Collapsible structure

This is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,051, filed 31 Dec. 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/063,091, filed 22 Feb. 2005, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/413,925, filed 15 Apr. 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,632, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,437, filed 13 Apr. 2001, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/698,674, filed 27 Oct. 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,335, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/393,956, filed 10 Sep. 1999, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/108,521, filed 1 Jul. 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188.

The present invention relates generally to collapsible structures and specifically to a collapsible structure having an attached rigid handle frame member, pivotable handle member, and method of using such a structure for transportation of items, and subsequent storage of the container.

Typically, the consumer transports goods such as grocery items by way of grocery baskets, carts, paper bags, or the like. While paper and plastic bags have been used for years, in today's increasingly “green” initiative-driven society, a push toward reusable and other sustainable products has created a need for alternative products. Further, regardless of the type of container supplied by a retailer for use while shopping, a consumer typically requires a take-home container in which to transport purchased goods to their designated location.

The present invention provides facile transport and storage of such goods, while further providing an attractive, reusable, easy to store collapsible structure. For example, the present invention may be used to transport goods purchased in a grocery store, or may also be used to store and transport toys or other objects. The present invention includes a collapsible framework to provide a defined structure while expanded, with the collapsible capability further providing compact storage and subsequent reuse. The present invention also includes a rigid, pivotable handle member.

Numerous devices are known in the art to provide effective transportation and storage of goods and other items, including the aforementioned plastic and paper bags, conventional shopping baskets, or reusable shopping caddies. Further known are shopping totes which include a rigid handle affixed to a flexible receptacle. Many of these devices are voluminous in either their expanded or collapsed states, or both, are difficult to fold or collapse, or are difficult to manipulate between their expanded and collapsed states. For example, the latter devices may require repeated insertion and removal of stiff stay members to maintain sidewall shape and prevent sidewall collapse. The repeated insertion and removal of the stay members is cumbersome and time consuming, with the added possibility of losing the stays. Therefore there is a need for a carrying and storage receptacle that is lightweight, easy to carry, able to retain its shape, while also being easily collapsible for facile storage and subsequent reuse.

While each of the mentioned known solutions serves a limited purpose, none combines the features of the present invention. The present invention provides a convenient, easy to manipulate, collapsible and reusable container, with means for maintaining side wall shape while expanded, and a pivotable rigid handle all for use in storing or transporting various goods or other objects.

The present invention relates generally to a collapsible structure with an open top, and specifically to a collapsible structure having a relatively rigid handle member and handle frame member, for ease in transporting goods, and a method of using the same.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other advantages are obtained by providing a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of side panels, a plurality of end panels, and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. In a preferred embodiment, at least two oppositely disposed side panels comprise a flexible continuous loop frame, a web of material, and an edging material. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. As is described with regard to the side panels, the floor panel may also comprise a flexible continuous loop frame, a web of material, and an edging material; the edging material enveloping the frame and being coupled to the periphery of the web. The floor panel is attached to the bottom sides of each side panel and each end panel, thus forming the structure. A relatively rigid handle frame member is attached to the periphery of the open top by way of a handle frame edging material which envelopes the handle frame and is coupled to the periphery of the open top. Further, a handle member is preferably pivotally attached to the handle frame member and is adapted to rotate between an upright, operable position and a horizontal storage position for use when the container is collapsed.

In an alternative embodiment, the container may be provided with means for releasable attachment of the handle frame member to the periphery of the open top. Such releasable attachment means may include releasable tab members or other suitable means. The releasable attachment means is preferably coupled to the open top at predetermined positions along its periphery.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible container may include both a handle frame edging to envelop and retain a portion of the handle frame to the open top, and means for releasable attachment to releasably retain a remaining portion of the handle frame to the open top periphery. As in the previously discussed embodiment, such means for releasable attachment may include releasable tab members or other suitable means. Similarly, a floor panel is attached to the bottom side of each side panel and each end panel, thus forming the structure. As in previously mentioned embodiments, a handle member is preferably pivotally attached to the handle frame member, which is adapted to rotate between an upright, operable position and a horizontal storage position for use when the container is collapsed.

In still another alternative embodiment, the structure may be in the form of a curvilinear collapsible structure that is axially-compressible. A curvilinear web panel comprises generally cylindrical structure which may be reduced in size through axial compression. As will be seen, the curvilinear shape preferably includes a supporting frame having a continuous coil body which is axially-compressible from an extended position having a first height, to a collapsed position having a second height, which is substantially less than the first height. In a preferred embodiment, the coil body possesses a resilient memory that biases the body to the extended position. The supporting frame is preferably positioned within an edging which envelops the frame and is coupled to a surface of the web panel.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, and similarly to other discussed embodiments, the curvilinear collapsible structure includes at least one handle frame member which is attached to and encircles the open top periphery. As in the previously discussed embodiments, the relatively rigid handle member may be attached to the periphery of the open top by way of a handle frame edging material which envelopes the handle frame member and is attached to the periphery of the open top. As previously discussed, a handle member is preferably pivotally attached to the handle frame member, with the handle member being adapted to rotate between an upright, operable position and a horizontal storage position for use when the container is in a compressed position.

In an alternative embodiment of the curvilinear collapsible structure, the open top may be provided with means for releasable attachment of the handle frame to the periphery of the open top. As in previously mentioned embodiments, such releasable attachment means may include releasable tab members which are preferably coupled to the open top at predetermined positions along its periphery. Further, and similarly to other mentioned embodiments, the curvilinear collapsible structure may include both a handle frame edging to envelop and retain a portion of the handle frame to the open top periphery, and means for releasable attachment to releasably retain a remaining portion of the handle frame to the open top periphery. Such means for releasable attachment may include the releasable tab members mentioned previously. A handle member is preferably pivotally attached to the handle frame member, which is adapted to rotate between an upright, operable position and a horizontal storage position for use when the curvilinear collapsible structure is in the compressed position.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, with partially cut-away portion.

FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of frame shown in FIG. 1 , and taken along line 1 A- 1 A thereof.

FIG. 1B is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a method of collapsing the device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a method of collapsing the device shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a method of collapsing the device shown in FIG. 11 .

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

The present invention, a collapsible structure 10 , is illustrated in the Figures. As seen particularly in FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment of the structure 10 comprises at least two opposed side panels 20 , a floor panel 30 , two opposed end panels 40 , a rigid handle frame member 50 , and an attached handle 60 . The side panels 20 , end panels 40 , and floor panel 30 are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular structure having an open top 12 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A , the two opposed side panels 20 and floor panel 30 further comprise a frame 22 , a web 24 , and an edging 26 . The frame 22 is flexible and preferably formed from a sufficiently stiff yet resilient material such as spring steel wire or plastic, and is contained within the channel or pocket 28 formed by the edging 26 . The frame 22 forms a continuous loop. Preferably, the frame 22 has a rectangular cross section, as shown in FIG. 1A , however a material having a differing cross section may be used. The web 24 is a flexible foldable material, such as nylon cloth or nylon mesh, but can be any suitably flexible material. The nylon, or other flexible material, may be solid or perforated. In construction, the perimeter of the web 24 is attached to the edging 26 by stitching 34 or other acceptable means, such that the edging 26 forms a pocket 28 about the periphery of the web 24 (see FIG. 1A ). The edging 26 is a foldable, but stretch-resistant material capable of housing the frame 22 within its pocket 28 .

As may further be observed, the opposed end panels 40 comprise a web 24 and an edging 26 . The web 24 is a flexible foldable material, similar to that used for the mentioned side panels 20 and floor panel 30 , however due to the collapsible nature of the container 10 , opposed end panels 40 do not require the frame 22 which is present in opposed side panels 30 . Construction of end panels 40 may be observed in FIGS. 1-3 . As shown, the perimeter of the web 24 is stitched to the edging 26 . The edging 26 is a foldable, but stretch-resistant material, similar to that mentioned in conjunction with the side panels 30 however since the ability to house a frame 22 is not required, the webs 24 may be attached to the edging 26 without the necessity of the previously discussed pocket structure 28 . The web 24 and attached edging 26 have a shape configured to conform to the end panel 40 configuration required to complete a desired container 10 .

As seen in FIGS. 1-3 , the floor panel 30 is also a foldable web 24 of material and has a generally rectangular shape. The floor panel 30 may further comprise a frame 22 , a web 24 , and an edging 26 , with the edging 26 being attached to each side panel 20 and each end panel 40 . The floor panel 30 provides means for holding the objects (not shown) within the structure 10 , while the frame 22 supports the structure 10 in its expanded state.

As shown in FIG. 1 , each side panel 20 and each end panel 40 includes a top side 42 corresponding to the open top 12 of the structure 10 , a floor side 44 attached to one of the sides 32 of the floor panel 30 , and two lateral sides 46 attached to adjacent lateral sides 46 of adjacent end panels 40 or side panels 20 .

As may be further seen in FIGS. 1-3 , a relatively rigid handle frame member 50 may be preferably attached to and encircle the open top periphery 12 of the container 10 . As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the handle frame member 50 may be attached to the open top periphery 12 by of a handle frame edging material 52 , which is adapted to envelope the handle frame member 50 therein. The handle frame edging material 52 may be coupled to the periphery of the open top 12 by way of stitching or other means. As seen, the handle frame member 50 preferably comprises a pair of U-shaped frame portions 54 , each of which terminates in ends 56 . Ends 56 are adapted to be received in a respective pivot connector 70 . As may also be observed, a U-shaped handle member 60 may include ends 64 , which are pivotally connected at pivot points 74 to a respective pivot connector 70 . The handle member 60 is adapted to rotate between an upright, operable position, as seen in FIG. 1 , and a horizontal storage position for use when the container 10 is collapsed (see FIG. 3 ). The handle member 60 is preferably formed from a relatively rigid material and may include padding 66 that extends along at least a portion of the handle member 60 . The handle member 60 for the present invention is not limited to the particular type shown in FIGS. 1-3 ; however it is preferred for ease of use.

Although stitching is presented as the preferred means for attaching or connecting the elements of the structure 10 and permitting relatively convenient folding of the structure 10 , it is to be understood that other methods of attachment can be used in this invention. Such other methods may include heat sealing, gluing and the like. Accordingly, construction of the collapsible structure should not be limited to stitching alone.

From the expanded state, the structure 10 may be folded into a collapsed state for storage and transportation. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the various steps for collapsing the structure 10 . Referring to FIG. 2 , the first step requires pushing the floor panel 30 , into the enclosure 14 in the direction of arrow A. The next step, as seen in FIG. 3 , includes rotating an opposing side panel 20 of the structure 10 , along with floor panel 30 upwardly in the direction of arrow B, to meet the handle frame member 50 , until the opposed side panels 20 , and floor panel 30 are adjacent to and overlay each other. The final step, shown in FIG. 3 , is the pivoting of the handle member 60 in the direction of arrow C from an upright position to a position adjacent the handle frame member 50 . The resulting collapsed structure 10 is a stack of two side panels 20 and the floor panel 30 . When the collapsed structure 10 is required for use, the frame members 22 will bias the structure 10 into its fully expanded state, shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring now to FIGS. 4-9 , a preferred embodiment of the collapsible structure is shown as reference numeral 10 A. As in the previous embodiment, the collapsible structure 10 A includes at least a pair of opposed side panels 20 , a pair of opposed end panels 40 , a floor panel 30 , a rigid handle frame member 50 , and a pivotally attached handle 60 . The side panels 20 , end panels 40 and floor panel 30 are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular collapsible structure having an open top 12 .

As shown, each of the two opposed side panels 20 and floor panel 30 comprise a web 24 , a frame 22 , and an edging 26 . As in the previous embodiment, the web 24 is a flexible foldable material, such as nylon cloth or nylon mesh, but any suitable material may be used. The material may be solid or perforated, as desired. An example of such material may also include durable material such as micro fiber polyester canvas which may or may not include a water resistant interior coating. The frame 22 is flexible, preferably formed from a sufficiently stiff yet resilient material such as spring steel wire or plastic, and similarly to the previously described embodiment, is contained within the channel or pocket 28 formed by the edging 26 . The edging 26 is a foldable, but stretch-resistant material capable of housing the frame 22 within its pocket 28 .

As may further be observed, the opposed end panels 40 comprise a web 24 and an edging 26 . The web 24 is a flexible foldable material, similar to that used for the mentioned side panels 20 and floor panel 30 , however due to the collapsible nature of the container, opposed end panels 40 do not require the frame 22 which is present in opposed side panels 20 . Construction of opposed end panels 40 , is similar to those shown FIGS. 1-3 . The perimeter of the web 24 is stitched to the edging 26 , with the edging 26 being a foldable, but stretch-resistant material, similar to that mentioned in conjunction with the opposed side panels 20 . However, since the ability to house a frame 22 is not required, the webs 24 may be attached to the edging 26 without the necessity of the previously discussed pocket structure 28 . The web 24 and attached edging 26 have a shape configured to conform to the end panel 40 configuration required to complete a desired container 10 A.

As may be further observed, the floor panel 30 preferably comprises a frame 22 , a web 24 , and an edging 26 , with the edging 26 being attached to each side panel 20 and each end panel 40 , as will be further discussed. The floor panel 30 provides means for holding the objects (not shown) within the structure 10 A, while the frame 22 supports the structure 10 A in its expanded state.

As shown in the Figures, and similar to the previously described embodiment, each side panel 20 and each end panel 40 includes a top side 42 corresponding to the open top 12 of the structure 10 A, a floor side 44 attached to one of the sides 32 of the floor panel 30 , and two lateral sides 46 attached to adjacent lateral sides 46 of adjacent end panels 40 or side panels 30 .

As may be further seen in FIGS. 4-9 , a relatively rigid handle frame member 50 may be preferably attached to and encircle the open top 12 periphery of the container 10 A. The handle frame member 50 shown in FIGS. 4-9 further comprises a pair of U-shaped frame portions 54 A, 54 B, each of which terminates in ends 56 . Ends 56 are adapted to be pivotally received in a respective pivot connector 70 A at pivot points 72 . As shown in FIGS. 4-9 , a first portion 16 A of the open top periphery may be attached to frame member portion 54 A by of a handle frame edging material 52 , which envelopes the handle frame member portion 54 A therein. As described regarding the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the handle frame edging material 52 may be coupled to a predetermined portion 16 A of the open top 12 periphery by way of stitching or other means.

The device shown in FIGS. 4-9 also preferably includes means for releasable attachment of a second portion 54 B of the handle frame member 50 . As may be seen in the Figures, the container 10 A may include a second portion 16 B of the open top 12 periphery. The frame portion 54 B is attached to the second portion 16 B, by way of releasable attachment means, such as the releasable tab members 58 shown. The releasable tab members 58 may be formed from any flexible, releasable material, such as the hook and loop fabric illustrated, and may be coupled to the open top 12 at predetermined positions along the second portion 16 B periphery. As may also be observed, the ends 56 of each U-shaped frame portion 54 A, 54 B are adapted for pivotal attachment to a respective pivot connector 70 A. As shown, the pivot connector 70 A includes a plurality of pivot points 72 , 74 , with pivot points 72 adapted to pivotally receive respective ends 56 of frame potion 54 A, 54 B. As seen, the handle member 60 further includes ends 64 , which are pivotally connected to a respective pivot connector 70 A at pivot points 74 . As shown, the handle member 60 is formed from a relatively rigid material and may include padding 66 that extends along at least a portion of the handle member 60 . It is to be understood that the handle member 60 of the type used for the present invention is not limited to the particular type shown in the Figures, however it is preferred for ease of use.

As discussed in reference to the described embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the structure 10 A illustrated in FIGS. 4-9 may, from the expanded state, be folded into a collapsed state for storage and transportation. FIGS. 1-3 show various steps for collapsing the previously described structure 10 , and the structure 10 A illustrated in FIGS. 4-9 is similarly collapsed (see specifically FIGS. 5-9 ).

The first step may be observed in FIG. 5 . As shown, the releasable tab members 58 are opened and portion 54 B is thereby disengaged from the open top portion 16 B. Referring now to FIG. 6 , and similarly to FIG. 2 , the next step requires pushing the floor panel 30 into the enclosure 14 in the direction of arrow A′. Next, and as seen in FIG. 7 , opposite side panels 20 of the structure 10 A are biased, along with floor panel 30 , upwardly in the direction of arrow B′, to meet the handle frame member 50 , until the opposed side panels 20 , and floor panel 30 are adjacent to and overlay each other. The resulting collapsed structure 10 A is a stack of two side panels 20 and the floor panel 30 . FIG. 8 illustrates the next step of rotating the released portion of the partially collapsed structure 10 A in the direction of arrow D. The structure 10 A will first twist and then will rotate in the direction of arrow E to form overlaying circular loops situated adjacently as shown in FIG. 8 .

The final steps, shown in FIG. 9 , include pivoting each handle frame portion 54 A, 54 B of the handle frame member 50 in the direction of arrows F from an extended position to a position adjacent the handle member 60 . Also shown in FIG. 9 , is the optional step of encircling the collapsed structure 10 A, by a retaining strap 18 , if provided for finally securing the structure 10 A in the collapsed state.

When the retaining strap 18 is removed from around the collapsed structure 10 A the handle frame member portions 54 A, 54 B are pivoted back to the horizontal position. The frames 22 will then bias the structure 10 A into its fully expanded state.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a container 10 B, similar to those described in relation to FIGS. 4-9 , but showing a handle frame member 50 attached to the periphery of the open top 12 entirely by way of releasable attachment means. As seen, the device 10 B shown in FIG. 10 includes means for releasable attachment of both a first and a second portion 54 A, 54 B of the handle frame member 50 . Such means may include the releasable tab members 58 shown. The releasable tab members 58 may be formed from any flexible, releasable material, such as the hook and loop fabric illustrated, and may be coupled to the open top 12 at predetermined positions along the periphery.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-14 yet another alternative embodiment is illustrated. As seen, the structure 100 may be in the form of an axially-compressible, curvilinear collapsible structure 100 . A curvilinear web panel 102 comprises the generally cylindrical structure 100 , which may be reduced in size through axial compression. While the illustrations depict a generally cylindrical shape, it is to be understood that the structure 100 may be of any curvilinear configuration. As illustrated particularly in FIG. 11 , the collapsible structure 100 preferably includes a supporting frame 104 having a continuous coil body 106 . As may be seen, the coil body 106 is axially-compressible, as represented by arrow G in FIG. 12 , from an extended position having a first height H 1 (see FIG. 11 ) to a collapsed position having a second height H 2 (see FIG. 12 ), wherein the first height H 1 is greater than the second height H 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the coil body 106 possesses a resilient memory that biases the body 106 in the extended position. The supporting frame 104 is preferably positioned within an edging 108 which envelops the frame 104 and is coupled to a surface of the web panel 102 .

As in the previously described embodiments, and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, a relatively rigid handle member 60 and handle frame member 50 may be attached to the periphery of the open top 12 by way of handle frame edging material 52 . As may be observed, the handle frame edging material 52 envelopes the handle frame member 50 and is attached to the periphery of the open top 12 such that the handle frame member 50 is attached to and encircles the open top 12 periphery. As is further shown, at least one handle member 60 may be pivotally coupled to the handle frame member 50 by way of pivot connector 70 B.

Alternatively, and in a similar manner previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 6-10 , the handle frame member 50 may be releasably attached to the periphery of the open top 12 by way of releasable tabs 58 or other suitable means. Releasable tabs 58 , such as hook and loop fasteners (not shown in these views) may be attached to the periphery of the open top 12 at predetermined positions to thereby provide releasable attachment means for the handle frame member 50 .

It is further contemplated that the container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 may have a handle frame member 50 that is attached to the open top using both handle frame edging 52 to envelop and retain a portion (not shown) of the handle frame member 50 to the open top 12 , and a remaining portion (not shown) of the handle frame member 50 being releasably attached by way of the aforementioned releasable tabs (see FIG. 5 , for example) or other acceptable means.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.