Collapsible container

Abstract

A collapsible container is provided having four side panels with twist-and-fold frames, joined on two opposing ends by end panels. A zippered opening is placed in one end panel and in one side panel. Handles are formed in the end panel on the side by the side panel containing the opening. Handles are formed in at least one of the side panels on either side of the side panel containing the opening, adjacent the end panels.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Collapsible containers are known with a rectangular body having a generally square cross-sectional shape and an open top on one square end, suitable for use as clothes hampers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE38,951 and 6,089,394. These hampers do not fit readily under beds or low shelves and if they are laid on their sides so they can fit, then they are difficult to carry since the handles are usually on the end adjacent the open top. Also, having an opening in the smaller end can make it more difficult to place larger objects in the container through the smaller opening in the smaller end.[0002]Collapsible containers are also known with a rectangular body with a generally square cross-section and an open top on one of the longer sides, such as those in U.S. Pat. Nos. D461,638 and D449,447. These containers are suitable for clothes hampers and various storage uses, and are low enough to fit under some beds and under lower shelves, but they are undesirabl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]There is provided a collapsible container having four side panels formed with twist-and-fold frames that coil into overlapping loops. The side panels ends joined by end panels to form a generally rectangular enclosure. A first opening is formed in one of the first side panels with a zipper closure releasably closing the first opening. First handles are fastened to the end panels, by the side panel containing the first opening. This allows the container to be used as a storage container with a low height and a longer length with access through the larger side of the container. A second opening is formed in one of the end panels with a second zippered closure releasably closing the second opening. Second handles are fastened to at least one of the side panels on either side of the side panel containing the first opening. This allows the container to be used as a hamper that takes up a smaller amount of floor space but that is higher than suitable to place under a bed or low shelf. Advantageously, the panel opposite the first and second openings is a heaver, more rugged or durable material than is used on the other side panels and end panel of the container.

Problems solved by technology

These hampers do not fit readily under beds or low shelves and if they are laid on their sides so they can fit, then they are difficult to carry since the handles are usually on the end adjacent the open top.

Also, having an opening in the smaller end can make it more difficult to place larger objects in the container through the smaller opening in the smaller end.

These containers are suitable for clothes hampers and various storage uses, and are low enough to fit under some beds and under lower shelves, but they are undesirable because they have the opening in the longer side rather than in the smaller side, making it more difficult to place items in from that smaller side.

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