Collapsible signage structures

Abstract

A collapsible structure includes at least three panels, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.

1 . A collapsible structure, comprising: 
 at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space;    an image provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels; and    a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.    
   
   
       2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the image is removably connected to the fabric.  
   
   
       3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric of each panel includes at least one opening.  
   
   
       4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one panel has a pocket in which the weight is retained.  
   
   
       5 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one panel is a first panel, further including a second weight coupled to a second panel.  
   
   
       6 . The structure of  claim 5 , wherein the second panel has a pocket in which the second weight is retained.  
   
   
       7 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the panels are hingedly connected along their side edges.  
   
   
       8 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the panels is flat.  
   
   
       9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the weight is removable from the at least one panel.  
   
   
       10 . A method for displaying a message, comprising: 
 a. providing a collapsible structure, comprising: 
 at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space; and  
 a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.  
   b. providing the message on the fabric of at least one of the panels.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein step (b) includes removably connecting the message to the fabric.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further including providing at least one opening on the fabric of each panel.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , further including connecting side edges of the panels.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , further including providing the weight in a pocket of the first panel.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further including providing another weight in a pocket of the second panel.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 10 , further including: 
 folding the panels one on top of each other to form a stack of panels; and    twisting and folding the stack of panels to form a plurality of concentric frame members and layers of the panels.    
   
   
       17 . A collapsible barrier, comprising: 
 at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space; and    a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.    
   
   
       18 . The barrier of  claim 17 , further including an image provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels.