U.S. patent application number 14/050529 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for collapsible structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAJER DESIGN & MARKETING, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is BAJER DESIGN & MARKETING, INC.. Invention is credited to KELLY C. KELLOGG.
Application Number | 20140353311 14/050529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51983956 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140353311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KELLOGG; KELLY C. |
December 4, 2014 |
COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE
Abstract
A collapsible enclosure having two opposed side panels, opposed
front and rear panels, a floor panel, and a top panel having an
opening. The opposed side panels, opposed front and rear panels,
and floor panel are connected to one another to form a
substantially rectangular enclosure having an opening in the top
panel for access to the structure. The side panels include a
peripheral edging containing a looped frame. A method of collapsing
the structure is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
KELLOGG; KELLY C.;
(Oconomowoc, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BAJER DESIGN & MARKETING, INC. |
Waukesha |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BAJER DESIGN & MARKETING,
INC.
Waukesha
WI
|
Family ID: |
51983956 |
Appl. No.: |
14/050529 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13904605 |
May 29, 2013 |
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14050529 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/9.4 ; 220/6;
220/754; 383/104; 383/117; 383/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/9.4 ;
220/754; 383/33; 383/104; 383/117; 220/6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/02 20060101
B65D033/02; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06; B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible structure comprising: a plurality of body panels,
including opposed side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel; a
top end and a floor panel, said top end having an opening therein,
said opening including a peripheral edging of stretch-resistant
material; each side panel including a web, looped frame, and a
peripheral edging of stretch-resistant material, the frame being
positioned in a pocket formed by the peripheral edging; the front
panel and the rear panel being connected to the side panels; and a
rigid border member attached to said peripheral edging of said
opening.
2. The collapsible structure of claim 1 wherein said looped frame
of each said side panel forms a continuous loop.
3. The collapsible structure of claim 2 wherein said opening
includes a looped frame positioned in a pocket formed by the
peripheral edging, said looped frame forming a continuous loop.
4. The collapsible structure of claim 3 further including at least
one handle member attached to said peripheral edging of said
opening.
5. The collapsible structure of claim 1 wherein said floor panel
includes a peripheral edging of stretch-resistant material.
6. The collapsible structure of claim 5 wherein said floor panel
includes a looped frame positioned in a pocket formed by the
peripheral edging, and wherein said looped frame forms a continuous
loop.
7. The collapsible structure of claim 6 wherein said floor panel
includes a rigid border member attached to said peripheral
edging.
8. The collapsible structure of claim 1 wherein said rigid border
member includes a mounting element having an abutment to support
said peripheral edging.
9. The collapsible structure of claim 7 wherein said rigid border
member on said floor panel includes a mounting element having an
abutment to support said peripheral edging.
10. The collapsible structure of claim 1 further including at least
one handle member attached to said rigid border member.
11. The collapsible structure of claim 1 wherein at least of said
side panels includes a handhold opening therein.
12. A method of collapsing a collapsible structure comprising the
steps of: providing a collapsible structure having a plurality of
body panels, including opposed side panels, a front panel, and a
rear panel, a floor panel, and a top end, said top end having an
opening therein, each side panel including a web, looped frame, and
a peripheral edging of stretch-resistant material, the frame being
positioned in a pocket formed by the peripheral edging, and the
front panel and the rear panel being connected to the side panels,
each of said top end and said floor panel having a rigid frame
member attached thereto; and grasping a first rigid border member
and rotating it 180.degree. while compressing the side panels until
the side panels are spiraled against each other and the first rigid
border member is adjacent to and overlays a second rigid border
member.
13. The method of claim 12 further including the steps of:
providing a first rigid frame member with fastener members and a
second rigid frame member with corresponding latch members;
applying downward pressure on the collapsed structure; and pivoting
said fastener members to catch said corresponding latch member.
14. A collapsible structure comprising: a plurality of body panels,
including opposed side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel; a
top end and a floor panel, said top end having an opening therein,
said opening including a peripheral edging of stretch-resistant
material; the front panel and the rear panel being connected to the
side panels; and a rigid border member attached to said peripheral
edging of said opening.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/904,605, filed 29 May 2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to collapsible
structures and specifically to a collapsible container for
household use.
[0003] A typical household often encounters the need for temporary
storage of garments prior to washing or cleaning. Regardless of the
place where laundry or cleaning is done, either at home or in a
commercial setting, soiled garments need to be sorted, stored, and
eventually transported to a designated place. Usual storage
structures are bulking and require space when not in use. The
present invention can be utilized for garment sorting, storage and
transportation, while being collapsible for facile and space-saving
storage while not in use. At the same time, the present invention
can also be used for other purposes, such as storage or
transportation of toys or other objects. Accordingly, its use is
not to be limited to storage or transportation of soiled
garments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a collapsible
structure and specifically to a collapsible structure for home use
as a hamper or the like, and method of making and using the
same.
[0005] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other
advantages are obtained by providing a collapsible structure
comprising a plurality of panels including opposed side panels,
opposed front and back panels, and a floor panel, forming an
enclosure having a top and a bottom, the top having an opening. In
the preferred embodiment, each side panel and the front and back
panels comprises a flexible continuous loop frame, a web of
material, and an edging material. The edging material envelops the
loop frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. Each of the
floor panel and the top includes a periphery having an edging
material. The edging material envelops a loop frame in a manner
similar to that of the side panels and front and back panels. Each
of the floor panel and top is further provided with a rigid border
member to support a mesh panel or to frame the opening, as will be
discussed, thus forming the structure.
[0006] A preferred method of manufacturing the collapsible
structure includes the steps of coupling edging to selected webs
such that the edging surrounds the perimeter of the web and forms a
channel or pocket through which the frame will later be inserted.
After the side panels having edging have been formed, opposed sides
of the front panel are each attached to respective first sides of
the side panels. Next, respective second sides of each side panel
are connected with opposed sides of the back panel. A flexible
frame for each side panel is inserted through the channel formed by
each edging. The ends of each frame member are connected,
preferably using a crimped butt connector, to give the collapsible
structure its ability to freely stand in a rigid, expanded, upright
state. Next, an edging is coupled to the periphery of each of the
top and the floor panel and a flexible frame for each periphery is
inserted through the channel formed by each edging. The ends of
each frame member are connected in manner similar to that used for
the side panels. A rigid border member is attached to the top and
the floor panel. The rigid border members are adapted to support
closure structures such as flexible mesh webbing.
[0007] From the expanded state, the structure can be folded and
collapsed for storage or transportation. The preferred steps of
collapsing the structure include grasping the rigid border member
of the top and rotating it 180.degree. while compressing the side
panels and the front and back panels until the panels are spiraled
against each other and the rigid border members are adjacent and
overlay each other. While the structure is now collapsed, downward
pressure is required to prevent the structure from springing back
into an expanded state. Next, the fastener members on a rigid
border member are pivoted to catch a corresponding latch member on
an opposite rigid border member to thereby hold the structure in
the collapsed state for storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure
according to the present invention.
[0009] FIGS. 2-6 depict a method of collapsing the collapsible
structure, and using a fastener and latch system to hold the
collapsed structure in the collapsed state.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the structure in collapsed
condition.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the collapsible structure
illustrating the interrelationship of the various components while
in expanded condition.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cutaway view showing attachment of a
rigid frame member to the top loop frame.
[0013] FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross sectional view of the loop
frame used in the top and the floor panel.
[0014] FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross sectional view similar to that
of FIG. 9A, but showing the loop frame used in the side panels, the
front panel and the back panel.
[0015] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the collapsible
structure.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, but
showing an alternative collapsible structure having looped handles
and imperforate material.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, similar to those of FIGS. 1
and 12, but showing an alternative collapsible structure having
rigid handles.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIGS. 1,
12, and 13, but showing an alternative collapsible structure having
rigid looped handles.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the collapsible structure
illustrated in FIG. 14, but in collapsed condition.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view an alternative collapsible
structure according to the present invention and showing hand hold
apertures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] 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.
[0022] As shown in the Figures, a collapsible structure 10
according to the present invention comprises a front panel 12, a
rear panel 14, two opposed side panels 20, a top panel 30, and a
floor panel 40. The front panel 12, rear panel 14, two side panels
20, top panel 30 having an opening 32, and floor panel 40 are
connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular
enclosure 10 having the opening 32 for access.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11 it may be seen that each side
panel 20 comprises a frame 22, a web 24, and an edging 26. The
frame 22 is flexible, preferably formed from a sufficiently stiff
yet resilient material such as spring steel wire or plastic, and
may form a loop that may or may not be continuous. Preferably, the
frame 22 has a rectangular cross-section, as seen in FIG. 10B. The
frame 22 is contained within the channel or pocket 25 formed by the
edging 26 (best seen in FIG. 11). The webs 24 are 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. The perimeter of the web 24
is stitched to the edging 26 such that the edging 26 forms a pocket
25 about the periphery of the web 24. The edging 26 is a foldable,
but stretch-resistant material capable of housing the frame 22
within its pocket 25.
[0024] With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 11, the front panel 12
and rear panel 14 preferably each comprise a continuous and
non-interrupted foldable material. Each panel web 24 preferably
comprises a continuous and non-interrupted mesh material, or
alternatively, may comprise a combination of mesh material and
non-mesh foldable material. FIG. 12 illustrates the use of non-mesh
foldable material for each panel web 24.
[0025] As may be further seen, the front and rear panels 12, 14 may
each include a handle member 80, 80A for ease in transport. As
seen, the handle members 80, 80A each have both ends connected to
the top side 16 of a respective panel 12, 14. The handle members
80, 80A may be formed from a stretch-resistance material and having
a web 82 that extends between a portion of each strap side. The
handle members 80, 80A for the present invention are not limited to
the particular type shown in FIGS. 1-8 and 11. Two alternative
embodiments are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, illustrating different
handle members. In FIG. 13, the handle members 180 are rigid hand
grips which extend from the rigid border member 60. The handle
members 180 may be affixed to the rigid border member 60 or may be
integrally formed as a one piece construction with the rigid border
member 60. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate alternative handle members
280, 280A. As seen, the handle members 280, 280A may be formed from
a relatively rigid material and affixed to the rigid border member
60. The handle members 280, 280A of these views include a bail
portion 84 for ease in carrying.
[0026] With particular reference now to FIG. 11, the top panel 30
is seen to have a generally rectangular shape having a periphery
that defines a top opening 32. Further seen is the floor panel 40
which also has a generally rectangular shape having a periphery.
The periphery of both the top panel 30 and the floor panel 40
includes an edging 26. The edging 26 forms a pocket 25 about the
periphery of the top panel 30 and the floor panel 40 and, similar
to the edging 26 discussed in conjunction with the side panels 20,
is a foldable, but stretch-resistant material capable of housing a
frame 22A within its pocket 25. As seen in FIG. 10A, the frame 22A
used in conjunction with the top panel 30 and the floor panel 40
preferably has a round cross section. In construction, the front
panel 12 and the rear panel 14 each include four corner sections 52
which are attached to four substantially perpendicular sides of
each side panel 20, the top panel periphery, and the floor panel 40
periphery.
[0027] With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 11, a rigid border member
60 is positioned over and is attached to the edging 26 of the top
panel 30. As seen, the rigid border member 60 may include a
mounting element 62 having an abutment 64 to support the frame 22A
in its pocket 25. The abutment 64 may be further adapted to receive
a fastener, such as the screw 66 and washer 68 combination shown.
An opening 32 within the rigid border member 60 provides access to
the enclosure 10.
[0028] In a manner similar to that of the top panel 30, a rigid
border member 60 is positioned over and is attached to the edging
26 of the floor panel 40. As with the top panel 30, the rigid
border member 60 used in conjunction with the floor panel 40 may
include a mounting element 62 adapted to support the frame 22A in
its pocket 25 and further to receive a fastener such as the screw
66 and washer 68 combination shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. With regard
to the floor panel 40, a web 24 may be attached to the edging 26 in
a manner similar to that of panels 12, 14. The web 24 may perforate
or imperforate, as desired and formed from any suitably flexible
material. One of the rigid border members 60 is further preferably
provided with latches 70 which may be moved between open and closed
positions. The latches 70 engage corresponding protruding catches
72 on the opposite rigid border member 60 to thereby hold the
structure 10 in the collapsed state for storage, as will be
discussed.
[0029] 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.
[0030] From the expanded state, the structure 10 may be folded into
a collapsed state for storage and transportation. FIGS. 2 to 7 show
various steps for collapsing the structure 10. Referring to FIG. 2,
the first step requires positioning the structure with the top
panel 30 on top, grasping the rigid border member 60 and rotating
180.degree. in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 3) while
compressing the side panels 20 until the side panels 20 are
spiraled against each other and the rigid border members 60 are
adjacent and overlay each other. The structure 10 is now collapsed,
but downward pressure is still required to prevent the structure 10
from springing back into an expanded state. FIG. 6 shows the final
step of pivoting the latch members 70 on a rigid border member 60
in the direction of arrow B to catch a corresponding catch member
72 on an opposite rigid border member 60 to thereby hold the
structure in the collapsed state for storage.
[0031] When the latch members 70 are uncoupled from the latch
members 72, the frame members 22 will bias the structure 10 into
its fully expanded state. Again, the fully expanded state of the
embodiment is that shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] With attention now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a
collapsible structure 10A may be seen. Similar to the previously
described device 10, the collapsible structure 100 in this view
comprises a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, two side panels 20, a
top panel 30 having an opening 32, and a floor panel 40. The front
panel 12, rear panel 14, and two side panels 20 are connected to
one another to form a substantially rectangular enclosure 10A. As
may be viewed, the panels 12, 14, and 20 may be formed from an
imperforate flexible foldable material, such as nylon cloth or
nylon mesh, but can be fabricated from any suitably flexible
material.
[0033] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate collapsible structures 100, 200,
respectively. Structure 100 is seen as having the alternative
handle members 180 mentioned previously. As seen, the handle
members 180 are rigid hand grips which extend from the rigid border
member 60. The handle members 180 seen in FIG. 13 are shown as
integrally formed as a one piece construction with the rigid border
member 60, however it is to be understood that it is within the
scope of the present invention to affix the handle members 180 to
the rigid border 60.
[0034] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a collapsible structure 200
having alternative handle members 280, 280A. As seen, the handle
members 280, 280A of collapsible structure 200 may be formed from a
relatively rigid material and affixed to the rigid border member
60. The handle members 280, 280A of these views include a bail
portion 84 for ease in carrying. The structure 200 depicted in FIG.
14 may be seen collapsed and in a portable state in FIG. 15.
[0035] With attention now to FIG. 16, another embodiment of a
collapsible structure 300 may be seen. Similar to the previously
described devices 10, 10A, 100, 200, the collapsible structure 300
in this view comprises a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, two side
panels 20, a top panel 30 having an opening 32, and a floor panel
40 (not seen in this view).
[0036] As in the previous embodiments, each side panel 20 comprises
a frame 22, a web 24, and an edging 26. The frame 22 is contained
within the channel or pocket 25 formed by the edging 26 (best seen
in FIG. 11). The perimeter of the web 24 is stitched to the edging
26 such that the edging 26 forms a pocket 25 about the periphery of
the web 24. The edging 26 is a foldable, but stretch-resistant
material capable of housing the frame 22 within its pocket 25. As
may be further seen, at least one of the side panels 20 may further
include a handhold opening 210. The handhold opening 210 may be
used to transport, position, or otherwise move the structure 300 as
may be required during use. As seen, the opening 210 is bounded by
edging material 26 in a manner similar to that of the webs 24. As
may be viewed, the perimeter of the opening 210 is stitched to the
edging 26 for reinforcement and support. The edging 26 used in
conjunction with the opening 210 is similar to the edging 26 used
in other areas of the structure 10, 10A, 100, 200 and is a foldable
but stretch-resistant material. The opening 210 may be located at
any suitable position in a selected side panel 20, however the
opening 210 is illustrated at a convenient, centered midpoint.
Further, it is to be understood that, while not specifically shown,
a handhold opening 210 may be used in conjunction with any of the
collapsible structures previously discussed.
[0037] It is to be understood that while the structures 10A, 100,
200, 300 illustrated in the views of 12-16 depict the panels 12,
14, and 20 as formed from an imperforate flexible foldable
material, it is within the scope of the present invention to
utilize the handle members of these views with any of the
previously mentioned materials, including perforate non-interrupted
mesh material, or a combination of mesh material and non-mesh
foldable without limitation.
[0038] 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.
* * * * *