US20240382864A1 - Collapsible Cheer Box - Google Patents
Collapsible Cheer Box Download PDFInfo
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- US20240382864A1 US20240382864A1 US18/665,750 US202418665750A US2024382864A1 US 20240382864 A1 US20240382864 A1 US 20240382864A1 US 202418665750 A US202418665750 A US 202418665750A US 2024382864 A1 US2024382864 A1 US 2024382864A1
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- cheer
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- box
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63J—DEVICES FOR THEATRES, CIRCUSES, OR THE LIKE; CONJURING APPLIANCES OR THE LIKE
- A63J1/00—Stage arrangements
Definitions
- This invention relates to a convenient collapsible cheer box that folds together so that it may be easily stored or transported when in its collapsed configuration and sufficiently rigid to support a performing cheerleader on its top panel when in its deployed configuration.
- the only assembly required is the placement of the top when in its deployed configuration or the removal of the top when in its collapsed configuration.
- the cheer box requires no tools when changing configurations.
- FIG. 1 Original prior art cheer boxes, as shown in FIG. 1 , are generally arranged as a hollow cuboid having a front, rear, left, right, and top panels.
- the cheer box being sufficiently rigid to support a cheerleader while performing a routine.
- Such cheer boxes take up a large amount of space when in storage or during transport. It is therefore desirable to have a cheer box that occupies minimal space when in storage or while being transported, yet is sufficiently rigid to support a cheerleader performing a routine.
- the cheer box of the present disclosure overcomes the disadvantages of the prior to provide a cheer box that is sufficiently rigid when in use, easily transportable, and allows for the top panel to be stored with the side panels.
- the present disclosure is directed towards a cheer box that may be folded into a collapsed configuration and unfolded into a deployed configuration.
- the cheer box is in the shape of a cuboid, comprising four side panels and a top panel.
- the four side panels that is the front, rear, left, and right panels; are each hinged together.
- the left and right panels are further divided into two equal-sized subpanels that are themselves hinged together.
- the top panel is separate from the four side panels and installed when the cheer box is unfolded into its deployed configuration and removed when the cheer box is folded into its collapsed configuration.
- the cheer box may be folded into its collapsed configuration by removing the top panel and then drawing the side subpanels together.
- the cheer box may be unfolded into its deployed configuration by moving apart the subpanels and then positioning the top panel atop the cheer box.
- hand straps may be installed on the front and rear panels. In this configuration, someone may easily lift the cheer box while in its collapsed configuration and carry it to another location.
- Another means of transporting the cheer box would be to install a shoulder strap on the front and rear panels. In this configuration, someone may easily lift the cheer box while in its collapsed configuration and carry it to another location.
- Another means of transporting the cheer box would be to affix a pair of wheels to the front or rear panel along with a telescoping handle.
- the cheer box may be easily transported long distances by tilting the handle so that the wheels rest on the ground and then using the telescoping handle to pull it along.
- clips may be installed onto the top panel's lower surface that match detents cut into the top edges of the front panel and the attached side subpanels.
- the clips When the cheer box is in the collapsed configuration, the clips may be opened so that the top panel will rest on the detents, providing a means to store the top panel together with the side panels.
- This arrangement has an added benefit in that the cheer box is locked into its collapsed configuration until the top panel's clips are removed from the detents.
- the joint between a side subpanel and the front or rear panel is a mitered joint to enhance the cheer box's overall appearance and allow the full extent of the surface of each of the side panels. If the joints were not metered, then the edges of multiple side panels would be visible, resulting in a lack of continuity of any artwork on the side where the edges are visible.
- FIG. 1 shows the cheer box of the prior art with a cheerleader standing on top of the cheer box.
- FIG. 2 shows the front plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel placed on top of the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the rear view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 3 shows the front exploded view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel shown above the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the rear view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 4 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel placed on top of the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 5 shows the side exploded view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel shown above the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 6 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration without the top panel being shown, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 7 shows the top plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 8 shows the top plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 9 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown.
- FIG. 10 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown.
- FIG. 11 shows the bottom isometric view of the top panel of the collapsible cheer box.
- FIG. 12 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration comprising straps to assist in carrying the collapsible cheer box.
- FIG. 13 shows the top rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration comprising a telescoping handle and wheels to assist in transporting the collapsible cheer box.
- FIG. 14 shows the bottom rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the top panel comprising clips to secure the top panel to the walls of the collapsible cheer box when in its collapsed configuration.
- FIG. 15 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration comprising detents that mates with the clips.
- FIG. 16 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration wherein the clips in the top panel mate with the detents in the walls and thereby securing top panel to the walls of collapsible cheer box.
- the visible edges of the top panel and walls will be drawn with hatch marks.
- these edges marked in the figures with hatch marks may be covered with a laminate material for a more pleasing and aesthetic look.
- the collapsible cheer box comprises four side panels forming a square: front, rear, left, and right panels.
- the left and right panels will be referred to as the side panels in this disclosure.
- the two side walls are further divided into two subpanels while the front and rear panels are each a single panel.
- the six panels are hinged in such a manner that the walls may be collapsed to simplify the storage and transportability of the collapsible cheer box.
- the front and rear walls of the collapsible cheer box further comprise hand or shoulder straps that may be used to lift and carry the collapsible cheer box.
- the rear wall further comprises wheels and a telescoping handle that are used to simplify the transportability of the collapsible cheer box.
- clips found on the back of the top panel allow the top panel to be attached to the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration so that the collapsible cheer box may be stored and transported as a single unit.
- FIG. 1 shows prior art cheer box 2 .
- Prior art cheer box 2 is typically constructed of four panels that are joined together to form the walls of a square or rectangle and a top panel. Cheerleader 1 may then stand on top of the top panel to perform a routine. The walls may have cutouts to serve as handles when transporting prior art cheer box 2 .
- prior art cheer box 2 has disadvantages. As each wall of prior art cheer box 2 is permanently attached to two adjoining panels and the top panel, prior art cheer box 2 is permanently configured as a cuboid. As a cuboid, prior art cheer box 2 consumes lots of space when placed into storage.
- prior art cheer box 2 is difficult to transport as an automobile may only carry a few cheer boxes and each cheer box will have to be individually carried from the automobile to the performance site where it will be used.
- the collapsible cheer box of the present disclosure overcomes these and other limitations.
- FIG. 2 shows the front plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with top panel 14 shown placed on top of front panel 12 , the rear view being identical with the exception that front panel 12 is replaced with rear panel 16 .
- FIG. 3 shows the front exploded view of collapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration with top panel 14 shown above front panel 12 .
- runners 26 may be utilized to prevent top panel 14 from moving forward and backward or left and right when resting on top of the side panels of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- Runners 26 are positioned along the bottom of top panel 14 so as to travel alongside the entire length of the two side walls of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- the two side walls of collapsible cheer box 10 are referenced as forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 and are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as well as many other figures.
- the outer edges of runners 26 may be lined with a padding material such as felt, or high-density foam, to reduce the amount of left and right movement by top panel 14 , for a tighter fit between top panel 14 and the two side walls forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 .
- FIG. 4 shows the side plane view of collapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration with top panel 14 placed on top of the walls that comprise collapsible cheer box 10 .
- Front panel 12 is shown on the left and rear panel 16 is shown on the right, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof.
- Proximate to front panel 12 is found forward side panel 18 and proximate to rear panel 16 is found rearward side panel 20 .
- Forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 are hingedly joined to front panel 12 and rear panel 16 respectively by inner hinges 24 as shown in FIGS. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 . 12 , 13 , 15 , and 16 .
- FIG. 5 shows the same side plane view of collapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration as in FIG. 4 but with top panel 14 shown above the walls that comprise collapsible cheer box 10 .
- runners 26 are shown.
- runners 26 extend from front panel 12 to rear panel 16 . In this manner, top panel 14 will not move in the forward or backward direction while cheerleader 1 performs a routine on top of collapsible cheer box 10 . Additionally, in FIG. 3 , it may be seen that runners 26 are adjacent to the side walls of collapsible cheer box 10 referenced as forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 .
- FIG. 6 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration without top panel 14 being shown, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof.
- the user will need to first remove top panel 14 from the top of collapsible cheer box 10 , then the user will need to manually bias the hinge joint between forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 inwardly, and finally the user will bring front panel 12 and rear panel 16 towards each other until front panel 12 , forward side panel 18 , rearward side panel 20 , and rear panel 16 are all in parallel alignment with each other.
- Collapsible cheer box 10 is also shown in its collapsed configuration in FIGS.
- collapsible cheer box 10 To configure collapsible cheer box 10 from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration, the user will need to first move front panel 12 and rear panel 16 apart from each other until forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 are perpendicular to front panel 12 and rear panel 16 and then place top panel 14 on top. Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown throughout the figures using 12 hinges.
- the number of hinges may be changed but must number at least six as the following six joints are hingedly connected: the joints between front panel 12 and forward side panel 18 on either side of collapsible cheer box 10 , the joints between rear panel 16 and rearward side panel 20 on either side of collapsible cheer box 10 , and the joints between forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 on either side of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- FIG. 7 shows the top plane view of collapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration with top panel 14 not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. In this view, the location of the many hinges is shown and their functionality may be more clearly understood.
- FIG. 7 shows the edge of forward side panel 18 that adjoins the edge of front panel 12 and the edge of rearward side panel 20 that adjoins rear panel 16 in its collapsed configuration with top panel 14 not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 7 shows the location of the many hinges and their functionality may be more clearly understood. From FIGS. 7 and 8 , it may be seen that inner hinges 24 are biased in the opposite manner of side panel hinges 22 .
- FIG. 9 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 10 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- side panel hinges 22 and inner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 may be used to demonstrate how the collapsible cheer box may change from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration and vice versa.
- collapsible cheer box 10 As described above, to configure collapsible cheer box 10 from its deployed configuration to its collapsed configuration, the user will need to first remove top panel 14 from the top of collapsible cheer box 10 , then the user will need to manually bias the hinge joint between forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 inwardly, and finally the user will bring front panel 12 and rear panel 16 towards each other until front panel 12 , forward side panel 18 , rearward side panel 20 , and rear panel 16 are all in parallel alignment with each other. Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown in its collapsed configuration in FIGS. 6 , 8 , 10 , 13 , 15 , and 16 .
- collapsible cheer box 10 To configure collapsible cheer box 10 from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration, the user will need to first move front panel 12 and rear panel 16 apart from each other until forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 are perpendicular to front panel 12 and rear panel 16 and then place top panel 14 on top. Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown in its deployed configuration in FIGS. 4 , 5 , 7 , 9 , and 12 .
- FIG. 11 shows the bottom isometric view of the top panel of the collapsible cheer box, the top isometric view being a mirror image thereof minus the two runners 26 .
- Runners 26 are also shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 , 14 , and 16 .
- the elongated portion of the two runners 26 is proximate to both forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 . This prevents forward side panel 18 and rearward side panel 20 from collapsing inwards and prevents top panel 14 from moving left and right when placed on top of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- the ends of the two runners 26 are proximate to either front panel 12 or rear panel 16 . This prevents top panel 14 from moving forward and backward or left and right when placed on top of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- FIG. 12 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration along with straps 28 to assist in carrying the collapsible cheer box.
- One straps 28 is attached to front panel 12 and a second straps 28 is attached to rear panel 16 .
- Straps 28 may also be used to assist in changing the collapsible cheer box from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration and vice versa.
- Straps 28 may be permanently or releasably attached to front panel 12 and rear panel 16 by any number of means known to one with ordinary skill in the art.
- a shoulder strap may be releasably attached to front panel 12 and rear panel 16 so that collapsible cheer box 10 may be transported over the user's shoulder.
- the shoulder strap may also have a pad to allow the user to transport collapsible cheer box 10 a greater distance.
- FIG. 13 Another embodiment of the collapsible cheer box that facilitates the transport of the collapsible cheer box is shown in FIG. 13 . In FIG. 13 , side panel hinges 22 and inner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity.
- this embodiment uses wheels 30 along with telescoping handle 36 in a manner similar to a hand truck. Telescoping handle 36 and wheels 30 are attached to rear panel 16 . Wheels 30 may be permanently or releasably attached to rear panel 16 in a number of ways known to one with ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, wheels 30 may be permanently oriented as shown in FIG. 13 , or may swivel. When not transporting collapsible cheer box 10 , telescoping handle 36 may be retracted so that it disappears behind rear panel 16 thus not interfering with any routines performed by cheerleader 1 and simplifying storage of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- Telescoping handle 36 may be permanently or releasably attached to rear panel 16 in a number of ways known to one with ordinary skill in the art. To transport collapsible cheer box 10 , the user will extend telescoping handle 36 and then tilt collapsible cheer box 10 so that wheels 30 engage the ground in a manner similar to a hand truck.
- the top panel is configured with means to releasably attach the top panel to the side panels of the collapsible cheer box, thus allowing the collapsible cheer box to be transported as a single unit.
- FIG. 14 shows a bottom rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the top panel, further comprising two clips to secure the top panel to the side panels of the collapsible cheer box when in its collapsed configuration, thus facilitating the transport of collapsible cheer box 10 .
- FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 11 and incorporates all of the design features as described in FIG. 11 with the addition of clips 32 . In FIG. 14 two clips 32 are shown, one in its open position and a second in its closed position.
- Two clips 32 are shown here as an example, but conceptually, only one clips 32 is required.
- Clips 32 may have a padding material such as felt or high-density foam to minimize harm to the surface of front panel 12 .
- Front panel 12 and the two forward side panel 18 may incorporate detents 34 that mate with clips 32 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- FIG. 16 shows top panel 14 mated to front panel 12 and forward side panel 18 with clips 32 as a single self-contained unit so that collapsible cheer box 10 may be easily transported about while in its deployed configuration or its collapsed configuration. Note that in FIGS. 15 and 16 , side panel hinges 22 and inner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity.
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Abstract
The present disclosure is directed toward a foldable cheer box that may be easily stored or transported while folded in its collapsed configuration and sufficiently rigid to support a cheerleader performing routines when unfolded into its deployed configuration. The cheer box is in the shape of a cuboid having a front, rear, left, right, and top panels. The left and right panels are further divided into two equal subpanels. All of the panels are connected by hinges and drawing the left and right panels together causes the cheer box to fold into its collapsed configuration while separating the left and right panels causes the cheer box to unfold into its deployed configuration. The top panel may be releasably attached to the side panels when the cheer box is in its collapsed configuration for storage and to prevent the cheer box from unfolding into its deployed configuration. The cheer box may be transported by means of hand straps, a shoulder strap, or wheels used in combination with a telescoping handle.
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/467,091 filed on May 17, 2023. The entire disclosure of the prior application is considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference.
- This invention relates to a convenient collapsible cheer box that folds together so that it may be easily stored or transported when in its collapsed configuration and sufficiently rigid to support a performing cheerleader on its top panel when in its deployed configuration. The only assembly required is the placement of the top when in its deployed configuration or the removal of the top when in its collapsed configuration. The cheer box requires no tools when changing configurations.
- Original prior art cheer boxes, as shown in
FIG. 1 , are generally arranged as a hollow cuboid having a front, rear, left, right, and top panels. The cheer box being sufficiently rigid to support a cheerleader while performing a routine. However, such cheer boxes take up a large amount of space when in storage or during transport. It is therefore desirable to have a cheer box that occupies minimal space when in storage or while being transported, yet is sufficiently rigid to support a cheerleader performing a routine. - To overcome the problems with storage and transport, prior art cheer boxes have been modified from the original cheer box design in that the right and left panels of the cuboid are further divided into two equal-size subpanels that are hinged together while the front panel and the rear panel remain a single piece. Hinges connect all four panels together. Such a cheer box may be easily folded when in its deployed configuration to minimize storage space and facilitate the transportation of the cheer box when unfolded into its deployed configuration. Additionally, the only assembly required is the placement of the top panel when in its deployed configuration and the removal of the top panel when folded into its collapsed configuration. Such cheer boxes have shown themselves to be sufficiently rigid when a cheerleader is performing a routine on the box. Although such boxes are an obvious improvement over the prior art, they are still rather heavy and burdensome when being carried for some distance. Thus it can be troublesome to transport them back and forth between the parking lot and the performance space. There is also the problem of storing the top panel of these cheer boxes. Although each of the side panels is connected to each other by a hinge mechanism, the top panel is separate from the side panels and thus may be lost or misplaced.
- The cheer box of the present disclosure overcomes the disadvantages of the prior to provide a cheer box that is sufficiently rigid when in use, easily transportable, and allows for the top panel to be stored with the side panels.
- The present disclosure is directed towards a cheer box that may be folded into a collapsed configuration and unfolded into a deployed configuration. The cheer box is in the shape of a cuboid, comprising four side panels and a top panel. The four side panels; that is the front, rear, left, and right panels; are each hinged together. The left and right panels are further divided into two equal-sized subpanels that are themselves hinged together. The top panel is separate from the four side panels and installed when the cheer box is unfolded into its deployed configuration and removed when the cheer box is folded into its collapsed configuration. The cheer box may be folded into its collapsed configuration by removing the top panel and then drawing the side subpanels together. The cheer box may be unfolded into its deployed configuration by moving apart the subpanels and then positioning the top panel atop the cheer box.
- To facilitate the transport of the cheer box, hand straps may be installed on the front and rear panels. In this configuration, someone may easily lift the cheer box while in its collapsed configuration and carry it to another location.
- Another means of transporting the cheer box would be to install a shoulder strap on the front and rear panels. In this configuration, someone may easily lift the cheer box while in its collapsed configuration and carry it to another location.
- Another means of transporting the cheer box would be to affix a pair of wheels to the front or rear panel along with a telescoping handle. In this configuration, the cheer box may be easily transported long distances by tilting the handle so that the wheels rest on the ground and then using the telescoping handle to pull it along.
- To facilitate storing the top panel with the remaining side panels, clips may be installed onto the top panel's lower surface that match detents cut into the top edges of the front panel and the attached side subpanels. When the cheer box is in the collapsed configuration, the clips may be opened so that the top panel will rest on the detents, providing a means to store the top panel together with the side panels. This arrangement has an added benefit in that the cheer box is locked into its collapsed configuration until the top panel's clips are removed from the detents.
- The joint between a side subpanel and the front or rear panel is a mitered joint to enhance the cheer box's overall appearance and allow the full extent of the surface of each of the side panels. If the joints were not metered, then the edges of multiple side panels would be visible, resulting in a lack of continuity of any artwork on the side where the edges are visible.
- These together with other aspects of the disclosed cheer box, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the cheer box, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosed cheer box, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. Dimensions disclosed or shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:
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FIG. 1 shows the cheer box of the prior art with a cheerleader standing on top of the cheer box. -
FIG. 2 shows the front plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel placed on top of the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the rear view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 3 shows the front exploded view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel shown above the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the rear view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 4 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel placed on top of the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 5 shows the side exploded view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel shown above the side panels that comprise the collapsible cheer box, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 6 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration without the top panel being shown, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 7 shows the top plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 8 shows the top plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 9 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown. -
FIG. 10 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown. -
FIG. 11 shows the bottom isometric view of the top panel of the collapsible cheer box. -
FIG. 12 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration comprising straps to assist in carrying the collapsible cheer box. -
FIG. 13 shows the top rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration comprising a telescoping handle and wheels to assist in transporting the collapsible cheer box. -
FIG. 14 shows the bottom rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the top panel comprising clips to secure the top panel to the walls of the collapsible cheer box when in its collapsed configuration. -
FIG. 15 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration comprising detents that mates with the clips. -
FIG. 16 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration wherein the clips in the top panel mate with the detents in the walls and thereby securing top panel to the walls of collapsible cheer box. - To assist the reader in analyzing the figures, the visible edges of the top panel and walls will be drawn with hatch marks. In alternate embodiments of the collapsible cheer box, these edges marked in the figures with hatch marks may be covered with a laminate material for a more pleasing and aesthetic look.
- The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses. The foregoing problems of prior art cheer boxes are overcome by the disclosure herein. In the primary embodiment, the collapsible cheer box comprises four side panels forming a square: front, rear, left, and right panels. The left and right panels will be referred to as the side panels in this disclosure. The two side walls are further divided into two subpanels while the front and rear panels are each a single panel. The six panels are hinged in such a manner that the walls may be collapsed to simplify the storage and transportability of the collapsible cheer box. In a secondary embodiment, the front and rear walls of the collapsible cheer box further comprise hand or shoulder straps that may be used to lift and carry the collapsible cheer box. In another secondary embodiment, the rear wall further comprises wheels and a telescoping handle that are used to simplify the transportability of the collapsible cheer box. In yet another secondary embodiment, clips found on the back of the top panel allow the top panel to be attached to the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration so that the collapsible cheer box may be stored and transported as a single unit.
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FIG. 1 shows priorart cheer box 2. Priorart cheer box 2 is typically constructed of four panels that are joined together to form the walls of a square or rectangle and a top panel.Cheerleader 1 may then stand on top of the top panel to perform a routine. The walls may have cutouts to serve as handles when transporting priorart cheer box 2. Although simple in design, priorart cheer box 2 has disadvantages. As each wall of priorart cheer box 2 is permanently attached to two adjoining panels and the top panel, priorart cheer box 2 is permanently configured as a cuboid. As a cuboid, priorart cheer box 2 consumes lots of space when placed into storage. Additionally, as a cuboid, priorart cheer box 2 is difficult to transport as an automobile may only carry a few cheer boxes and each cheer box will have to be individually carried from the automobile to the performance site where it will be used. The collapsible cheer box of the present disclosure overcomes these and other limitations. -
FIG. 2 shows the front plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration withtop panel 14 shown placed on top offront panel 12, the rear view being identical with the exception thatfront panel 12 is replaced withrear panel 16.FIG. 3 shows the front exploded view ofcollapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration withtop panel 14 shown abovefront panel 12. To preventtop panel 14 from moving forward and backward or left and right when resting on top of the side panels ofcollapsible cheer box 10,runners 26 may be utilized.Runners 26 are positioned along the bottom oftop panel 14 so as to travel alongside the entire length of the two side walls ofcollapsible cheer box 10. The two side walls ofcollapsible cheer box 10 are referenced asforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 and are shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 as well as many other figures. The outer edges ofrunners 26 may be lined with a padding material such as felt, or high-density foam, to reduce the amount of left and right movement bytop panel 14, for a tighter fit betweentop panel 14 and the two side wallsforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20. -
FIG. 4 shows the side plane view ofcollapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration withtop panel 14 placed on top of the walls that comprisecollapsible cheer box 10.Front panel 12 is shown on the left andrear panel 16 is shown on the right, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. Proximate tofront panel 12 is foundforward side panel 18 and proximate torear panel 16 is found rearwardside panel 20.Forward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 are hingedly joined tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16 respectively byinner hinges 24 as shown inFIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 . 12, 13, 15, and 16.Forward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 are hingedly joined together by side panel hinges 22 as shown here inFIG. 4 as well as inFIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 . Traditional hinges are shown throughout the many figures of the collapsible cheer box but other styles of hinges may be used that are known to one with ordinary skill in the art. Examples of other hinges that may be used include hinges that may be embedded into the many panels of the collapsible cheer box and are normally therefore hidden from view.FIG. 5 shows the same side plane view ofcollapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration as inFIG. 4 but withtop panel 14 shown above the walls that comprisecollapsible cheer box 10. InFIG. 5 ,runners 26 are shown.Runners 26 extend fromfront panel 12 torear panel 16. In this manner,top panel 14 will not move in the forward or backward direction whilecheerleader 1 performs a routine on top ofcollapsible cheer box 10. Additionally, inFIG. 3 , it may be seen thatrunners 26 are adjacent to the side walls ofcollapsible cheer box 10 referenced asforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20. -
FIG. 6 shows the side plane view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration withouttop panel 14 being shown, the opposing side view being a mirror image thereof. To configurecollapsible cheer box 10 from its deployed configuration to its collapsed configuration, the user will need to first removetop panel 14 from the top ofcollapsible cheer box 10, then the user will need to manually bias the hinge joint betweenforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 inwardly, and finally the user will bringfront panel 12 andrear panel 16 towards each other untilfront panel 12,forward side panel 18,rearward side panel 20, andrear panel 16 are all in parallel alignment with each other.Collapsible cheer box 10 is also shown in its collapsed configuration inFIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15, and 16 . To configurecollapsible cheer box 10 from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration, the user will need to first movefront panel 12 andrear panel 16 apart from each other untilforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 are perpendicular tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16 and then placetop panel 14 on top.Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown throughout the figures using 12 hinges. The number of hinges may be changed but must number at least six as the following six joints are hingedly connected: the joints betweenfront panel 12 andforward side panel 18 on either side ofcollapsible cheer box 10, the joints betweenrear panel 16 andrearward side panel 20 on either side ofcollapsible cheer box 10, and the joints betweenforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 on either side ofcollapsible cheer box 10.FIG. 7 shows the top plane view ofcollapsible cheer box 10 in its deployed configuration withtop panel 14 not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. In this view, the location of the many hinges is shown and their functionality may be more clearly understood. It must be noted that the edge offorward side panel 18 that adjoins the edge offront panel 12 and the edge ofrearward side panel 20 that adjoinsrear panel 16 may come together as a mitered joint shown inFIG. 7 or may come together in any number of means known by one with ordinary skill in the art.FIG. 8 shows the top plane view ofcollapsible cheer box 10 in its collapsed configuration withtop panel 14 not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. When combined withFIG. 7 , the location of the many hinges are shown and their functionality may be more clearly understood. FromFIGS. 7 and 8 , it may be seen that inner hinges 24 are biased in the opposite manner of side panel hinges 22. -
FIG. 9 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. Conversely,FIG. 10 shows the top isometric view of the collapsible cheer box in its collapsed configuration with the top panel not being shown, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. InFIG. 10 , side panel hinges 22 andinner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity. As withFIGS. 7 and 8 ,FIGS. 9 and 10 may be used to demonstrate how the collapsible cheer box may change from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration and vice versa. As described above, to configurecollapsible cheer box 10 from its deployed configuration to its collapsed configuration, the user will need to first removetop panel 14 from the top ofcollapsible cheer box 10, then the user will need to manually bias the hinge joint betweenforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 inwardly, and finally the user will bringfront panel 12 andrear panel 16 towards each other untilfront panel 12,forward side panel 18,rearward side panel 20, andrear panel 16 are all in parallel alignment with each other.Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown in its collapsed configuration inFIGS. 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, and 16 . To configurecollapsible cheer box 10 from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration, the user will need to first movefront panel 12 andrear panel 16 apart from each other untilforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 are perpendicular tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16 and then placetop panel 14 on top.Collapsible cheer box 10 is shown in its deployed configuration inFIGS. 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12 . -
FIG. 11 shows the bottom isometric view of the top panel of the collapsible cheer box, the top isometric view being a mirror image thereof minus the tworunners 26.Runners 26 are also shown inFIGS. 3, 5, 14, and 16 . The elongated portion of the tworunners 26 is proximate to bothforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20. This preventsforward side panel 18 andrearward side panel 20 from collapsing inwards and preventstop panel 14 from moving left and right when placed on top ofcollapsible cheer box 10. The ends of the tworunners 26 are proximate to eitherfront panel 12 orrear panel 16. This preventstop panel 14 from moving forward and backward or left and right when placed on top ofcollapsible cheer box 10. - The remaining figures show various secondary embodiments of the collapsible cheer box. The first secondary embodiment is shown in
FIG. 12 .FIG. 12 shows the top isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box in its deployed configuration along withstraps 28 to assist in carrying the collapsible cheer box. One straps 28 is attached tofront panel 12 and a second straps 28 is attached torear panel 16. When the collapsible cheer box is in its collapsed configuration, the user may transport the collapsible cheer box by grasping the twostraps 28 to lift it from the ground and maneuver it to another location.Straps 28 may also be used to assist in changing the collapsible cheer box from its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration and vice versa.Straps 28 may be permanently or releasably attached tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16 by any number of means known to one with ordinary skill in the art. In place ofstraps 28, a shoulder strap may be releasably attached tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16 so thatcollapsible cheer box 10 may be transported over the user's shoulder. The shoulder strap may also have a pad to allow the user to transport collapsible cheer box 10 a greater distance. Another embodiment of the collapsible cheer box that facilitates the transport of the collapsible cheer box is shown inFIG. 13 . InFIG. 13 , side panel hinges 22 andinner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity. In place ofstraps 28 that are attached tofront panel 12 andrear panel 16, this embodiment useswheels 30 along with telescoping handle 36 in a manner similar to a hand truck. Telescopinghandle 36 andwheels 30 are attached torear panel 16.Wheels 30 may be permanently or releasably attached torear panel 16 in a number of ways known to one with ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore,wheels 30 may be permanently oriented as shown inFIG. 13 , or may swivel. When not transportingcollapsible cheer box 10, telescoping handle 36 may be retracted so that it disappears behindrear panel 16 thus not interfering with any routines performed bycheerleader 1 and simplifying storage ofcollapsible cheer box 10. Telescopinghandle 36 may be permanently or releasably attached torear panel 16 in a number of ways known to one with ordinary skill in the art. To transportcollapsible cheer box 10, the user will extend telescopinghandle 36 and then tiltcollapsible cheer box 10 so thatwheels 30 engage the ground in a manner similar to a hand truck. - In yet another secondary embodiment of the collapsible cheer box, the top panel is configured with means to releasably attach the top panel to the side panels of the collapsible cheer box, thus allowing the collapsible cheer box to be transported as a single unit.
FIG. 14 shows a bottom rear isometric view of a secondary embodiment of the top panel, further comprising two clips to secure the top panel to the side panels of the collapsible cheer box when in its collapsed configuration, thus facilitating the transport ofcollapsible cheer box 10.FIG. 14 is similar toFIG. 11 and incorporates all of the design features as described inFIG. 11 with the addition ofclips 32. InFIG. 14 twoclips 32 are shown, one in its open position and a second in its closed position. Twoclips 32 are shown here as an example, but conceptually, only one clips 32 is required.Clips 32 may have a padding material such as felt or high-density foam to minimize harm to the surface offront panel 12.Front panel 12 and the twoforward side panel 18 may incorporatedetents 34 that mate withclips 32 as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 .FIG. 16 showstop panel 14 mated tofront panel 12 andforward side panel 18 withclips 32 as a single self-contained unit so thatcollapsible cheer box 10 may be easily transported about while in its deployed configuration or its collapsed configuration. Note that inFIGS. 15 and 16 , side panel hinges 22 andinner hinges 24 are not shown to improve clarity. - Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in the light of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (8)
1. A foldable hollow cuboid cheer box having an outer surface and an inner surface comprising:
a rectangular structure further comprising
a front panel being rectangular and having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, right edge, and left edge;
a rear panel being rectangular and having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, right edge, and left edge;
a left panel being rectangular and further divided into two similarly sized rectangular subpanels horizontally oriented with one another with the
the left forward subpanel having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, front edge, and rear edge, and
the left rearward subpanel having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, front edge, and rear edge;
a right panel being rectangular and further divided into two similarly sized rectangular subpanels horizontally oriented with one another with the
the right forward subpanel having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, front edge, and rear edge, and
the right rearward subpanel having an outer surface, inner surface, top edge, bottom edge, front edge, and rear edge;
a top panel being configured to rest on top of the rectangular structure having an outer surface, inner surface, front edge, rear edge, right edge, left edge,
a right runner beneath the top panel's inner surface extending from the front panel's inner surface to the rear panel's inner surface and adjacent to the inner surface of right forward subpanel and right rearward subpanel when the top panel is resting on top of the rectangular structure, and
a left runner beneath the top panel's inner surface extending from the front panel's inner surface to the rear panel's inner surface and adjacent to the inner surface of left forward subpanel and left rearward subpanel when the top panel is resting on top of the rectangular structure;
one or more hinges connecting the front panel's right edge with the right forward subpanel's front edge so that the angular difference between the front panel's inner surface and the right forward subpanel's inner surface may range from zero degrees to at least 90 degrees;
one or more hinges connecting the right rearward subpanel's front edge with the right forward subpanel's rear edge so that the angular difference between the right rearward subpanel's outer surface and the right forward subpanel's outer surface may range from zero degrees to at least 180 degrees;
one or more hinges connecting the rear panel's right edge with the right rearward subpanel's rear edge so that the angular difference between the rear panel's inner surface and the right rearward subpanel's inner surface may range from zero degrees to at least 90 degrees;
one or more hinges connecting the rear panel's left edge with the left rearward subpanel's rear edge so that the angular difference between the rear panel's inner surface and the left rearward subpanel's inner surface may range from zero degrees to at least 90 degrees;
one or more hinges connecting the left rearward subpanel's front edge with the left forward subpanel's rear edge so that the angular difference between the left rearward subpanel's outer surface and the left forward subpanel's outer surface may range from zero degrees to at least 180 degrees;
one or more hinges connecting the front panel's left edge with the left forward subpanel's front edge so that the angular difference between the front panel's inner surface and the left forward subpanel's inner surface may range from zero degrees to at least 90 degrees;
the rectangular structure being in a collapsed configuration when the front panel and the rear panel are proximate to one another and in a deployed configuration when the front panel and the rear panel are distal to one another.
2. The cheer box of claim 1 further comprising
a first hand strap releasably attached or affixed to the front panel and
a second hand strap releasably attached or affixed to the rear panel,
the two hand straps being opposite of each other so that a user may carry the cheer box by the two hand straps.
3. The cheer box of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder strap with one end releasably attached or affixed to the front panel and the opposing end releasably attached or affixed to the rear panel so that a user may carry the cheer box by the shoulder strap.
4. The cheer box of claim 1 further comprising
two or more wheels releasably attached or affixed to the rear panel and
a handle releasably attached or affixed to the rear panel so that a user may transport the cheer box in a manner similar to using a hand truck to transport the cheer box.
5. The cheer box of claim 4 wherein the handle may extend and retract.
6. The cheer box of claim 4 wherein the wheels swivel.
7. The cheer box of claim 1 wherein the top panel further comprises two or more clips so that when the clips are opened the top panel may rest upon the rectangular structure when in its collapsed configuration.
8. The cheer box of claim 1 wherein the interface between the front panel's right edge and the right forward subpanel's front edge, the rear panel's right edge and the right rearward subpanel's rear edge, the rear panel's left edge and the left rearward subpanel's rear edge, and the front panel's left edge and the left forward subpanel's front edge are all mitered.
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US18/665,750 US20240382864A1 (en) | 2023-05-17 | 2024-05-16 | Collapsible Cheer Box |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US202363467091P | 2023-05-17 | 2023-05-17 | |
US18/665,750 US20240382864A1 (en) | 2023-05-17 | 2024-05-16 | Collapsible Cheer Box |
Publications (1)
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US20240382864A1 true US20240382864A1 (en) | 2024-11-21 |
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US18/665,750 Pending US20240382864A1 (en) | 2023-05-17 | 2024-05-16 | Collapsible Cheer Box |
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US (1) | US20240382864A1 (en) |
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- 2024-05-16 US US18/665,750 patent/US20240382864A1/en active Pending
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