CN110558882B

CN110558882B - Foldable container, foldable support frame thereof and folding method

Info

Publication number: CN110558882B
Application number: CN201810575375.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 穆蒙蒙
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-06
Filing date: 2018-06-06
Publication date: 2023-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-06
Also published as: CN110558882A; CN116998932A; CN116998931A

Abstract

A collapsible container comprising: the folding device comprises a foldable support, at least one switch, wherein the switch is arranged on the foldable support, the foldable support is converted between an unfolding state and a folding state in a pulling mode, and a containing body, wherein the containing body is arranged on the foldable support, an opening is formed around the edge of the containing body, the opening is unfolded when in the unfolding state, the opening is closed when in the folding state, and the containing body is automatically folded along with the foldable support from the unfolding state to the folding state. In addition, a foldable support frame and a folding method are provided, and the space occupied by the foldable support frame in a non-use state is reduced after folding.

Description

Foldable container, foldable support frame thereof and folding method

Technical Field

The invention relates to a foldable living appliance, in particular to a foldable container and a foldable supporting frame thereof, and further provides a folding method.

Background

Non-stationary containers in a home environment, such as bathtubs, movable swimming pools, etc., are commonly used as a cleaning or play container for children or pets. The non-stationary container is convenient for most households, for example, a user may move the non-stationary container into a bathroom or yard as desired, allowing a child or pet to perform cleaning or play activities within the interior of the non-stationary container when the interior of the non-stationary container is covered with, for example, water or cleaning fluid. It is well known that such non-stationary containers in a home environment do not need to be used all the time, or even every day, which makes how to store such non-stationary containers a primary consideration, especially for urban residents, where urban residential land is an increasing reduction in the area of a person's residence in an average household, and how to store such non-stationary containers to reduce the space taken up by such non-stationary containers when not in use, is a problem that has to be faced. The drawbacks of the present non-stationary containers have led to the fact that they do not solve the real problems faced by the users.

In particular, to reduce the space that the non-stationary container occupies when not in use, the non-stationary container is now designed to be inflatable, meaning that the inflatable non-stationary container needs to be inflated before being used, and in general, inflation of the inflatable non-stationary container requires the use of an inflator. Before using the non-stationary container of the inflatable type, it is necessary to place the non-stationary container of the inflatable type at a preset position and then inflate the non-stationary container of the inflatable type for more than five minutes by the inflator to be able to charge the inside of the sidewall of the non-stationary container with an amount of gas for supporting the shape of the non-stationary container, which results in a very troublesome use. If the inflator is damaged or lost, the inflatable non-stationary container cannot be used normally. In order to facilitate the deflation and folding of the non-stationary container after the use of the inflatable non-stationary container, an air vent is also required, and if the air vent has poor sealing property, air leakage easily occurs, and once the inflatable non-stationary container has the problem of air leakage, water or cleaning solution contained in the non-stationary container easily leaks out, especially for the non-stationary container used in living rooms, if the water or cleaning solution in the non-stationary container leaks out, the home environment is likely to be damaged. However, in the process in which the non-stationary container of the inflatable type is manufactured, it is very difficult to provide the air outlet of the air chamber communicating with the side wall at the side wall of the non-stationary container and to secure the sealability between the air outlet and the side wall.

In addition, the non-stationary container is placed directly on the ground when in use, which results in the user having to bend down to perform while helping the child or pet to clean, which can easily have a bad influence on the user's health, especially the waist health.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a foldable container, a foldable support frame and a folding method thereof, wherein the foldable container can be folded to reduce the occupied space of the foldable container in a non-use state.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container, a collapsible stand and a method of collapsing the collapsible container, wherein the space occupied by the collapsible container after being collapsed is substantially reduced to save space for storing the collapsible container and to allow the collapsible container to be easily carried.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible support stand and a method of collapsing the collapsible container, wherein the collapsible container can be conveniently manipulated to quickly transition from a collapsed state to an expanded state without the use of any tools during the manipulation of the collapsible container from the collapsed state to the expanded state.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible stand and a method of collapsing the same, wherein the collapsible container is capable of allowing water or cleaning liquid contained therein to automatically flow out and drain.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible stand and method of collapsing the same wherein the collapsible container can be cleaned easily and is easily restored and kept dry.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible stand therefor and a method of collapsing the same, wherein the collapsible container provides a collapsible stand and a body disposed on the collapsible stand, wherein the body is automatically collapsible when the collapsible stand is collapsed, so that the collapsible container is transformed from the unfolded state to the folded state, thereby facilitating handling.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible support frame and a method of collapsing the same wherein the container can be automatically expanded when the collapsible support frame is expanded to allow the collapsible container to transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state, thereby facilitating handling.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible support frame and a method of collapsing the same, wherein the collapsible support frame is operated to collapse further by pulling the container, and the collapsible support frame is moved from the unfolded state to the collapsed state without direct operation of the collapsible support frame.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible stand therefor and a method of collapsing the collapsible container, wherein the collapsible container is allowed to collapse in a pull-out manner when the collapsible container is in the collapsed state, thereby allowing the collapsible container to be easily manipulated and quickly converted from the collapsed state to the collapsed state.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible stand and a method of collapsing the collapsible container, wherein the collapsible container allows a single hand to be collapsed by a pull when the collapsible container is in the expanded state, thereby simplifying the handling of the collapsible container.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container and a collapsible support stand and a method of collapsing the same, wherein the collapsible support stand is capable of supporting the container to a predetermined height to allow a user to clean a child or pet in a comfortable manner, for example, the collapsible container allows the user to clean a child or pet in a standing position, which is beneficial to the physical health of the user, particularly to the lumbar health of the user.

The above and other objects and advantages according to the present invention are achieved by a collapsible container comprising:

a foldable support frame;

at least one switch, wherein the switch is disposed on the foldable support frame to switch the foldable support frame between an unfolded state and a folded state in a pulling manner; and

a container, wherein the container is positioned on the collapsible support, wherein an edge of the container surrounds an opening, wherein in the unfolded state the opening is opened, wherein in the folded state the opening is closed, wherein the container automatically collapses as the collapsible support transitions from the unfolded state to the folded state.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container is connected to the switch, and the switch is operated by pulling the container, thereby folding the foldable support frame.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the foldable support frame is folded and the container is driven to fold, wherein the foldable support frame is held in the unfolded state by the support of the switch, wherein the switch is operated to release the support of the foldable support frame, and the foldable support frame is further converted from the unfolded state to the folded state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the foldable support frame comprises two folding arms and at least four support legs, wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the support legs, wherein the folding arms are mutually pivotally connected to the switch, wherein the folding arms and the support legs mutually rotatably pivot.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the foldable support frame further comprises a pivot axis, wherein each of the support legs is pivotally connected to each of the folding arms about the pivot axis, respectively, wherein when the folding arms are rotated, the support legs are driven by the folding arms to rotate about the pivot axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the folding arms further comprise a switch lever, wherein the switch lever is arranged at an end of one of the folding arms, wherein in the unfolded state the switch lever is supported by the switch to limit movement between the two folding arms of the foldable support frame.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the folding arm further comprises a rotary lever, wherein the two folding arms are pivotally connected to each other around the rotary lever.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotary lever is arranged at the switch.

According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the folding arms is fixed to the switch and the other is relatively freely placed in the switch and is defined as a fixed arm and a free arm, respectively, wherein the fixed arm and the rotating rod are placed in the switch, wherein the free arm is movably placed in the switch around the rotating rod.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ends of the free arms are further connected laterally to the switch lever, wherein the switch lever is supported by the switch as the folding arms are unfolded, with the free arms parallel to the fixed arms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the switch is operated to release the switch lever, the free arm is rotated about the rotating lever and rotated toward the fixed arm by gravity to be folded.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switch includes a main body, a slider, and an elastic member, wherein the slider is movably disposed at the main body, wherein the elastic member is connected to the main body and the slider, and fixes the slider inside the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the body is constructed and shaped to hold the ends of the folding arms.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the free arm is rotatably held in the body, wherein the fixed arm is securely held in the body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the body is formed by two fixed arm cavities, two free arm cavities and a slider cavity, wherein the ends of the fixed arms are fixed to the fixed arm cavities and the swivel lever is arranged laterally to the fixed arm cavities, wherein the ends of the free arms are movably arranged to the free arm cavities and rotatably connected around the swivel lever.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the slider includes a support end portion, wherein the support end portion is formed with a one-way slope, wherein the support end portion is pushed by the switch lever to move, wherein the support end portion supports the weight of the switch lever without being pushed back.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the switch is operated by pulling a handle provided on the containing body to fold the foldable support frame, wherein the switch further comprises a pulling strap, wherein the slider comprises a pulling end adapted to be securely connected to the pulling strap, wherein one end of the pulling strap is connected to the handle and the other end is connected to the pulling end of the slider.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the slider is moved back into the slider cavity against the elastic force of the elastic member by pulling the pull strip.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of said support legs is adapted to be assembled with an extension leg, respectively, to increase the height of said containing body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the container is formed by a peripheral wall and a bottom portion sealingly connected to the peripheral wall to form the container into a bowl shape, wherein the bottom portion has a drain opening for draining the liquid in the container.

The above and other objects and advantages according to the present invention are achieved by a foldable support stand comprising:

two folding arms;

at least four support legs; and

at least one switch, wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the support leg, wherein the support leg is pivotally rotated with the folding arms, wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected to each other to the switch, wherein the switch is provided to the folding arms to switch the folding arms in a pull manner between an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein the folding arms are held in the unfolded state by the support of the switch, wherein the switch is operated to release the support for the folding arms and thereby switch from the unfolded state to the folded state.

The above and other objects and advantages according to the present invention are achieved by a folding method comprising the steps of:

pulling a container to fold; and

the folding of the carrier triggers a transformation of a collapsible support from an unfolded state, in which the carrier is supported by the collapsible support, to a folded state, in which the collapsible support is folded together with the carrier.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the collapsible container in an unfolded state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed state.

Fig. 3 is a split view of the collapsible container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed state.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the switch of the collapsible container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the collapsible container in use according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6A to 6C are schematic views illustrating an unfolding process of the foldable container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A to 7C are schematic views illustrating a folding process of the foldable container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the collapsible container according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9A to 9B are schematic views illustrating an unfolding process of the foldable container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10A to 10B are schematic views illustrating a folding process of the foldable container according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The preferred embodiments in the following description are by way of example only and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description may be applied to other embodiments, variations, modifications, equivalents, and other technical solutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the present disclosure, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," etc. refer to an orientation or positional relationship based on that shown in the drawings, which is merely for convenience of description and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore the above terms should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

It is to be understood that the terms "a" and "an" are to be interpreted as referring to "at least one" or "one or more," i.e., in one embodiment, the number of elements may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of elements may be more than one, and the term "a" is not to be construed as limiting the number.

According to a preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 10B, the present invention provides a collapsible container adapted to contain water or cleaning fluid therein, such as a bathtub or swimming pool. The collapsible container comprises a collapsible supporting frame 10, a switch 20 which is operated in a pulling manner to change the collapsible supporting frame 10 between an unfolded state and a folded state, and a container body 30 which is disposed on the collapsible supporting frame 10. In other words, when the collapsible support frame 10 is unfolded, the containing body 30 is also unfolded for containing the liquid in use. And when the foldable support frame 10 is in the folded state, the container body 30 is folded together with the foldable support frame 10, so that the entire foldable container can be stored in a foldable form.

Preferably, the container 30 is automatically unfolded along with the unfolding of the foldable support frame 10 during the unfolding of the foldable support frame 10, and accordingly, the container 30 is automatically folded along with the folding of the foldable support frame 10 during the folding of the foldable support frame 10.

It should be noted that the one-way pulling mode according to the present invention refers to a one-way mode when the foldable container is operated to switch from the unfolded state to the folded state, that is, the foldable container is operated in the same direction, so that the foldable container can be switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. Preferably, the one-way pulling mode according to the present invention means that when the foldable container is operated to switch from the unfolded state to the folded state, the foldable container is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state by pulling the foldable container once in one direction, that is, pulling the foldable container once in the same direction. Even so, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that pulling the collapsible container in stages in the same direction may transition the collapsible container from the unfolded state to the folded state, e.g., pulling the collapsible container in two times in the same direction may also transition the collapsible container from the unfolded state to the folded state. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the containing body 30 according to the present preferred embodiment is fixedly disposed to the folding support frame 10. The container 30 is driven by the foldable support frame 10 to be folded or unfolded. When the container 30 is ready to be unfolded, the foldable support frame 10 is driven to be unfolded. It is worth mentioning that the collapsible container can be unfolded integrally without additional steps. No additional steps are required to open the containing body 30 or to increase the stability of supporting the containing body 30. When the foldable support frame 10 is operated to be unfolded, the containing body 30 is simultaneously unfolded. In addition, folding the containing body 30 by folding the foldable support frame 10 is similar. When the foldable support 10 is folded, the foldable support 10 will drive the container 30 to fold. Thus, the folding or unfolding of the collapsible container can be changed by easy manipulation.

As shown in fig. 3, the foldable support frame 10 includes at least two top arms 11, at least two folding arms 12, and at least four support legs 13, wherein each of the top arms 11 is adapted to be placed on the folding arm 12 and the support leg 13, wherein the support leg 13 supports the folding arm 12 and the top arm 11. Preferably, the number of the top arms 11, the folding arms 12 and the supporting legs 13 are cooperatively designed, and each of the top arms 11 and each of the folding arms 12 are respectively supported by the supporting legs 13.

It is worth mentioning that the folding arms 12 are pivotally connected to each other by the switch 20. The rotation of the folding arm 12 can drive the folding or unfolding movement of the top arm 11 with the support leg 13. In the folded state of the foldable support frame 10, the two folding arms 12 can be folded to overlap each other, and in the unfolded state of the foldable support frame 10, the two folding arms 12 can be unfolded to be flat. Therefore, when the folding arm 12 is folded, the top arm 11 and the support leg 13 are folded following the folding of the folding arm 12. Therefore, it is convenient to operate by folding only the folding arm 12 while the entire foldable support frame 10 is folded. And when the foldable support frame 10 is folded, the containing body 30 is also folded.

As shown in fig. 3, the switch 20 is connected to both ends of the two folding arms 12, thereby controlling the foldable support frame 10 to switch between folding and unfolding. The switch 20 may be further operated by being pulled to change the folding arm 12 from the unfolded state to the folded state. In other words, when the foldable support frame 10 is in the unfolded state, the switch 20 is pulled to change the condition of the folding arm 12, i.e., the folding arm 12 is folded by losing the supporting force and by gravity. The foldable support frame 10 is folded by pulling the switch 20 in a pulling manner.

Specifically, the two folding arms 12 are pivotally connected to each other about a rotary lever 121, the rotary lever 121 being interposed between the ends of the two folding arms 12. The rotating lever 121 is mounted to the switch 20. The two folding arms 12 rotate around the switch 20, while the switch 20 limits the rotation of the folding arms 12 relative to each other. According to the present embodiment, one of the folding arms 12 is fixed to the switch 20 and the other is relatively free to rotate with respect to the switch 20. Here, one of the folding arms 12 is defined as a fixed arm 1202 and the other is defined as a free arm 1201. The fixing arm 1202 is mounted to the switch 20 together with the rotating lever 121. The free arm 1201 is rotatably provided to the switch 20 about the rotation lever 121.

In addition, the rotation of the fixed arm 1202 and the free arm 1201 about the rotation lever 121 is asymmetric. That is, when the fixed arm 1202 and the free arm 1201 are folded over each other, the fixed arm 1202 and the free arm 1201 are stacked so as to be offset from each other without coming into contact with or colliding with each other. On the one hand, the fixing arm 1202 is not mechanically damaged in the folding and unfolding of the free arm 1201, and on the other hand, after folding, a retaining channel is formed between the fixing arm 1202 and the free arm 1201.

It is worth mentioning that the end of the free arm 1201 is further connected transversely to a switch lever 122. When the folding arm 12 is unfolded flat, the switch lever 122 is firmly supported by the switch 20, and the free arm 1201 is parallel to the fixed arm 1202. When the switch lever 122 is supported, the free arm 1201 is supported opposite the same side of the fixed arm 1202. If the switch 20 remains supporting the switch lever 122, the free arm 1201 remains relatively parallel to the fixed arm 1202. If the switch 20 releases the switch lever 122, the free arm 1201 loses support and rotates about the rotary lever 121 and folds toward the fixed arm 1202 under the force of gravity. In other words, when the switch lever 122 is supported by the switch 20, the folding arm 12 is unfolded and it is difficult to change the position due to the restriction of the switch 20. Once the switch lever 122 is clear of the switch 20, the folding arm 12 can be rotated about a rotating lever to be folded. Thus, the folding arm 12 is controlled in terms of movement by the switch 20, and the folded or unfolded state of the foldable support frame 10 is indirectly determined by the switch 20.

Furthermore, the support leg 13 and the folding arm 12 are each pivotally connected about a pivot axis 130. When the folding arms 12 are rotated about the rotating rod 121, the angle and distance between the folding arms 12 are changed. And the support leg 13 is forced to rotate about the pivot axis 130. Each of the support legs 13, each of the folding arms 12 and the pivot shaft 130 are formed as a rotatable X-shaped frame. Since the movement of the folding arm 12 is transmitted to the support leg 13, it is not necessary to move the support leg 13 to further fold or unfold.

Further, the top arm 11 is rotated by being driven by the support leg 13 through a folding assembly 110, and the folding assembly 110 is mounted to the top end of the support leg 13. When the support legs 13 are folded or unfolded as the folding arms 12 are rotated, the top arms 11 are forced to rotate about the folding assembly 110. Each of the support legs 13, each of the top arms 11 and the folding assembly 110 are shaped as a rotatable Λ -shaped frame. Due to the folding assembly 110, there is no need to fold or unfold the support legs 13, since the movement of the folding assembly 110 is transferred to the support legs 13.

In detail, the folding assembly 110 includes a folding base 111 and a linkage 112. The folding base 111 is provided at an end of the top arm 11, and accommodates an upper end of the support leg 13 therein. The linkage 112 includes two arm members 1121 mounted at the top ends of the support legs 13 and the ends of the top arms 11, respectively. The arm members 1121 are connected by a linkage shaft 1122 so that the angle between each of the top arms 11 and each of the support legs 13 can be controlled with the maximum angle restriction. Each top arm 11, each support leg 13 and the arm connecting member 1121 are shaped like a, the top arm 11 will drive the support leg 13 to move, and the support leg 13 will drive the top arm 11 to move around the folding base 111.

Preferably, the support leg 13 and the top arm 11 are folded by operating the switch 20 to release the switch lever 122 to fold the folding arm 12. Preferably, the top arm 11 is unfolded to further drive the folding arm 12 to rest on the switch 20 and to unfold the support leg 13.

Further, each of the support legs 13 is adapted to be correspondingly provided with an elongated leg 14 for raising the height of the top arm 11 and holding the containing body 30 on the top arm 11 in a predetermined position, as shown in fig. 5. By the elongate legs 14, the body 30 is supported at a predetermined height from the floor for relatively hygienic cleaning while using water or cleaning solution. Furthermore, the user uses the container comfortably without bending down.

The body 30 is sealingly connected to the wall 31 by a wall 31 and a bottom 32 to form a bowl-shape for the body 30. An edge 310 of the enclosing wall 31 is positioned on the top arm 11 of the collapsible supporting frame 10. In some alternative modes of the invention, the carrier 30 is removably mounted to the top arm 11 for replacement. The body 30 further comprises at least one pocket 33 placed on the wall 31. The pocket 33 is adapted to hold other items therein to facilitate grasping the items while using liquid for cleaning or play.

It should be noted that the bottom 32 has a drain 322 for draining the container 30. The drain opening 322 is preferably a region lower in the bottom 32 than other regions for effectively draining the liquid from the interior. The drain 322 is adapted to be connected to a drain 40 to allow fluid to flow out of the body 30 along a path. The drain opening 322 is adapted to be plugged by a plug to allow for the use of the liquid contained in the body 30.

In particular, as shown in fig. 2 and 7C, the drain pipe 40 is placed in the holding passage when the foldable support frame 10 is in the folded state. Because of the asymmetric folding of the fixed arm 1202 and the free arm 1201, the holding channel has a certain width. The drain 40 is not squeezed by the fixed arm 1202 and the free arm 1201 within the holding channel. That is, the drain pipe 40 is held in the holding passage in the folded state, and the drain pipe 40 is enclosed in the holding passage from both sides by the fixing arm 1202 and the free arm 1201. Therefore, the drain pipe 40 is not damaged by the force of the clamping, and the drain pipe 40 is kept at a certain position, avoiding random swing.

The base 32 also includes a handle 321 that is connected to the switch 20. The switch 20 can be operated by operating the handle 321 to fold the folding arm 12.

As shown in fig. 4, the switch 20 includes a main body 21, a slider 22 movably installed in the main body 21, and an elastic member 23 connecting the main body 21 to the slider 22 to fasten the slider 22 in the main body 21. The body 21 is constructed and shaped to be retained on an end of one of the folding arms 12. In particular, the body 21 rotatably mounts the free arm 1201 and fixedly mounts the fixed arm 1202. It should be noted that the slider 22 partially protrudes out of the main body 21 due to the pushing force of the elastic member 23. The slider 23 is able to support the folding arm 12 in position when the elastic member 23 pushes the slider 22 to protrude outside the main body 21. Once the slider 22 moves toward the inside of the main body 21, the folding arm 12 loses support and falls down and rotates around the rotating lever 121. When the folding arm 12 is no longer supported by the slider 22 of the switch 20, the folding arm 12 is folded, i.e. the two folding arms 12 overlap each other.

When the free arm 1201 is rotated to be supported by the slider 22 and parallel to the fixed arm 1202, the folding arm 12 is unfolded flat, and the folding support frame 10 is in an unfolded state. When the slider 22 moves back to the inside of the main body 21, the free arm 1201 falls down and is folded with the fixed arm 1202.

According to the preferred embodiment, the body 21 is formed of two fixed arm cavities 211, two free arm cavities 212 and a slider cavity 213. The end of the fixed arm 1202 is fixedly mounted in the fixed arm cavity 211, and the rotating rod 121 passes through the fixed arm cavity 211. The end of the free arm 1201 is movably disposed in the free arm chamber 212 and rotatably connected around the rotation lever 121. Thus, the rotating rod 121 passes through the fixed arm chamber 211 and the free arm chamber 212. In other words, both ends of the free arm 1201 and both ends of the fixed arm 1202 surround the rotating lever 121. The fixed arm 1202 remains stationary with the fixed arm cavity 211 of the body 21 and the free arm 1201 rotates in the free arm cavity 212 of the body 21. The slider 22 is movably disposed in the slider cavity 213 to be moved in or pushed by the elastic member 23 to be moved out of the slider cavity 213.

The switch lever 122 is provided outside the main body 21 and is capable of applying a pushing force to the slider 22 to move the slider 22 backward in the slider cavity 213. When the switch lever 122 is lifted to force the slider 22 into, the free arm 1201 is rotated about the rotation lever 121 to be unfolded, the slider 22 is pushed to move back into the slider cavity 213. When the switch lever 122 passes over the slider 22 without applying a force to the slider 22, the slider 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the elastic member 213 to protrude again. And the switch lever 122 is supported by the protruding slider 22. In this case, the switch lever 122 cannot be pushed back not only to the slider 22, but the slider 22 bears the weight of the switch lever 122. If the slider 22 is kept protruding, the switch lever 122 is still supported by the slider 22 of the switch 20, the free arm 1201 is unfolded opposite to the fixed arm 1202, and the folding arm 12 is unfolded flat and stably.

The slider 22 includes a support end 221 shaped as a unidirectional ramp. The switch lever 122 pushes the support end 221 to move on the slope. The support end 221 supports the switch lever 122 on a plane to bear the weight of the switch lever 122 without being pushed back.

The slider 22 includes a pull end 222 adapted to be securely connected to a pull strip 24. By pulling out the pull belt 24, the slider 22 moves backward in the slider cavity 213 against the elastic force of the elastic member 23.

The slider 22 further includes a stopper 223 protruding to the body 21 to catch the slider 22 inside the slider cavity 213, preventing the slider 22 from being separated from the slider cavity 213 by pushing of the elastic member 23. In other words, the slider 22 is urged by the elastic member 23 and is held by the stopper 223 so as to be held in the slider cavity 213. And the slider 22 is constrained to move along a particular path in the slider cavity 213. According to the preferred embodiment, the slider cavity 213 further includes at least one sliding rail 2134 formed inside the slider cavity 213 to limit the moving direction and distance of the slider 22. The slider 22 further includes at least one shoe 224, the shoe 224 correspondingly engaging with a sliding track 2134 of the slider cavity 213.

The slider cavity 213 has a support opening 2131 corresponding to the free arm 1201 and a pull opening 2132 corresponding to the fixed arm 1202. The slider 22 protrudes from the support opening 2131 pushed by the elastic member 23, and when pressed by the switch lever 122, the slider 22 is pulled back toward the pulling opening 2132. The slider cavity 213 also includes the stop window 2133. The stop window 2133 is preferably located at the top of the body 21. The stop window 2133 accommodates the stop 223 of the slider 22 therein. The stop window 2133 is capable of catching the stop 223 and moving within the area of the stop window 2133. In other possible alternatives, the stop window 2133 can be shaped as a slot to limit movement of the stop 223.

The pull strap 24 extends from the body 21 through the pull opening 2132 from the pull end 222 of the slider 22. When the pull strip 24 pulls the slider 22 back into the slider cavity 213, the support end 221 moves rearward and the switch lever 122 loses support due to the rearward movement of the support end 221. The stopper 223 is restricted from continuing to move backward by the stopper window 2133 to avoid excessive movement of the slider 22.

One end of the pull strip 24 is connected to the handle 321 of the bottom 32 of the containing body 30. The other end of the pull strip 24 is connected to the slider 22. Thus, when the handle 321 is pulled to lift the containing body 30, the pulling strip 24 transmits a force to pull the slider 22 into the slider cavity 213. The switch 20 can be operated to fold the foldable support frame 10 by only one step of pulling the handle 321 of the container 30.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the collapsible container during deployment according to the preferred embodiment is shown in fig. 6A-6C.

The top arm 11 is unfolded from the folded state, for example, when the collapsible container needs to be used. The top arm 11 will move the support leg 13 to unfold around the folding assembly 110. The support legs 13 drive the folding arms 12 to open about the pivot axis 130. In other words, the folding arm 12 is rotated about the pivot shaft 130 by the movement of the support leg 13. When the folding arms 12 are to be unfolded to lie flat against each other, the folding arms 12 are rotated about the rotating rod 121. The folding arm 12 will be supported by the switch 20 to limit further movement.

Specifically, when the free arm 1201 rotates to the fixed arm 1202, the free arm 1201 rotates to be supported by the slider 22 of the switch 20 and parallel to the fixed arm 1202 to spread out the folded arm 12 flat. The collapsible supporting frame 10 is in an expanded state. When the free arm 1201 rotates, the switch lever 122 is lifted to apply a force to the support end 221 of the slider 22. The slider 22 is then pushed back into the slider cavity 213. After the switch lever 122 is continuously lifted up over the slider 22, the slider 22 is not pushed by the pushing force, and the slider 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the elastic member 23 to protrude the slider cavity 213. The switch lever 122 is supported by the protruding slider 22 on the slider 22, in which case the switch lever 122 cannot push the slider 22 back, but rather applies its weight on the slider 22. Thus, the folding arm 12 is unfolded and is stably supported by the switch 20. The foldable support frame 10 is in an unfolded state. The container 30 is opened in response to the expansion of the top arm 11.

Normally, as the top arm 11 of the foldable support frame 10 is unfolded, the folding arm 12 is stably supported by the switch 20, and the container 30 is opened by the movement of the top arm 11.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the collapsible container during collapsing according to the preferred embodiment is shown in fig. 7A to 7C.

To fold the collapsible container, the handle 321 is pulled to lift the containing body 30 and the pull strap 24 transmits a pulling force to pull the slider 22 back within the slider cavity 213. The support end 221 supports the switch lever 122 on its plane and bears the weight of the switch lever 122 without being pushed back when the folding arm 12 is unfolded. The slider 22 will resist the elastic force of the elastic member 23 when moving backward in the slider cavity 213. The switch lever 122 of the folding arm 12 descends after losing support and rotates the free arm 1201 about the rotating lever 121. In other words, the free arm 1201 falls to fold with the fixed arm 1202.

When the two arms of the folding arm 12 are folded over each other, the top arm 11 and the support leg 13 also follow the fold. Rotation of the folding arm 12 moves the support leg 13 about the pivot axis 130. In other words, the supporting leg 13 is rotated with the folding of the folding arm 12, and the top arm 11 is rotated around the folding unit 110 to be folded.

Typically, the pulling strip 24 is pulled to operate the switch 20, and then the folding arm 12 loses the support by the switch 20, and then when the folding arm 12 is folded by gravity, the support leg 13, the top arm 11, and the container 30 are also folded along with the folding of the folding arm 12. Thus, the collapsible container is collapsed in a pull-out fashion.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 8-10B. Unlike the first preferred embodiment, the container 30 'is detachably disposed on the foldable stand 10'. It is worth mentioning that the containing body 30 'may be any conventional container suitable to be carried by the collapsible supporting frame 10'.

The foldable support frame 10 ' includes at least two folding arms 12 ' and at least four support legs 13 '. Preferably, the number of folding arms 12 'and the number of support legs 13' are designed accordingly, wherein each folding arm 12 'is supported by two support legs 13' accordingly.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the support legs 13 'are pivotally interconnected about the pivot axis 130'. And the support leg 13 ' is rotated about the pivot shaft 130 ' by the folding arm 12 '. As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, as the folding arm 12 ' is folded or unfolded by rotating about the rotating rod 121 ', the angle and distance between the folding arms 12 ' are changed. The support leg 13 'is also driven to rotate about the pivot shaft 130'.

According to the preferred embodiment, there are two of the switches 20 mounted on one of the folding arms 12'. The switch 20 has the same structure and function as the above embodiment, and will not be described again. The switch lever 122' is differently designed and shaped. The switch lever 122 'is integrally formed with the folding arm 12' and is adapted to provide support.

Further, fig. 9A to 9B illustrate the relationship and movement of unfolding the foldable holding container according to the present preferred embodiment.

The foldable support frame 10' is unfolded from the folded state. The support legs 13 ' carried by the folding arms 12 ' are unfolded about the pivot shafts 130 '. The support legs 13 'can drive the folding arms 12' to be unfolded as required. When the folding arms 12 ' are unfolded to lie flat against each other, the folding arms 12 ' are rotated about the rotating rods 121 '. The folding arm 12 ' will be supported by the switch 20 to limit further downward movement, while further upward movement is limited by the support leg 13 ' and the pivot shaft 130 '.

Specifically, when one of the folding arms 12 ' is rotated toward the other folding arm 12 ', the switch lever 122 ' is lifted to apply a force to the support end 221 of the slider 22. The slider 22 of each supports the side of the switch lever 122 'such that the switch lever 122' is symmetrically supported by the two switches 20. Each of the sliders 22 is then moved back into the slider cavity 213 by the switch lever 122 ', and the switch lever 122' will continue to lift over the slider 22. Each of the sliders 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the elastic member 23 to protrude again from the slider cavity 213. The switch lever 122 ' is supported by the protruding slider 22 to be placed above the two switches 20, in which case the switch lever 122 ' cannot push the slider 22 rearward, and the weight of the switch lever 122 ' is borne on the slider 22. Then, the folding arm 12' is unfolded and stably supported by the switch 20. And the foldable support frame 10' is also in an unfolded state. The containing body 30 'can also be placed on the folding arm 12'.

Generally, as the folding arm 12 'or the supporting leg 13' of the foldable support frame 10 'is unfolded, the folding arm 12' is stably supported by the switch 20, and the switch lever 122 'is capable of carrying the weight of the containing body 30'.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the collapsible container during collapsing according to the present preferred embodiment is shown in fig. 10A to 10B.

When the folding arm 12 ' is unfolded, the switch lever 122 ' is supported on the plane of the supporting end 221 to bear the weight of the switch lever 122 ' without being pushed back. To fold the collapsible container, two of the pull straps 24' need to be pulled to move each of the sliders 22 rearwardly within the slider cavity 213. Each of the sliders 22 is pulled back in the slider cavity 213 against the elastic force of the elastic member 23. The switch lever 122 ' of the folding arm 12 ' is released from support and falls down to rotate around the rotating lever 121 '. In other words, one of the folding arms 12 'falls down so as to fold over the other folding arm 12'. Rotation of the folding arm 12 ' will cause the support leg 13 ' to move about the pivot axis 130 '. In other words, the support leg 13 'is rotated as the folding arm 12' is folded.

Typically, pulling the pull strip 24 operates the switch 20, and the folding arm 12' loses the support provided by the switch 20. The folding arm 12 ' is then folded by gravity, and the support leg 13 ' is folded in accordance with the folding of the folding arm 12 '. Thus, the collapsible container is collapsed by a pull.

In an alternative mode of the preferred embodiment, two of the pull straps 24 may be connected end to end with each other. Then, only one of the pull straps 24 is pulled, both of the switches 20 can be operated. And both ends of the pull strip 24 are fixedly fastened to the two sliders 22, respectively. By pulling the pull strip 24, both of the switches 20 are operated simultaneously.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a folding method including the steps of:

pulling a container to fold; and

More specifically, the container is connected to a switch. The switch is triggered to fold the foldable support frame. That is, the operation of the container can drive the operation of the switch, thereby realizing the operation of folding the foldable support frame from the container. Because the container is pulled to fold the container and further trigger the folding of the foldable support frame, the transformation of the folding whole is automatically completed by one operation action.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention described above and shown in the drawings are by way of example only and are not limiting. The objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and described in the examples and embodiments of the invention may be modified or practiced without departing from the principles described.

Claims

1. A collapsible container comprising:

a foldable support frame, wherein the foldable support frame comprises at least two top arms and at least two folding arms;

at least one switch, wherein the switch is arranged on the foldable support frame and connected to two ends of at least two folding arms, and the foldable support frame is converted between an unfolding state and a folding state in a pulling manner, wherein at least two top arms are folded along with the folding of at least two folding arms; and

2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the body is connected to the switch, the switch being operated by pulling the body to collapse the collapsible support.

3. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible support is collapsed and the carrier is actuated to collapse, wherein the collapsible support is held in the expanded state by support of the switch, wherein the switch is operated to release support to the collapsible support, whereby the collapsible support transitions from the expanded state to the collapsed state.

4. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 3 wherein the collapsible support frame comprises at least four support legs, wherein each of the collapsible arms is supported by the support legs, wherein the collapsible arms are pivotally connected to each other to the switch, wherein the collapsible arms and the support legs are pivotally rotatable relative to each other.

5. The collapsible container of claim 4, wherein said collapsible support frame comprises a pivot axis, wherein each of said support legs is pivotally connected to each of said folding arms about said pivot axis, respectively, wherein said support legs are rotated about said pivot axis by said folding arms when said folding arms are rotated.

6. The collapsible container of claim 4, wherein the folding arms comprise a switch lever, wherein the switch lever is positioned at an end of one of the folding arms, wherein in the unfolded state the switch lever is supported by the switch to limit movement between the two folding arms of the collapsible support frame.

7. The collapsible container of claim 6, wherein said folding arm comprises a swivel rod, wherein two of said folding arms are pivotally connected to each other about said swivel rod.

8. The collapsible container of claim 7, wherein the rotary lever is positioned to the switch.

9. The collapsible container of claim 7, wherein one of the folding arms is secured to the switch and the other is relatively freely disposed on the switch and is defined as a fixed arm and a free arm, respectively, wherein the fixed arm and the rotating lever are disposed on the switch, wherein the free arm is movably disposed on the switch about the rotating lever.

10. The collapsible container of claim 9, wherein the ends of the free arms are laterally connected to the switch bar, wherein the switch bar is supported by the switch as the free arms are unfolded, with the free arms parallel to the fixed arms.

11. The collapsible container of claim 10, wherein when the switch is operated to release the switch lever, the free arm rotates about the rotating lever and toward the fixed arm under the force of gravity to collapse.

12. The collapsible container of claim 10, wherein the switch comprises a body, a slider, and a resilient member, wherein the slider is movably disposed on the body, wherein the resilient member is connected to the body and the slider to secure the slider within the body.

13. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the body is constructed and shaped to retain the ends of the folding arms.

14. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the free arm is rotatably retained to the body, wherein the fixed arm is securely retained to the body.

15. The collapsible container of claim 14, wherein the body is comprised of two fixed arm cavities, two free arm cavities, and a slider cavity, wherein the ends of the fixed arms are fixed to the fixed arm cavities, and the rotary lever is disposed laterally to the fixed arm cavities, wherein the ends of the free arms are movably disposed to the free arm cavities and rotatably connected about the rotary lever.

16. The collapsible container of claim 15, wherein the slider comprises a support end, wherein the support end is formed with a one-way ramp, wherein the support end is moved by pushing by the switch lever, wherein the support end supports the weight of the switch lever without being pushed back.

17. The collapsible container of claim 16, wherein the switch is operated by pulling a handle provided on the container body to collapse the collapsible support frame, wherein the switch comprises a pull strap, wherein the slider comprises a pull end adapted to be securely connected to the pull strap, wherein one end of the pull strap is connected to the handle and the other end is connected to the pull end of the slider.

18. The collapsible container of claim 17, wherein the slider is moved back into the slider cavity against the spring force of the resilient member by pulling the pull strip.

19. The collapsible container of claim 17, wherein each of the support legs is adapted to be assembled with an extension leg to raise the height of the container.

20. The collapsible container of claim 17, wherein the body is formed from a peripheral wall and a bottom portion sealingly connected to the peripheral wall to form the body into a bowl shape, wherein the bottom portion has a drain opening to drain liquid from the body.