Foldable bag

Abstract

To provide a foldable bag that can be folded compactly while maintaining its shape when unfolded. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention is a foldable and unfoldable foldable bag comprising: a bottom that can be folded by a hinge so that a first bottom and a second bottom overlap each other; a first frame part connected between the first bottom and the second bottom of the bottom; a second frame part spaced apart from the first frame part and connected between the first bottom and the second bottom of the bottom; and a curtain part. When the bottom is folded with the hinge, the first frame part and the second frame part bend and are sandwiched between the first bottom and the second bottom, and the curtain part is folded and sandwiched between the first bottom and the second bottom. When the bottom is unfolded with the hinge, the first frame part and the second frame part open up to form a frame, and the curtain part expands due to the configuration of the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable bag that can be folded compactly and is easy to use.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a foldable compact bag that is optimal as an eco-bag. This foldable compact bag includes a rectangular front part, a back part having the same shape as the front part, an opening provided along the upper end parts of the front part and the back part, a front-side folding part provided by folding inward along the upper end part of the front part, a back-side folding part provided by folding inward along the upper end part of the back part, a handle handle provided across both ends of each of the front-side folding part and the back-side folding part, and a bottom provided across the lower end part of the front part and the lower end part of the back part. One or two horizontal folding lines are formed on the front part and the back part. In a state where the horizontal folding lines are folded, four or a plurality of vertical folding lines are formed. In a state where the horizontal folding lines are folded and the vertical folding lines are folded, a rectangular compact body can be formed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an eco-bag that is easy to carry in a folded state and has better workability related to the operation of storing articles than the prior art. This eco-bag includes a storage part having an opening formed on the upper surface and capable of storing articles in an internal space communicating with the opening. The storage part has a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces continuous with the bottom surface, and is formed so that a pair of side surfaces facing each other among the side surfaces can be folded flat by overlapping them on the bottom surface. On the bottom surface and each of the pair of side surfaces, a self-supporting member is arranged that can open the opening when the pair of side surfaces are raised and can maintain the state where the storage part stands on its own.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an eco-bag that can be attached to the wrist or the handle of another bag when not in use and can be quickly transformed into a small eco-bag shape when needed. This eco-bag is a portable eco-bag with a bag body having an opening, and a pair of handles on the outer or inner surface of the opening of the bag body, and a plurality of locking parts on the outer surface of the bag body.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses an eco-bag that can be easily and reliably folded into a small size over a long period of time. This eco-bag has a rectangular parallelepiped body that can store items inside, and the body has a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom. The rectangular front side and back side can be overlapped to fold into a flat shape, and after overlapping the front side and back side to form a flat shape, the front side and other parts can be folded further to make it easy to carry. In this eco-bag, when folding the front side and other parts, there are positioning members at opposing positions in the folded state that can be fixed and detached from each other.

[0006] Patent Document 5 discloses a foldable structure that can be used as a shopping basket, is easily foldable and easily assembled, and allows for arbitrary and easy adjustment to change the capacity of the assembled structure by selectively adjusting the effective length of one of the arms of the structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3246703 Gazette [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-119516 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3234835 Gazette [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3229326 Gazette [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-225809 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While it is important for eco-bags to be able to be folded compactly to enhance portability, ease of storage when unfolded is also a crucial factor. The present invention aims to provide a foldable bag that can be folded compactly and maintains its shape when unfolded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a foldable and unfoldable foldable bag comprising: a bottom having a first bottom and a second bottom connected via a hinge, the bottom being foldable by the hinge so that the first bottom and the second bottom overlap each other; a first frame section connected between the first bottom and the second bottom of the bottom and connected to each of the first bottom and the second bottom via a first joint; a second frame section spaced apart from the first frame section and positioned between the first bottom and the second bottom of the bottom, connected to each of the first bottom and the second bottom via a second joint; and a curtain section connected to the bottom, the first frame section and the second frame section, wherein the first frame section and Each of the first and second frame sections has multiple frame members connected via frame joints. When the bottom is folded with a hinge, each of the first and second frame sections bends at the first and second joints, and the multiple frame members bend at the frame joints and are sandwiched between the first and second bottom sections, and the curtain section is folded and sandwiched between the first and second bottom sections. When the bottom is unfolded with a hinge, each of the first and second frame sections opens at the first and second joints, and the multiple frame members open at the frame joints to form a frame, and the curtain section expands due to the formation of the frame.

[0010] With this configuration, when the bottom is folded with the hinge, the first frame section, the second frame section, and the curtain section are folded and these components fit compactly between the first and second bottom sections. On the other hand, when the bottom is unfolded with the hinge, the first and second frame sections, which were fitted between the first and second bottom sections, expand, and the curtain section maintains its shape with the first and second frame sections as the core.

[0011] In the above-described foldable bag, it is preferable that at least one of the bottom, first frame section, second frame section, and curtain section be made of a flexible or elastic material. This allows the concentration of load due to the contents to be mitigated by the stretching and contracting of the members made of the flexible or elastic material when the curtain section is expanded by unfolding the bottom to use the bag. Furthermore, when the bottom is folded, the folding stress is mitigated by the stretching and contracting of the members made of the flexible or elastic material.

[0012] In the above-described foldable bag, the length of the longest of the multiple frame members may be such that it fits within the plan view outline of the first bottom. This ensures that when the bottom is folded, the frame members fit securely between the first and second bottoms.

[0013] In the above-described foldable bag, at least one of the first bottom and the second bottom may have an extendable portion that can be extended away from the hinge, and one end of the first frame and one end of the second frame may be connected to the extendable portion. This allows the area of ​​the bottom to be expanded by extending the extendable portion, increasing the storage capacity of the fabric.

[0014] In the above-described foldable bag, it is preferable that the bottom has an extension locking mechanism for fixing the extension in an extended state. This fixes the extension in an extended state, improving the shape retention of the bottom.

[0015] In the above folding bag, it is preferable that the bottom has a bottom locking mechanism for fixing the first bottom and the second bottom in an open state. Thereby, when the bottom is unfolded, the first bottom and the second bottom are fixed in an open state, and the shape retention property is enhanced.

[0016] In the above folding bag, it is preferable that at least one of the first joint and the second joint has a framework locking mechanism for fixing at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom. Thereby, when the bottom is unfolded, the angle of at least one of the first joint and the second joint with respect to the bottom is fixed, and the shape retention property is enhanced.

[0017] In the above folding bag, it is preferable that the bone joint has a bone locking mechanism for fixing the angle between two adjacent bone members at a predetermined angle. Thereby, when the bottom is unfolded, the angle between two adjacent bone members is fixed, and the shape retention property is enhanced.

[0018] In the above folding bag, a connecting member for connecting the first framework part and the second framework part may be further provided. Thereby, when the bottom is unfolded, a frame-shaped core is formed by connecting the first framework part and the second framework part juxtaposed with each other by the connecting member, and the shape retention property is enhanced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a folding bag that can be folded compactly and has a shape retention property when expanded.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the folding bag according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view illustrating the framework configuration of the folding bag according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are perspective views illustrating the folding operation of the folding bag according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view for explaining an example of an extension part. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are perspective views for explaining other examples in the case where an extension part is provided. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a bone joint. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a bone joint. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a bone joint. [Figure 9] It is a schematic view exemplifying a curtain part. [Figure 10] (a) to (c) are schematic views exemplifying a fastener. [Figure 11] It is a schematic view exemplifying the position of a fastener. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a connection structure between a framework part and a bottom part. [Figure 13] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a bottom lock mechanism. [Figure 14] It is a schematic view exemplifying an extension part lock mechanism. [Figure 15] It is a schematic view exemplifying an extension part lock mechanism. [Figure 16] (a) and (b) are schematic views exemplifying a bone part lock mechanism.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the members once described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0022] (Configuration of a foldable bag) FIG. 1 is a perspective view exemplifying the configuration of a foldable bag according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the frame structure of the foldable bag according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 omits the curtain section 30 shown in Figure 1 to show the frame structure. The foldable bag 1 according to this embodiment can be folded compactly when not in use and unfolded to be used as a bag when needed. The foldable bag 1 comprises a bottom portion 10, a first frame portion 21, a second frame portion 22, and a curtain portion 30.

[0023] The base 10 is a foldable, thin plate-like member and has a first base 11 and a second base 12 connected via a hinge 10a. The planar external shape of the base 10 is not limited, but can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, or oblong. Each of the first base 11 and the second base 12 is half the shape of the base 10. The connection between the first base 11 and the second base 12 by the hinge 10a allows the base 10 to be folded in half or unfolded. Folding the first base 11 and the second base 12 with the hinge 10a reduces the base 10 to half its size. On the other hand, unfolding the first base 11 and the second base 12 creates a flat base 10.

[0024] The material used for the bottom 10 may be plastic (nylon, ABS, etc.), elastomer, metal, wood, or a composite material thereof. Depending on the combination of materials, the bottom 10 can be given elasticity, flexibility, and durability.

[0025] The first frame section 21 is a structural member connected between the first base section 11 and the second base section 12. The first frame section 21 has a structure in which multiple frame members 20 are connected in series by frame joints 20a. One end of the first frame section 21 (one end's frame member 20) is connected via a first joint 21a to a corner of the first base section 11, away from the hinge 10a of the first base section 11. The other end of the first frame section 21 (the other end's frame member 20) is connected via another first joint 21a to a corner of the second base section 12, away from the hinge 10a of the second base section 12. As a result, when the base section 10 is open, the multiple frame members 20 form a gate-shaped first frame section 21.

[0026] The second frame section 22 is a frame member connected between the first base section 11 and the second base section 12, similar to the first frame section 21. That is, the second frame section 22 has a structure in which multiple frame members 20 are connected in series by frame joints 20a. One end of the second frame section 22 (the frame member 20 at one end) is located away from the hinge 10a of the first base section 11 and is connected to the corner of the first base section 11 opposite to the first frame section 21 via a second joint 22a. The other end of the second frame section 22 (the frame member 20 at the other end) is located away from the hinge 10a of the second base section 12 and is connected to the corner of the second base section 12 opposite to the first frame section 21 via another second joint 22a. As a result, when the base section 10 is open, the multiple frame members 20 form a gate-shaped second frame section 22. The second frame section 22 is spaced apart from the first frame section 21 and is positioned on the opposite side of the bottom section 10 from the first frame section 21.

[0027] The materials used for the frame members 20 of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 include plastics (nylon, ABS, etc.), elastomers, metals, wood, or composite materials thereof. Depending on the combination of materials, the frame members 20 can be given elasticity, flexibility, and durability.

[0028] Preferably, a connecting member 23 is provided between the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22, which are arranged side by side on the bottom section 10. The connecting member 23 is provided parallel to each other at two locations above the gate-shaped first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22. In this way, when the bottom section 10 is open, the first frame section 21, the second frame section 22 and the two connecting members 23 form a box-shaped frame.

[0029] The curtain section 30 is a member connected to the bottom section 10, the first frame section 21, and the second frame section 22, and is expanded with the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 as its core when the bottom section 10 is open. For example, the curtain section 30 is expanded to surround the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22, forming a bag with an opening at the top, with the bottom section 10 as the bottom and the curtain section 30 as the sides.

[0030] The tent section 30 can be made of sheet material or net material made of nylon or polyurethane, mesh (elastic metal such as elastomer, string, or spring), rubber or elastomer sheet, or cloth (if it is a hard cloth, it may be pleated).

[0031] (Folding and unfolding operations) Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are perspective views illustrating the folding operation of the foldable bag according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, the curtain portion 30 is shown with a dashed line in Figure 3(a). Each of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 has a plurality of bone members 20 connected via bone joints 20a. In the illustrated example, each of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 has six bone members 20. The six bone members 20 are connected in series by bone joints 20a. The number of bone members 20 in each of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 is even, preferably at least six. This is because the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 can be effectively folded by folding the bottom section 10, which will be described later. A single bone member 20 may be straight or curved.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(a), when the bottom 10 is folded inward at the hinge 10a, the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 bend at the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a, respectively, and fold inward. Furthermore, the multiple frame members 20 bend at the frame joints 20a. At this time, the six frame members 20 connected in series bend alternately inward and outward at the frame joints 20a, and fold up. When the six frame members 20 are folded, they become the size of one frame member 20.

[0033] The folded first frame section 21 and second frame section 22 are sandwiched between the first bottom section 11 and the second bottom section 12, as shown in Figure 3(b). Also, the folding of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 causes the curtain section 30 to fold, and together with the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22, it is sandwiched between the first bottom section 11 and the second bottom section 12.

[0034] When the bottom 10 is unfolded using the hinge 10a, the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 open at the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a, respectively, and the multiple frame members 20 open at the frame joints 20a to form a frame, and the curtain section 30 expands as a result of the frame structure. This forms a bag with the bottom 10 as the bottom surface and the curtain section 30 as the sides, making it usable as a bag.

[0035] When the bottom 10 is folded, the curtain section 30 is folded along with the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22. It is preferable to provide a fold line L on the curtain section 30 in advance, as shown in Figure 1. This allows the curtain section 30 to be easily and stably folded along the fold line L when the bottom 10 is folded and the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 are folded together. Furthermore, since the curtain section 30 is folded using the frame members 20 as a guide, it can be folded neatly and easily.

[0036] Here, it is preferable that at least one of the bottom portion 10, the first frame portion 21, the second frame portion 22, and the curtain portion 30 is made of an elastic material. Examples of elastic materials include rubber and elastomers. Alternatively, at least one of the bottom portion 10, the first frame portion 21, the second frame portion 22, and the curtain portion 30 may be made of a flexible (slightly elastic) material. Examples of flexible materials include nylon, polyurethane, and polyethylene. By using such elastic and flexible materials, when the curtain portion 30 is expanded by unfolding the bottom portion 10 and used as a bag, the load concentration due to the load is alleviated by the expansion and contraction of the members. Also, when the bottom portion 10 is folded, the folding stress is alleviated by the expansion and contraction of the members.

[0037] Furthermore, the length of the longest of the multiple bone members 20 included in the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 should be such that it fits within the plan view outline of the first base section 11. For example, the length of the longest bone member 20 should be less than or equal to the diagonal length of the rectangular first base section 11. This ensures that when the base section 10 is folded, the bone members 20 fit securely between the first base section 11 and the second base section 12.

[0038] (extension part) Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an extended section. For the sake of clarity, Figure 4 omits the curtain section 30 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 4, the bottom portion 10 may have an extendable portion 13. The extendable portion 13 is a member that can be extended away from the hinge 10a relative to at least one of the first bottom portion 11 and the second bottom portion 12. In the example shown in Figure 4, the extendable portion 13 is provided so as to be expandable and contractible relative to the second bottom portion 12. When the extendable portion 13 is provided, one of the connection ends of the first frame portion 21 to the bottom portion 10 and one of the connection ends of the second frame portion 22 to the bottom portion 10 are connected to the extendable portion 13. As a result, the area of ​​the bottom portion 10 is increased by extending the extendable portion 13.

[0039] Furthermore, when the extension portion 13 is extended, the connection points of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 with the extension portion 13 also shift away from the hinge 10a, causing the base of the frame shape formed by the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 to widen. As a result, the storage capacity formed by the base portion 10, the first frame portion 21, the second frame portion 22, and the curtain portion 30 increases. Although the curtain portion 30 will also be pulled when the extension portion 13 is extended, this can be addressed by constructing the curtain portion 30 from an elastic material.

[0040] Figures 5(a) and (b) are perspective views illustrating other examples where an extension is provided. When the extension portion 13 is extended, the connection positions of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 with the extension portion 13 will shift away from the hinge 10a. In the example shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the frame members 201, which are provided at positions facing the bottom portions 10 of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22, are configured to have a margin of error that can accommodate the expansion and contraction of the extension portion 13. In other words, the end of the frame member 201 facing the connection position can move in accordance with the movement of the connection positions of the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 with the extension portion 13 due to the expansion and contraction of the extension portion 13.

[0041] For the frame member 201, a material that is easily elastically deformable, such as rubber or wire, is used. As a result, the frame-shaped opening formed by the first frame part 21 and the second frame part 22 expands along with the extension of the extension part 13, increasing the storage capacity and making it easier to put things in and take them out due to the widened opening. In addition, by leaving some length in the frame member 201, it can also be used as a handle.

[0042] (Bone joint) Figures 6 to 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating bone joints. The bone joint 20a shown in Figure 6(a) uses a double-layered cable-like member R as the bone member 20, with a portion of it consisting only of the core material. The portion of the cable-like member R consisting only of the core material serves as the bone joint 20a. The bone joint 20a shown in Figure 6(b) uses a cord-like member R as the bone member 20, and has a structure in which an axle member J is passed through the mutual ends of two cord-like members R. The two cord-like members R can be bent around the axle member J. Note that the axle member J may be cylindrical or spherical (for example, a ball joint).

[0043] The bone joint 20a shown in Figures 7(a) and (b) has a structure in which a constriction K is provided in a part of the elastic bone member 20. The constriction K becomes the bone joint 20a, which allows the bone member 20 to be bent.

[0044] The bone joint 20a shown in Figure 8(a) is a configuration that utilizes a chain C provided between two bone members 20. By connecting the two bone members 20 with the chain C, the chain C functions as the bone joint 20a.

[0045] The bone joint 20a shown in Figure 8(b) is composed of a fabric member T that connects two bone members 20. The fabric member T that connects the two bone members 20 functions as the bone joint 20a. In this case, it is preferable to use an elastic material as the bone members 20. By providing the two bone members 20 made of an elastic material and the fabric member T that connects them at a position facing the bottom 10, it can be used as a handle.

[0046] As described above, when a cord-like member R is used as the bone member 20, or a chain C is used as the bone joint 20a, it affects the stress relaxation of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22, which are combinations of these materials. For this reason, it is preferable to use either the bone member 20 or the bone joint 20a as an elastic material and the other as a durable material.

[0047] (Makubu) Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the curtain section. The curtain portion 30 may be made of rubber, elastomer, cloth, etc., in a sheet-like form, or it may be made of a net-like form. Figure 9 shows a part of a net-like curtain portion 30. This curtain portion 30 has a grid-like frame portion 31, circular grid interiors 32 arranged within each grid of the frame portion 31, and connecting portions 33 that connect each grid interior 32 to the frame portion 31. The frame portion 31, grid interiors 32 and connecting portions 33 may be made of the same material, or any of them may be made of a different material. Furthermore, the shape of the frame portion 31 (pitch, angle, etc.), the shape of the grid interiors 32 (polygon, rhombus, etc.), and the position and number of connecting portions 33 are not limited to these. The elasticity of the curtain portion 30 is adjusted by the material and shape.

[0048] (Fastener) Figures 10(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams illustrating fasteners. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the fasteners. Figure 10(a) shows a plan view of the frame member 20 and the membrane 30 fixed together by the fastener 40, and Figure 10(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the same. The curtain section 30 is fixed to the frame member 20 by fasteners 40 to facilitate attachment and detachment. When it becomes necessary to remove the curtain section 30 for cleaning or replacement, it can be easily removed from the frame member 20 by removing the fasteners 40.

[0049] The frame member 20 is provided with a ring portion 25 for inserting a fastener 40. The curtain portion 30 is placed over the ring portion 25, and the fastener 40 is passed through the ring portion 25 to secure it to the curtain portion 30. The fastener 40 is provided with a return portion 41, so that when the fastener 40 is passed through one side of the ring portion 25, the return portion 41 passes through the ring portion 25, and once it has passed through the ring portion 25, the return portion 41 expands to prevent the fastener 40 from coming out. As shown in Figure 10(c), when removing the fastener 40, the fastener 40 can be removed from the ring portion 25 by pinching and closing the return portion 41 with the fingers. The material for the fastener 40 can be an easy-to-handle elastomer, rubber, or plastic.

[0050] As shown in Figure 11, fasteners 40 are provided at several locations on the frame member 20 and the base 10. Ring portions 25 are provided at the locations on the frame member 20 and the base 10 where the fasteners 40 are attached. The fasteners 40 and ring portions 25 are positioned so as not to interfere when the base 10 is folded and the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 are folded and sandwiched between the first base portion 11 and the second base portion 12.

[0051] (Connection between the frame and the base) Figures 12(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the connection structure between the frame and the base. Figure 12(a) shows a perspective view illustrating the connection structure between the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 and the first base section 11, and Figure 12(b) shows an enlarged side view of section A in Figure 12(a). Although not shown, the connection structure between the second base section 12 and the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 on the opposite side is similar. As shown in Figure 12(a), a groove G is formed in the first bottom portion 11, and a connecting member 23 that connects the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 is inserted into this groove G. The connecting member 23 inserted into the groove G connects the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 on the side of the bottom portion 10.

[0052] A stopper ST is provided at the first bottom 11. As shown in Figure 12(b), when inserting the connecting member 23 into the groove G, the stopper ST is raised, and after inserting the connecting member 23 into the groove G, the stopper ST is pushed into the groove G from above. This fixes the connecting member 23 in the inserted state within the groove G, allowing the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 to be connected to the first bottom 11. The first joint 21a and the second joint 22a can be positioned outside the groove G. This ensures that the operation of the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a is not hindered.

[0053] The connection structure between the base 10 and the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 is not limited to the above. For example, the frame members 20 of the first frame section 21 and the second frame section 22 may be suspended from the base 10.

[0054] (Bottom locking mechanism) Figures 13(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the bottom locking mechanism. The bottom portion 10 can be folded and unfolded by a hinge 10a. When the bottom portion 10 is unfolded, it is preferable to provide a bottom locking mechanism 51 that maintains the unfolded state. The bottom locking mechanism 51 has, for example, a hook 51a and a locking groove 51b. The hook 51a is provided, for example, on the second bottom portion 12, and the locking groove 51b is provided, for example, on the first bottom portion 11.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13(a), when the bottom 10 is angled (before it becomes flat), the hook 51a is not locked in the locking groove 51b and can move freely by the hinge 10a. When the bottom 10 is spread out and becomes flat, the hook 51a fits into the locking groove 51b and the angle of the bottom 10 is fixed. When folding the bottom 10, the hook 51a disengages from the locking groove 51b by folding the bottom 10 beyond the locking force between the hook 51a and the locking groove 51b, allowing the bottom 10 to be folded. By providing the bottom locking mechanism 51, the first bottom 11 and the second bottom 12 are fixed in an open state when the bottom 10 is unfolded, which improves the shape retention of the bottom 10 as a bag and allows for stable storage.

[0056] A locking mechanism similar to the bottom locking mechanism 51, which consists of a hook 51a and a locking groove 51b, may be provided at the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a shown in Figure 1. That is, a locking mechanism (frame locking mechanism) using a hook 51a and a locking groove 51b similar to the bottom locking mechanism 51 is provided at the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a. This allows the first joint 21a and the second joint 22a to be fixed to the bottom 10 at a predetermined angle, thereby improving the shape retention of the frame.

[0057] (Extendable part locking mechanism) Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating the extension locking mechanism. If an extension portion 13 is provided on the bottom portion 10, it is preferable to provide an extension portion locking mechanism 52 for fixing the extension portion 13 in an extended state. As shown in Figure 14, the extension portion 13 is fitted into a pair of rail grooves 15 provided on the bottom portion 10, for example, and is slidably mounted.

[0058] Figures 15(a) and (b) show cross-sectional views of the extension portion 13 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. As shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), the extension portion locking mechanism 52 is provided with an elastic projection 52a on the extension portion 13 and a recess 52b on the bottom portion 10. As shown in Figure 15(a), when the extension portion 13 is not extended, the elastic projection 52a is compressed between the extension portion 13 and the bottom portion 10, and in this state the extension portion 13 is in a sliding state.

[0059] When the extension portion 13 is extended to a predetermined position, the positions of the elastic projection 52a and the recess 52b align, as shown in Figure 15(b), and the compressed elastic projection 52a returns to its original position within the recess 52b. The position of the extension portion 13 is fixed by the engagement between the restored elastic projection 52a and the recess 52b. When the extension portion 13 is pushed back with a force exceeding the elastic restoring force of the elastic projection 52a, the elastic projection 52a elastically deforms and escapes from the recess 52b, allowing the extension portion 13 to slide. The extension portion locking mechanism 52 allows the extension portion 13 to be fixed in the extended state, thereby improving the shape retention of the bottom portion 10.

[0060] (Bone locking mechanism) Figures 16(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the bone locking mechanism. In Figure 16, a spherical joint (ball joint) is shown as an example for the bone joint 20a, but a cylindrical joint may also be used. The bone joint 20a connects two adjacent bone members 20 in a foldable manner. When the two adjacent bone members 20 are opened by the bone joint 20a, it is preferable to provide a bone locking mechanism 53 that fixes them in the opened position.

[0061] As an example, the bone locking mechanism 53 has a projection 53a provided on one side of an adjacent bone member 20 and a recess 53b provided on the other side of the bone member 20. As shown in Figure 16(a), when the two bone members 20 are bent, the projection 53a is not engaged with the recess 53b and can be bent freely. As shown in Figure 16(b), when the two bone members 20 are opened to a predetermined angle (for example, 180°), the projection 53a engages with the recess 53b and locks into place, fixing the angle.

[0062] The projection 53a is elastic or flexible, and when the two bone members 20 are bent with a predetermined force, the projection 53a elastically deforms and disengages from the recess 53b, allowing the bone members 20 to be bent. Alternatively, the recess 53b may be made into a hole or pocket so that when the projection 53a engages with the recess 53b, the projection 53a retracts into the recess 53b and becomes hidden. This ensures that when engaged, the projection 53a is not visible from the outside, maintaining aesthetic appeal and effectively preventing snagging.

[0063] As described above, the foldable bag 1 according to this embodiment provides a foldable bag that can be folded compactly and maintain its shape when unfolded.

[0064] Although the embodiments and their application examples (modified versions, specific examples) have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, any additions, deletions, or design changes to the above-described embodiments or their application examples (modified versions, specific examples) made by a person skilled in the art, or any combination of the features of each embodiment, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1…Foldable bag 10...bottom 10a...Hinge 11...1st bottom 12...Second bottom 13...Extension part 15… Rail groove 20…Skeleton members 20a...Bone joint 21…First frame section 21a...First joint 22...Second framework section 22a...Second joint 23…Connecting member 25... Ring section 30…Makubu 31...frame section 32...Inside the grid 33…Connection part 40… Fasteners 41... Return section 51...Bottom locking mechanism 51a... Hook 51b...Latching groove 52... Extension part locking mechanism 52a...Elastic protrusion 52b…recess 53...Bone locking mechanism 53a…Protrusion 53b…recess 201... Structural member C... Chain G…Groove J…Shaft member K...waist L...Fold line R... Cable-like member ST... Stopper T…Cloth material

Claims

1. A foldable and unfoldable foldable bag, A base having a first base and a second base connected by a hinge, the base being foldable so that the first base and the second base overlap each other by the hinge, A first frame portion is connected between the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion of the bottom portion, and is connected to each of the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion via a first joint, A second frame portion is positioned adjacent to the first frame portion at a distance from it, connected between the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion of the bottom portion, and connected to each of the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion via a second joint, The bottom portion, the curtain portion connected to the first frame portion and the second frame portion, Equipped with, Each of the first and second frame sections has a plurality of bone members connected via bone joints. When the bottom is folded at the hinge, the first frame section and the second frame section bend at the first joint and the second joint, and the multiple frame members bend at the frame joints and are sandwiched between the first bottom and the second bottom, and the curtain section is folded and sandwiched between the first bottom and the second bottom, A foldable bag in which, when the bottom is unfolded by the hinge, the first frame section and the second frame section open at the first joint and the second joint, and the multiple frame members open at the frame joints to form a frame, and the curtain section expands as a result of the configuration of the frame.

2. The foldable bag according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the bottom portion, the first frame portion, the second frame portion, and the curtain portion is made of a flexible or elastic material.

3. The foldable bag according to claim 1, wherein the length of the longest of the multiple frame members is such that it fits within the plan view outline of the first bottom.

4. At least one of the first bottom and the second bottom has an extendable portion that can extend in a direction away from the hinge, The foldable bag according to claim 1, wherein one end of the first frame and one end of the second frame are connected to the extension portion.

5. The foldable bag according to claim 4, wherein the bottom portion has an extension locking mechanism for fixing the extension portion in an extended state.

6. The foldable bag according to claim 1, wherein the bottom has a bottom locking mechanism for fixing the first bottom and the second bottom in an open state.

7. The foldable bag according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first joint and the second joint has a frame locking mechanism for fixing it at a predetermined angle to the bottom.

8. The folding bag according to claim 1, wherein the bone joint has a bone locking mechanism for fixing the angle between two adjacent bone members at a predetermined angle.

9. The foldable bag according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member for connecting the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

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