions.
4. The foldable structure of claim 3, wherein the internal substructure further comprises a plurality of foldable side sections; wherein the plurality of foldable side sections define a platform substructure when the internal substructure is in the expanded configuration; and wherein the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs reinforce the platform substructure when the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs are positioned in their respective supporting positions.
5. The foldable structure of claim 1, wherein a first tab of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs comprises a first interlocking element and a second tab of the at least a pair of opposed bias tabs comprises a second interlocking element that is operable to mate with the first interlocking element when the tabs are in the supporting position.
6. The foldable structure of claim 1, further comprising a decorative substructure secured to the internal substructure.
7. The foldable structure of claim 1, wherein the internal substructure is substantially flat when positioned in the folded configuration.
8. A foldable structure having: (a) a base configured to be alternatively positioned in a folded configuration and an expanded configuration; and (b) a plurality of foldable supports extending from the base, at least one of the plurality of foldable supports having a respective connector; wherein each foldable support is foldable between a supporting position and a non-supporting position relative to the base; wherein the foldable supports are configured to permit the base to travel between its folded configuration and its expanded configuration when each foldable support is in its respective non-supporting position; wherein the foldable supports are configured to inhibit the base from collapsing from its expanded configuration to its folded configuration when each foldable support is in its respective supporting position; and wherein the respective connector of each of the at least one foldable support having a respective connector is configured to releasably engage at least one other foldable support when each foldable support is in its respective supporting position.
9. The foldable structure of claim 8 further comprising an external substructure comprising a collapsible wall coupled to the base, wherein the collapsible wall is configured to be alternatively positioned in a folded configuration and an expanded configuration respectively corresponding to the folded and expanded configurations of the base; and wherein the base and the collapsible wall are configured to travel between their respective folded configuration and expanded configuration at the same time.
10. The foldable structure of claim 9, wherein the foldable supports are configured to inhibit the collapsible wall from moving to its folded configuration when each foldable support is in its respective supporting position.
11. The foldable structure of claim 10, wherein the collapsible wall of the external structure defines a receiving cavity, wherein the base and foldable supports are securely retained in the receiving cavity.
12. The foldable structure of claim 8, wherein each of the foldable supports comprises a respective connector, and wherein the connectors are mating connectors.
13. The foldable structure of claim 8, wherein each of the foldable supports comprises a respective connector, and wherein the connectors are configured to connect with each other in an interlocking engagement.
14. The foldable structure of claim 8, wherein the base comprises at least one center fold line; and wherein the base is configured to fold about the at least one center fold line to substantially flatten the base when in the folded configuration.
15. The foldable structure of claim 14, wherein each foldable support adjoins the base at a corresponding support fold line along the base; wherein each support fold line is oriented at an angle relative to the at least one center fold line; and wherein each foldable support is configured to be substantially planar with an adjoining portion of the base when the foldable support is in its non-supporting position.
16. The foldable structure of claim 15, wherein each foldable support is configured to rest at an angle relative to the base about the corresponding support fold line when the foldable support is in its supporting position.
17. The foldable structure of claim 16, wherein each foldable support is configured to rest at an angle of between approximately 105 degrees and approximately 165 degrees relative to the base about the corresponding support fold line when the foldable support is in its supporting position.
18. The foldable structure of claim 17, wherein the foldable supports are configured to fold in opposite directions relative to one another.
19. The foldable structure of claim 8, wherein the base comprises a brace section and a plurality of foldable side sections extending from the brace section; wherein the brace section and the plurality of side sections define a platform substructure when the base is in the expanded configuration; and wherein the brace section and the plurality of foldable supports define a support substructure that reinforces the platform substructure when the base is in the expanded configuration and each foldable support is in its respective supporting position.
20. The foldable structure of claim 8 further comprising a decorative substructure; wherein the decorative substructure is configured to be alternatively positioned in a folded configuration and an expanded configuration respectively corresponding to the folded and expanded configurations of the base; and wherein the base and the foldable supports are configured to support a weight of the decorative substructure when each foldable support is in its respective supporting position and the respective connector of each of the at least one foldable support having a respective connector is in engagement with the at least one other foldable support.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided below with reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable bouquet structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a die cut sheet that may be used as the interior core of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a foldable bouquet structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective of the vase and core substructures of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4, in their expanded configuration;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a die cut sheet that may be used as the interior core of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a front perspective of the vase and core shown in FIG. 5, in their collapsed configuration;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the core of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4 in its collapsed configuration;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a plan of the bouquet of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4 in its collapsed configuration;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a plan of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4 in its collapsed configuration;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the core of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4 in its expanded configuration, with its respective bias tab sections positioned in-plane with its center brace;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a bottom side perspective of the core as it is shown in FIG. 11;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a bottom side perspective of the core shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 with its respective bias tab sections folded in their supporting position and connected in interlocking engagement;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the core as it is shown in FIG. 13;
[0022] FIG. 15 is bottom plan of the vase and core of the foldable bouquet structure shown in FIG. 4 in their expanded configuration, with the bias tab sections of the core positioned in-plane with the center brace thereof;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan of the vase and core shown in FIG. 15, with the bias tab sections folded in their supporting position and connected in interlocking engagement;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a top plan of the vase and core shown in FIG. 16; and
[0025] FIG. 18 is a plan view of an alternative die cut sheet that may be used as the interior core of a square or rectangular foldable bouquet structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention is directed to a foldable structure that is transformable from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration in which interlocking support elements fortify the foldable structure. While the invention will be described in detail below with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific configuration of any of these embodiments. In addition, although the exemplary embodiments are described as embodying several different inventive features, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of these features could be implemented without the others in accordance with the invention.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0027] A foldable structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as reference number 10. The foldable structure 10 is configured to be stored in a folded or collapsed configuration and displayed in an expanded configuration. When folded, the structure 10 may resemble a large greeting card that can be placed in a large envelope (not shown). When unfolded, the structure 10 generally resembles a floral bouquet. The structure 10 includes three folded cutout elements: an external substructure in the form of a vase 20, an ornamental substructure in the form of a bouquet 30, and an internal substructure in the form of an interior core 40, the characteristics of each being described in greater detail herein. The vase 20 and bouquet 30 provide the appearance of a floral arrangement in a vase or a pot, and the interior core 40 provides form for the structure 10 when expanded. In one embodiment, the vase 20, the bouquet 30, and the interior core 40 are each formed from individual sheets of die cut card stock. Of course, in some embodiments, additional sheets or materials may be added to contribute to the aesthetic or structural integrity of the structure 10.
[0028] The bouquet 30 may be secured to the interior core 40 or the vase 20 with a fastener or an adhesive. For example, in one embodiment, the bouquet 30 is secured to the interior core 40 with a hook and loop interface at multiple contact sites, allowing the bouquet 30 to expand and collapse cooperatively with the interior core 40. In some embodiments, the interior core 40 is secured to the vase 20 in a manner that permits both to expand and collapse cooperatively with one another.
[0029] As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vase 20 is defined by a vertical wall 22 that expands to a hollowed hexagonal prism shape with an open top and bottom when the structure 10 is expanded. It will be appreciated that the inside faces of the vertical wall 22 generally define an interior chamber 24 that houses the interior core 40 and a lower portion 32 of the bouquet 30 in both the collapsed and expanded configurations. As will be further explained in greater detail, the interior core 40 is configured to retain the vase 20 in its hexagonal shape when the structure 10 is expanded.
[0030] As is shown in FIG. 1, the bouquet 30 has features that are generally characteristic of pop-up decorative elements and has the overall appearance of a three-dimensional floral arrangement when the structure 10 is expanded. The lower portion 32 of the bouquet 30 is located below an upper edge 26 of the vertical wall 22 of the vase 20, providing the appearance of plants projecting upward from inside the vase 20.
[0031] It will be appreciated that other ornamental substructures can be used instead of or in addition to the bouquet 30. As non-limiting examples, ornamental substructures can take the form of flowers, leaves, abstract shapes and written messages. Additional features such as foil, ribbons, and electronic lighting/audio equipment can be added to the ornamental substructures to create a more festive aestheticfor example, these features could resemble holiday or birthday paraphernalia. Depending on the quantity and physical properties of the ornamental substructures added to the folded structure, the overall weight of the folded structure can be substantial. It will be seen that interior core 40 provides sufficient support to retain the expanded shape of the folded structure for ornamental substructures having a variety of weights.
[0032] As is best seen in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the interior core 40 is provided in the form of a die cut sheet 42 that is shaped and folded to fit inside the interior chamber 24 of the vase 20 in both the folded and expanded configurations. In particular, sheet 42 is configured to transform between a substantially flat collapsed form and an expanded form that simultaneously braces the vase 20 in its expanded hexagonal shape and supports the bouquet 30 from beneath. To enable this transformation, the sheet 42 in this embodiment has substantially identical left and right wings 46A and 46B which are folded at particular fold distances to define respective left and right base sections when the structure 10 is in the expanded configuration (as is generally shown in FIG. 2).
[0033] Referring still to FIG. 3, the contours of the sheet 42 when flattened will be described in relation to the foldable structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sheet 42 is generally defined by a center portion 44 and left and right wings 46A, 46B which function as foldable side sections, as will be described in greater detail below. The center portion 44 generally includes a brace section 50 and opposing bias tab sections 60 and 62 extending generally orthogonally relative to the left and right wings 46A and 46B. Bias tab sections 60 and 62 include respective interlocking elements 64, 66further details of which will be described below. The left and right wings 46A, 46B generally include symmetrical sections that extend laterally outward from the brace section 50 in the following order: outward support sections 52A and 52B, upper base sections 54A and 54B, central support sections 56A/57A and 56B/57B, and lower base sections 58A and 58B. Adjacent sections are generally divided by creases as indicated by the score lines depicted in FIG. 3, which facilitate folding along these creases.
[0034] When sheet 42 is viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 3, the sections of the left and right wings 46A, 46B are configured to fold backward relative to the center portion 44 until the front faces of lower base sections 58A and 58B generally contact a rear face of the brace section 50 and are respectively secured thereto. Additionally, the front faces of outward support sections 52A and 52B are respectively secured to opposing portions of the inside surface of vertical wall 22. The center portion 44 includes a center crease 70 (or, in alternative embodiments, a plurality of parallel creases spaced closely together) to facilitate an inward folding motion that permits the interior core 40 to flatten when the structure 10 is in its collapsed configuration. As the structure 10 is folded into or out of its expanded configuration, sections 52A and 52B, 54A and 54B, 56A/57A and 56B/57B, and 58A and 58B collectively move relative to one another so that the left and right wings 46A, 46B can alternatively achieve a platform-like configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, and the flattened shape as described above. It will be appreciated that the sections 52A and 52B, 54A and 54B, 56A/57A and 56B/57B, and 58A and 58B can be designed to introduce a bias that urges the outward support sections 52A and 52B (and respective portions of the vertical wall 22) in a generally outward direction when the structure 10 is in its expanded configuration. Meanwhile, tension in the brace section 50 may provide a maximum outward travel distance.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the sheet 42 includes lengthwise creases 72 and 74 that define the boundaries between the brace section 50 and respective bias tab sections 60 and 62. As best seen in FIG. 2, the bias tab sections 60 and 62 are configured to be folded along the creases 72 and 74 in a direction opposite the fold orientation of sections 52A and 52B, 54A and 54B, 56A/57A and 56B/57B, and 58A and 58B as described above. In other words, when the structure 10 is in its expanded configuration, the bias tab sections 60 and 62 may be folded outward at an angle relative to the left and right wings 46A and 46B. In the illustrated embodiment, the bias tab sections 60 and 62 are configured to be folded approximately 150 degrees, although the exact size and respective fold angles of one or both of the bias tab sections can differ in other embodiments from approximately 105 degrees to approximately 165 degrees.
[0036] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bias tab sections 60 and 62 include respective interlocking elements 64 and 66. In the illustrated embodiment, interlocking element 66 includes a pronounced head and a neck that are dimensioned to mate with interlocking element 64, which is a formed indentation in bias tab section 60 with rounded throat edges. It will be appreciated that interlocking elements in alternative embodiments can have different shapes and dimensions without departing from the scope of the present invention. As non-limiting examples, alternative structures could use hooks or slots. In use, the bias tab sections 60 and 62 can be folded outward and the interlocking elements 64 and 66 positioned in interlocking engagement after the structure 10 has been fully expanded.
[0037] Advantages of the interlocking bias tab sections 60 and 62 include the following: [0038] a. When the bias tab sections 60 and 62 are in interlocking engagement, a three-dimensional truss substructure (or more broadly, a support substructure) is formed. This reinforces the bias from the folded sections 52A and 52B, 54A and 54B, 56A/57A and 56B/57B, and 58A and 58B and prevents or inhibits the crease 70 from folding. This also provides additional support along the creases 72 and 74, which can buckle without reinforcement. [0039] b. The interlocking elements 64 and 66 are substantially flat, which allows the structure 10 to be folded flat. [0040] c. The interlocking elements 64 and 66 have a reliable but easy-to-handle form factor so that users can complete the assembly without the need for additional tools and so that users can identify the interlocking elements for quicker use.
[0041] When a user wants to collapse the structure 10, the interlocking elements 64 and 66 can be disengaged from one another and the bias tab sections 60 and 62 can be restored to a generally flat orientation.
[0042] A foldable structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 as reference number 110. Further details about the components and operation of foldable structure 110 are broadly described in connection with FIGS. 4-17. The foldable structure 110 is configured to be stored in a folded or collapsed configuration (as shown in FIG. 10) and displayed in an expanded configuration (as shown in FIG. 4). The structure 110 includes an external substructure 120 (e.g., a vase), an ornamental substructure 130 (e.g., a bouquet) and an internal substructure 140 (e.g., an interior core), whose structural and aesthetic characteristics are substantially the same as the vase 20, bouquet 30 and core 40 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7, the vase 120 includes a vertical wall 122. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 15-17, the inside faces of wall 122 generally define an interior chamber 124 that houses the interior core 140 and a lower portion 132 of the bouquet 130 (as shown in FIG. 4) when the structure 110 is in both the collapsed and expanded configurations. It will be appreciated that vertical wall 122 of substructure 120 expands to a hollowed cylindrical shape with an open top and bottom when the structure 110 is expanded. As will be further explained in greater detail, the interior core 140 is configured to retain the vase 120 in its cylindrical shape when the structure 110 is expanded. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 15-17, the vase 120 includes an accessory 128 attached to upper edge 126 of wall 122 for displaying printed and/or handwritten greetings or iconography.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 9, the bouquet 130 may include an upper portion 131 with decorative elements and a lower portion 132 that includes one or more hook and loop features 134 that allow the bouquet to be secured to the interior core 140 at corresponding contact sites 148 (as best shown in FIG. 17), allowing the bouquet 130 to expand and collapse cooperatively with the interior core 140. The lower portion 132 can have a collapsible structure similar to the interior core 140. As generally seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 14-17, the interior core 140 is secured to the wall 122 of the vase 120 in a manner that permits both the core and the vase to expand and collapse at the same time with one another in cooperative motion.
[0044] As is best seen in FIG. 6, the interior core 140 is provided in the form of a die cut sheet 142 that is shaped and folded to fit inside the interior chamber 124 of the vase 120 in both the folded and expanded configurations. As generally shown in FIGS. 8 and 11-14, sheet 142 is configured to transform between a substantially flat collapsed form (FIG. 8) and an expanded form (FIGS. 11-14) that simultaneously braces the vase 120 in its expanded cylindrical shape and supports the bouquet 130 from beneath. To enable this transformation, the sheet 142 in this embodiment has substantially identical left and right wings 146A and 146B with rounded edges that are folded at particular fold distances to define respective left and right base sections when the structure 110 is in the expanded configuration (as is generally shown in FIGS. 5 and 15-17).
[0045] Referring again to FIG. 6, the sheet 142 is generally defined by a center portion 144 and left and right wings 146A, 146B which function as foldable side sections, as will be described in greater detail below. The center portion 144 generally includes a brace section 150 and opposing bias tab sections 160 and 162, which have respective interlocking elements 164, 166 and share similar structure and function to corresponding sections 50, 60, 62 and interlocking elements 64 and 66 discussed above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. It will be appreciated that the bias tab sections 160, 162 have curved outer edges that generally match the rounded shape of wall 122 when fully expanded, as is best shown in FIG. 15. The left and right wings 146A, 146B include symmetrical sections that extend laterally outward from the brace section 150 in the following order: outward support sections 152A and 152B, upper base sections 154A and 154B, central support sections 156A/157A and 156B/157B, and lower base sections 158A and 158B. Adjacent sections are generally divided by one or more creases as indicated by the score lines depicted in FIG. 6, which facilitate folding along these creases. As best shown in FIG. 11, the upper base sections 154A, 154B include hook and loop features 148 which face upward when the core 140 is fully expanded. It will be appreciated that the hook and loop features 148 are configured to mate with corresponding hook and loop features 134 on the lower portion 132 of bouquet 130 (as shown in FIG. 9) so the bouquet can be removably secured to the core 140 in a manner that allows the bouquet and the core to move cooperatively during use, as will be described below.
[0046] When viewing the sheet 142 in the orientation shown in FIG. 6, the various sections of the left and right wings 146A, 146B are configured to fold backward relative to the center portion 144 until the front faces of lower base sections 158A and 158B generally contact a rear face of the brace section 150 and are respectively secured thereto, as is generally shown in FIGS. 11-12 and 14. Additionally, the front faces of outward support sections 152A and 152B are respectively secured to opposing portions of the inside surface of vertical wall 122. Referring again to FIG. 6, the center portion 144 includes two center creases 170A, 170B to facilitate an inward folding motion that permits the interior core 140 to flatten substantially when the structure 110 is in its collapsed configuration. As the structure 110 is folded into or out of its expanded configuration, sections 152A and 152B, 154A and 154B, 156A/157A and 156B/157B, and 158A and 158B collectively move relative to one another so that the left and right wings 146A, 146B can alternatively achieve a three-dimensional platform substructure, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, and the collapsed configuration as discussed above and shown in FIG. 8.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, when the core 140 is in the collapsed configuration, the brace section 150 and bias tab sections 160, 162 are folded in half about the fold creases 170A, 170B. On one side (visible in FIG. 8), the outward support section 152A extends from the brace section 150 in generally the same plane as the adjoining portion of the brace section and corresponding portions of the bias tab sections 160, 162. The upper base section 154A is then folded inward relative to the outward support section 152A, and the central support sections 156A and 157A extend from the outward support section in generally the same plane. It will be appreciated that the lower base section 158A (not visible in FIG. 8) is folded inward again relative to the central support section 157A so that it is located between the planes generally defined by the brace section 150/outward support section 152A and upper base section 154A/central support sections 156A and 157A. This positioning allows the lower base section 158A to be secured to a corresponding portion of the brace section 150 as generally described above. Corresponding features of the core 140 on the other side (not visible in FIG. 8), including portions of the brace section 150, bias tabs 160, 162, and support sections 152B, 154B, 156B/157B, and 158B, are folded in a substantially symmetrical formation on that side. It will be appreciated that additional planes on this side are generally defined by each of: (1) the outward support section 152B and corresponding portions of the brace section 150 and bias tabs 160, 162; (2) the upper base section 154B and central support sections 156B/157B; and (3) the lower base section 158B.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 11-12, when the core 140 is in the expanded configuration, the brace section 150, bias tabs 160 and 162, and support sections 152A and 152B, 154A and 154B, 156A/157A and 156B and 157B, and 158A/158B are reconfigured to define a three-dimensional platform substructure. The brace section 150, bias tabs 160 and 162, and lower base sections 158A, 158B define a substantially planar lower end of the core 140, which enables the bias tabs 160 and 162 to fold about fold creases 172 and 174 to achieve their respective supporting positions as discussed in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 13-14. Similarly, the upper base sections 154A, 154B define a substantially planar upper end of the core 140 in the expanded configuration, which creates a substantially flat surface upon which decorative features such as the bouquet 130 can be supported.
[0049] It will be appreciated that the sections 152A and 152B, 154A and 154B, 156A/157A and 156B/157B, and 158A and 158B can be designed to introduce a bias that urges the outward support sections 152A and 152B (and respective portions of the vertical wall 122) in a generally outward direction that resists collapse when the structure 110 is in its expanded configuration. Additionally, tension in the brace section 150 provides a maximum outward travel distance for the structure 110.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 6, the sheet 142 includes lengthwise creases 172 and 174 that define the boundaries between the brace section 150 and respective bias tab sections 160 and 162. As best seen in FIGS. 12-14 the bias tab sections 160 and 162 are configured to be folded along the creases 172 and 174 in a direction opposite the fold orientation of sections 152A and 152B, 154A and 154B, 156A/157A and 156B/157B, and 158A and 158B as described above. In other words, as is best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the structure 110 is in its expanded configuration, the bias tab sections 160 and 162 can be folded in a first direction (e.g., upward) relative to the brace section 150, while the sequential sections of the left and right wings 146A and 146B are folded in a second direction (e.g., downward) relative to the brace section. As will be described in greater detail below, the differing folding directions of these sections permit the formation of a truss (support) substructure (defined by brace section 150 and bias tab sections 160, 162) extending in one direction and a platform substructure (defined by the folded sections of wings 146A, 146B) extending in another direction.
[0051] Referring still to FIGS. 6 and 12-16, the bias tab sections 160 and 162 include respective interlocking elements 164 and 166. Interlocking element 166 includes a pronounced head and a neck that are dimensioned to mate with interlocking element 164, which is a formed indentation in bias tab section 160 with rounded throat edges. In use, the bias tab sections 160 and 162 can be folded outward and the interlocking elements 164 and 166 positioned in interlocking engagement after the structure 110 has been fully expanded, as best shown in FIG. 13.
[0052] An exemplary process of assembling and configuring the structure 110 for display will now be described in connection with FIGS. 4-5, 7, 9-10 and 15-17. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, the vase 120 and core 140 are provided together in a collapsed form, and the bouquet 130 is provided in a separate collapsed form. A user assembles the structure 110 by inserting the lower portion 132 of bouquet 130 into an upper portion of interior chamber 124 and connecting the hook and loop features 134 of the bouquet with corresponding hook and loop features 148 of core 140. As is shown in FIG. 10, the assembled structure 110 can be provided in a folded configuration, with the core 140 being substantially collapsed and fold creases 170A, 170B being oriented downward (as is generally shown in FIG. 8). A user may place the structure 110 in its expanded position by applying an outward force to the wall 122 and pressing on the brace section 150 so it unfolds in conjunction with the sections 152A and 152B, 154A and 154B, 156A/157A and 156B/157B, and 158A and 158B. As is best seen in FIGS. 11-12, 15 and 17, the core 140 can be expanded to take the form of a three-dimensional support structure that is defined by the sections 150, 158A and 158B at its base, the sections 154A and 154B at its top, and sections 152A, 152B, 156A/157A and 156B/157B extending therebetween. It will be appreciated that the bouquet 130 is configured to expand with the core 140 when the core is expanded, as generally shown in FIG. 4.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 13-14 and 16, after the core 140 reaches its expanded configuration, the user can fold the bias tab sections 160, 162 outward relative to the brace section 150 to reinforce the core 140 and wall 122 of vase 120. It will be appreciated that the bias tab sections 160 and 162 are folded generally perpendicular to the fold creases 170A, 170B to their respective supporting positions. The user may subsequently connect the interlocking elements 164 and 166 in releasable engagement to form a truss substructure (broadly, support structure), defined by the brace section 150 and bias tab sections 160, 162, which reinforces the brace section 150 to resist collapse about the fold creases 170A, 170B. To reach their respective supporting positions, the bias tab sections 160, 162 are respectively folded about the bias tab fold creases 172, 174. It will be appreciated that the bias tab fold creases 172, 174 are positioned at an angle with respect to the center fold creases 170A, 170B so that the bias tab sections 160, 162 extend outward at an angle from the brace section 150 with respect to the center fold lines. It will additionally be appreciated that the bias tab sections 160, 162 and bias tab fold creases 172, 174 extend across the center fold creases 170A, 170B. When the bias tab sections 160, 162 are in their respective non-supporting positions, the bias tabs are readily able to fold about the center fold creases 170A, 170B together with the brace section 150.
[0054] The structure 110 is configured to retain its expanded form (and support the weight of all objects placed thereon) when the bias tab sections are in interlocking engagement in their respective supporting positions until a user wishes to collapse the structure. At such a time, the user may disengage the interlocking elements 164 and 166, returning the bias tab sections 160, 162 to be substantially planar with the adjoining central portion of brace section 150. Subsequently, the core 140, bouquet 130, and vase 120 can be collapsed. Thus, the construction of the structure 110 allows for a relatively quick and user-friendly collapsing process, allowing for easy storage, transportation, and/or dismantling. It will be appreciated that the structure 110 can be fully expanded and collapsed multiple times, and that the interlocking elements 164 and 166 can be engaged and disengaged multiple times.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiments, the vases 20, 120, the bouquets 30, 130, and the interior cores 40, 140 are made from 65 # card stock, and more specifically 350 GSM BOHUI C25-35ZAC2. The composition and thickness of the card stock provides a balance between rigidity and flexibility so the structures 10, 110 can retain their intended form while permitting enough movement for a user to drive the elements between their respective folded and expanded configurations.
[0056] In alternative embodiments, different types of card stock may be used for one or more of the elements. For example, an ornamental substructure with thin, stem-like features may require thicker stock for support while an ornamental substructure with leaf-like characteristics may use thinner stock to create a more organic aesthetic. Additionally, it is contemplated that other lightweight, semi-rigid substrates may be used instead of card stock, such as synthetic paper, thin plastic, and other suitable materials. It will be appreciated that the exact dimensions, shapes, and orientations of the interlocking elements (64, 164 and 66, 166) may be adapted based on the material of the substrates being used.
[0057] As can be seen generally in FIGS. 3, 6, and 18, sheets can be adapted to conform to foldable vase structures of varying shapes and sizes. For example, the sheet 42 shown in FIG. 3 is adapted to fit in the hexagonal vase 20 shown in FIGS. 1-2. Meanwhile, the sheet 142 shown in FIG. 6 is adapted to fit in the cylindrical vase 120 shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 14-17. In another alternative embodiment, the sheet 242 shown in FIG. 18 is adapted to fit in a square or rectangular vase. It can be appreciated that other sheets can be adapted to function as cores for foldable vase structures of other geometries and sizes (e.g., frustoconical, polyhedral). Although the center crease 70 and center fold creases 170A and 170B described herein are located generally near the physical centers of their respective interior core substructures, it will be appreciated that the term center is not limited to an exact center, for example, the foldable structures broadly described herein may have multiple fold lines spaced apart from an exact center line or may be asymmetrical.
General Information
[0058] The description set forth above provides several exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each exemplary embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0059] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., such as or for example) provided with respect to certain embodiments is intended merely to better describe the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the description should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0060] The use of the terms comprises, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such structure.
[0061] The use of relative relational terms, such as first and second, are used solely to distinguish one unit or action from another unit or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such units or actions.
[0062] Finally, while the present invention has been described and illustrated hereinabove with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications could be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific configurations of the exemplary embodiments, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.
