US20110240638A1

US20110240638A1 - Collapsible storage basket

Info

Publication number: US20110240638A1
Application number: US12/750,684
Authority: US
Inventors: Pei-Chuan Ma
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2011-10-06

Abstract

The collapsible storage basket contains two rigid longitudinal plates, two flexible lateral plates, a flexible first base plate connecting the lateral and longitudinal plates' bottom rims, and a rigid second base plate stitched or adhered to a top side of the first base plate along a middle section of each of the second base plate's lateral edges. A rigid support plate is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate. To put the storage box to use, the longitudinal and lateral plates are raised and the two support plates are flipped inward so that their bottom rims are pressed against the second base plate. When the storage basket is not in use, the support plates are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of the two lateral plates, the longitudinal plates are folded inward. The storage basket then turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.

Description

(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to collapsible baskets, and more particular to a collapsible storage basket that could take shape easily and folded into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.

(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A conventional storage basket usually has a fixed structure made of wood or plastic and contains a number of compartments for storage separated by partition plates. Due to its fixed structure, the conventional storage basket would take up considerable space when not in use and therefore would be difficult to store or transport. Even though it usually could be disassembled, it requires re-assembly when it is put to use again, which is troublesome and laborious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As such, a novel collapsible storage basket is provided herein. The storage basket would take shape by simple pulling and flipping and, when not in use, could be collapsed into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation, making its usage extremely convenient.
The collapsible storage basket contains two rigid longitudinal plates, two flexible lateral plates, a flexible first base plate connecting the lateral and longitudinal plates' bottom rims, and a rigid second base plate stitched or adhered to a top side of the first base plate along a middle section of each of the second base plate's lateral edges. A rigid support plate is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate. To put the storage box to use, the longitudinal and lateral plates are raised and the two support plates are flipped inward so that their bottom rims are pressed against the second base plate, thereby forming a storage room for various objects. When the storage basket is not in use, the support plates are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of the two lateral plates, the longitudinal plates are folded inward. The storage basket then turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.
The two rigid longitudinal plates and the two rigid support plates are made by wrapping flexible cloth around rigid objects such as cardboards.
The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram showing a collapsible storage basket according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the collapsible storage basket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially exposed schematic diagram showing the internal of a longitudinal plate of the storage basket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram showing the storage basket of FIG. 1 when it is put to use.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective diagrams showing the scenario of collapsing the storage basket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram showing a collapsible storage basket according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the collapsible storage basket of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a profile schematic diagram showing the collapsible storage basket of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram showing the internal of a support plate of the storage basket of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram showing a collapsible storage basket according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic diagram showing the collapsible storage basket of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram showing a collapsible storage basket according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a collapsible storage basket according to a first embodiment of the present invention contains two rigid longitudinal plates 1, two flexible lateral plates 2, and a flexible first base plate 3 connecting the bottom rims of the lateral and longitudinal plates 1 and 2. A rigid second base plate 4 is stitched or adhered to a top side of the first base plate 3 along a middle section of each of the second base plate 4's lateral edges. The rest of the circumference of the second base plate 4 is freely detachable from the first base plate 3.
A rigid support plate 5 is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate 2. The two rigid longitudinal plates 1 and the two rigid support plates 5, in the present embodiment, are made by wrapping flexible cloth 12, 52 around rigid objects such as cardboards 11, 51 for enhanced appearance. The flexible lateral plates 2 and the first base plate 3 are made of a flexible material such as cloth.
With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible storage basket is achieved. To put to use, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are raised and the two support plates 5 are flipped inward so that their bottom rims are pressed against the second base plate 4, thereby forming a storage room for various objects. When the storage basket is not in use, the support plates 5 are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of the two lateral plates 2, the longitudinal plates 1 are folded inward. The storage basket then turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are pulled upward, the support plates 5 are flipped inward and the second base plate 4 provides support to and presses against the bottom rims of the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2, and the support plates 5, thereby forming a stable and reliable storage room where various objects could be stored.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the storage basket is not in use, the support plates 5 are flipped outward and the longitudinal plates 1 could be closed inward as the lateral plates 2 are flexible and could be wrinkled. When the longitudinal plates 1 are closed inward, since the second base plate 4 is only stitched or adhered along a middle section of its lateral edges, the second base plate 4 is raised upward and the storage basket is collapsed into a flat shape. The two support plates 5 are then closed and stacked on top of the second base plate 4.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a collapsible storage basket according to a second embodiment of the present invention contains two rigid longitudinal plates 1, two flexible lateral plates 2, a flexible first base plate 3 connecting the bottom rims of the lateral and longitudinal plates 1 and 2, and a flexible top cover plate 6 connecting the top rims of the lateral and longitudinal plates 1 and 2. An opening 13 is configured in one of the longitudinal plates 1 and a side cover plate 14 is connected to the longitudinal plate 1 along the top edge of the opening 13. Corresponding fastening elements 16 and 15 on the longitudinal plate 1 along the bottom edge of the opening 13 and the side cover plate 14, respectively, so as to fix the side cover plate 14 when it seals the opening 13. A rigid second base plate 4 is stitched or adhered to a top side of the first base plate 3 along a middle section of each of the second base plate 4's lateral edges. The rest of the circumference of the second base plate 4 is freely detachable from the first base plate 3. A rigid support plate 5 is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate 2. In turn, a flexible extension 53 is extended for an appropriate length from the top rim of each support plate 5.
With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible shoe box is achieved. To use the shoe box, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are pulled upward and, by threading hand into the box through the opening 13, the support plates 5 are flipped downward to attach to the inner sides of the lateral plates 2 and the second base plate 4 provides support to and presses against the bottom rims of the longitudinal plates 1 and the extensions 53 of the support plates 5, thereby forming a stable storage room where shoes could be placed inside through the opening 13. By the fastening elements 15 and 16, the opening 13 is reliably sealed by the side cover plate 14. When the shoe box is not in use, the side cover plate 14 is opened and, by threading hand through the opening 13 inside, the support plates 5 are flipped upward and the longitudinal plates 1 could be closed inward as the lateral plates 2 are flexible and could be wrinkled. When the longitudinal plates 1 are closed inward, since the second base plate 4 is only stitched or adhered along a middle section of its lateral edges, the second base plate 4 is raised upward and the storage basket is collapsed into a flat shape. The two support plates 5 are then closed and stacked on top of the second base plate 4.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support plates 5 are formed by wrapping flexible cloth 52 around rigid cardboards 51 and the cloth 52 are extended to form the extensions 53. When the support plates 5 are flipped downward, the extensions are inserted beneath the second base plate 4 while the top rims of the support plates 5 are pressed by the second base plate 4. As such, the collapsible shoe box is more solid and is prevented from shaking or inclining.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a collapsible storage basket according to a third embodiment of the present invention contains two rigid longitudinal plates 1, two flexible lateral plates 2, a rigid first base plate 3 connecting the bottom rims of the lateral and longitudinal plates 1 and 2, and a rigid top cover plate 6 connecting the top rims of the lateral and longitudinal plates 1 and 2. An opening 13 is configured in one of the longitudinal plates 1 and a side cover plate 14 is connected to the longitudinal plate 1 along the top edge of the opening 13. A second base plate 4 has a longitudinal edge connected to a top rim of the longitudinal plate 1 opposite to the opening 13. The second base plate 4 could be bended along a longitudinal line 41. A rigid support plate 5 is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate 2.
With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible shoe box is achieved. To use the shoe box, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are pulled upward and, by threading hand into the box through the opening 13, the support plates 5 are flipped downward and the second base plate 4 is pushed inward into a L shape supporting a longitudinal plate 1 and the first base plate 3, thereby forming a stable storage room where shoes could be placed inside through the opening 13 and sealed by the side cover plate 14. When the shoe box is not in use, the side cover plate 14 is opened and, by threading hand through the opening 13 inside, the support plates 5 are flipped upward and the second base plate 4 is pulled outward. As the lateral plates 2 are flexible, they are folded inward and the two support plates 5 are then closed and stacked, turning the shoe box into a flat shape.
As shown in FIG. 13, a collapsible storage basket according to a fourth embodiment is an enlarged version of the previous embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 with the side cover plate 14 removed and the opening 13 facing upward. As such, it is a storage box of a different style.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible storage basket, comprising:

two rigid longitudinal plates;

two flexible lateral plates;

a flexible first base plate connecting the bottom rims of said lateral and longitudinal plates;

a rigid second base plate on top of said first base plate partially fixed to said first base plate along a middle section of each of said second base plate's lateral edges, leaving the rest of the circumference of said second base plate freely detachable from said first base plate; and

two rigid support plates connected to the top rims of said lateral plates, respectively;

wherein, to use said collapsible storage basket, said longitudinal and lateral plates are pulled upward and said support plates are flipped inward so that the bottom rims of said longitudinal plates and said support plates are pressed against said second base plate, thereby forming a storage room for various objects; and, when said collapsible storage basket is not in use, said support plates are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of said two lateral plates, said longitudinal plates are folded inward and said support plates are flipped inward and stacked so that said collapsible storage basket turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.

2. The collapsible storage basket according to claim 1, wherein said second base plate is fixed to said first base plate by stitching or adhesion.

3. The collapsible storage basket according to claim 1, wherein said flexible lateral plates and said first base plate are made of cloth.

4. The collapsible storage basket according to claim 1, wherein each of said two rigid longitudinal plates and said two support plates is made by wrapping flexible cloth around rigid objects.

5. A collapsible storage basket, comprising:

two rigid longitudinal plates where one of said longitudinal plates has an opening and a side cover plate connecting said longitudinal plate along the top edge of said opening;

two flexible lateral plates;

a flexible top cover plate connecting the top rims of said lateral and longitudinal plates;

6. The collapsible storage basket according to claim 5, wherein corresponding fastening elements are provided on said longitudinal plate along the bottom edge of said opening and said side cover plate, respectively, so as to fix said side cover plate when it seals said opening.

7. The collapsible storage basket according to claim 5, wherein two flexible extensions are extended from the top rims of said support plates, respectively; when said support plates are flipped downward, said extensions are inserted beneath said second base plate while the top rims of said support plates are pressed by said second base plate; and, as such, said collapsible shoe box is more solid and is prevented from shaking or inclining.

8. A collapsible storage basket, comprising:

two flexible lateral plates;

a rigid first base plate connecting the bottom rims of said lateral and longitudinal plates;

a rigid top cover plate connecting the top rims of said lateral and longitudinal plates;

a second base plate having a longitudinal edge connected to the top rim of a longitudinal plate opposite to said opening, said second base plate bendable along a longitudinal line; and

wherein, to use said collapsible storage basket, said longitudinal and lateral plates are pulled upward and said support plates are flipped inward and said second base plate is pushed inward into a L shape supporting a longitudinal plate and said first base plate, thereby forming a stable storage room where objects could be placed inside through said opening and sealed by said side cover plate; when said storage basket is not in use, said side cover plate is opened and said support plates are flipped upward and said second base plate is pulled outward; and, as said lateral plates are flexible and folded inward, said support plates are then closed and stacked, turning said storage basket into a flat shape.