| 摘要 |
<p>Collapsible structures (20) are provided having at least two collapsible flexible loop members (22,24), each loop member defining a closed loop and having an upper and a lower edge (30,34,32,36). Each loop member (22,24) is capable of assuming an expanded position and a collapsed position. Two adjacent loop members (22,24) overlap each other at a first overlapping point (26) along the upper edges (30,34) of the two adjacent loop members (22,24), and at a second overlapping point (28) along the lower edges (32,36) of the two adjacent loop members (22,24). The overlapping loop members (22,24) define a hinge portion about which the two adjacent loop members are pivotable, with the hinge portion positioned vertically with respect to the ground. A fabric (40,42) is provided for substantially covering each loop member (22,24), each loop member (22,24) substantially supporting the fabric (40,42) in particular areas so that the fabric (40,42) assumes the particular configuration of the loop member (22,24) in its expanded position. The loop members (22,24) and their associated fabric (40,42) are foldable on top of each other about their respective hinge portions to have the loop members (22,24) and their associated fabric (40,42) overlaying each other, and the overlaying loop members (22,24) are then collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric rings and layers of fabric to substantially reduce the size of the structure (20) in the collapsed position. <IMAGE></p> |
