Collapsible structure

Abstract

Collapsible structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, the collapsible structure includes a plurality of hinges and a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels are swingably connected by the plurality of hinges so as to form at least one arch when the collapsible structure is in an erected state and so as to become at least one stack of the plurality of panels in a collapsed state. The panels allow for the collapsible structure to maintain its structural integrity when erected but to have a compact and transportable configuration when collapsed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible structure, comprising:
 a plurality of hinges;   a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels is swingably connected by the plurality of hinges so as to form at least one arch when the collapsible structure is in an erected state and so as to become at least one stack of panels in a collapsed state, wherein the at least one arch comprises an arched structure in the erected state, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first row of panels and a second row of panels that are adjacent to the first row of panels, the first row of panels being directly connected to the second row of panels by at least one of the plurality of hinges; and   wherein the first row of panels and the second row of panels form a first arch of the arched structure and wherein, a first set of panels of the first row of panels and the second row of panels has a geometric configuration such that the first arch defines a first arch peak and a first arch valley,   wherein at least one of the plurality of hinges is configured to connect the first row of panels and the second row of panels such that a first stack of the at least one stack of panels includes both the first row of panels and the second row of panels in the collapsed state and such that the first row of panels and the second row of panels are interleaved in the first stack in the collapsed state.