The present invention generally relates to collapsible baskets, and more particular to a collapsible storage basket that could take shape easily and folded into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.
A conventional storage basket usually has a fixed structure made of wood or plastic and contains a number of compartments for storage separated by partition plates. Due to its fixed structure, the conventional storage basket would take up considerable space when not in use and therefore would be difficult to store or transport. Even though it usually could be disassembled, it requires re-assembly when it is put to use again, which is troublesome and laborious.
As such, a novel collapsible storage basket is provided herein. The storage basket would take shape by simple pulling and flipping and, when not in use, could be collapsed into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation, making its usage extremely convenient.
The collapsible storage basket contains two rigid longitudinal plates, two flexible lateral plates, a flexible first base plate connecting the lateral and longitudinal plates' bottom rims, and a rigid second base plate stitched or adhered to a top side of the first base plate along a middle section of each of the second base plate's lateral edges. A rigid support plate is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate. To put the storage box to use, the longitudinal and lateral plates are raised and the two support plates are flipped inward so that their bottom rims are pressed against the second base plate, thereby forming a storage room for various objects. When the storage basket is not in use, the support plates are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of the two lateral plates, the longitudinal plates are folded inward. The storage basket then turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.
The two rigid longitudinal plates and the two rigid support plates are made by wrapping flexible cloth around rigid objects such as cardboards.
The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.
The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
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A rigid support plate 5 is connected to the top rim of each lateral plate 2. The two rigid longitudinal plates 1 and the two rigid support plates 5, in the present embodiment, are made by wrapping flexible cloth 12, 52 around rigid objects such as cardboards 11, 51 for enhanced appearance. The flexible lateral plates 2 and the first base plate 3 are made of a flexible material such as cloth.
With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible storage basket is achieved. To put to use, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are raised and the two support plates 5 are flipped inward so that their bottom rims are pressed against the second base plate 4, thereby forming a storage room for various objects. When the storage basket is not in use, the support plates 5 are flipped outward and, by the flexibility of the two lateral plates 2, the longitudinal plates 1 are folded inward. The storage basket then turns into a flat shape for easy storage and transportation.
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With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible shoe box is achieved. To use the shoe box, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are pulled upward and, by threading hand into the box through the opening 13, the support plates 5 are flipped downward to attach to the inner sides of the lateral plates 2 and the second base plate 4 provides support to and presses against the bottom rims of the longitudinal plates 1 and the extensions 53 of the support plates 5, thereby forming a stable storage room where shoes could be placed inside through the opening 13. By the fastening elements 15 and 16, the opening 13 is reliably sealed by the side cover plate 14. When the shoe box is not in use, the side cover plate 14 is opened and, by threading hand through the opening 13 inside, the support plates 5 are flipped upward and the longitudinal plates 1 could be closed inward as the lateral plates 2 are flexible and could be wrinkled. When the longitudinal plates 1 are closed inward, since the second base plate 4 is only stitched or adhered along a middle section of its lateral edges, the second base plate 4 is raised upward and the storage basket is collapsed into a flat shape. The two support plates 5 are then closed and stacked on top of the second base plate 4.
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With the foregoing arrangement, a collapsible shoe box is achieved. To use the shoe box, the longitudinal and lateral plates 1 and 2 are pulled upward and, by threading hand into the box through the opening 13, the support plates 5 are flipped downward and the second base plate 4 is pushed inward into a L shape supporting a longitudinal plate 1 and the first base plate 3, thereby forming a stable storage room where shoes could be placed inside through the opening 13 and sealed by the side cover plate 14. When the shoe box is not in use, the side cover plate 14 is opened and, by threading hand through the opening 13 inside, the support plates 5 are flipped upward and the second base plate 4 is pulled outward. As the lateral plates 2 are flexible, they are folded inward and the two support plates 5 are then closed and stacked, turning the shoe box into a flat shape.
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While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.