Foldable tote bag with collapsible container body

Abstract

A tote bag is described, comprising a collapsible container body made of foldable components of fabric sheets, the fabric sheets being joined together to form a bottom side and sidewalls including four lateral sides. When the collapsible container body is in an expanded state, the bottom side and sidewalls together define an internal storage volume. Opposite first and second lateral sides of the collapsible container body are each provided with a gusset crease, the gusset crease being designed to allow the first and second lateral sides to fold outwards into flattened gusset segments. The collapsible container body is configured to fold into a flattened configuration, wherein the first and second lateral sides fold outwards along the gusset creases into flattened gusset segments, the flattened gusset segments being foldable inwards onto a lateral segment of a third lateral side, while a fourth lateral side is folded inwards to align the bottom side with the fourth lateral side. The collapsible container body is provided with a releasable retaining structure to selectively secure the flattened folded corner brace to the third lateral side and retain the collapsible container body in the flattened folded structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose tote bag, for example, used as a shopping bag, grocery bag and / or laundry bag. Prior Technology

[0002] Handbags are known in the art.

[0003] International Patent Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and the related U.S. Patent No. US 9,999,282 B2 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) disclose a tote bag comprising a collapsible container body made of foldable components of fabric panels, the fabric panels being joined together to form a bottom side and sidewalls including four lateral sides, the bottom side and sidewalls collectively defining an internal storage volume when the collapsible container body is in an expanded state. The tote bag also includes a removable rolling support assembly for providing rolling support to the collapsible container body in the expanded state, the removable rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of casters disposed beneath the support plate. More specifically, the tote bag is configured such that the support plate can be inserted into the internal storage volume and is removably attached to the bottom of the collapsible container body by means of a pair of internal retaining flaps. The bottom side of the collapsible container body is also provided with holes to allow casters to pass through, thus protruding from the bottom side of the collapsible container body.

[0004] Another example of a similar tote bag with a removable rolling support assembly is disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. 688,499 S. The tote bag is also configured such that the rolling support assembly can be inserted into the internal storage volume and removably attached to the bottom of the collapsible container body, wherein the casters protrude from the bottom side through corresponding holes formed in the bottom side to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body.

[0005] The aforementioned improvements to the tote bag further form the subject matter of European Patent Application No. 23159231.2, dated February 28, 2023, entitled “ROLLING TOTE BAG” (see also the related U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 419,002, dated January 22, 2024), entitled “TOTE BAG AND METHOD OF FORMING A SIDEWALL THEREOF” (see also the related U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 420,113, dated January 23, 2024), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The tote bags embodying the above improvements are available in various sizes and colors under the product name HULKEN® (see https: / / hulkenbag.com / ). Figure 1 is a photographic illustration of this tote bag B, which includes a collapsible container body 10 made of foldable components of fabric sheets joined together to form a bottom side 15 and side walls 11-14 including four lateral sides 11, 12, 13, and 14. When the collapsible container body 10 is in the expanded state shown in Figure 1, the bottom side 15 and the side walls 11-14 together define the internal storage volume. The special feature of the tote bag B shown in Figure 1 is that the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13 of the collapsible container body 10 are each provided with a gusset fold F (schematically shown in Figure 2). The gusset fold F is designed to allow the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13 to be folded outward into flat-folded gusset sections 11F and 13F, as schematically shown in Figures 3A and 3B. More specifically, the collapsible container body 10 is configured to fold into a flattened folded configuration (e.g., for storage purposes), as further shown in FIG4, wherein the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13 are folded outward along the fold crease F to form flattened fold segments 11F, 13F, the flattened fold segments 11F, 13F are folded inward on the lateral segment of the third lateral side (i.e., lateral side 14) of the lateral sides 11, 12, 13, 14, while the fourth lateral side (i.e., lateral side 12) of the lateral sides 11, 12, 13, 14 is folded inward to align the bottom side 15 with the fourth lateral side 12, thereby resulting in a particularly compact configuration for storage and / or transport purposes. As shown in Figure 4, one of the upper handles H2 of the tote bag B can be used to keep the collapsible container body 10 substantially in a flat folded structure, that is, by folding the handle H2 onto the upper part of the flat folded gusset sections 11F, 13F and placing the handle H2 into the side handle H provided on the third lateral side 14.

[0007] The above solution is quite satisfactory, but it has certain limitations. In particular, although the collapsible container body 10 can be folded into the flat folded structure shown in Figure 4, using handles H and H2 to hold the tote bag B in this structure is not a sufficiently secure solution, because one or both of the gusset segments 11F and 13F of the flat fold can be relatively easily removed. Furthermore, not all users need to be familiar with the way the collapsible container body 10 can and should be folded.

[0008] Therefore, an improved solution is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The overall objective of this invention is to provide a tote bag that avoids the problems and limitations of known tote bags.

[0010] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a tote bag that retains the functionality and benefits of known HULKEN® bags while improving its ability to maintain a compact construction for storage and / or transportation purposes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a cost-effective tote bag.

[0012] These and other objectives are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the request.

[0013] According to the present invention, a tote bag is provided, characterized in claim 1, wherein the tote bag comprises a collapsible container body made of foldable components of fabric sheets joined together to form a bottom side and sidewalls comprising four lateral sides, the bottom side and sidewalls together defining an internal storage volume when the collapsible container body is in an expanded state. Opposite first and second lateral sides of the collapsible container body are each provided with gusset creases designed to allow the first and second lateral sides to fold outward into flattened gusset segments. Furthermore, the collapsible container body is configured to fold into a flattened configuration, wherein the first and second lateral sides fold outward along the gusset creases into flattened gusset segments, the flattened gusset segments being foldable inward onto a lateral segment of a third lateral side, while a fourth lateral side is foldable inward to align the bottom side with the fourth lateral side. According to the present invention, the collapsible container body is provided with a releasable retaining structure to selectively fix the flattened folded corner brace to the third lateral side and retain the collapsible container body in the flattened folded structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the releasable retaining structure includes fasteners disposed on the outer side of a sidewall, the fasteners comprising a first pair of fasteners and a second pair of fasteners, the first pair of fasteners each being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side, and the second pair of fasteners being disposed on a third lateral side for selectively engaging with the first pair of fasteners. The fasteners are preferably hook-and-loop fasteners, or alternatively snap-fit ​​fasteners.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the releasable retaining structure includes magnets disposed on a sidewall, the magnets comprising a first pair of magnets and a second pair of magnets, each of the first pair of magnets being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side, and the second pair of magnets being disposed on a third lateral side for selectively engaging with the first pair of magnets. The magnets are preferably integrated within the sidewall to conceal them from view.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the releasable retaining structure includes a pair of stretchable elastic bands and at least one retaining element. Each of the stretchable elastic bands is disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The at least one retaining element is disposed on a third lateral side for selectively engaging with the stretchable elastic bands. Each of the stretchable elastic bands is configured to be selectively stretched to selectively engage with the at least one retaining element. Each stretchable elastic band may advantageously be disposed along a portion of a gusset crease and includes a first end and a second end fixed to that portion of the first or second lateral side, and a stretchable middle section selectively engaging with the at least one retaining element.

[0017] The at least one retaining element may in particular include a button that protrudes from the third side to the side.

[0018] The at least one retaining element may also be provided on the side handle fixed to the third lateral side.

[0019] Advantageously, the sidewalls comprise a pair of opposing short lateral sides and a pair of opposing long lateral sides, and are preferably formed by two side sheets joined at their ends along two vertical connecting lines, each vertical connecting line coinciding with the vertical centerline of the corresponding one of the short lateral sides, each of the two side sheets being folded along two distinct pinching lines to form four vertical ridges.

[0020] The tote bag may also include a releasable lid sheet forming an integral part of the collapsible container body, the releasable lid sheet being disposed at the upper end of the sidewall, thereby allowing selective closure of the internal storage volume when the collapsible container body is in an expanded state. In the latter case, the releasable lid sheet may be permanently attached to one of the lateral sides, and preferably releasably attached to the remaining lateral sides by means of a zipper, to close the internal storage volume.

[0021] The tote bag may also include a rolling support assembly for providing rolling support to the collapsible container body in its expanded state, the rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of casters disposed on the underside of the support plate. The collapsible container body may also include a retaining structure configured to securely hold the support plate against the underside of the bottom to the outside of the internal storage volume.

[0022] The sidewalls may be made of one or more side sheets, each side sheet comprising at least two outer pieces of fabric and an intermediate packaging material (particularly bubble wrap) disposed between the two outer pieces of fabric. Furthermore, the outer pieces of fabric may be made of or comprise at least one woven fabric sheet made of synthetic or non-synthetic material strands (e.g., polypropylene (PP) strands). Preferably, one or each of the outer pieces of fabric may also include an outer layer, such as a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, a cast polypropylene (CPP) film, or a polypropylene (PP) coating, applied to the outside of the woven fabric sheet, for example by lamination or extrusion coating.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are discussed below. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, provided only by non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a photographic illustration of a known tote bag including a collapsible container body, shown as having a collapsible container body in an expanded state; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a known tote bag, showing the collapsible container body of the tote bag detached from the rolling support assembly in an expanded state; Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the tote bag of Figure 2, shown from the two opposite long sides to the sides, partially folded into a flattened fold structure; Figure 4 is a photographic illustration of a known handbag, showing the collapsible container body that can be fully folded into a flat, folded structure; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is shown partially folded into a flat folded structure; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is shown partially folded into a flat folded structure; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag according to a third embodiment of the present invention, shown as partially folded into a flattened folded structure; and Figure 7A is a photographic illustration of a portion of a handbag according to the third embodiment of Figure 7, shown in a flat, folded configuration. Implementation

[0025] The invention will be described in conjunction with various illustrative embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 through 7A. It should be understood that the scope of the invention includes all combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the invention disclosed herein, as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Figure 1 is a photographic illustration of a known tote bag B, discussed in more detail in European Patent Application No. 23163069.0, dated March 21, 2023, and related U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 420,113, dated January 23, 2024, both entitled “TOTE BAG AND METHOD OF FORMING A SIDEWALL THEREOF”, filed in the applicant's name. The tote bag B includes a collapsible container body 10 made of foldable components of fabric sheets joined together to form a bottom side 15 and side walls 11-14, which include four lateral sides 11, 12, 13, and 14: a pair of short lateral sides 11 and 13 and a pair of long lateral sides 12 and 14. When the collapsible container body 10 is in the expanded state shown in Figure 1, the bottom side 15 and the four lateral sides 11, 12, 13, and 14 together define an internal storage volume. As can be seen in Figure 1, the four vertical ridges shape the sidewalls 11-14 into four lateral sides 11, 12, 13 and 14.

[0027] The tote bag B also includes a rolling support assembly S (as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 2) to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body 10 in the expanded state. The rolling support assembly S includes a support plate P and a plurality of casters W disposed on the underside of the support plate P. The casters W are partially visible in Figure 1.

[0028] The support plate P can be made of any desired material and can exhibit any suitable structure. Lightweight materials and structures are preferred. In particular, the support plate P can be made of a composite material plate including a honeycomb spacer structure, which ensures sufficient rigidity and strength while maintaining lightweight.

[0029] The rolling support assembly S is preferably removably attached to the underside of the tote bag B, i.e., below the bottom side 15, by means of releasable retaining structures 21-24 (a possible embodiment is shown in Figure 2). These retaining structures 21-24 will not be described extensively because they form the subject matter of European Patent Application No. 23159231.2, dated February 28, 2023, entitled “ROLLING TOTE BAG”, and the related U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 419,002, dated January 22, 2024, both entitled “ROLLING TOTE BAG”, in the name of the applicant.

[0030] In the example shown, multiple handles H1, H2, H are fixed to the lateral sides 11, 12, 13, 14, including a pair of handles H2 fixed to the opposite long lateral sides 12, 14, a third handle H1 fixed to one of the short lateral sides 11, 13 (i.e., the short lateral side 11 in the example shown) to facilitate the rolling of the tote bag B in use, and a pair of side handles H fixed to the opposite long lateral sides 12, 14.

[0031] The sidewalls 11-14 are preferably formed of two side sheets joined at their ends along two vertical connecting lines, each vertical connecting line coinciding with the vertical center line of a corresponding one of the short lateral sides 11, 13. Each of the two side sheets is folded along two different fold lines to form four vertical ridges. The advantage of this solution is that the two vertical connecting lines extend partially along a portion of the associated gusset crease F formed on the short lateral sides 11, 13 (schematically shown in Figure 2), which helps to give the collapsible container body 10 an approximately hexagonal shape and facilitates the folding of the tote bag B, as discussed with reference to Figures 3A to 3B and Figure 4. However, other solutions are conceivable, as further discussed in European Patent Application No. 23163069.0, dated March 21, 2023, and the related U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 420,113, dated January 23, 2024.

[0032] Figure 1 also shows a releasable cover sheet 17, which forms an integral part of the collapseable container body 10. This releasable cover sheet 17 is disposed at the upper ends of the side walls 11-14 to allow selective closure of the internal storage volume when the collapseable container body 10 is in the expanded state illustrated in Figure 1. More specifically, the releasable cover sheet 17 is permanently attached to one of the lateral sides 11, 12, 13, 14 (here, the longer lateral side 14) and releasably attached to the remaining lateral sides 11, 12, 13, 14 (i.e., lateral sides 11, 12, 13), thereby closing the internal storage volume. Preferably, the cover sheet 17 is releasably attached to the respective lateral side by means of a zipper ZP.

[0033] As taught in International Patent (PCT) Disclosure No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and the related U.S. Patent No. US 9,999,282 B2, the collapsible container body 10 is advantageously configured such that the sidewalls 11-14 are made of one or more side sheets, each side sheet comprising at least two outer fabric pieces and an intermediate packaging material piece (particularly a bubble wrap piece) disposed between the two outer fabric pieces, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This provides a degree of structural reinforcement to the collapsible container body 10, allowing it to maintain its expanded state while still allowing it to fold into a compact configuration for storage.

[0034] The outer fabric components may be made of or comprise at least one woven fabric sheet made of polypropylene (PP) strands. However, other synthetic or non-synthetic materials may be considered without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Preferably, one or each of the outer fabric components also includes an outer layer, such as, but not limited to, a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, laminated on the outside of the woven fabric sheet. This allows for customization of the appearance of one or both of the external and internal visible sides of the collapsible container body 10. Lamination of BOPP film is advantageously considered, but the outer layer may be applied in any other suitable manner. Alternatives may include lamination of cast polypropylene (CPP) film or application of a polypropylene (PP) coating by extrusion coating.

[0035] The collapsible container body 10 is configured to fold into a flattened structure (as shown in Figures 3A to 3B and Figure 4). For this purpose, each of the opposing short lateral sides 11, 13 is provided with a gusset crease F (schematically shown in Figure 2), which is designed to allow the opposing short lateral sides 11, 13 to fold outwards into flattened gusset segments 11F, 13F as schematically shown in Figures 3A and 3B. As schematically shown by a pair of arrows in Figure 3A, these flattened gusset segments 11F, 13F can be easily folded inwards onto the lateral segments of the first lateral side (here, lateral side 14) of the long lateral sides 12, 14, while the opposing second long lateral side 12 of the collapsible container body 10 folds inwards along a horizontal crease to align the bottom side 15 and the associated rolling support assembly S with the second long lateral side 12, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0036] According to the present invention, the collapsible container body 10 is provided with a releasable retaining structure (as discussed with reference to Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 7A) to selectively secure the flattened folded gusset segments 11F, 13F to the third lateral side 14 and retain the collapsible container body 10 in the flattened folded configuration.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag B according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the releasable retaining structure VA / VB includes fasteners VA and VB disposed on the outer side of the sidewalls 11-14. In the example shown, the releasable retaining structure VA / VB includes a first pair of fasteners VA and a second pair of fasteners VB, the first pair of fasteners VA each being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13, and the second pair of fasteners VB being disposed on the third lateral side 14 for selectively engaging with the first pair of fasteners VA. The fasteners VA and VB may in particular be hook and loop fasteners, or alternatively snap fasteners. In this case, it should be understood that when the flattened folded gusset sections 11F and 13F are folded inward onto the lateral side 14, each fastener VA selectively engages with the associated fastener VB.

[0038] The solution schematically depicted in Figure 5 ensures that the collapsible container body 10 can be reliably held in a flat, folded configuration for storage and / or transport purposes. However, a limitation lies in the visible placement of fasteners VA and VB, which may affect the overall visual appearance of the tote bag B.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag B according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the releasable retaining structure MA / MB includes magnets MA and MB disposed on sidewalls 11-14. In the example shown, the releasable retaining structure MA / MB includes a first pair of magnets MA and a second pair of magnets MB, the first pair of magnets MA being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13, and the second pair of magnets MB being disposed on a third lateral side 14 for selectively engaging with the first pair of magnets MA. In this case, it should be understood that when the flattened gusset segments 11F and 13F are folded inward onto the lateral side 14, each magnet MA selectively engages with the associated magnet MB.

[0040] Preferably, the magnets MA and MB are integrated within the sidewalls 11-14 to conceal them from view, resulting in a more elegant solution from an aesthetic point of view.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a tote bag B according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the releasable retaining structure BT / EB includes a pair of stretchable elastic bands EB and at least one retaining element BT, each of the pair of stretchable elastic bands EB being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side 11 and the second lateral side 13, and the at least one retaining element BT being disposed on a third lateral side 14 for selectively engaging with the stretchable elastic bands EB. More specifically, each of the stretchable elastic bands EB is configured to be selectively stretched such that it selectively engages with the at least one retaining element BT.

[0042] In the example shown, each stretchable elastic band EB is preferably disposed along a portion of the gusset crease F and includes a first end and a second end fixed to a portion of the first lateral side 11 or the second lateral side 13, as well as a stretchable middle section that can selectively engage with the at least one retaining element BT, as illustrated in the photographic illustration of FIG7A.

[0043] The retaining element may in particular include a button BT protruding from the third side 14. More specifically, in the example shown, the retaining element BT is preferably disposed on the side handle H fixed to the third side 14, which avoids piecing of the third side 14, which could damage the fabric material of the sidewalls 11-14.

[0044] Although Figure 7 shows a single button BT that is actually used as a common retaining element for the two stretchable elastic bands EB, two separate retaining elements can be provided, i.e., one retaining element BT for each stretchable elastic band EB.

[0045] Various modifications and / or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, while a zipper is preferred for releasably attaching the cover sheet to the relevant lateral side of the collapsible container body, other solutions, including hook-and-loop fasteners or snap-on fasteners, are also contemplated. Additionally, although preferred, the releasable cover sheet is an optional feature that can be completely omitted.

[0046] B: Tote bag (first embodiment) 10: Collapsible (foldable) container body of tote bag B 11: The (first) short lateral side (part of sidewalls 11-14) of the collapsible container body 10 12: The (first) long lateral side (part of sidewalls 11-14) of the collapsible container body 10 13: The (second) short lateral side (part of sidewalls 11-14) of the collapsible container body 10 14: The (second) long lateral side (part of sidewalls 11-14) of the collapsible container body 10 F: The gusset crease formed on each short lateral side 11, 13 11F: A flattened folded gusset segment formed by folding outwards along the gusset crease F from the short side 11. 13F: A flattened folded gusset segment formed by folding outwards along the gusset crease F from the short side 13. 15: Bottom side of the collapsible container body 10 17: A releasable cover sheet (permanently attached to the long side 14) forming an integral part of the collapsible container body 10. ZP: Zippers for releasably attaching the cover sheet 17 to the remaining lateral sides 11, 12, 13. S: A rolling support assembly removably attached to the bottom side of the collapsible container body 10 P: Support plate W: Casters installed on the underside of support plate P H, H1, H2: Handle 21-24: Retention structures for attaching the rolling support assembly S to the bottom side of the collapsible container body 10 VA, VB: Fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) / Releasable retaining structures (examples in Figure 5) MA, MB: Magnet / Releasable Retention Structure (Example in Figure 6) BT: Part of the retaining element / button / releasable retaining structure (exemplary embodiments of Figures 7 and 7A) EB: Part of a stretchable elastic band / releasable retaining structure (examples in Figures 7 and 7A)

Claims

1. A tote bag comprising a collapsible container body made of a foldable assembly of a fabric sheet, the fabric sheets being joined together to form a bottom side and a side wall including four lateral sides, the bottom side and the side wall collectively defining an internal storage volume when the collapsible container body is in an expanded state; wherein opposing first lateral side and second lateral side of the collapsible container body are each provided with a gusset crease, the gusset crease being designed to allow the first lateral side and the second lateral side to fold outward into a flattened gusset segment; wherein... The collapsible container body is configured to fold into a flat folded structure, wherein the first lateral side and the second lateral side are folded outward along the gusset crease to form the flat folded gusset segment, the flat folded gusset segment can be folded inward onto the lateral segment of a third lateral side among the four lateral sides, and a fourth lateral side among the four lateral sides can be folded inward to align the bottom side with the fourth lateral side; wherein the collapsible container body is provided with a releasable retaining structure to secure the flat folded gusset segment to the third lateral side and retain the collapsible container body in the flat folded structure; and wherein the tote bag also includes a rolling support assembly for providing rolling support for the collapsible container body in the expanded state, the rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of casters disposed on the underside of the support plate.

2. The handbag as described in claim 1, wherein, The releasable retaining structure includes a fastener disposed on the outer side of the sidewall, the fastener including a first pair of fasteners and a second pair of fasteners, the first pair of fasteners each being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and the second pair of fasteners being disposed on the third lateral side for engaging with the first pair of fasteners.

3. The handbag as described in claim 2, wherein, The fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener or a snap-fit ​​fastener.

4. The handbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The releasable retaining structure includes a magnet disposed on the sidewall, the magnet including a first pair of magnets and a second pair of magnets, the first pair of magnets each being disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and the second pair of magnets being disposed on the third lateral side for engaging with the first pair of magnets.

5. The handbag as described in claim 4, wherein, The magnet is integrated into the sidewall to conceal it from view.

6. The handbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The releasable retaining structure includes a pair of stretchable elastic bands and at least one retaining element. The pair of stretchable elastic bands are each disposed on a portion of a corresponding one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The at least one retaining element is disposed on the third lateral side for engaging with the stretchable elastic bands. Each of the stretchable elastic bands is configured to be stretched to engage with the at least one retaining element.

7. The tote bag as described in claim 6, wherein, Each stretchable elastic band is disposed along a portion of the gusset crease and includes a first end and a second end fixed to the portion of the first lateral side or the second lateral side, and a stretchable middle section capable of engaging with the at least one retaining element.

8. The tote bag as described in claim 6, wherein, The at least one retaining element includes a button that protrudes from the third side to the side.

9. The handbag as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The at least one retaining element is disposed on the side handle fixed to the third lateral side.

10. The handbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sidewall comprises a pair of opposing short lateral sides and a pair of opposing long lateral sides.

11. The handbag as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The sidewall is formed by two side sheets joined at the ends along two vertical connecting lines, each vertical connecting line coinciding with the vertical center line of the corresponding one of the short lateral sides, and each of the two side sheets is folded along two different fold lines to form a vertical ridge.

12. The tote bag as claimed in claim 1 further includes a releasable cover sheet forming an integral part of the collapsible container body, the releasable cover sheet being disposed at the upper end of the sidewall to allow the internal storage volume to be closed when the collapsible container body is in the expanded state.

13. The handbag as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The releasable cover sheet is permanently attached to one of the four lateral sides and releasably attached to the remaining four lateral sides to enclose the internal storage volume.

14. The handbag as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The releasable cover sheet is releasably attached to the remaining four lateral sides by means of a zipper.

15. The handbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The collapsible container body also includes a retaining structure configured to securely hold the support plate against the lower side of the bottom side outside the internal storage volume.

16. The handbag as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sidewall is made of one or more side sheets, each of which includes at least two outer fabric pieces and an intermediate packaging material piece placed between the two outer fabric pieces.

17. The handbag as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The intermediate packaging material is a bubble wrap package.

18. The handbag as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The outer fabric piece is made of or includes at least one woven fabric piece, which is made of strands of synthetic or non-synthetic materials.

19. The tote bag as claimed in claim 18, wherein the stock is a polypropylene (PP) stock.

20. The handbag as claimed in claim 18, wherein, One or each of the outer fabric pieces also includes an outer layer applied to the outside of the woven fabric piece.

21. The handbag as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The outer layer is a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, a cast polypropylene (CPP) film, or a polypropylene (PP) coating.

22. The tote bag as claimed in claim 20, wherein the outer layer is applied by lamination or extrusion coating.

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