Storage case

Abstract

The objective is to provide a storage case that can be folded compactly. [Solution] The structure includes a main body 10 made of a flexible material and a support frame 30 that supports the main body 10 so that it can stand on its own. The top plate frame 50 is provided with a plurality of divided frames 52 arranged in the left-right direction and a second connecting portion 54 that connects adjacent divided frames 52 to each other. The second connecting portion 54 supports the divided frames 52 so that they can rotate around an axis X1 extending in the front-rear direction, so that the support frame 30 can be folded so that the divided frames 52 are parallel to each other. The first connecting portion 44 supports the leg frames 60 so that they can rotate around an axis X4 extending in the front-rear direction, so that the support frame 30 can be folded so that the leg frames 60 and the divided frames 52 are parallel to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage case.

Background Art

[0002] As a storage case for storing clothes and the like, it is required to secure a storage space. On the other hand, when storing or transporting in a non-use state, it is required that the storage case be compact.

[0003] In response to the above, a foldable storage case has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a storage case composed of a covering case that partitions a storage space and a frame body that maintains the shape of the covering case. In the storage case of Patent Document 1, the covering case is made of a material having a soft texture. Further, the frame body includes a rectangular upper frame and support frames pivotally supported on the left and right sides of the upper frame, and the support frames are configured to be rotatable downward from the lower surface of the upper frame. Therefore, in the storage case of Patent Document 1, the storage case can be folded by folding the covering case and rotating the support frames along the lower surface of the upper frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the storage case of Patent Document 1, the dimension in the height direction can be reduced by folding the storage case. However, the dimension in the longitudinal or lateral direction of the top surface does not change before and after folding the storage case. Therefore, there is a problem that the storage case does not become sufficiently compact.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a storage case that can be folded compactly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A storage case according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main body made of a flexible material that partitions a storage space inside, and a support frame that is detachably attached to the inside of the main body and supports the main body so that it can stand on its own, wherein the support frame has a pair of front and rear frames that each have a shape extending in the front-rear direction and facing each other in the left-right direction, a pair of leg frames that each extend downward from each of the front and rear frames, and a pair of top plate frames that connect the front ends and rear ends of the two front and rear frames, respectively, and the front and rear frames have a first connecting the front and rear frames and the leg frames The top plate frame has a connecting portion, and the top plate frame has a plurality of divided frames arranged in the left-right direction and a second connecting portion that connects adjacent divided frames, the second connecting portion supports the divided frames in a state in which they can rotate around an axis extending in the front-rear direction such that the support frame is folded in a state in which the divided frames are parallel to each other, and the first connecting portion supports the leg frame in a state in which it can rotate around an axis extending in the front-rear direction such that the support frame is folded in a state in which the leg frame and the divided frames are parallel to each other (Claim 1).

[0008] With the above configuration, the support frame and the main body are detachable, allowing the support frame to be easily folded without being restricted by the main body. Furthermore, by folding the support frame so that the segmented frames and leg frames that make up the top plate frame are parallel, the height of the storage case can be reduced. Moreover, by folding the support frame so that the segmented frames are parallel to each other, the left-right dimensions of the top plate frame can also be reduced. In addition, since the main body is made of a flexible material, the main body can also be folded. Therefore, the storage case can be folded compactly.

[0009] In the above configuration, preferably, the leg frame is connected to the front and rear frames in such a way that inward rotation in the left-right direction is restricted, while outward rotation in the left-right direction is permitted (Claim 2).

[0010] When the support frame is mounted inside the main body, the main body can restrict the outward rotation of the leg frame in the left-right direction. Therefore, with this configuration, the leg frame is rotatably connected to the front and rear frames, achieving a state where the leg frame and the divided frame are parallel, while the rotation of the leg frame in both the left-right and outward directions can be restricted when the support frame is mounted inside the main body. Consequently, when using the storage case, the storage case can be stably maintained in a state where storage space is secured inside.

[0011] In the above configuration, preferably, the main body portion comprises a pair of vertical surfaces facing each other in the left-right direction, and when the support frame is attached to the main body portion, the leg frame is arranged along the vertical surfaces (Claim 3).

[0012] This configuration allows the vertical surface of the main body to more reliably restrict the outward rotation of the leg frame in the left-right direction.

[0013] In the above configuration, preferably, the second connecting portion has a restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the divided frame in a direction that moves the second connecting portion downward (Claim 4).

[0014] In this configuration, when a load is applied to the top frame from above, the area around the second connecting section is prevented from moving downward, and the storage cases are maintained in a position where storage space is secured inside. As a result, this configuration makes it possible to stably stack storage cases vertically.

[0015] In the above configuration, preferably, the leg frame has a pair of front and rear upper and lower frames extending downward from the front and rear ends of the front and rear frames, respectively, and a bottom frame extending in the front-rear direction and connecting the lower ends of the two upper and lower frames (Claim 5).

[0016] This configuration allows for increased rigidity of the leg frame and ensures that the storage case is securely held in place with internal storage space.

[0017] In the above configuration, preferably, the front and rear frames have stacking support portions provided at their front and rear ends, respectively, with their upper surfaces formed in a flat shape (Claim 6).

[0018] This configuration allows the bottom frame to be stably placed on the stacking support section, enabling the support frames and, consequently, the storage cases to be stacked in a more stable manner.

[0019] In the above configuration, preferably, the lower surface of the bottom frame is formed in a planar shape (Claim 7).

[0020] This configuration allows the base frame to be placed more stably on the stacking support.

[0021] In the above configuration, preferably, the leg frame and the front and rear frames are made of synthetic resin (Claim 8).

[0022] This configuration allows for a lighter support frame and, consequently, a lighter storage case.

[0023] In the above configuration, preferably, the main body includes a top surface portion having a rectangular shape and disposed above the front and rear frames and the top plate frame, a bottom surface portion disposed below the top surface portion and opposite to it, and four side portions extending downward from each of the four sides of the top surface portion and connecting the top surface portion and the bottom portion, and one of the four side portions and the top surface portion are provided with an opening formed continuously therewith and a lid portion for opening and closing the opening (Claim 9).

[0024] According to this configuration, access to the accommodation space inside the main body is facilitated, and convenience is improved.

[0025] In the above configuration, preferably, the main body includes a locking portion for detachably locking the support frame (Claim 10).

[0026] According to this configuration, the main body can be supported more stably by the support frame, and by releasing the locking of the support frame by the locking portion, the main body and the support frame can be easily separated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, a storage case that can be made compact when not in use can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of the storage case with the lid open. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the locking portion. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the support frame. [Figure 5] It is a side view of the support frame. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a part of the cross-section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a part of the cross-section taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a view showing an example of the folding procedure of the support frame. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the storage case in a folded state. [Figure 11]This figure illustrates the operation of a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing two support frames stacked vertically. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing another example of a support frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage case 1 shown in Figure 1 is of the assembly type, and Figure 1 is a perspective view of the storage case 1 in its assembled state.

[0030] The storage case 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The storage case 1 has a main body 10 that partitions a storage space C inside which clothing and the like can be stored, and a support frame 30 that is detachably attached to the inside of the main body 10 and supports the main body 10 so that it can stand on its own.

[0031] (Main body) The main body 10 is made of a flexible material, allowing the user to easily fold it. The main body 10 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. However, the material of the main body 10 may also be woven fabric or film. Furthermore, the main body 10 may be made partly of nonwoven fabric and partly of woven fabric or film.

[0032] The external shape of the storage case 1 is formed by the main body 10, which has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the main body 10 includes a roughly rectangular top surface 11 that constitutes the upper surface of the storage case 1, a roughly rectangular bottom surface 12 disposed below and opposite to the top surface 11, and four side surfaces that extend downward from each of the four sides of the top surface 11 and connect the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12.

[0033] Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the short direction will be referred to as the front-back direction. Also, of the two side surfaces facing each other in the front-back direction, the side on which the opening 21 described later is formed will be located will be referred to as the front, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear. In this embodiment, the main body 10 and the storage case 1 have a roughly rectangular shape in which their height dimension is smaller than their dimensions in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0034] The main body 10 has four side sections: a front section 13 extending downward from the front end of the top section 11, a rear section 14 extending downward from the rear end of the top section 11, a left section 15 extending downward from the left end of the top section 11, and a right section 16 extending downward from the right end of the top section 11. The left section 15 and the right section 16 correspond to the "vertical section" in the claim.

[0035] The front section 13 and the top section 11 are provided with an opening 21 formed continuously between them, and a lid section 22 for opening and closing the opening 21. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the storage case 1 with the lid section 22 open and the opening 21 open.

[0036] Specifically, the front portion 13 is composed of an open portion 13A surrounding the front opening 21A and a front cover portion 13B that closes the front opening 21A. In this embodiment, the front opening 21A and the front cover portion 13B have a roughly rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction and extend to near both left and right ends of the front portion 13. In addition, the front opening 21A and the front cover portion 13B extend from the upper end to near the lower end of the front portion 13.

[0037] The top surface portion 11 is composed of an open portion 11A surrounding the upper opening 21B and an upper cover portion 11B that closes the upper opening 21B. In this embodiment, the upper opening 21B and the upper cover portion 11B have a roughly rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction and extend to near both the left and right ends of the top surface portion 11. In addition, the upper opening 21B and the upper cover portion 11B extend from the front end to near the rear end of the top surface portion 11.

[0038] The front opening 21A and the upper opening 21B are connected at the corner formed by the top surface 11 and the front surface 13, thereby forming an opening 21 in the storage case 1 that opens forward and upward. In addition, the front lid 13B and the upper lid 11B are continuous at the corner formed by the top surface 11 and the front surface 13, thereby forming a lid 22 that covers the opening 21.

[0039] The rear edge of the lid portion 22 (upper lid portion 11B) is connected to the unlid portion 11A of the top surface portion 11, and the lid portion 22 can be opened and closed vertically around its rear edge. In this embodiment, a fastener 23 is attached along the periphery of the opening 21, excluding the rear edge, to the lid portion 22 and the unlid portions 11A and 13A so as to be able to engage and disengage with each other, and the lid portion 22 is configured to be openable and closable. Detailed illustration of the fastener 23 is omitted.

[0040] The main body 10 is provided with a locking portion 25 that removably locks the support frame 30. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the area around the locking portion 25. The locking portion 25 is provided at the corner of the inner surface of the main body 10. The locking portion 25 includes a long locking piece 25A and a locked portion 25B. One end of the locking piece 25A and the locked portion 25B are fixed to one and the other of the two inner surfaces that constitute the corner of the main body 10, respectively. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, the support frame 30 is fixed to the main body 10 by the locking portion 25 when the locking piece 25A is wrapped around the support frame 30 and the other end 25F of the locking piece 25A is locked to the locked portion 25B. The other end 25F of the locking piece 25A and the locked portion 25B are removably locked, thereby allowing the support frame 30 to be removably locked to the main body 10. In this embodiment, the locking piece 25A and the locked portion 25B are substantially rectangular in shape. Furthermore, the other end 25F of the locking piece 25A and the locked portion 25B are connected by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, etc., in this embodiment, the main body 10 is provided with four locking parts 25. Specifically, one locking part 25 is provided at each of the corners of the top surface 11 and the left surface 15, the corner of the top surface 11 and the right surface 16, the corner of the bottom surface 12 and the left surface 15, and the corner of the bottom surface 12 and the right surface 16. The locking part 25 provided on the bottom surface 12 is located near the center of the bottom surface 12 in the front-to-back direction. The locking part 25 provided on the top surface 11 is located in the part of the top surface 12 that is in front of the center in the front-to-back direction. These four locking parts 25 lock onto the two front and rear frames 40 and the two bottom frames 63 of the support frame 30, which will be described later.

[0042] (Support frame) Next, we will describe the support frame 30. In the following, for multiple elements that have symmetrical shapes, we will basically only describe the shape and structure of one of the elements.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the support frame 30. Figure 5 is a side view of the support frame 30 viewed from the left. The support frame 30 is foldable, as will be described later. Figures 4 and 5 show the support frame 30 in its unfolded state, i.e., the support frame 30 in the assembled state of the storage case 1, with the main body 10 removed from Figure 1.

[0044] The support frame 30 includes a pair of front and rear frames 40, 40, a pair of front and rear top plate frames 50, 50, and a pair of left and right leg frames 60, 60.

[0045] The two front and rear frames 40 each extend in the front-to-back direction and are opposed to each other in the left-to-right direction. The two front and rear frames 40, 40 have a symmetrical shape in the left-to-right direction.

[0046] The front and rear frames 40 have a substantially cylindrical front and rear frame body 41 extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of front and rear stacking support parts 42 provided at the front and rear ends of the front and rear frames 40, respectively, and a pair of front and rear first connecting parts 44 provided at the front and rear ends of the front and rear frames 40, respectively. The first connecting parts 44 are located outward in the front-rear direction from the stacking support parts 42. The front and rear frames 40 have a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction, and the front stacking support part 42 and the rear stacking support part 42 have a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction. In addition, the front first connecting part 44 and the rear first connecting part 44 have a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 42A of the stacking support portion 42 is planar in shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface 42A of the stacking support portion 42 is located at the very top of the support frame 30. As shown in Figure 4, the left-right dimension of the stacking support portion 42 is larger than the diameter of the front and rear frame bodies 41, and the stacking support portion 42 extends inward from near the left-right outer edge of the front and rear frames 40. Furthermore, the stacking support portion 42 has a roughly triangular shape, with the left-right dimension being wider towards the outside in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The first connecting section 44 connects the front and rear frames 40 to the top plate frame 50, and also connects the front and rear frames 40 to the leg frames 60. Specifically, the first connecting section 44 provided at the front end of the right front and rear frame 40 connects this front end to the right end of the right split frame 52 of the front top plate frame 50 (described later) and the upper end of the front upper and lower frames 61 of the right leg frame 60 (described later). The first connecting section 44 provided at the rear end of the right front and rear frame 40 connects this rear end to the right end of the right split frame 52 of the rear top plate frame 50 (described later) and the upper end of the rear upper and lower frames 61 of the right leg frame 60 (described later). The first connecting section 44 provided at the front end of the left front and rear frame 40 connects this front end to the left end of the left split frame 52 of the front top plate frame 50 (described later) and the upper end of the front upper and lower frames 61 of the left leg frame 60 (described later). The first connecting portion 44, provided at the rear end of the left front and rear frame 40, connects this rear end to the left end of the left divided frame 52 of the rear top plate frame 50 (described later) and the upper end of the rear upper and lower frame 61 of the left leg frame 60 (described later). The connection structure between the front and rear frame 40 and the divided frame 52 and upper and lower frame 61 will be described later.

[0049] The two tabletop frames 50, 50 each extend in the left-right direction and face each other in the front-to-back direction. The front tabletop frame 50 extends across the front ends of the two front-to-back frames 40, 40, connecting them. The rear tabletop frame 50 extends across the rear ends of the two front-to-back frames 40, 40, connecting them. The two tabletop frames 50, 50 have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0050] The tabletop frame 50 has two divided frames 52, 52 aligned in its longitudinal direction, i.e., in the left-right direction, and a second connecting portion 54 that connects these divided frames 52, 52. The second connecting portion 54 is located in the left-right center of the tabletop frame 50. The two divided frames 52, 52 aligned left-right have a symmetrical shape and are the same length. In this embodiment, the divided frame 52 is substantially cylindrical. The divided frames 52, 52 and the second connecting portion 54 are aligned in a nearly straight line in the left-right direction.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the section along line VI-VI in Figure 4. The second connecting portion 54 supports the left end of the right-side divided frame 52 and the right end of the left-side divided frame 52. The second connecting portion 54 supports the two divided frames 52 so that they can rotate around pivot axes X1,X1 extending in the front-rear direction. The pivot axes X1,X1 of the two left and right divided frames 52 are at the same height and are parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The second connecting portion 54 supports the divided frames 52 so that they can rotate by approximately 90 degrees between a first posture (shown by the solid line in Figure 6) extending outward from the second connecting portion 54 in the left-right direction, as shown by the arrows Y1,Y1 in Figure 6, and a second posture (shown by the dashed line in Figure 6) extending downward from the second connecting portion 54.

[0052] Specifically, the second connecting portion 54 has a pair of left and right first restricting portions 54A, 54A and a pair of left and right second restricting portions 54B, 54B that respectively restrict the rotation of the divided frame 52.

[0053] The second connecting portion 54 supports the right end of the left split frame 52 (the right end when in the first position). The left split frame 52 is fixed to the second connecting portion 54 in a state that it can rotate around a pivot axis X1 that extends in the front-rear direction through its right end. The first restricting portion 54A abuts from the left side against the upper part of the right end of the left split frame 52 when it is in the first position. This contact with the first restricting portion 54A restricts further counterclockwise rotation (counterclockwise when viewed from the front), i.e., upward rotation, of the left split frame 52 when it is in the first position. Specifically, rotation in the direction that moves the left end of the split frame 52 (the left end when it is in the first position) upward is restricted. The second restricting portion 54B abuts from above against the right side of the right end of the left split frame 52 when it is in the second position. Contact with the second restricting section 54B restricts further clockwise rotation (clockwise in a front view), i.e., rotation to the right, of the left-side segmented frame 52 in the second position. More specifically, rotation in the direction that moves the left end of the segmented frame 52 to the right is restricted.

[0054] The second connecting section 54 has a symmetrical shape, and the connection structure between the right-side divided frame 52 and the second connecting section 54 is symmetrical to the connection structure between the left-side divided frame 52 and the second connecting section 54. That is, the right-side divided frame 52 is fixed to the second connecting section 54 in a state that allows it to rotate around a pivot axis X1 that extends in the front-rear direction, passing through its left end (the left end when in the first position). Furthermore, the right-side divided frame 52 is restricted from further clockwise rotation from the first position (clockwise when viewed from the front), i.e., upward rotation, by contact with the first restricting section 54A. In detail, the rotation in the direction that moves the right end of the divided frame 52 (the right end when in the first position) upward is restricted. Furthermore, the right-side divided frame 52 is restricted from further counterclockwise rotation from the second position (counterclockwise when viewed from the front), i.e., leftward rotation, by contact with the second restricting section 54B. In detail, rotation in the direction that the right end of the segmented frame 52 moves to the left is restricted.

[0055] When the two divided frames 52, positioned side by side, are in the first orientation, they extend along the same straight line in the left-right direction. On the other hand, when the two divided frames 52 are in the second orientation, they become parallel to each other.

[0056] Figure 7 shows a portion of the cross-section along line VII-VII in Figure 4. The first connecting portion 44 supports the end of the divided frame 52 opposite to the end supported by the second connecting portion 54 (hereinafter referred to as the outer end). The first connecting portion 44 supports the divided frame 52 so that it can rotate around the second pivot axis X3 extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 44 supports the divided frame 52 so that it can rotate by approximately 90 degrees between a third orientation (shown by the solid line in Figure 7) extending inward in the left-right direction from the first connecting portion 44 and the front-rear frames 40, and a fourth orientation (shown by the dashed line in Figure 7) extending upward from the first connecting portion 44 and the front-rear frames 40, as shown by arrow Y2 in Figure 7.

[0057] Specifically, the first connecting portion 44 has a third restricting portion 44A and a fourth restricting portion 44B that restrict the rotation of the divided frame 52. The third restricting portion 44A abuts from the outside in the left-right direction against the lower part of the outer end of the divided frame 52 in the third position. By abutting with the third restricting portion 44A, the rotation of the divided frame 52 in the third position is restricted downward. In detail, the rotation of the end of the divided frame 52 supported by the first connecting portion 44 is restricted in the direction of downward movement. The fourth restricting portion 44B abuts from below the outer part in the left-right direction against the outer end of the divided frame 52 in the fourth position. By abutting with the fourth restricting portion 44B, the rotation of the divided frame 52 in the fourth position is restricted outward in the left-right direction. In detail, the rotation of the end of the divided frame 52 supported by the first connecting portion 44 is restricted in the direction of outward movement in the left-right direction.

[0058] The two leg frames 60, 60 face each other in the left-right direction. The leg frames 60 extend downward from the front and rear frames 40. Specifically, the right leg frame 60 extends downward from the right front and rear frame 40, and the left leg frame 60 extends downward from the left front and rear frame 40. The two leg frames 60, 60 have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to each other in the left-right direction.

[0059] The leg frame 60 has a pair of front and rear upper and lower frames 61 that extend downward from both ends in the front-rear direction of the front and rear frame 40, and a bottom frame 63 that extends in the front-rear direction and connects the lower ends of the two upper and lower frames 61. The two upper and lower frames 61 and the bottom frame 63 are formed integrally with each other. The leg frame 60 has a front-rear symmetrical shape, and the front upper and lower frames 61 and the rear upper and lower frames 61 have a symmetrical shape in the front-rear direction.

[0060] The upper and lower frames 61 are roughly cylindrical in shape and extend in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, which illustrates a portion of the cross-section along line VIII-VIII in Figure 5, the bottom frame 63 is roughly hemispherical in shape, convex upwards, and the lower surface 63A of the bottom frame 63 is formed as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface 63A of the bottom frame 63 is located at the lowest point of the support frame 30.

[0061] Ribs 65 are provided at the corners of the upper and lower frames 61 and the bottom frame 63. These ribs 65 are plate-shaped and connect the inner surfaces of the upper and lower frames 61 in the front-to-back direction to the upper surface of the bottom frame 63. In this embodiment, each rib 65 has a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the side.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the first connecting section 44 supports the upper and lower frames 61 and, consequently, the leg frames 60 so that they can rotate around a third pivot axis X4 that extends in the front-rear direction. The first connecting section 44 also supports the upper and lower frames 61 and, consequently, the leg frames 60 so that they can rotate approximately 180 degrees between a fifth posture (shown by the solid line in Figure 7) that extends downward from the first connecting section 44 and the front and rear frames 40, and a sixth posture (shown by the dashed line in Figure 7) that extends upward from the first connecting section 44 and the front and rear frames 40, as shown by arrow Y3 in Figure 7. Furthermore, the first connecting section 44 supports the upper and lower frames 61 and, consequently, the leg frames 60 so that rotation inward in the left-right direction is restricted, and rotation occurs outside in the left-right direction. In detail, the upper and lower frames 61 and the leg frames 60 are restricted from rotating in a direction that moves their lower ends inward in the left-right direction relative to their upper ends, while their lower ends are permitted to rotate outward in the left-right direction relative to their upper ends.

[0063] Specifically, the first connecting portion 44 supports the upper end of the upper and lower frame 61 (the upper end when in the fifth posture). The first connecting portion 44 has a fifth restricting portion 44C and a sixth restricting portion 44D that restrict the rotation of the upper and lower frame 61. The fifth restricting portion 44C abuts from above onto the left-right inner portion of the upper end of the upper and lower frame 61 in the fifth posture. By abutting with the fifth restricting portion 44C, the rotation of the divided frame 52 in the left-right direction is restricted. More specifically, the rotation of the divided frame 52 in the left-right direction is restricted on the end opposite to the end supported by the first connecting portion 44. The sixth restricting portion 44D abuts from below onto the left-right inner portion of the upper and lower frame 61 in the sixth posture. By abutting with the sixth restricting portion 44D, the rotation of the divided frame 52 in the left-right direction is restricted. In detail, the rotation of the end of the divided frame 52 opposite to the end supported by the first connecting portion 44 is restricted so that it moves inward in the left-right direction.

[0064] Furthermore, when the divided frame 52 and the upper and lower frames 61 (leg frames 60), which are supported by the same first connecting portion 44, are in the third and fifth positions, respectively, the divided frame 52 and the upper and lower frames 61 (leg frames 60) are approximately perpendicular to each other. On the other hand, when the divided frame 52 and the upper and lower frames 61 (leg frames 60), which are fixed to the same first connecting portion 44, are in the fourth and sixth positions, respectively, the divided frame 52 and the upper and lower frames 61 (leg frames 60) are parallel to each other. In addition, in this embodiment, when in the fifth and sixth positions, the upper and lower frames 61 and the leg frames 60 extend straight along the vertical direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, a portion of the support frame 30 is made of aluminum, and the other portions are made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene. Specifically, the front and rear frames 40, the leg frames 60, the first connecting portion 44, and the second connecting portion 54 are all made of synthetic resin. In addition, of the divided frame 52, the left and right end portions fixed to the connecting portions 44, 44 are made of synthetic resin. On the other hand, the portions of the divided frame 52 excluding the left and right end portions are made of aluminum.

[0066] The dimensions of the support frame 30 are set to be smaller than those of the main body 10 so that the support frame 30 is positioned inside the main body 10. Specifically, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down dimensions of the support frame 30 are smaller than the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down dimensions of the main body 10, respectively. In this embodiment, the front-to-back dimensions of the front-to-back frames 40, which are approximately the same as the front-to-back dimensions of the support frame 30, are set to be slightly smaller than the front-to-back dimensions of the main body 10. Also, the spacing between the two front-to-back frames 40 and the spacing between the two leg frames 60, which are approximately the same as the left-to-right dimensions of the support frame 30, are set to be slightly smaller than the left-to-right dimensions of the main body 10. Furthermore, the vertical dimensions of the two leg frames 60, which are approximately the same as the vertical dimensions of the support frame 30, are set to be slightly smaller than the vertical dimensions of the main body 10.

[0067] With the support frame 30 configured as described above positioned inside the main body 10, the top surface 11 of the main body 10 is supported by the support frame 30 on two front and rear frames 40 and two top plate frames 50, extending along them. The left side surface 15 of the main body 10 is positioned to the right of the left front and rear frame 40 and the leg frame 60, and extends along these frames 40 and 60. The right side surface 16 of the main body 10 is positioned to the left of the right front and rear frame 40 and the leg frame 60, and extends along these frames 40 and 60. Furthermore, the front portion 13 of the main body 10 is positioned in close proximity to the front of the front top plate frame 50 and the front upper and lower frames 61 of the two leg frames 60, and extends along these frames 50 and 60. The rear portion 14 of the main body 10 is positioned in close proximity to the rear of the rear top plate frame 50 and the rear upper and lower frames 61 of the two leg frames 60, and extends along these frames 50 and 60.

[0068] (Folding instructions) Figure 9 shows an example of the folding procedure for the support frame 30.

[0069] First, the divided frame 52 is rotated so that the second connecting portion 54 moves upward from the state shown in Figure 9(a) to the state shown in Figure 9(b). Specifically, each divided frame 52 is rotated around the second connecting portion 54 as shown by arrow Y21 in Figure 9(b), and each divided frame 52 is rotated around the first connecting portion 44 as shown by arrow Y22. Then, each divided frame 52 is changed from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting portion 44, and from a third position to a fourth position relative to the second connecting portion 54.

[0070] Next, each leg frame 60 is rotated around the first connecting portion 44 as shown by arrow Y23 in Figure 9(c). Then, each leg frame 60 is changed from the fifth position to the sixth position relative to the first connecting portion 44.

[0071] As a result, as shown in Figures 9(d) and 10, the support frame 30 is folded so that the top plate frame 50 is folded between the two leg frames 60, and each leg frame 60 and each segment frame 52 are parallel to each other.

[0072] As described above, the main body 10 is made of a flexible material, allowing the user to easily fold it. Thus, the storage case 1 folds down to a state where both the support frame 30 and the main body 10 are folded, resulting in a volume that is significantly smaller than the assembled state, as shown in Figure 10.

[0073] (effect, etc.) As described above, in the storage case 1 according to the above embodiment, the support frame 30 is configured to fold in a position where the leg frame 60 and the divided frame 52 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the thickness dimension of the support frame 30 can be reduced when the storage case 1 is not in use. In addition, the top plate frame 50 is divided into two divided frames 52 that are aligned in the longitudinal direction, and the support frame 30 is configured to fold in a position where these divided frames 52 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the longitudinal dimension of the support frame 30 can also be reduced when the storage case 1 is not in use. The main body 10 is made of a flexible material and is foldable. Therefore, the main body 10 can also be folded. Accordingly, according to the above embodiment, when the storage case 1 is not in use, it can be folded compactly for storage or transport, improving convenience.

[0074] Furthermore, the support frame 30 and the main body 10 are detachable. Therefore, the support frame 30 can be easily folded without being restricted by the main body 10. In addition, it is possible to replace only one of the parts, the support frame 30 or the main body 10, which increases convenience and makes it easier to separate waste when disposing of the storage case 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the inward rotation of the upper and lower frames 61, and consequently the leg frames 60, in the left-right direction is restricted. As a result, when using the storage case 1, that is, when assembling it, the shape of the storage case 1 can be stably maintained in a form that ensures the storage space C is secured.

[0076] This will be explained in detail using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the storage case 1, with the front section 13 omitted. Unlike the structure of the above embodiment, let's assume that the leg frame 60 has a structure that allows it to rotate inward in the left-right direction. In such a structure, when the storage case 1 is used, the leg frame 60 may rotate inward in the left-right direction due to external loads, as shown by arrow Y51 and the dashed line in Figure 11. Here, the area inside the leg frame 60 in the left-right direction is the storage space C, and the main body 10 does not restrict the rotation of the leg frame 60 inward in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the leg frame 60 is assumed to have a structure that allows it to rotate inward in the left-right direction, the leg frame 60 may rotate significantly, potentially causing the shape of the support frame 30 and, consequently, the shape of the storage case 1 to collapse. In contrast, in the above embodiment, the rotation of the upper and lower frames 61 and, consequently, the leg frame 60, inward in the left-right direction is restricted. The main body 10 is positioned outside the leg frame 60 in the left-right direction. Therefore, as shown by the arrow Y52 and dashed line in Figure 11, even if the leg frame 60 rotates outward in the left-right direction, further rotation of the leg frame 60 is restricted by contact with the main body 10. Thus, according to the above embodiment, while rotation of the leg frame 60 inward in the left-right direction is restricted, rotation of the leg frame 60 outward in the left-right direction is permitted, thereby enabling rotation of the leg frame 60 while suppressing rotation of the leg frame 60 in the left-right direction when the storage case 1 is in use. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the shape of the storage case 1 from collapsing. In particular, in the above embodiment, the left side portion 15 and the right side portion 16 of the main body 10 are arranged on the left-right outer side of the leg frame 60 so as to be aligned with the leg frame 60, thereby reliably suppressing the rotation of the leg frame 60 and more reliably preventing the shape of the storage case 1 from collapsing.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the top plate frame 50 is divided into two divided frames 52, and the first restricting portion 54A of the second connecting portion 54 restricts these two divided frames 52, 52 from rotating upward from a first position in which they extend outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, when a load is applied to the top plate frame 50 from above, as shown by arrow Y55 in Figure 11, it is possible to prevent the top plate frame 50 from bending so that the left-right center of the top plate frame 50 moves downward, as shown by the dashed line. Thus, the storage cases 1 can be stacked vertically while maintaining the shape of the storage case 1 in which an internal storage space C is secured.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the leg frame 60 is composed of a pair of front and rear upper and lower frames 61 extending downward from the front and rear ends of the front and rear frames 40, respectively, and a bottom frame 63 extending in the front-rear direction and connecting the lower ends of the two upper and lower frames 61. This increases the rigidity of the leg frame 60. Consequently, even when a load is applied to the storage case 1, such as when the storage cases 1 are stacked vertically, the shape of the storage case 1 can be reliably maintained in a form that secures the storage space C inside.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front and rear ends of the two front and rear frames 40 are provided with stacking support parts 42, each having a flat upper surface 42A. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, when the support frames 30 and thus the storage cases 1 are stacked vertically, the bottom frame 63 can be stably placed on the stacking support parts 42. In other words, the support frames and thus the storage cases 1 can be stacked in a more stable manner.

[0080] In particular, in the above embodiment, the lower surface 63A of the bottom frame 63 is formed in a planar shape. Therefore, the bottom frame 63 can be placed on the stacking support part 42 more stably.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front and rear frames 40, leg frames 60, first connecting portion 44, and second connecting portion 54 are made of synthetic resin. Therefore, the storage case 1 can be made lighter. On the other hand, the fact that the divided frame 52 is made of aluminum increases the rigidity of the top plate frame 50. Thus, deformation of the top plate frame 50 can be prevented when a load is applied to the storage case 1 from above, such as when the storage cases 1 are stacked.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an opening 21 is formed in the top surface 11 and the front surface 13 of the main body 10, and a lid 22 is provided to open and close the opening 21. Therefore, access to the storage space C is made easier, and convenience is enhanced.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body 10 is provided with a locking portion 25 that removably locks the support frame 30. Therefore, deformation of the support frame 30 can be suppressed and the shape of the storage case can be stably maintained, and the main body 10 and the support frame 30 can be easily separated by releasing the locking of the support frame 30 by the locking portion 25.

[0084] (modified version) In the above embodiment, the storage case 1 was described as having a roughly rectangular shape in which its height dimension is smaller than its dimensions in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. However, the shape of the main body 10 and the storage case 1 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the left-to-right dimensions of the main body 110 and the top plate frame 50 may be shortened so that the storage case 101 has a shape in which its left-to-right dimensions are smaller than its dimensions in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the case was described in which both ends of the divided frame 52 are made of synthetic resin and the part excluding the ends is made of aluminum, but the entire divided frame 52 may also be made of synthetic resin. In particular, if the length dimension of the divided frame 152 is short when the storage case 101 is as shown in the example in Figure 13, making the entire divided frame 152 of synthetic resin will allow the storage case 101 to be made lighter while suppressing deformation of the divided frame 152.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the case in which the leg frame 60 extends straight along the vertical direction when in the fifth posture (the posture shown by the solid line in Figure 7) was described. Alternatively, the leg frame 60 and the front and rear frames 40 may be connected such that when in the fifth posture, the leg frame 60 is inclined outward in the left-right direction as it is lower relative to the first connecting portion 44.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the case in which openings 21 are formed in the top surface 11 and the front surface 13 of the main body 10 was described, but the location of the openings 21 is not limited to this. For example, openings 21 continuous with the top surface 11 and the right surface 16 may be formed.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case in which the locking parts 25 are provided at the corners of the top surface 11, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16, and at the corners of the bottom surface 12, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16 has been described, but the location of the locking parts 25 is not limited to this. However, it is preferable to provide the locking parts 25 in a position that does not overlap with the opening 21. For example, instead of providing the locking parts 25 at the corners of the top surface 11, the left surface 15, and the right surface 16, the locking parts 25 may be provided at the corners of the top surface 11, the front surface 13, and the rear surface 14. When the locking parts 25 are provided at the corners of the top surface 11, the front surface 13, and the rear surface 14, these locking parts 25 lock the divided frame 52 of the support frame 30.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the second connecting portion 54 was described as supporting the two divided frames 52 so that they can rotate around mutually parallel pivot axes X1, X1 extending in the front-rear direction, that is, the second connecting portion 54 is a so-called parallel two-axis hinge. Alternatively, the structure of the second connecting portion may be such that the two divided frames 52 can rotate around a common pivot axis. In other words, a so-called single-axis hinge may be used as the second connecting portion. However, if the second connecting portion 54 is a parallel two-axis hinge as in the above embodiment, when the top plate frame 50 is folded so that the divided frames 52, 52 are parallel to each other, the distance between the divided frames 52, 52 can be shortened as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, and the storage case 10 can be folded more compactly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Storage Case 10 Main body 11 Top section 13 Front part (side part) 15 Left side (elevation) 16 Right side (elevation) 21 Opening 22 Lid 25 Locking part 30 Support Frame Frame around 40 50 Tabletop frame 52 divided frames 60 Leg Frame

Claims

1. The main body is made of a flexible material and partitions the internal storage space, The system includes a support frame that is detachably attached to the inside of the main body and supports the main body so that it can stand on its own, The support frame comprises a pair of front and rear frames that have a shape extending in the front-rear direction and face each other in the left-right direction, a pair of leg frames that extend downward from each of the front and rear frames, and a pair of top plate frames that connect the front ends and rear ends of the two front and rear frames, respectively. The front and rear frames have a first connecting portion that connects the front and rear frames to the leg frames. The aforementioned top plate frame has a plurality of divided frames arranged in the left-right direction, and a second connecting portion that connects adjacent divided frames. The second connecting portion supports the divided frames in a manner that allows them to rotate around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, such that the support frame folds in a position where the divided frames are parallel to each other. The storage case is characterized in that the first connecting portion supports the leg frame in a state that allows it to rotate around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, such that the support frame is folded in a position where the leg frame and the divided frame are parallel to each other.

2. In the storage case described in claim 1, A storage case characterized in that the leg frame is connected to the front and rear frames in such a way that inward rotation in the left-right direction is restricted, while outward rotation in the left-right direction is permitted.

3. In the storage case described in claim 2, The main body comprises a pair of vertical surfaces that face each other in the left-right direction, A storage case characterized in that, when the support frame is attached to the main body, the leg frame is arranged to follow the vertical surface.

4. In the storage case described in claim 3, The storage case is characterized in that the second connecting portion has a restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the divided frame in a direction that moves the second connecting portion downward.

5. In the storage case described in claim 1, The storage case is characterized in that the leg frame has a pair of front and rear upper and lower frames extending downward from the front and rear ends of the front and rear frames, respectively, and a bottom frame extending in the front-rear direction and connecting the lower ends of the two upper and lower frames.

6. In the storage case described in claim 5, The storage case is characterized in that the front and rear frames each have stacking support parts provided at their front and rear ends, respectively, with their upper surfaces formed in a flat shape.

7. In the storage case described in claim 6, A storage case characterized in that the lower surface of the bottom frame is formed in a flat shape.

8. In the storage case described in claim 1, A storage case characterized in that the leg frame and the front and rear frames are made of synthetic resin.

9. In the storage case described in claim 1, The main body includes a top surface which is rectangular in shape and is disposed above the front and rear frames and the top plate frame, a bottom surface which is disposed below the top surface which is opposite to it, and four side surfaces which extend downward from each of the four sides of the top surface which connect the top surface and the bottom surface. A storage case characterized in that one of the four side portions and the top portion are provided with an opening formed continuously therewith, and a lid portion for opening and closing the opening.

10. In the storage case described in claim 1, The storage case is characterized in that the main body portion is provided with a locking portion for detachably locking the support frame.

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